Management of the Impact of Stress on Ruminant Reproduction

Dear Colleagues,

The impact of stress on reproduction can be characterized as an animal’s inability to effectively adapt to its environment, leading to a failure to reach its genetic potential in terms of its physical development, milk yield, disease resistance, or fertility. The effects of stress on reproduction are mediated through complex interactions between endocrine, paracrine, and neural pathways, leading to hormonal imbalances and impaired signaling. Factors such as the type, duration, and timing of stress, along with genetic and individual characteristics, determine the severity of its impact. Acute stress during critical reproductive events, such as estrus and ovulation, can cause temporary infertility or subfertility. In contrast, chronic stress exerts more pervasive effects, including persistent subfertility, impaired sexual behavior, and a reduced embryo implantation rate. Understanding the mechanisms linking stress and reproduction is integral to managing stress to support optimal reproductive health and performance in ruminants.

Following our previous Special Issue, we are pleased to announce the launch of the second edition, “Management of the Impact of Stress on Ruminant Reproduction”. This new Special Issue focuses on advanced strategies to mitigate stress effects on ruminant reproduction. Topics include genetic selection, dietary interventions, antioxidants, stress biomarkers, innovative methodologies, and practical applications to emerging challenges in the field. We welcome original research and review articles that advance our knowledge and enhance the reproductive performance of ruminants subjected to stress stimuli.

You may choose our Joint Special Issue in Animals.

Prof. Dr. Irene Valasi
Dr. Efterpi Bouroutzika
Dr. Ekaterini K. Theodosiadou
Guest Editors

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 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

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. Ruminants is an international peer-reviewed open access quarterly 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 1000 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.

• stress
• ruminants
• reproduction
• management
• biomarkers
• antioxidants
• diet