Fertility And Infertility In The Domestic Animals

Normal fertility and incidence of fertility; The normal breeding animal; Pregnancy diagnosis; Spermatozoa, semen and artificial insemination; Male abnormalities; The management of ovarian function; Other non-infection abnormalities; Virus diseases; Brucellosis; Other infectious diseases; Official measures.

Building on the successful structure of the first edition, the second edition of Reproductive Technologies in Farm Animals has been totally updated and revised to provide an up to date account of the key techniques employed in manipulating reproduction in farm animals, including beef and dairy cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, buffaloes, camelids, horses and poultry. A classic introductory text to the subject, the book is based on a comprehensive review of the current literature. This text remains key reading for students in animal science, agriculture, veterinary medicine and biology, and veterinary practitioners and farmers who wish to keep updated on developments in techniques that may be useful in their daily practice.

This new addition to the Veterinary Health Series provides comprehensive and up-to-date coverage of breeding and fertility in animals from both temperate and tropical environments. Taking a practical, problem-oriented approach to the theory and practice of animal breeding and infertility, it deals systematically with the typical approaches and problems encountered in the treatment of cattle, goats, horses, pigs and sheep in individual chapters, written by professionals in the field

Reproduction is a vital component in the animal husbandry practices. Infertility is a significant concern in domestic animals, as it can impact breeding programs, animal productivity, and the overall health of animal populations. Infertility in domestic animals refers to the inability of an animal to reproduce successfully, either by conceiving, carrying a pregnancy to term, or giving birth to healthy offspring. It can also affect various species of domestic animals, including cattle, horses, sheep, goats, pigs, dogs, cats, and more. It is a significant concern for animal breeders, farmers, pet owners, and veterinarians, as it can have economic, emotional, and practical implications. Infertility can have various causes, including genetic, anatomical abnormalities, age, physiological, endocrine disruptions, nutrition, infections and diseases, environmental, and management factors. Some animals may inherit genetic traits that can lead to reproductive problems, such as structural abnormalities or hormonal imbalances that affect their fertility. Physical abnormalities in the reproductive tract, such as uterine malformations or blocked fallopian tubes, can prevent successful conception and pregnancy. The age of the animal can impact fertility. Older animals might experience reduced reproductive capacity due to changes in hormonal balance and overall health. In females, conditions such as ovarian cysts, uterine infections, and blocked fallopian tubes can lead to infertility. In males, problems like low sperm count, poor sperm motility, and anatomical abnormalities can contribute to infertility. Hormonal disorders, like those affecting the thyroid or reproductive hormones, can disrupt normal reproductive cycles and processes. Exposure to endocrine-disrupting substances, like certain pesticides or pollutants, can interfere with hormonal regulation and reproductive function. Inadequate or imbalanced nutrition can impact an animal's reproductive health. Both under nutrition and excess nutrition can lead to fertility issues. Certain infections, such as sexually transmitted diseases or reproductive tract infections can directly affect reproductive organs or disrupt hormonal balance, leading to infertility. Environmental conditions can have a significant impact on reproductive success. Stress, extreme temperatures, poor housing conditions, and exposure to certain chemicals or toxins can negatively affect fertility. Improper breeding practices, such as overbreeding, or inadequate timing of mating or AI, can lead to reduced fertility. Infertility diagnosis in domestic animals involves a combination of physical examinations, clinical evaluation, reproductive history, and various diagnostic tests, such as hormone level assessments, ultrasound imaging of reproductive organs, and semen analysis in males. Veterinarians will work to identify the underlying cause of infertility in order to develop an appropriate treatment and management strategies. An infertility management strategy involves maintaining optimal reproductive health through balanced ration, suitable housing, disease prevention measures, and stress reduction. Judicious hormonal therapies, surgical interventions, implementing proper breeding practices, and assisted reproductive techniques like artificial insemination or in vitro fertilization can be employed to address specific issues. In conclusion, infertility in domestic animals can have a substantial impact on agricultural productivity and breeding programs. It's important to note that infertility can be a multifaceted problem, often requiring an understanding of the causes, along with appropriate management, veterinary care, and, in some cases, advanced reproductive technologies. Addressing infertility requires focusing on the health and well-being of domestic animals, we can mitigate the challenges posed by infertility and ensure the sustainability of livestock production and companion animal populations.