Reproductive Physiology of Small Ruminants

Dear Colleagues,

Small ruminants are the basis of many agro-ecologic systems and represent the principal revenues of many rural populations. They contribute to the fixations of populations in many areas where many agricultural systems are not possible due to poor-quality soils, insufficient water supply for irrigation, or the orography of the territory where the utilization of machinery is not possible. These systems are usually extensive but there are many areas where it is possible to select semi-intensive or intensive production systems. Additionally, small ruminants may produce milk, meat, and in some sheep breeds, wool of high quality. Native breeds usually produce products of high quality but are usually less productive than exotic breeds. Native breeds represent an irreplaceable genetic heritage which we must preserve, as a public obligation of all countries. Unfortunately major native breeds are endangered, and some of them are at risk of extinction. In some countries, some native breeds are already extinct.

Therefore, it is imperative to make great efforts to preserve native breeds. Additionally, some countries have been working for 20 years to increase the reproductive efficiency of their native breeds, which is the basis of any production system. It is also essential to increase the level of productivity—namely, milk and/or meat. We must increase and apply our knowledge about all factors that affect small ruminants’ productivity—namely, genetics, nutrition, reproduction, management, and health. Only with increased reproductive efficiency and higher productivity (milk and/or meat), alongside higher product quality, it is possible to sustainably increase revenues.

Reproductive efficiency is critical to economic viability for small ruminant exploitation. However, few producers take advantage of the available reproductive technologies (ARTs) associated with the genetic improvement that is essential to the economic sustainability of their exploitations. Today, in some countries, with the use of specialized breeds, nutrition, reproduction, and management techniques, we see increasing and sustainable levels of milk and meat productivity associated with better quality of their productions.

The use of estrous synchronization associated with artificial insemination schedules using refrigerated and frozen semen (goats) and refrigerated semen (sheep) has increased significantly since 20 years ago. In the last 10 years, more meat exploitation operations are using ARTs associated with genetic improvements to increase the productivity and quality of their products.

Other relevant factors include the preservation and improvement of small ruminant productivity. Preservation of male and female gametes determine steps. At present, the refinement of cryopreservation techniques is enabling the implementation of national germplasm banks. Additionally, frozen semen of the highest quality from high-quality genetic sires, associated with the improvement of artificial insemination programs, is steadily increasing in small ruminant exploitations. Therefore, the refinement and adequate implementation of ART technologies is essential.

The use of superior genetic males and the selection and utilization of assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) are some of the determinant factors that we must consider to increase reproduction efficiency, productivity, and quality in the exploitation of small ruminants.

Dr. João Pedro de Sousa Santa Clara Barbas
Guest Editor

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