Animal reproduction strategies for sustainable livestock production in the tropics

Abstract

Abstract Animal reproduction is an integral component for a sustainable livestock production. Enhancing the reproduction potential of animals without compromising the welfare would lead towards sustainable animal production. Careful attention adopting technological interventions would result to efficient performance and guarantees profit and sustainability. In the tropical environment, the effect of heat stress, food and water scarcity during summer affects the reproduction performance in most livestock species. Low expression of estrus, poor libido, incidence of abortion especially during prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, and embryonic death are among the problems that compromised reproductive efficiency. Through advance reproductive biotechnologies and management innovations and interventions, these problems could be controlled. The application of reproductive biotechnology tools such as estrus synchronization (ES), artificial insemination (AI), embryo transfer (ET) through multiple ovulation and in vivo collection of embryos, in-vitro embryo production (IVEP) and cryopreservation, somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) to produce the desired breed and sex of animal, and other reproductive biotechnologies that enhances reproduction potential are important innovations that can address specific needs and purpose for animal reproduction. The strategies, innovations, and important practices in the application of these reproductive tools and interventions are presented and discussed considering the welfare of the animals for a sustainable livestock production in a tropical environment.