Biostimulation and Pheromones: Pioneering Sustainable Practices in Livestock Management

Biostimulation and Pheromones: Pioneering Sustainable Practices in Livestock Management

Dr. Prachi Chandrakar¹, Dr. Sahil Thakur²

1. D. Scholar (LPM) ICAR- National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana
2. V.Sc (Animal Nutrition), NDVSU, Jabalpur, M.P.

Corresponding Email- prachichandrakar82@gmail.com

ABSTRACT:

In contemporary agriculture, the pursuit of sustainable and efficient practices has led to the investigation of natural approaches like biostimulation and pheromone application for livestock management. Biostimulation involves the influence of sensory signals from males and females on reproductive physiology and performance. This concept is receiving increased scientific attention for its potential to tackle environmental and economic issues through “green, clean, and ethical” management strategies. The use of pheromones in biostimulation presents a practical method to enhance the reproductive efficiency of domestic animals by facilitating early puberty and reducing the postpartum anoestrus period. This article examines how biostimulation and pheromones are transforming livestock management, highlighting their applications, advantages, and future prospects.

Keywords: Biostimulation, pheromones, puberty, reproductive efficiency

INTRODUCTION:

The field of animal husbandry is constantly advancing, driven by the need to improve productivity, efficiency, and sustainability in managing livestock. Among the strategies used, biostimulation and pheromones have gained attention as promising methods to boost reproductive efficiency and enhance animal welfare. Biostimulation, which involves exposing animals to specific stimuli, especially from males, has been found to significantly affect the reproductive physiology and behavior of females. Pheromones, chemical signals that enable communication within a species, are key to this process, influencing behaviors like mating, estrus synchronization, and the onset of puberty. This paper examines the mechanisms and practical uses of biostimulation and pheromonal communication in animal reproduction, highlighting their potential to transform livestock practices by improving reproductive outcomes and productivity. By leveraging these natural biological processes, farmers can achieve more efficient and humane livestock management, promoting a more sustainable agricultural sector.

BIOSTIMULATION IN ANIMALS:

Biostimulation in animals involves the physiological impact of male exposure and pheromonal communication on females, primarily through genital stimulation or external cues. This technique employs various methods, including exposure to males and associated signals, to positively affect the reproductive and physiological processes in females. Male presence and chemical signals can influence behavior through sensory pathways like smell, sight, and sound. Pheromones, which are powerful chemical messengers, play a key role in animal behavior and reproduction. Biostimulatory interventions can enhance reproductive efficiency in livestock by accelerating sexual maturity, inducing ovulation, reducing postpartum anoestrus, and improving mating success (Tauck, 2005). As noted by Gokuldas et al. (2010), the presence of sexually mature males can stimulate ovarian activity and induce estrus in anoestrus sheep, goats, pigs, cattle, and buffaloes.

PHEROMONES AND THEIR ROLE IN BIOLOGICAL STIMULATIONS:

Pheromones are chemical signals that enable communication between animals of the same species (Wyatt, 2010). According to Landaeta-Hernandez (2004), pheromones are substances released by one individual and detected by another of the same species, triggering specific behaviors or developmental responses. They can be categorized into various types based on their function and mechanism, including aggregation, signaling, priming, attractant, repellent, and sex pheromones (Sobel, 2001). Signaling pheromones provoke behavioral responses by activating pathways in the central nervous system (Izard, 1983). Depending on the context and species, pheromones can either attract or repel. Priming pheromones can induce long-term effects on physiological systems, such as hormonal changes and reproduction (Izard, 1983). For example, male opossum pheromones can stimulate ovarian follicle growth and body development in young females. Releaser pheromones are chemical messages that influence the recipient’s behavior, serving as either attractants or repellents. Sex-attractant pheromones, released by receptive females, play a role in reproduction and convey information about the female’s genotype and species.

