As a continuation of the earlier volumes in this series, the proceedings of the Eighth International Conference provide authoritative and up-to-date information on pig reproduction research. This volume, which contains manuscripts accompanying the state-of-the art lectures, the parallel sessions, and the expanded abstracts, provides an authoritative and up-to-date source of information on research in pig reproduction. This text is an invaluable resource for students, teachers, veterinarians, animal scientists, consultants, and technologists with an interest in all aspects of pig reproduction.

As a continuation of the earlier volumes in this series, the proceedings of the Eighth International Conference provide authoritative and up-to-date information on pig reproduction research. This volume, which contains manuscripts accompanying the state-of-the art lectures, the parallel sessions, and the expanded abstracts, provides an authoritative and up-to-date source of information on research in pig reproduction. This text is an invaluable resource for students, teachers, veterinarians, animal scientists, consultants, and technologists with an interest in all aspects of pig reproduction.

Almost a decade has passed since the last textbook on the science of cryobiology, Life in the Frozen State, was published. Recently, there have been some serious tectonic shifts in cryobiology which were perhaps not seen on the surface but will have a profound effect on both the future of cryobiology and the development of new cryopreservation methods. We feel that it is time to revise the previous paradigms and dogmas, discuss the conceptually new cryobiological ideas, and introduce the recently emerged practical protocols for cryopreservation. The present books, "Current Frontiers in Cryobiology" and "Current Frontiers in Cryopreservation" will serve the purpose. This is a global effort by scientists from 27 countries from all continents and we hope it will be interesting to a wide audience.

Animal Agriculture: Sustainability, Challenges and Innovations discusses the land-based production of high-quality protein by livestock and poultry and how it plays an important role in improving human nutrition, growth and health. With exponential growth of the global population and marked rises in meat consumption per capita, demands for animal-source protein are expected to increase 72% between 2013 and 2050. This raises concerns about the sustainability and environmental impacts of animal agriculture. An attractive solution to meeting increasing needs for animal products and mitigating undesirable effects of agricultural practices is to enhance the efficiency of animal growth, reproduction, and lactation. Currently, there is no resource that offers specific knowledge of both animal science and technology, including biotechnology for the sustainability of animal agriculture for the expanding global demand of food in the face of diminishing resources. This book fills that gap, giving readers all the necessary information on important issues facing modern animal agriculture, namely its sustainability, challenges and innovative solutions. - Integrates new knowledge in animal breeding, biotechnology, nutrition, reproduction and management - Addresses the urgent issue of sustainability in modern animal agriculture - Provides practical solutions on how to solve the current and future problems that face animal agriculture worldwide

Understanding animal andrology is fundamental to optimising genetic breeding traits in domestic and wild animals. This book provides extensive coverage of male reproductive biology, discussing the essentials of sperm production, harvest and preservation before covering the applications to a range of animals including cattle, horses, pigs, small ruminants, camelids, cats and dogs, poultry and exotic species. It also examines the laboratory procedures that provide the basis of general fertility research.

This book is an all-embracing review of biotechnology, biomedical engineering, bioinformatics, pharmacy and medicinal chemistry, and biopharmaceutical technology. Existing theories and the latest findings are discussed. Researchers, engineers, academics, and industry professionals will find this book an invaluable read.

Control of Pig Reproduction focuses on carefully evaluated techniques and technologies involved in the control of pig reproduction. The selection first ponders on the sexual development of male pigs, including early fetal, perinatal, and pubertal periods. The text also discusses testicular steroids and boar taint; interrelationships between spermatozoa, female reproductive tract, and egg investments; and artificial insemination. Discussions focus on androgens, estrogens, deposition of semen and uterine transit, sperm regulation and release by the isthmus, and types of artificial insemination. The manuscript examines endocrine control of sexual maturation in female pigs and sexual differentiation of the stimulatory estrogen feedback mechanism and factors affecting the natural attainment of puberty in gilts. Discussions focus on development of ovarian function and gonadal steroid levels; development of the stimulatory estrogen feedback mechanism; and maturation of negative feedback of gonadal steroids. The text also takes a look at controlled induction of puberty, endocrine control of the estrus cycle, and control of ovulation. The selection is a valuable reference for farmers and readers interested in pig reproduction.

Artificial insemination is used instead of natural mating for reproduction purposes and its chief priority is that the desirable characteristics of a bull or other male livestock animal can be passed on more quickly and to more progeny than if that animal is mated with females in a natural fashion. This book contains under one cover 16 chapters of concise, up-to-date information on artificial insemination in buffalos, ewes, pigs, swine, sheep, goats, pigs and dogs. Cryopreservation effect on sperm quality and fertility, new method and diagnostic test in semen analysis, management factors affecting fertility after cervical insemination, factors of non-infectious nature affecting the fertility, fatty acids effects on reproductive performance of ruminants, particularities of bovine artificial insemination, sperm preparation techniques and reproductive endocrinology diseases are described. This book will explain the advantages and disadvantages of using AI, the various methodologies used in different species, and how AI can be used to improve reproductive efficiency in farm animals.

The last book on the lactating sow was published over 15 years ago. This new book brings us up to date in current knowledge on the gestating and lactating sow. It covers new and important topics such as conditioning of gilts for optimal reproductive performance, feeding high fibre diets to gestating sows and providing various fat sources in gestation and lactation. It also describes the several key success factors to group-housing systems in gestation, which is a must due to the current move towards group-housing. The new concept of transition feeding for sows is discussed, as well as the factors involved in mammary development of gilts and sows, both of which are instrumental for maximum colostrum and/or milk yields. The impact of the human-animal interactions on sow welfare and performance is discussed with focus on new handling practices that could be developed to overbalance the negative interactions inherent to pig management systems. Updates on must-have topics, such as amino acid and energy requirements of sows, colostrum and milk yield and composition, and sow health are also provided. The subjects covered in this book will assist animal scientists, nutritionists, veterinarians and swine producers in learning the most recent information on relevant and current topics affecting sow production, and in knowing which areas are in need of further research efforts.