Molecular and Metabolic Mechanisms Regulating Reproduction and Development in Animals

Dear Colleagues,

Nutritional and metabolic signals play a fundamental role in regulating reproductive efficiency, developmental programming, and long‑term physiological outcomes in ruminants. Advances in molecular biology now allow precise investigation of how nutrient availability, metabolic hormones, epigenetic modifications, oxidative stress pathways, and placental transport systems interact to influence gametogenesis, embryo development, fetal growth, immune system maturation, and postnatal health. This Special Issue aims to gather cutting‑edge research elucidating molecular mechanisms linking nutrition, metabolism, endocrine signaling, gene expression, mitochondrial function, and developmental processes across the lifespan of ruminants. Studies utilizing omics approaches including genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and epigenomics, are particularly encouraged, as well as work addressing maternal–fetal communication, metabolic stress, inflammatory pathways, and gene–environment interactions. By integrating mechanistic molecular insights with applied livestock science, this Special Issue seeks to advance our understanding of how targeted nutritional and metabolic strategies can improve reproductive success, developmental outcomes, and overall health in ruminant species.

Dr. Borhan Shokrollahi
Dr. Kimberly M. Davenport
Guest Editors

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