MECHANISM OF PHEROMONE ACTION:

Pheromones function by releasing small hydrophobic airborne molecules into the environment. Once these molecules are absorbed through the vomeronasal organ (VNO), they bind to odorant-binding proteins (OBP). The OBP then transports the pheromones and stimulates the dendritic microvilli of bipolar chemosensory neuron receptors in the VNO. When this stimulation reaches its threshold, it activates a specific group of neurons, causing them to reach the action potential threshold and send a strong electrochemical signal to the brain. This signal may directly stimulate the hypothalamus, triggering a neuroendocrine response tailored to the specific neuron group engaged by the VNO. The primary effect on reproduction is the secretion of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) in the hypothalamus, which leads to increased pulses of luteinizing hormone (LH). This, in turn, likely boosts ovarian estradiol production, and through positive feedback at the hypothalamus, triggers the preovulatory surge (Rekwot et al., 2010).

BIOSTIMULATION AND PHEROMONAL MODULATION IN ANIMAL REPRODUCTION:

Biostimulatory techniques and pheromonal modulation in animals hold promising applications in agriculture, ecology, and livestock management. Numerous studies indicate that biostimulants can improve reproductive efficiency in farm animals by triggering puberty, restoring ovarian cyclicity, and encouraging the expression of estrus. A summary of possible applications for animals is outlined below.

• Accelerating puberty and sexual maturity:Exposure to male pheromones in prepubertal females of various species, including sheep, goats, pigs, and cattle, can speed up the onset of puberty and sexual maturity, resulting in enhanced reproductive performance and productivity (Burman et al., 2011). For example, exposing female pigs to boars can hasten puberty by approximately 30 days, with gilts reaching pubertal estrus simultaneously when boars are introduced at around 190 days old. Similarly, using vasectomized bulls has been shown to effectively reduce the age at which cattle reach puberty.
• Enhancing estrus expression:Male pheromones can intensify and extend the duration of estrus in animals. Research indicates that exposing female cattle to bulls results in longer and more pronounced estrus periods. Langendijk et al. (2000) found that the presence of a boar increased both estrus expression and ovulation rates in sows. Similarly, Gokuldas et al. (2010) reported that exposure to bulls led to more noticeable and intense estrus in buffaloes, while instances of silent estrus were reduced.
• Improving male animal libido and mating behaviour:Various sexual stimulation techniques and exposure to females can enhance male sexual performance in different farm animal species (Bailey et al., 2005). Females emit pheromones during estrus to signify the period of the cycle and stimulate male sexual behaviour and endocrine function. Female exposure and change contribute to the influence on males. The application of cervical mucus increased sexual behaviour in bulls. The rapid introduction of estrus ewes in a group of rams causes behavioural and endocrinological alterations.
• Enhancing male libido and mating behavior:Various sexual stimulation methods and exposure to females can improve male sexual performance across different livestock species (Bailey et al., 2005). During estrus, females release pheromones that signal their reproductive phase and trigger male sexual behavior and endocrine responses. The presence of females and environmental changes also play a role in influencing males. For example, applying cervical mucus has been shown to increase sexual activity in bulls, while the sudden introduction of estrus ewes into a group of rams leads to both behavioral and hormonal changes.
• Inducing estrus, synchronizing ovulation, and resuming cyclicity in anestrus females:Exposure to male priming pheromones during the non-breeding season triggers gonadotropin release, ends anestrus, and synchronizes ovulation in goats and sheep. The “ram effect” has been shown to accelerate the onset of estrus in sheep, leading to varying degrees of synchronization. This approach can enhance the success of artificial insemination (A.I.) and estrus synchronization programs by increasing the number of females resuming cyclicity. Additionally, bull exposure after A.I. can further improve the efficiency of estrus synchronization methods. Berardinelli et al. (2001) found that post-A.I. bull exposure enhances the success of synchronization techniques.
• Stimulatory effects on semen quality:Introducing new female stimuli to breeding males can influence ejaculate volume and sperm motility. In goats, altering the doe stimulus after the first ejaculation significantly increased semen volume (Prado et al., 2003). However, these effects tended to diminish over the following days, leading to limited overall improvements in male libido and semen quality. In pigs, males that interacted with new groups of females produced higher-quality and more abundant sperm. After exposure to sows, the ejaculates showed increases in volume, motility, the number of live sperm, total sperm per ejaculate, and normal acrosome integrity (Umesiobi, 2010).
• Integration and Future Directions:The combination of biostimulation and pheromone technologies offers promising opportunities for future agricultural practices. Merging these methods could enhance their individual advantages, providing stronger solutions for challenges like climate change resilience and antimicrobial resistance. Ongoing research aims to identify new applications and improve existing techniques to address the changing demands of global livestock production. As these technologies develop, important factors such as cost-effectiveness, scalability, and environmental impact will be critical. Striking a balance between innovation and practical implementation is essential for ensuring broad adoption and long-term sustainability in livestock management practices around the world.

