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Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
Nutritional status plays a vital role in regulating ovary activity. This regulation is mediated
by the hypothalamus–pituitary–gonad axis and by effects exerted directly on the ovary. Therefore, to
achieve the best reproductive performance, it is essential to know how the nutritional status affects
the secretion of GnRH, gonadotrophins, and sex steroid hormones. Adequate body reserves and
energy balance are critical for optimal reproductive performance in sheep and goats. However, overor
under-conditioned animals experience issues like extended anestrus, irregular ovarian cycles,
and reduced conception. Body condition scoring allows for the evaluation of the relationships
between adiposity, nutritional status, and fertility. Acute feed deficits briefly stimulate processes,
but chronic restrictions suppress pulsatile LH release, disrupting ovarian function. The process
of follicle development is a very complex one which involves intricate interactions between the
pituitary gonadotrophins and metabolic hormones as well as between the locally produced factors by
the ovarian somatic and germ cells including the IGF system and the TGF-β superfamily members.
Genotype and nutrition are factors that have an impact on follicular development, and seasonal factors
are also involved. This review will give a brief overview on how the body condition can be evaluated
and the effects of nutrition on the hypothalamus–pituitary–gonad axis and ovarian activity, which
are responsible for reproductive regulation. This paper presents a clear and reasonable summary
of the pathway that runs from the nutritional status of small ruminants to ovarian activity through
the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis. This review summarizes methods for body condition
evaluation in small ruminants and evidence regarding acute versus prolonged nutritional impacts on
the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis and ovarian activity controlling reproduction.
Description
Keywords
Body condition Reproduction Sheep Goats Nutrition
Citation
Chaves, Ana Sofia; Silva, Filipe; Valentim, Ramiro; Quintas, Hélder (2024). Body Condition in Small Ruminants—Effects of Nutrition on the Hypothalamic–Pituitary–Gonad Axis and Ovarian Activity That Controls Reproduction. Physiologia. ISSN 2673-9488. 4:2, p. 213-225
Publisher
MDPI