023. Biotechnology and reproduction in mainstream animal industry – a perspective

Abstract

This paper considers strategies to improve the reproductive performance of small ruminants in ways that lead to production systems that are ‘clean, green and ethical’. This view arises from feedback from consumers, particularly in attractive export markets, and from a need to refocus on the needs of Australian producers, most of whom operate large, extensive enterprises. These people cannot use ‘high-tech’ systems but need low-cost, low-labour solutions to their problems. First, to control of the timing of reproductive events, they can use the socio-sexual inputs of the ‘male effect’ to induce synchronised ovulation in females that would otherwise be anovulatory (seasonal, lactational, prepubertal). Second, they can use nutritional stimuli for ‘focus feeding’, in which short periods of nutritional supplements are precisely timed and specifically designed for individual events in the reproductive process: gamete production, embryo survival, ‘fetal programming’ and colostrum production. Third, they can use simple behavioural observations to genetically select for temperament – this will maximize offspring survival, product quality and animal welfare. All of these approaches involve non-pharmacological manipulation of the endogenous control systems of the animals and complement the detailed information from ultrasound that is now becoming available.¹ The use of such clean, green and ethical tools in the management of our animals can be cost-effective, increase productivity and, at the same time, greatly improve the image of meat and milk industries in society and the marketplace. This does not mean, however, that they will not benefit from the opportunities that evolve from breakthroughs in reproductive technology or gene research. On the contrary, if this ‘high-tech’ research is done within the context of the needs of a ‘clean, green and ethical’ industry, first class science can have very direct and immediate benefits to our livestock industries.

   (1) Martin GB, Milton JTB, Davidson RH, Banchero Hunzicker GE, Lindsay DR and Blache D. (2004). Natural methods of increasing reproductive efficiency in sheep and goats. Anim. Reprod. Sci. 82–83, 231–246.