Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Influence of Stress on Reproduction: Measure of Well-being

  • Chapter
Animal Stress

Abstract

Reproduction can serve as a barometer of animal well-being. Whenever a group of animals stops reproducing, researchers begin to examine various aspects of their well-being. Do they have sufficient food? Are they too crowded? Is housing adequate? Are the animals being stressed? Scientists feel justified in making this correlation between well-being and successful reproduction, because reproduction is one of the most basic drives for all animals. When an animal fails to reproduce, not only is its genetic potential lost, but survival of an entire group may be jeopardized. To prevent such a consequence, an animal will make considerable physiological sacrifices to ensure reproductive success; only the most severe threats to its well-being will prevent the animal from reproducing.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution

Subscribe and save

Springer+ Basic
$34.99 /Month
  • Get 10 units per month
  • Download Article/Chapter or eBook
  • 1 Unit = 1 Article or 1 Chapter
  • Cancel anytime
Subscribe now

Buy Now

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 119.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Abbott, D. H., A. S. McNeilly, S. F. Lunn, M. J. Hulme, and F. J. Burden. Inhibition of ovarian function in subordinate female marmoset monkeys (Callithrix jacchus jacchus). J. Reprod. Fertil. 63: 335–345, 1981.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  2. Baldwin, D. M., and C. H. Sawyer. Effects of dexamethasone on LH release and ovulation in the cyclic rat. Endocrinology 94: 1397–1403, 1974.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  3. Bambino, T. H., and A. J. W. Hsueh. Direct inhibitory effect of glucocorticoids upon testicular luteinizing hormone receptor and steroidogenesis in vivo and in vitro. Endocrinology 108: 2142–2147, 1981.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  4. Barb, C. R., R. R. Kraeling, G. B. Rampacek, E. S. Fonda, and T. E. Kiser. Inhibition of ovulation and LH secretion in the gilt after treatment with ACTH or hydrocortisone. J. Reprod. Fertil. 64: 85–92, 1982.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  5. Bernstein, I. S., T. P. Gordon, and R. M. Rose. The interaction of hormones, behavior, and social context in nonhuman primates. In: Hormones and Aggressive Behavior, edited by B. B. Svare. New York: Plenum, 1983, p. 535–561.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  6. Bond, J., and R. E. McDowell. Reproductive performance and physiological responses Stress and Reproduction 265 of beef females as affected by prolonged high environmental temperature. J. Anim. Sci. 35: 820–829, 1972.

    Google Scholar 

  7. Bowman, L. A., S. R. Dilley, and E. B. Keverne. Suppression of oestrogen-induced LH surges by social subordination in talapoin monkeys. Nature London 275: 56–58, 1978.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  8. Braden, A. W. H., and G. R. Moule. Effects of stress on ovarian morphology and oestrus cycles in ewes. Aust. J. Agric. Res. 15: 937–949, 1964.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  9. Bronson, F. H. Establishment of social rank among grouped male mice: relative effects on circulating FSH, LH and corticosterone. Physiol. Behay. 10: 947–951, 1973.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  10. Câceres, A., and S. Taleisnik. Pathways by which stimuli originating in the cingulate cortex inhibiting LH secretion reach the hypothalamus. Neuroendocrinology 32: 317–324, 1981.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  11. Chantaraprateep, P., and M. Thibier. Effects of dexamethasone on the response of luteinizing hormone and testosterone on two injections of luteinizing hormone releasing hormone in young postpubertal bulls. J. Endocrinol. 77: 389–395, 1978.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  12. Christian, J. J., J. A. Loyd, and D. E. Davis. The role of endocrines in self-regulation of mammalian populations. Recent Prog. Horm. Res. 21: 501–578, 1965.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  13. Cox, J. E., and J. H. Williams. Some aspects of the reproductive endocrinology of the stallion and cryptorchid. J. Reprod. Fertil. 23: 75–79, 1975.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  14. DeCantazaro, D., and B. B. Gorzalka. Effects of dexamethasone, corticosterone, and ACTH in lordosis in ovariectomized and adrenalectomized-ovariectomized rats. Pharamacol. Biochem. Behay. 12: 201–206, 1980.

    Google Scholar 

  15. Doney, J. M., R. G. Gunn, and J. G. Griffiths. The effect of premating stress on the onset of oestrus and on ovulating rates in Scottish Blackface ewes. J. Reprod. Fertil. 35: 381–384, 1973.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  16. Doney, J. M., R. G. Gunn, W. F. Smith, and W. R. Carr. Effects of pre-mating environmental stress, ACTH, cortisone acetate or metyrapone on oestrus and ovulation in sheep. J. Agric. Sci. 87: 127–132, 1976.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  17. Du Ruisseau, P., Y. Taché, P. Brazeau, and R. Collu. Pattern of adrenohypophyseal hormone changes induced by various stressors in female and male rats. Neuroendocrinology 27: 257–271, 1978.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  18. Du Ruisseau, P., Y. Taché, P. Brazeau, and R. Collu. Effects of chronic immobilization stress on pituitary hormone secretion, on hypothalamic factor levels, and on pituitary responsiveness to LHRH and TRH in female rats. Neuroendocrinology 29: 90–99, 1979.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  19. Dutt, R. H. Critical period for early embryo mortality: ewes exposed to high ambient temperature. J. Anim. Sci. 22: 713–725, 1963.

