Comparative diagnostic efficacy of swab stick and pipette sampling techniques for vaginal cytology in oestrous detection of West African Dwarf Goats

Background Accurate detection and monitoring of the oestrous cycle in West African Dwarf (WAD) goats is indispensable for reproductive management. Vaginal cytology is commonly used, but different collection methods may vary in diagnostic efficacy, smear quality, and animal safety. This study compared the diagnostic efficacy of pipette and swab stick methods for monitoring the oestrous cycle of WAD goats. Methods Four cyclic WAD goats were sampled repeatedly for four consecutive days using both pipette and swab stick methods. A total of 16 samples were collected from each doe during the 4-day sampling period. Smears were evaluated for cell types (parabasal, intermediate, superficial), debris, and cellular distortion. Animal response to sampling was assessed via bleating and presence of blood cells to determine trauma. Economic and comprehensive diagnostic cost-effectiveness were also evaluated. Data were analyzed using paired-sample t -test, Chi-square, and Fisher’s Exact Test where appropriate. Results Swab stick smears yielded a higher proportion of superficial cells (9.41 ± 2.35) than pipette smears (4.04 ± 0.93, p = 0.03), while parabasal cells were higher in pipette smears (1.97 ± 0.43 vs. 0.28 ± 0.08, p = 0.001). Heavy debris was observed more frequently in pipette smears (68.8%) than swab stick smears (25.0%, p = 0.032). No pipette smears exhibited cellular distortion, whereas swab stick smears showed mild to severe distortion (Fisher’s Exact Test, p = 0.007). Pipette sample collection caused greater trauma, indicated by prolonged bleating and moderate blood cell presence, compared with swab sampling. Although pipettes were more economical due to their lower cost and reusability, swab sticks demonstrated higher overall diagnostic cost-effectiveness when factors such as smear quality, trauma, and diagnostic yield were taken into account. Conclusion Both methods are effective for monitoring the oestrous cycle in WAD goats; however, swab sticks offer higher diagnostic yield in detecting heat and lower trauma, whereas pipettes are more economical. Selection of method should balance cost, diagnostic performance, and animal welfare. Future studies with larger sample sizes are recommended to confirm these findings.