Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Early embryonic mortality in bovines represents a major constraint to reproductive efficiency and economic sustainability in dairy and beef production systems. Despite high fertilization rates (up to 90%), only 40-50% of inseminated cows successfully calve, largely because of embryonic losses during the first few weeks of gestation. The causes of EEM are multifactorial, including genetic and chromosomal defects, endocrine and luteal insufficiency, nutritional imbalances, infectious and immunological factors, and most prominently environmental stress, particularly heat stress. Heat stress disrupts the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal and hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axes, alters steroidogenesis, impairs gametogenesis, and induces oxidative and immunological imbalances, thereby reducing embryo viability. Biomarkers such as progesterone (P4), interferon-tau, ISG15, and preimplantation factor have been explored for early diagnosis. Ameliorative strategies include managemental modifications, hormonal therapies (GnRH, hCG, P4, melatonin, kisspeptin), recombinant IFN-? administration, and immunomodulatory or antioxidant interventions. A clearer mechanistic understanding of embryonic loss under thermal stress is essential to design targeted reproductive management and enhance conception rates in cattle and buffaloes.
Institution: Indian Veterinary Research Institute
Subfield: Agronomy and Crop Science
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7197026918
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