PREFACE

Reproduction is essential for the health and well-being of humans, livestock, companion animals, and wildlife populations. Regarding animal agriculture, reproductive efficiency is a major limitation in many cases to economic success of the livestock enterprise. This is due to high rates of embryonic mortality and intra-uterine growth restriction that reduce reproductive efficiency and production of health offspring in humans and animals. A high level of reproductive performance for livestock species reduces the impact of animal agriculture on the environment and assures a safe and abundant supply of animal protein essential for human health and high quality of life. In this Special Issue devoted to reproductive biology, the papers present results from very basic discovery research that advances understanding of cross-talk between the uterus and conceptus (embryo/fetus and placenta) in swine and ruminants and rodents to translational research and technological advances that enhance efficiencies and success of strategies for reproductive management of breeding programs. The papers also address key findings related to intra-uterine growth restriction that results in offspring from pigs and sheep that are small and prone to death during the neonatal period, as well asadult onset of metabolic diseases. Environmental factors affecting reproductive health are also addressed in one of the papers. The findings published in this Special Edition of the Journal of Animal Science and Biotechnology represent contributions of research with livestock species that are relevant to both animal agriculture and to the biomedical community as small human babies tend to suffer from adult onset of metabolic diseases. Because reproduction and related health concerns touch some of the most vital issues facing humans and animals, the authors of the papers in this Special Edition are congratulated on their presentations of results aimed at improving reproductive performance of agriculturally important species of animals, as well as fertility and reproductive health of humans and animals.

Associate Editor

Journal of Animal Science and Biotechnology