Bioscientifica Proceedings

The aims of this review are to summarize the common biological basis of the responses to social stimulus in domestic ruminants and to consider the research still required in order to put this knowledge to practical use on the farm. The mechanisms involved in the stimulation of sheep and goat females, including both the expected ovarian and behavioural responses, are described. In most breeds, the male effect may be used effectively to induce ovulation during seasonal anoestrus...