The combined work of eminent scientists in the field, this compilation contains the latest information on ruminant nutrition from the eighth annual International Ruminant Reproduction Symposium. With discussions on how to improve reproduction by applying nutrition and physiology, this collection spotlights the recent advances regarding the ruminant genome and includes chapters about specific animals, including the dairy buffalo, camel, and reindeer.

Recent Developments in Ruminant Nutrition presents papers that discuss the advancement of the different areas of ruminant nutrition. The book is comprised of 20 chapters that cover topics, such as reproduction, diet, and nutrition. The coverage of the text includes growth stimulation in ruminants; protein quantity and quality for the U.K. dairy cow; and complete-diet feeding of dairy cows. The book also covers rumen fermentation related topics, such as influence of nitrogen and carbohydrate inputs on rumen fermentation; aspects of the biochemistry of rumen fermentation and their implication in ruminant productivity; and manipulation of rumen fermentation. The text will be of great use to researchers and professionals in the animal husbandry industry.

Reproductive wastage is a major inefficiency in all livestock production with embryonic mortality accounting for a major portion of this loss. Accordingly the Commission of the European Communities encouraged the organisation of a seminar on embryonic mortality in farm animals which was held in Brussels on the 11th and 12th of December 1984. This book contains the text of the papers, discussions and final summary presented at that Seminar. As a background to the Seminar, the extent and timing of embryonic loss was described for farm animals. Particular consideration was then given to the various mechanisms and signals, both embryonic and uterine in origin, that are so far known to be involved in the establishment of pregnancy. Possible causes of embryonic death including physiological, endocrinological, genetic and immunological components were outlined and discussed. The final summary contains general conclusions from the Seminar and recommendations for future research work on this topic. J.M. Sreenan M.G. Diskin July 1985. ******************** THE EXTENT AND TIMING OF EMBRYONIC MORTALITY IN THE COW J. M. Sreenan & M. G. Diskin, The Agricultural Institute, Belclare, Tuam, Galway, Ireland ABSTRACT The extent and timing of embryonic mortality in heifers, normal cows and repeat breeder cows has been reviewed.

Bovine Reproduction is a comprehensive, current reference providing information on all aspects of reproduction in the bull and cow. Offering fundamental knowledge on evaluating and restoring fertility in the bovine patient, the book also places information in the context of herd health where appropriate for a truly global view of bovine theriogenology. Printed in full color throughout, the book includes 83 chapters and more than 550 images, making it the most exhaustive reference available on this topic. Each section covers anatomy and physiology, breeding management, and reproductive surgery, as well as obstetrics and pregnancy wastage in the cow. Bovine Reproduction is a welcome resource for bovine practitioners, theriogenologists, and animal scientists, as well as veterinary students and residents with an interest in the cow.

Environmental stress is one of the most significant factors affecting livestock performance and health, and it is only expected to increase with effects of global warming. Environmental Physiology of Livestock brings together the latest research on environmental physiology, summarizing progress in the field and providing directions for future research. Recent developments in estimating heat stress loads are discussed, as well as key studies in metabolism, reproduction, and genetic expressions. Environmental Physiology of Livestock begins with a survey of current heat indexing tools, highlighting recent discoveries in animal physiology, changes in productivity levels, and new technologies available to better estimate stress response. Using this synopsis as a point of orientation, later chapters hone in on major effects of heat stress, including changing metabolic pathways and nutrient requirements, endocrine regulation of acclimation to environmental stress, and reduced reproductive performance. The text concludes with a thorough discussion of environmental effects on gene expressions, providing important insight for future breeding practices. Environmental Physiology of Livestock is a globally contributed volume and a key resource for animal science researchers, geneticists, and breeders.