Impact of Environmental Factors on Ovarian Function and Endocrine Activity in Livestock

Abstract

Ovarian function is important in reproductive efficiency since the ovary is the site of oocyte development, as well as production and secretion of hormones necessary for proper follicle development, ovulation, and maintenance of pregnancy. However, many environmental factors can affect female reproductive function. For example, physical exercise during gestation has previously demonstrated to increase availability of nutrients and oxygen to the developing offspring, decrease mortality rates, and increase birth weights. Unfortunately there is limited information regarding ovarian development and fertility of offspring born to exercised mothers. Nutrition has also been demonstrated to affect reproductive function by altering steroid and metabolic hormone concentrations which can overall affect ovulation rates, oocyte quality, pregnancy rates, and fetal development and survival. Therefore, the objective was to investigate how manipulation of certain environmental factors, such as exercise, diet, or arginine supplementation, can influence ovarian function and endocrine activity of female livestock species.