Table: List of Pheromones on different body fluids of animals (Vyas et al., 2012)

CONCLUSION:

Biostimulation and pheromones offer promising opportunities for transforming livestock management into more sustainable and humane practices. By utilizing natural biological processes and communication signals, farmers can improve animal health, welfare, and productivity while minimizing environmental impacts. As research advances and technologies develop, there are exciting prospects for incorporating these natural solutions into conventional agricultural practices, leading to a more resilient and efficient livestock industry.

REFERENCES:

Bailey, J.D., Anderson, L.H. and Schillo, K.K. (2005). Effects of novel females and stage of the estrous cycle on sexual behaviour in mature beef bulls. Journal of Animal Science, 83: 613- 624.

Barman, P., Yadav, M. C., Kumar, H. and Meur, S. K. (2011). Effect of bull exposure on ovarian cyclicity in postpartum buffaloes. Buffalo Bulletin, 30(4): 18-23.

Berardinelli, J.G., Anderson, K., Robinson, B. and Adair, R. (2001). Effect of presence of bulls and restricted suckling on breeding performance of first-calf suckled beef cow using the ovsynch protocol. Proceedings, Western Section, American Society of Animal Science, 52: 1-5.

Gokuldas, P.P., Yadav, M.C., Kuma,r H., Singh G., Mahmood, S. and Tomar, A.K.S. (2010). Resumption of ovarian cyclicity and fe,rtility response in bull-exposed postpartum buffaloes. Animal Reproduction Science, 121(3): 236-24.

Izard, M. K. (1983). Pheromones and reproduction in domestic animals. In: Pheromones and Reproduction in Mammals. Vandenbergh JG (Ed.). New York Academic Press, pp. 253-285.

Landaeta-Hernandez, A.J., Giangreco, M., Melendez, P., Bartolome, J., Bennet, F., Rae, J., Hernandez and Archbald, L.F. (2004). Effect of biostimulation on uterine involution, early ovarian activity and fi rst postpartum estrous cycle in beef cows. Theriogenology, 61: 1521-1532.

Langendijk, P., Van Den Brand, H., Soede, N.M. and Kemp, B. (2000). Effect of boar contact on follicular development and on estrus expression after weaning in primiparous sows. Theriogenology, 54: 1295–1303.

Martin, G. B., Oldham, C. M., Cognie, Y. and Pearce, D. T. (1986). The physiological responses of anovulatory ewes to the introduction of rams – A review. Livestock Production Science, 15(3): 219–247.

Prado, V., Orihuela, A., Lozano, S. and Perez-Leon, I. (2003). Effect on ejaculatory performance and semen parameters of sexually-satiated male goats (Capra hircus) after changing the stimulus female. Theriogenology, 60: 261–267.

Rekwot, P.I., Ogwu, D. and Oyedipe, E.O. (2001). The role of pheromones and biostimulations in animal reproduction. Animal Reproduction Science, 65: 157–170.

Sobel, N. and Brown, W.N. (2001). The scented brain: pheromonal responses in humans. Neuron, 31: 512.

Tauck, S.A. (2005). Factors associated with the biostimulatory effect of bulls on resumption of ovarian cycling activity and breeding performance of fi rstcalf suckled beef cows. M.Sc. Thesis, Montana State University, Bozeman.

Umesiobi, D.O. (2010). Boar effects and their relations to fertility and litter size in sows. South African Journal of Animal Science, 40(5): 471-475.

Vyas, S., Briant, C., Chemineau, P., Le Danvic, C. and Nagnan-Le Meillour, P. (2012). Oestrus pheromones in farm mammals, with special reference to cow. Indian Journal of Animal Sciences, 82(3): 256.

Wyatt, T. D. (2010). Pheromones and signature mixtures: defining species-wide signals and variable cues for identity in both invertebrates and vertebrates. Journal of Comparative Physiology. 196(10): 685–700.

Please follow and like us: