Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
4.2
3.0
Journals
Animals
Special Issues
Current Challenges and Targets for the Reproductive Management of Farm...
share announcement

Current Challenges and Targets for the Reproductive Management of Farm Animals

A special issue of Animals (ISSN 2076-2615). This special issue belongs to the section "Animal Reproduction".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 September 2022) | Viewed by 16535

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Antonio Gonzalez-Bulnes

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Departamento de Produccion y Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, C/ Tirant lo Blanc, 7. Alfara del Patriarca, 46115-Valencia, Spain
Interests: developmental programming; environmental effects; embryo; foetus; genetic and epigenetic regulation; prenatal and postnatal development
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Víctor Hugo Parraguez Gamboa

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Chile, Santiago 8820000, Chile
Interests: effects of hypoxia and oxidative stress on reproduction and fetal and newborn growth and development
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear colleagues,

The picture that we have for animal production in these early years of the 21st century is far from the scenario previously seen during the 20th century. In the 20th century, animal production, and agriculture more broadly, was influenced by the need to provide food and clothes to a growing population after periods of wars in the developed countries, geopolitical disasters, and substantial changes in demographics and lifestyle in developing areas. Strategies for providing food and clothes were developed at any cost and included the intensification of the use of natural resources to the fullest limits and the extensive use of chemical substances (biocides and hormones), which nowadays have been shown to act as xenobiotics. Although the needs of the global population will continue growing during the present century, we have learned that natural resources are limited and that any action impacting the environment has long-lasting consequences. Hence, animal production and reproductive management within animal production require new alternatives to adapt to a changing environment and to avoid further adverse impact in such an environment by improving efficiency and sustainability. Moreover, in this year, 2020, the sustainability of animal production has been dramatically impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the need to increase its efficiency and resilience.

We invite original research papers and reviews addressing current technical or ethical challenges and targets for a more efficient, sustainable, and resilient reproductive management of farm animals.

Dr. Antonio Gonzalez-Bulnes
Prof. Dr. Víctor Hugo Parraguez Gamboa

Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Animals is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Induction and synchronization of estrus and ovulation
  • Seasonality of reproduction
  • Assisted reproduction
  • OMICs
  • Management of pregnancy and newborn

