Abstract
This book aims to cover the endocrine systems that affect animal production and describe how the systems can be manipulated to improve productivity. It focuses on commercial species and endocrine systems that affect growth, carcass composition, production of wool, milk and eggs, reproductive efficiency, and health. The first two chapters cover background information on endocrinology including the structure and function of receptors and hormones, and methods of studying endocrine systems. The next chapter covers manipulation of growth and carcass composition including somatotropin, β-adrenergic agonists, thyroid hormones, dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids, and leptin. The following chapter covers the production of milk, eggs and wool and includes the effects of bovine somatotropin, whereas the fifth chapter covers the endocrine manipulation of reproduction. The final chapter covers the effects on animal behaviour health and welfare (including applications of pheromones, stress, and endocrine applications in toxicology). The book is suitable for advanced level animal science and veterinary science students (endocrinology, animal production, biotechnology, animal breeding) and animal breeding, health and biotechnology companies.