Clinical Applications of Neuroendocrinology in Female Farm Animals

Abstract

The control of female mammalian reproduction is governed by the hypothalamo-pituitary-ovarian endocrine axis. Pulsatile pattern of gonadorophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) secreted by hypothalamus, stimulates the secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH) and Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) from anterior pituitary gland. These two gonadotrophins, in turn, are responsible for ovarian follicular growth, steroidogenesis and ovulation. Any factor i.e. environmental, physiological, managemental or physical altering the normal pattern of any of these reproductive hormones compromise fertility.