Hormonal Regulation of Reproductive Performance in Small Ruminants
Summary
Reproductive performance in sheep and goats is governed by a tightly coordinated interplay of hypothalamic, pituitary and ovarian hormones. Gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) pulses from the hypothalamus stimulate luteinising hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) secretion, driving follicular growth, ovulation and corpus luteum formation. Progesterone and oestrogens produced by the ovaries provide feedback to shape the oestrous cycle, ensuring timely estrus expression and uterine receptivity. Exogenous progestagen devices and gonadotrophins such as equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) or human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) are widely used to synchronise ovulation, facilitating fixed-time artificial insemination and seasonal flock management. Novel approaches include hormone-free induction via the ‘ram effect’, dietary manipulation to optimise body condition and nanoparticle-based delivery of GnRH as an alternative to eCG. Understanding these pathways underpins efforts to enhance fertility, reduce veterinary inputs and adapt production systems to environmental and welfare constraints worldwide.
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Hormonal Regulation of Reproductive Performance in Small Ruminants publication trend
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Technical terms
Gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH): Hypothalamic decapeptide that triggers pituitary release of LH and FSH.
Equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG): Gonadotrophin extracted from pregnant mares’ blood, used to stimulate follicle development and ovulation.
Controlled internal drug release device (CIDR): Intravaginal progesterone-releasing insert used to synchronise oestrus.
Anestrus: Non-breeding season phase characterised by ovarian inactivity and absence of regular oestrous cycles.
Corpus luteum: Ovarian structure formed after ovulation that produces progesterone to maintain early pregnancy.
References
- Alternative hormone-free reproduction management of a dairy sheep flock disrupts the farm's annual feeding system calendar and its associated strategies. Journal of Dairy Science (2023).
- An Enhanced Body Condition Improved Sexual Behavior, Ovarian Structure and Function, and Reproductive Fitness in Rangeland-Crossbred Dairy Goats. Agriculture (2023).
- Use of GnRH-Encapsulated Chitosan Nanoparticles as an Alternative to eCG for Induction of Estrus and Ovulation during Non-Breeding Season in Sheep. Biology (2023).
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