Related Special Issue

Published Papers (6 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

17 pages, 1362 KiB  
Article
Assessing Reproductive Performance to Establish Benchmarks for Small-Holder Beef Cattle Herds in South Africa
by Marble Nkadimeng, Este Van Marle-Köster, Nkhanedzeni Baldwin Nengovhela, Fhulufhelo Vincent Ramukhithi, Masindi Lotus Mphaphathi, Johannes Matthias Rust and Mahlako Linah Makgahlela
Animals 2022, 12(21), 3003; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12213003 - 01 Nov 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2132
Abstract
Smallholder beef cattle farms in South Africa have had low reproductive performance, which has been associated with management practices. Considering current farm management practices, a multi-stage selection study was conducted to assess reproductive performance as defined by pregnancy rate, fetal and calf losses, [...] Read more.
Smallholder beef cattle farms in South Africa have had low reproductive performance, which has been associated with management practices. Considering current farm management practices, a multi-stage selection study was conducted to assess reproductive performance as defined by pregnancy rate, fetal and calf losses, calving interval and days open to benchmark reproductive performance. Data were collected twice, in autumn (March–May) for pregnancy diagnosis and in spring (September–November) for monitoring of confirmed pregnancies. Overall, 3694 cow records from 40 smallholder herds were collected during 2018 and 2019 breeding seasons from five provinces. The preferred 25th quartile described target performance and GLIMMIX procedure determined associations between management practices and performance. Smallholder farms on average recorded 50% pregnancy rate and 12% fetal and calf losses with 304 and 608 days open and calving interval, respectively. The derived target benchmarks for pregnancy rate, fetal and calf losses, days open and calving intervals in smallholder farms were 54%, 1.4%, 152 and 425 days, respectively. Reproductive performance was associated with no knowledge of body condition scoring before breeding, culling of old and non-productive cows, record keeping and low bull to cow ratio (p < 0.05). The performance benchmarks implied that industry averages may be improved if sustainable management services are provided through extension and advisory services. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Challenges and Targets for the Reproductive Management of Farm Animals)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 451 KiB  
Article
Maternal, Postnatal, and Management-Related Factors Involved in Daily Weight Gain and Survivability of Suckling Zaraibi Goat Kids in Egypt
by Ali Ali El-Raghi and Nesrein M. Hashem
Animals 2022, 12(20), 2785; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12202785 - 15 Oct 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1481
Abstract
During the early period of an animal’s life, rapid growth and higher survival rates can provide more profits to producers by minimizing the rearing and replacement costs. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of some maternal, postnatal, and management-related factors (sex, [...] Read more.
During the early period of an animal’s life, rapid growth and higher survival rates can provide more profits to producers by minimizing the rearing and replacement costs. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of some maternal, postnatal, and management-related factors (sex, the litter size [LS], the kid’s birth weight [KBW], the daily milk yield [DMY], and the parity order), as well as the kidding year and season on both the average daily weight gain (ADG) and survivability of suckling Zaraibi goat kids during the postnatal period. A total of 3005 kidding events were available from the herd of Zaraibi goats raised at El-Serw Experimental Station from 2008 to 2014, which belongs to the Animal Production Research Institute. Data revealed that the overall ADG was 131.14 ± 2.34, 94.22 ± 2.21, and 85.63 ± 2.33 g/day, whereas the survival rates were 94.68%, 91.81%, and 90.62% during the periods from birth to 1, 2, and 3 months, respectively. During all periods considered, the aforementioned maternal, postnatal, and management-related factors significantly affected the ADG. In males, the ADG increased compared with females. Singletons had a higher ADG compared with kids born to a litter of two or more. A higher KBW and DMY were associated with an increase in the ADG. Additionally, increasing the parity order was associated with an increased ADG. The kidding season did not have a significant effect on the ADG, whereas the kidding year showed a significant effect on the ADG. During the pre-weaning period, the hazard of death increased by 23.1% (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.231; 95% CI = 0.972–2.057) in males compared with females in terms of survival rates. A higher LS was associated with an increase in the incidence of mortality, increasing by 51.6% (HR = 1.516; 95% CI = 1.363–1.719) with each unit increase in the LS. Additionally, the KBW was an extremely important determinant of survivability, as the risk of death decreased by 62.8% (HR = 0.372; 95% CI = 0.229–0.504) with the increase in the KBW. Likewise, survival rates increased steadily along with an increase in both the DMY and parity number. The risk of death decreased by 52.7% (HR = 0.473; 95% CI = 0.376–0.808) and 38.2% (HR = 0.618; 95% CI = 0.512–1.724) with the increase in the DMY and parity number, respectively. The kidding season did not significantly affect the kid’s survivability, but with each passing year, there was a decrease of 2.8% (HR = 0.972; 95% CI = 0.952–0.991) in the probability of mortality. In conclusion, better growth and survival rates can be achieved by controlling the maternal, postnatal, and management-related factors, as well as upgrading management plans. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Challenges and Targets for the Reproductive Management of Farm Animals)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 1437 KiB  
Article
Progesterone Induces Apoptosis and Steroidogenesis in Porcine Placental Trophoblasts
by Yueshuai Liu, Hongxiang Ding, Yuze Yang, Yan Liu, Xin Cao and Tao Feng
Animals 2022, 12(19), 2704; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12192704 - 08 Oct 2022
Viewed by 1534
Abstract
Placentation and placental steroidogenesis are important for pregnancy and maternal–fetal health. As pregnancy progresses, the main site of progesterone (P4) synthesis changes from the corpus luteum to the placenta, in which placental trophoblasts are the main cell type for P4 synthesis. Therefore, this [...] Read more.
