About Book

Reproduction is necessary for the survival of any species. As we domesticated animals and attempted to make genetic change, it became imperative that we better understand the physiology of reproduction. Reproduction can be defined as the process by which an organism continues its species. The reproductive systems of the male and female have some basic similarities and some specialized differences. They are the same in that most of the reproductive organs of both sexes develop from similar embryonic tissue, meaning they are homologous. Breeding contributes to the basis of robust, efficient and healthy animals with a reduced need for medication and increased animal welfare. Research and innovation are essential to ensure continuous improvements needed for a sustainable and competitive livestock sector. This book covers comparative aspects of reproductive physiology in a simple filed manner to meet the needs of researchers in reproductive physiology, veterinary medicine and animal sciences. It explores DNA sequencing, environmental factors, melatonin, proteome analysis techniques and ovarian function. The various subfields along with technological progress that have future implications are glanced at in it. Coherent flow of topics, student-friendly language and extensive use of example make this book an invaluable source of knowledge. Those with an interest in the field of reproduction would find this book helpful.

Preface............................................................................................................v

Chapter 1 Strategies of Owl Reproduction..............................................................1

Abstract...................................................................................................1

1. Introduction............................................................................................1

2. Description and habitat of owls.........................................................2

3. Unique reproductive characteristics of owls...................................4

4. Factors influencing reproduction among owls...............................4

5. Courtship and copulation initiation among owls..........................9

6. Laying of eggs.....................................................................................10

7. Incubation, brood size, hatching and growth rate among

owls........................................................................................................11

8. Nutritional requirements of breeding owls...................................12

9. Conclusion............................................................................................14

Acknowledgements.............................................................................14

Conflict of interest..............................................................................14

Chapter 2 Reproduction in the Female Mithun...................................................21

Abstract.................................................................................................21

1. Introduction..........................................................................................21

2. Taxonomical classification of Mithun..............................................23

3. General description.............................................................................23

4. Distribution of Mithun.......................................................................25

5. Biometry of the genitalia of Mithun cow......................................26

6. Endocrinology of the estrous cycle.................................................27

7. Reproductive traits..............................................................................28

8. Estrus behavior and signs.................................................................32

9. Pregnancy diagnosis and parturition..............................................33

10. Infertility problems in Mithun.........................................................35

11. Concerns on the sustainability of Mithun populations...............36

12. Breeding policy for Mithun..............................................................37

13. Biotechnology development in Mithun reproduction.................38

14. Conclusion............................................................................................40

Conflict of interest..............................................................................41

Chapter 3 The Adipokines in Domestic Animal Reproduction: Expression

and Role in the Regulation of Ovarian Function.............................46

Abstract.................................................................................................46

1. Introduction..........................................................................................47

2. Short description of adipokines.......................................................47

3. Reproduction in domestic animals ................................................51

4. Effect of adipokines on the ovarian function in domestic

animals..................................................................................................56

5. Conclusion............................................................................................62

Acknowledgements.............................................................................62

Conflicts of interest.............................................................................62

Abbreviations.......................................................................................62

Chapter 4 Application of Some Proteome Analysis Techniques in

Animal Reproduction...............................................................................70

Abstract ................................................................................................70

1. Introduction..........................................................................................71

2. 1D and 2D electrophoresis ..............................................................74

3. Chromatography and MS..................................................................78

4. Conclusions..........................................................................................82

Conflict of interest..............................................................................83

Chapter 5 Reproduction in Goats............................................................................88

Abstract ................................................................................................88

1. Introduction ........................................................................................89

2. Folliculogenesis....................................................................................89

3. Physiology and endocrinology of the estrual cycle of the

goat .......................................................................................................90

4. Estrous synchronization and induction of ovulation in goats..92

5. Artificial insemination ....................................................................100

6. Conclusions .......................................................................................106

Chapter 6 Role of Melatonin in Reproductive Seasonality in Buffaloes.....112

Abstract...............................................................................................112

1. Introduction ......................................................................................113

2. Characterization of the buffalo reproductive cycle....................114

3. Mechanisms regulating seasonal reproduction in buffaloes....116

4. Methods to manipulate the out-of-season breeding in

buffaloes..............................................................................................117

5. The effect of exogenous melatonin on hormonal levels and

blood metabolites in buffaloes.......................................................120

6. The effect of exogenous melatonin on the antioxidant enzyme

activity in buffaloes .........................................................................124

7. The effects of exogenous melatonin on the reproductive

performance in buffaloes ...............................................................126

8. Conclusion..........................................................................................128

Chapter 7 The Effect of Physiological and Environmental Factors on the Prolactin Profile in Seasonally Breeding Animals.........................139

1. Introduction........................................................................................139

2. The effect of diverse photoperiod and exogenous melatonin on

the secretion of prolactin under in vivo conditions .................140

3. The effect of the day length and exogenous melatonin on the

secretion of prolactin under in vitro conditions .......................145

4. The role of orexins and leptin in the regulation of the secretion

of prolactin in sheep .......................................................................147

5. Summary ...........................................................................................156

Acknowledgement ...........................................................................157

Chapter 8 Improvement of Farm Animal Breeding by DNA Sequencing..163

1. Introduction ......................................................................................163

2. Evaluation of animal traits ............................................................164

3. Conclusions .......................................................................................181

Citation......................................................................................................189

Index...........................................................................................................191

About Author

Clara Russell obtained her Ph.D. Animal Husbandry from Science Research University, Santa Catarina. She serves as an Associate Professor at Community College, Cuyo. She has written several books and research papers including – the behavior of domestic animals, adaptation of domestic animals. Her research interests include reproduction and breeding techniques for laboratory animals. She has also won an "Outstanding Professor Awards" for her outstanding contribution towards the researcher community especially in the veterinary programs.