Advances in Pig Reproductive Physiology

Dear Colleagues,

Previous scientific advances in pig reproductive physiology have contributed to increased reproductive efficiency. Examples include the development of PG600^® and Matrix^® for synchronization of estrus. This enhanced scientific understanding and the management applications developed from this understanding have contributed to the increases in reproductive efficiency and economic pork production over the last few decades. Advances in scientific understanding may be specific to pigs. The presence of functional GNRH2 in porcine testes and the importance of that system in male reproductive physiology is one example. The importance of endogenous estrogens in regulating Sertoli cell proliferation is another example that is, perhaps, specific to boars. The amazing steroidogenic capacity of boar testes may be a cause or consequence of other unique physiologies. As a litter-bearing species with a longer follicular phase than other livestock, female pigs may have multiple unique physiologies that have yet to be thoroughly understood. There has been recent advances in the understanding of signaling involved in ovulation, including the role of kisspeptin. Understanding of male and female reproductive physiologies shared with other livestock species has also increased. The pig is a major supplier of dietary protein for the world population. Hence, any improvements in efficient use of resources to produce pork is valuable to pork consumers and to nonconsumers. Increased reproductive efficiency is an inherent part of increased production efficieny. Increased knowledge of pig reproductive physiology will provide a foundation for these future improvements even though the implementations may not immediately crystallize from the discoveries. A role for dietary arginine in fetal viability is an example of the interaction between nutrition and reproduction. The existence of a functional GnRH2 system in pigs may explain distinct responses of pigs to signaling events. The ability to produce pig models with intentional gene deletions expands the toolset we have to explore roles for specific genes in pig reproduction.

This Special Issue aims to bring together recent advances in our knowledge of pig reproduction. These topics fall within the aims and scope of Animals, specifically addressing “new insight into any field of study that involves ….- animal science”, including subject areas of physiology such as breeding mechanisms, nutritional needs, and development and management of domestic animals.

In this Special Issue, original research articles, short communications, and reviews are welcome. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following:

• Novel synchronization and transfer protocols for embryo transfer.
• Recent knowledge of neurohormonal regulation of puberty and the estrus cycle.
• Enhancements in our understanding of testicular function.
• Current knowledge on interactions of the reproductive system with other systems such as the immune system, stress mechanisms, or nutrient balance.
• Sensitivity of the porcine reproductive system to environmental and pharmacological influences.

I look forward to receiving your contributions.

Prof. Dr. Trish Berger
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Animals is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• GnRHII
• kisspeptin
• boar
• gilt
• fertilization
• ovulation
• oocyte growth
• lactation
• gestation