Placentation and placental steroidogenesis are important for pregnancy and maternal–fetal health. As pregnancy progresses, the main site of progesterone (P4) synthesis changes from the corpus luteum to the placenta, in which placental trophoblasts are the main cell type for P4 synthesis. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of P4 on apoptosis and steroidogenesis in porcine placental trophoblasts and the underlying molecular mechanisms. Porcine placental trophoblasts were treated with different concentrations of P4 for 48 h in a serum-free medium in vitro. Cell number, steroidogenesis, and relevant gene and protein expression levels were detected. A high dose of P4 (10.0 μM) significantly increased P4 (p < 0.01), androstenedione (p < 0.05), testosterone (p < 0.05), and estradiol (p < 0.05) production in porcine placental trophoblasts compared with that in control cells, while a low dose of P4 (1 × 10−3 μΜ) had no marked impact on steroid production. The mRNA expression of apoptosis-related genes (CASP3, CASP8, and Bax) (p < 0.05) and steroidogenesis-related genes (CYP11A1, CYP19A1, and StAR) (p < 0.01) was upregulated, and the expression of HSD3B and HSD17B4 was inhibited (p < 0.05) in the porcine placental trophoblasts treated with high doses of P4. Low doses of P4 had a lighter effect on gene expression than high doses. The expression of apoptosis-related proteins CASP3 (p < 0.05), and Bax (p < 0.01) and steroidogenesis-related proteins CYP19A1 (p < 0.05) and StAR (p < 0.01) was raised, but the proliferation-related protein CCND2 (p < 0.01) was downregulated in the pTr cells treated with high dose of P4. In comparison, a low dose of P4 inhibited the expression of Bax, CYP11A1 (all p < 0.01), and CCND2 (p < 0.05), but the expression of CASP3 (p < 0.05) and StAR (p < 0.01) was upregulated. In summary, excessive P4 can induce the apoptosis of porcine placental trophoblasts and lead to abnormal steroidogenesis in the placenta and hormone imbalance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Challenges and Targets for the Reproductive Management of Farm Animals)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 1036 KiB  
Article
Maternal Supplementation with Polyphenols and Omega-3 Fatty Acids during Pregnancy: Prenatal Effects on Growth and Metabolism
by Ana Heras-Molina, José Luis Pesántez-Pacheco, Consolación Garcia-Contreras, Marta Vázquez-Gómez, Adrián López, Rita Benítez, Yolanda Núñez, Susana Astiz, Cristina Óvilo, Beatriz Isabel and Antonio González-Bulnes
Animals 2021, 11(6), 1699; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11061699 - 07 Jun 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3968
Abstract
Maternal supplementation with antioxidants and n-3 PUFAs may be a promising strategy to reduce the risk of intrauterine growth restriction and preterm delivery, which may diminish the appearance of low-birth-neonates. A previous studies showed beneficial outcomes of the combination of hydroxytyrosol and linoleic [...] Read more.
Maternal supplementation with antioxidants and n-3 PUFAs may be a promising strategy to reduce the risk of intrauterine growth restriction and preterm delivery, which may diminish the appearance of low-birth-neonates. A previous studies showed beneficial outcomes of the combination of hydroxytyrosol and linoleic acid, but there is no data of its prenatal effects. The present study aimed to determine the possible prenatal implications of such maternal supplementation at prenatal stages in swine, a model of IUGR pregnancies. Results showed effects on litter size, with treated sows having larger litters and, therefore, smaller fetuses. However, the brain/head weight ratio showed a positive effect of the treatment in development, as well as in some other major organs like lungs, spleen, or kidneys. On the other hand, treated piglets showed better glycemic and lipidemic profiles, which could explain postnatal effects. However, further research on the implications of the treatment on litter size and prenatal and postnatal development must be done before practical recommendation can be given. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Challenges and Targets for the Reproductive Management of Farm Animals)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 295 KiB  
Article
Energy Supplementation during the Last Third of Gestation Improves Mother–Young Bonding in Goats
by Juan M. Vázquez-García, Gregorio Álvarez-Fuentes, Héctor O. Orozco-Gregorio, Juan C. García-López, Milagros González-Hernández and César A. Rosales-Nieto
Animals 2021, 11(2), 287; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11020287 - 23 Jan 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1871
Abstract
We tested whether maternal energy supplementation during the last third of gestation improves birth weight, neonatal wellbeing, and mother–young bonding. Thirty-six pregnant French Alpine goats were randomly allocated among three nutritional treatments for the last third of pregnancy: (i) Control, fed alfalfa (T-0; [...] Read more.
We tested whether maternal energy supplementation during the last third of gestation improves birth weight, neonatal wellbeing, and mother–young bonding. Thirty-six pregnant French Alpine goats were randomly allocated among three nutritional treatments for the last third of pregnancy: (i) Control, fed alfalfa (T-0; n = 12); (ii) alfalfa + 150 g/head daily energy concentrate (T-150; n = 12); (iii) alfalfa + 300 g/head daily energy concentrate (T-300; n = 12). At birth, we collected progeny data on birth weight, birth type, sex, rectal temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, time to standing, time to udder connection, and time to first feeding. For the dams, we collected data on the duration of labor, time to clean the progeny, and time to allow first suckling. At birth, body weight, rectal temperature, heart rate, and the respiratory rate did not differ among treatments (p > 0.05). In the dams, labor duration was not affected by the treatments (p > 0.05). The T-150 dams were faster to clean the newborn and allow first suckling (p < 0.05). The T-150 progeny were faster to stand and the T-300 progeny were faster to connect to the udder (p < 0.05). We conclude that energy supplementation of the dam during the last third of gestation does not affect the birth weight of the progeny, but enhances the mother–young bonding. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Challenges and Targets for the Reproductive Management of Farm Animals)

