A Impact of Climatic, Nutritional, and Management Factors on Ruminant Reproductive Performance.
Climatic, Nutritional, and Management Factors on Ruminant Reproductive Performance
Keywords:
Reproductive performance, Climate change, Management, Heat stress, Nutrition, RuminantsAbstract
Reproductive performance in ruminants plays an important role in the sustainability of livestock industry. In addition, various climatic stresses, nutrient inadequacies, and poor management practices hinder reproductive performance. This review highlights the influences of climatic, nutritional, and management aspects on reproductive performance in ruminants. Firstly, climatic stress in terms of heat stress exerts adverse effects on reproduction by causing endocrine malfunction, estrus non-expression, failure of follicle maturation, deterioration of oocyte quality, and decline in semen characteristics of male ruminants. Secondly, various nutritional aspects, such as energy deficiency, inadequate protein intake, and insufficient minerals and antioxidants impact reproductive performance through modifications of physiological and hormonal processes. Lastly, efficient reproductive management practices, such as environmental manipulation, proper nutrition, reproductive technologies, and conservation of heat-resistant breeds are very crucial in order to reduce reproductive loss in ruminants. It is concluded that appropriate reproductive management through climate adaptation, precise nutrition, improved herd management, and genetic selection plays a major role in the preservation of reproductive performance.
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