Abstract
http://www.cabi.org/bk_BookDisplay.asp?PID=2097
This chapter begins with a brief overview of the physiological links between the metabolic and reproductive control systems, but we will not go into the detail because authoritative reviews are already available (e.g., Robinson et al., 2006; Blache et al., 2007). Most of the chapter will, instead, focus on three major topics: i) a quantification of energy demands and costs associated with the various stages of the reproductive process in males and females; ii) the consequences of not satisfying those demands; and iii) the value of ‘nutritional pharmacology’, in which we can take advantage of windows of opportunity in the reproductive process to provide acute, timely supplements that will improve reproductive outcomes at minimal cost. In covering these topics, we will deal mostly with the sheep, the animal with which we have the most direct experience, with occasional diversions to other species, because there is no information from sheep studies, or because there are species differences that need to be highlighted. In general, we will try to deal with broad principles that can be applied to all species.
Energetics calculations
• Seasonal pasture cycles in relation to alternative timing for pregnancy and lactation
• Consequences of energy deficiency: puberty, sperm production, sexual behaviour (male, female), ovulation rate, fetal programming, post-natal survival
• Nutritional pharmacology and ‘focus feeding’
This chapter begins with a brief overview of the physiological links between the metabolic and reproductive control systems, but we will not go into the detail because authoritative reviews are already available (e.g., Robinson et al., 2006; Blache et al., 2007). Most of the chapter will, instead, focus on three major topics: i) a quantification of energy demands and costs associated with the various stages of the reproductive process in males and females; ii) the consequences of not satisfying those demands; and iii) the value of ‘nutritional pharmacology’, in which we can take advantage of windows of opportunity in the reproductive process to provide acute, timely supplements that will improve reproductive outcomes at minimal cost. In covering these topics, we will deal mostly with the sheep, the animal with which we have the most direct experience, with occasional diversions to other species, because there is no information from sheep studies, or because there are species differences that need to be highlighted. In general, we will try to deal with broad principles that can be applied to all species.
Energetics calculations
• Seasonal pasture cycles in relation to alternative timing for pregnancy and lactation
• Consequences of energy deficiency: puberty, sperm production, sexual behaviour (male, female), ovulation rate, fetal programming, post-natal survival
• Nutritional pharmacology and ‘focus feeding’
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Resource Allocation Theory Applied to Farm Animal Production |
| Editors | W.M. Rauw |
| Place of Publication | Wallingford |
| Publisher | CABI Publishing |
| Chapter | 10 |
| Pages | 169-191 |
| ISBN (Print) | 9781845933944 |
| Publication status | Published - 2008 |