Animal Reproduction and Breeding
Summary
Animal reproduction encompasses the full sequence from gamete formation through fertilisation, embryonic development and parturition. In farm and companion species alike, natural breeding is increasingly supplemented by assisted reproduction technologies (ART) to accelerate genetic progress and secure offspring from superior sires and dams. Artificial insemination, multiple ovulation and embryo transfer, in vitro embryo production and cryopreservation of gametes enable more efficient use of elite genetics, reduce generation intervals and facilitate global exchange of breeding stock. At the same time, advances in molecular genetics and genomics have revealed the polygenic control of key reproductive traits—ovulation rate, litter size, puberty onset and seasonality—and identified biomarkers such as anti-Müllerian hormone and breed-specific mutations. Improved understanding of endocrine regulation (gonadotrophins, melatonin, AMH), placentation and sperm epigenetics informs management of fertility disorders, seasonal anoestrus and embryo viability. Together, these developments support sustainable breeding strategies that balance productivity, animal health and welfare across diverse species and production systems.
Research from Nature Portfolio
Single-cell transcriptome profiling of ovine cumulus cells harbouring the FecB mutation has delineated distinct cell clusters and differentiation states linked to enhanced ovulation rate. Enrichment of oxidative-phosphorylation genes within cumulus–oocyte complexes suggests mitochondrial energy metabolism as a key determinant of prolificacy under this genotype.
Long-term cryopreservation of rainbow trout spermatozoa was shown to induce only minor changes in DNA methylation patterns despite variable impacts on motility and fertilisation. Reduced representation bisulphite sequencing identified a few hundred differentially methylated cytosines depending on the cryoprotectant, highlighting the feasibility and epigenetic safety of germplasm banking for aquaculture.
Comparative analysis of Bos indicus cows with high versus low antral follicle counts revealed that females with high reserves exhibit larger ovarian area but lower pregnancy rates after timed insemination. Co-expression networks in oocytes and cumulus cells implicated TGF-β and steroidogenesis pathways in determining follicle quality and conception success, offering molecular targets for selection of breeding stock.
Animal Reproduction and Breeding publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in animal reproduction and breeding across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Assisted insemination: Deposition of processed semen into the female tract by non-coital methods to achieve fertilisation.
Antral follicle count (AFC): Ultrasound‐determined tally of small ovarian follicles, indicative of ovarian reserve and potential oocyte yield.
Cryopreservation: Storage of cells or tissues at ultra-low temperatures to halt metabolism and preserve viability.
Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH): Granulosa-cell–derived glycoprotein reflecting the pool of growing follicles and used as a fertility biomarker.
Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq): Technique to measure gene expression in individual cells, revealing cellular heterogeneity.
Epigenetics: Heritable changes in gene activity not involving alterations in DNA sequence, often mediated by DNA methylation or histone modification.
Genome-wide association study (GWAS): High-throughput analysis linking DNA variants across the genome to phenotypic traits.
Photoperiod: Environmental day-length signal that influences reproductive seasonality via melatonin signalling.
References
- Revolutionary Reproduction Biotechnologies in Livestock: An Overview.
- Single-cell RNA-seq reveals the effects of the FecB mutation on the transcriptome profile in ovine cumulus cells. Scientific Reports (2024).
- Cryopreservation effect on DNA methylation profile in rainbow trout spermatozoa. Scientific Reports (2023).
- Ovarian follicular dynamics, progesterone concentrations, pregnancy rates and transcriptional patterns in Bos indicus females with a high or low antral follicle count. Scientific Reports (2020).
- Multiomics Analyses Provide New Insight into Genetic Variation of Reproductive Adaptability in Tibetan Sheep. Molecular Biology and Evolution (2024).
- Photoperiod Induces DNA Methylation Changes in the Melatonin Receptor 1A Gene in Ewes. Animals (2023).
- Phenotypic and genetic relationships among anogenital distance, anti-Müllerian hormone, and in vitro embryo production in Gyr dairy cattle. Journal of Dairy Science (2023).
About these summaries
This Nature Research Intelligence Topic summary is created with the cited references and a large language model. We take care to ground generated text with facts, and have systems in place to gain human feedback on the overall quality of the process in line with our AI principles. We strive to create accurate and useful summaries for people unfamiliar with the research topic and that supports this goal. These pages are a beta release and will be updated as we learn how best to help people gain value from a research topic summary.
Turn complex research questions into confident strategic decisions
When you're under pressure to set direction, justify investment, or understand your competitive position, you need more than raw data — you need trusted insights you can act on.
Benchmark your performance against global peers using robust, methodologically sound analysis.
Combine quantitative metrics with qualitative expert insight to uncover strengths, gaps and emerging opportunities.
Gain tailored, decision-ready recommendations aligned to your strategic priorities.
Talk to us to learn more about our data dashboards and bespoke strategy reports.
Grow research skills, confidence and careers with training built for every stage of the research lifecycle.
Developed with Nature Portfolio journal Editors and internationally renowned experts. Discover three ways to learn:
Self-paced, online courses in convenient bite-sized units, covering key skills across scientific writing, publishing, grant writing, data analysis, and more.
Expert trainer-led workshops with hands-on exercises and real-time feedback across core research skills, delivered via interactive group sessions.
Editor-led workshops combining core principles in writing and publishing, personalised 1:1 feedback from Nature Portfolio Editors and hands-on exercises.
Explore course catalogues and workshop agendas, enquire about the options or request institutional pricing.