Review

Jump to: Research

17 pages, 28214 KiB  
Review
Phytoestrogens: A Review of Their Impacts on Reproductive Physiology and Other Effects upon Grazing Livestock
by Jessica Wyse, Sajid Latif, Saliya Gurusinghe, Jeffrey McCormick, Leslie A. Weston and Cyril P. Stephen
Animals 2022, 12(19), 2709; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12192709 - 09 Oct 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3520
Abstract
Legume crops and pastures have a high economic value in Australia. However, legume species commonly used for grazing enterprises have been identified to produce high concentrations of phytoestrogens. These compounds are heterocyclic phenolic, and are similar in structure to the mammalian estrogen, 17β-estradiol. [...] Read more.
Legume crops and pastures have a high economic value in Australia. However, legume species commonly used for grazing enterprises have been identified to produce high concentrations of phytoestrogens. These compounds are heterocyclic phenolic, and are similar in structure to the mammalian estrogen, 17β-estradiol. The biological activity of the various phytoestrogen types; isoflavones, lignans and coumestans, are species-specific, although at concentrations of 25 mg/kg of dry matter each of the phytoestrogen types affect reproductive functions in grazing livestock. The impacts upon fertility in grazing livestock such as cattle and sheep, vary greatly over length of exposure time, age and health of animal and the stress stimuli the plant is exposed to. More recently, research into the other effects that phytoestrogens may have upon metabolism, immune capacity and growth and performance of grazing livestock has been conducted. Potential new benefits for using these phytoestrogens, such as daidzein and genistein, have been identified by observing the stimulation of production in lymphocytes and other antibody cells. Numerous isoflavones have also been recognized to promote protein synthesis, increase the lean meat ratio, and increase weight gain in cattle and sheep. In Australia, the high economic value of legumes as pasture crops in sheep and cattle production enterprises requires proactive management strategies to mitigate risk associated with potential loss of fertility associated with inclusion of pasture legumes as forages for grazing livestock. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Challenges and Targets for the Reproductive Management of Farm Animals)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-6
Back to TopTop