    Google Scholar 

  20. Euker, J. S., and G. D. Riegle. Effects of stress on pregnancy in the rat. J. Reprod. Fertil. 34: 343–346, 1973.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  21. Everitt, B. J., and J. Herbert. The effects of dexamethasone and androgens on sexual receptivity of female rhesus monkeys. J. Endocrinol. 51: 575–588, 1971.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  22. Ford, J. J., and R. K. Christenson. Glucocorticoid inhibition of estrus in ovariectomized pigs: relationship to progesterone action. Horm. Behay. 15: 427–435, 1981.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  23. Fuquay, J. W., and G. P. Moberg. Influence of the pituitary-adrenal axis on the induced release of luteinizing hormone in rams. J. Endocrinol. 99: 151–155, 1983.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  24. Gangwar, P. C., C. Branton, and D. L. Evans. Reproductive and physiological responses of Holstein heifers to controlled and natural climatic conditions. J. Dairy Sci. 48: 222–227, 1965.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  25. Gray, D. S., and B. B. Gorzalka. Adrenal steroid interactions in female sexual behavior: a review. Psychoneuroendocrinology 5: 157–175, 1980.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  26. Gray, G. D., E. R. Smith, D. A. Damassa, J. R. L. Ehrenkranz, and J. M. Davidson. Neuroendocrine mechanisms mediating the supression of circulating testosterone levels associated with chronic stress in male rats. Neuroendocrinology 25: 247–256, 1978.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  27. Howarth, B., and H. W. Hawk. Effect of hydrocortisone on embryonic survival in sheep. J. Anim. Sci. 27: 117–121, 1968.

    Google Scholar 

  28. Hsueh, A. J. W., and G. F. Erickson. Glucocorticoid inhibition of FSH-induced estrogen production in cultured rat granulosa cells. Steroids 32: 639–648, 1978.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  29. Ingraham, R. H., D. D. Gillette, and W. D. Wagner. Relationship of temperature and humidity to conception rate of Holstein cows in subtropical climate. J. Dairy Sci. 57: 476–481, 1974.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  30. Johnson, B. H., T. H. Welsh, and P. E. Juniewicz. Suppression of luteinizing hormone and testosterone secretion in bulls following adrenocorticotropin hormone treatment. Biol. Reprod. 26: 305–310, 1982.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  31. Juniewicz, P. E., and B. H. Johnson. Influence of adrenal steroids upon testosterone secretion by boar testis. Biol. Reprod. 25: 725–733, 1981.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  32. Kawakami, M., and T. Higuchi. Effects of partial deafferentation of the hypothalamus on stress-induced LH suppression and prolactin release. Neuroendocrinology 32: 278–284, 1981.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  33. Kawakami, M., F. Kimua, and N. Konda. Role of forebrain structures in the regulation of gonadotropin secretion. In: Neuroendocrine Regulation of Fertility, edited by A. Kumar. Basel: Karger, 1976, p. 103–113.

    Google Scholar 

  34. Keverne, E. B. Sexual and aggressive behaviour in social groups of talapoin monkeys. In: Sex, Hormones and Behavior,edited by R. Porter and J. Whelan. 1979, p. 271286. (Ciba Found. Symp. 62.)

    Google Scholar 

  35. Krulich, L., E. Hefco, P. Illner, and C. B. Read. The effects of acute stress on the secretion of LH, FSH, prolactin and GH in the normal male rat, with comments on their statistical evaluation. Neuroendocrinology 16: 293–311, 1974.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  36. Lamond, D. R. Synchronization of oestrus and ovulation in beef heifers. Proc. Aust. Soc. Anim. Prod. 4: 72–78, 1962.

    Google Scholar 

  37. Li, P. S., and W. C. Wagner. Effects of hyperadrenal states on luteinizing hormone in cattle. Biol. Reprod. 29: 11–24, 1983.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  38. Li, P. S., and W. C. Wagner. In vivo and in vitro studies on the effect of adrenocorticotropic hormone or cortisol on the pituitary response to gonadotropin releasing hormone. Biol. Reprod. 29: 25–37, 1983.

