Cystic Ovarian Diseases in Livestock Reproduction

Cystic ovarian diseases (COD) represent a spectrum of conditions characterised by the persistence of fluid-filled follicles that fail to ovulate, leading to reproductive inefficiency across cattle, swine, ovine and caprine herds. Follicular cysts arise when dominant follicles exceed physiological size and resist luteinisation, while luteal cysts originate from aberrant corpus luteum development. Endocrine disturbances, notably imbalances in luteinising hormone (LH) pulsatility, oestrogen and progesterone feedback, underpin cyst formation. Histologically, affected ovaries exhibit altered granulosa and theca cell architecture, interstitial gland atrophy and disrupted mast cell distributions. Metabolic stressors and energy deficits further exacerbate follicular persistence by modulating insulin-like growth factor signalling and fuel sensors such as AMPK and PPARs. These lesions compromise oocyte quality, delay conception and elevate culling rates, imposing significant economic burdens worldwide. Advances in ultrasonography, hormone assays and molecular profiling have refined diagnosis and management, yet the multifactorial aetiology of COD continues to challenge reproductive specialists and livestock producers alike.

Research from Nature Portfolio

Recent studies have examined the tissue and cellular alterations associated with follicular and luteal cysts in large ruminants. Detailed histopathological analyses revealed that cyst formation induces thinning of the ovarian cortex and medulla, haemorrhagic changes and reduced interstitial gland counts. A marked decline in mast cell density within the ovarian stroma was linked to dysregulated paracrine signalling. Furthermore, cystic transformation led to atrophic and apoptotic modifications in oviductal mucosal villi and uterine glands, manifesting as diminished villus length and uterine thickness. These findings offer novel insights into the local pathogenesis of ovarian cysts and underscore the interconnected alterations in adjacent reproductive tissues.

Cystic Ovarian Diseases in Livestock Reproduction publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in cystic ovarian diseases in livestock reproduction across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Follicular cyst: A large, unovulated ovarian follicle persisting beyond its normal growth phase, lined predominantly by granulosa cells.

Luteal cyst: A persistent corpus luteum-like structure with a luteinised wall that secretes progesterone but lacks typical luteal vascular architecture.

Granulosa cell: Somatic cells surrounding the oocyte within the follicle that produce oestrogens and support oocyte maturation.

Theca interna: Layer of ovarian follicle cells external to the granulosa that synthesise androgens, which are converted to oestrogens.

Steroidogenesis: The biosynthetic process in ovarian cells converting cholesterol into steroid hormones such as oestrogens and progesterone.

References

1. The effect of nutrition and metabolic status on the development of follicles, oocytes and embryos in ruminants. Animal (2014).
2. Role of the Peroxisome Proliferator‐Activated Receptors, Adenosine Monophosphate‐Activated Kinase, and Adiponectin in the Ovary. PPAR Research (2007).
3. Effects of follicular and luteal cysts on reproductive organs, interstitial glands, and mast cell distribution in buffalo ovaries. Scientific Reports (2025).
4. Downregulation of TASK-3 Channel Induces Senescence in Granulosa Cells of Bovine Cystic Ovarian Follicles. International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2024).
5. Alterations of Cortisol and Melatonin Production by the Theca Interna Cells of Porcine Cystic Ovarian Follicles. Animals (2022).
6. Steroidogenic, Metabolic, and Immunological Markers in Dairy Cows Diagnosed With Cystic Ovarian Follicles at Early and Mid-Late Lactation. Frontiers in Veterinary Science (2019).