    Google Scholar 

  39. Liptrap, R. M., and J. I. Raeside. Increase in plasma testosterone concentrations after injection of adrenocorticotrophin into the boar. Endocrinology 66: 123–131, 1975.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  40. MacMillan, K. L., and J. D. Watson. Short estrous cycle in New Zealand dairy cattle. J. Dairy Sci. 54: 1526–1529, 1971.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  41. Matteri, R. L., and G. P. Moberg. Effect of cortisol and adrenocorticotrophin on release of luteinizing hormone induced by luteinizing hormone releasing hormone in the dairy heifer. J. Endocrinol. 92: 141–146, 1982.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  42. a.Matteri, R. L., J. G. Watson, and G. P. Moberg. Stress or acute adrenocorticotrophin treatment suppresses LHRH-induced LH release in the ram. J. Reprod. Fertil. 72: 385–393, 1984.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  43. Moberg, G. P. Effects of environment and management stress on reproduction in the dairy cow. J. Dairy Sci. 59: 1618–1624, 1976.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  44. Moberg, G. P. Adrenal-pituitary interactions: effects on reproduction. In: Proc. Int. Congr. Anim. Reprod. and Artificial Insemination, 10th, 1984, vol. 3, p. 29–36.

    Google Scholar 

  45. Moberg, G. P., R. Matteri, B. Maiti, and J. Watson. Effects of behavioral stressors on pituitary responsiveness to GnRH administration in rams. J. Anim. Sci. 57, Suppl. 1: 360, 1983.

    Google Scholar 

  46. Moberg, G. P., J. G. Watson, and K. Hayashi. Effects of adrenocorticotropin treatment on estrogen, luteinizing hormone, and progesterone secretion in the female rhesus monkey. J. Med. Primatol. 11: 235–241, 1982.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  47. Nalbandov, A. N. Reproductive Physiology. San Francisco, CA: Freeman, 1964, p. 135.

    Google Scholar 

  48. Padmanabhan, V., C. Keech, and E. M. Convey. Cortisol inhibits and adrenocorticotrophin has no effect on luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone-induced release of luteinizing hormone from bovine pituitary cells in vitro. Endocrinology 112: 1782 1787, 1983.

    Google Scholar 

  49. Pennycuik, P. R. Oestrous frequency and incidence of pregnancy in mice housed singly and in groups at 4, 21 and 33°C. Aust. J. Biol. Sci. 25: 801–806, 1972.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  50. Raab, A., and G. Haedenkamp. Impact of social conflict between mice on testosterone binding in the central nervous system. Neuroendocrinology 32: 272–277, 1981.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  51. Rose, R. M., I. S. Bernstein, T. P. Gordon, and G. Lindsley. Changes in testosterone and behavior during adolescence in the male rhesus monkey. Psychosom. Med. 40: 60–70, 1978.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  52. Schoonmaker, J. N., and G. F. Erickson. Glucocorticoid modulations of follicle-stimulating hormone-mediated granulosa cell differentiation. Endocrinology 113: 1356–1363, 1983.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  53. Stoebel, D. P., and G. P. Moberg. Repeated acute stress during the follicular phase and luteinizing hormone surge of dairy heifers. J. Dairy Sci. 65: 92–96, 1982.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  54. Stoebel, D. P., and G. P. Moberg. Effects of adrenocorticotropin and cortisol on luteinizing hormone surge and estrous behavior of cows. J. Dairy Sci. 65: 1016–1024, 1982.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  55. Stott, G. H. and R. J. Williams. Causes of low breeding efficiency in dairy cattle associated with seasonal high temperatures. J. Dairy Sci. 45: 1369–1375, 1962.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  56. Taleisnik, S. Sites concerned with inhibition of gonadotropin secretion. Neuroendocr. Regal. Fertil. Int. Symp., Basel, 1976, p. 92–100.

    Google Scholar 

  57. Thibier, M., and O. Rolland. The effects of dexamethasone on circulating testosterone and luteinizing hormone in young postpubertal bulls. Theriogenology 5: 53–59, 1976.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  58. Ulberg, L. C. Effect of macro-and microenvironment on the biology of mammalian reproduction. In: Ground Level Climatology, edited by R. O. H. Shaw. Washington, DC: Am. Assoc. Adv. Sci., 1967, p. 265–276.

    Google Scholar 

  59. Velardo, J. T. Action of adrenocorticotropin on pregnancy and litter size in rats. Am. J. Physiol. 191: 319–322, 1957.

    Google Scholar 

  60. Wagon, K. A., W. C. Rollins, P. T. Cupps, and F. D. Carroll. Effects of stress factors on the estrous cycles of beef heifers. J. An im. Sci. 34: 1003–1010, 1972.

    Google Scholar 

  61. Welsh, T. H., T. H. Bambino, and A. J. W. Hsueh. Mechanism of glucocorticoidinduced suppression of testicular androgen biosynthesis in vitro. Biol. Reprod. 27: 1138–1146, 1982.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Animal Science and California Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, California, USA

    Gary P. Moberg

Authors
  1. Gary P. Moberg
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Animal Science and California Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, California, USA

    Gary P. Moberg

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 1985 American Physiological Society

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Moberg, G.P. (1985). Influence of Stress on Reproduction: Measure of Well-being. In: Moberg, G.P. (eds) Animal Stress. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-7544-6_14

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-7544-6_14

  • Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4614-7544-6

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation