Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Effects of Heat Stress and Chemical Pollutants on Sheep Reproduction and Strategies to Mitigate Them

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Advanced Technology for Smart Environment and Energy

Part of the book series: Environmental Science and Engineering ((ESE))

Abstract

Nowadays, climate change and the accumulation of chemical pollutants have become major environmental challenges. Natural and anthropogenic activities have certainly caused environmental pollution and a dramatic increase in ambient temperature. Sheep, are considered among the species susceptible to these environmental challenges. Previous findings indicate that sheep exposure to heat stress and chemical pollutants lead to several toxic effects. Therefore, these specific environmental problems have a direct impact on the reproductive performances. More precisely, heat stress and acute or chronic exposure to chemical pollutants, such as endocrine disruptors and heavy metals, significantly impair sheep’s reproduction and influence milk and meat production. In this chapter, we discuss in detail the impact of heat stress and chemical pollutants on sheep sexual behavior, ram sperm quality, cycling ewes, and pregnancy. Also, mitigation strategies available to improve sheep reproduction parameters under the scenario of climate change and increasing chemical pollutants were elaborated.

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

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
eBook
USD 16.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 99.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 129.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • Abbas S (2022) Climate change and major crop production: evidence from Pakistan. Environ Sci Pollut Res 29:5406–5414

    Google Scholar 

  • Abdel-Rahman GH, El-Hallawany HA, Dohreig RA (2018) Effect of excess fluoride on reproductive potentials in farm animals (ovine). AJVS 57:41–57

    Google Scholar 

  • Abi Saab S, Sleiman FT (1995) Physiological responses to stress of filial crosses compared to local Awassi sheep. Small Rumin Res 16:55–59

    Google Scholar 

  • Akhtar E, Roy AK, Haq MA, von Ehrenstein OS, Ahmed S, Vahter M, Ekstrom E-C, Kippler M, Wagatsuma Y, Raqib R (2021) A longitudinal study of rural Bangladeshi children with long-term arsenic and cadmium exposures and biomarkers of cardiometabolic diseases. Environ Pollut 271:116333

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Alexander G, Williams D (1971) Heat stress and development of the conceptus in domestic sheep. J Agric Sci 76:53–72

    Google Scholar 

  • Ali A, Hayder M, Derar R (2009) Reproductive performance of Farafra ewes in the subtropics. Anim Reprod Sci 114:356–361

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Andrianakis P, Walker D (1994) Effect of hyperthermia on uterine and umbilical blood flows in pregnant sheep. Exp Physiol: Transl Integr 79:1–13

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Andrianakis P, Walker DW, Ralph MM, Thorburn GD (1989) Effects of hyperthermia on fetal and maternal plasma prostaglandin concentrations and uterine activity in sheep. Prostaglandins 38:541–555

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Armengol ML, Sabino GA, Forquera JC, de La Casa A, Aisen EG (2015) Sperm head ellipticity as a heat stress indicator in Australian Merino rams (Ovis aries) in Northern Patagonia, Argentina. Theriogenology 83:553–559

    Google Scholar 

  • Barragán Sierra A, Avendaño-Reyes L, Hernández Rivera JA, Vicente-Pérez R, Correa-Calderón A, Mellado M, Meza-Herrera CA, Macías-Cruz U (2021) Thermoregulation and reproductive responses of rams under heat stress review. Rev Mex De Cienc Pecu 12:910–931

    Google Scholar 

  • Belkadi S, Safsaf B, Heleili N, Tlidjane M, Belkacem L, Oucheriah Y (2017) Seasonal influence on sperm parameters, scrotal measurements, and serum testosterone in Ouled Djellal breed rams in Algeria. Vet World 10:1486

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bell AW, McBride BW, Slepetis R, Early RJ, Currie WB (1989) Chronic heat stress and prenatal development in sheep: I. Conceptus growth and maternal plasma hormones and metabolites. J Anim Sci 67:3289–3299

    Google Scholar 

  • Benia AR, Taibi K, Ait-Amrane A, Belhamiti T, Hammoudi SM, Kaidi R (2013) Study of seasonal sexual activity variations in Algerian rams: sexual behaviour, testosterone concentration control and environmental factors. Afr J Biotechnol 12

    Google Scholar 

  • Benmoula A, Badi A, Fadili ME, Khalil KE, Allai L, Hilali AE, Amiri BE (2017) Effect of season on scrotal circumference, semen characteristics, seminal plasma composition and spermatozoa motility during liquid storage in INRA180 rams. Anim Reprod Sci 180:17–22

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Berihulay H, Abied A, He X, Jiang L, Ma Y (2019) Adaptation mechanisms of small ruminants to environmental heat stress. Animals 9:75

    Google Scholar 

  • Bouroutzika EV, Theodosiadou EK, Barbagianni MS, Papadopoulos S, Kalogiannis D, Chadio S, Skaperda Z, Kouretas D, Katsogiannou EG, Valasi I (2022) Redox status and hematological variables in melatonin-treated ewes during early pregnancy under heat stress. Vet Sci 9:499

    Google Scholar 

  • Brown DE, Harrison PC, Hinds FC, Lewis JA, Wallace MH (1977) Heat stress effects on fetal development during late gestation in the ewe. J Anim Sci 44

    Google Scholar 

  • Castillo DA, Gaitan JJ, Villagra ES (2021) Direct and indirect effects of climate and vegetation on sheep production across Patagonian rangelands (Argentina). Ecol Ind 124:107417

    Google Scholar 

  • Collier RJ, Baumgard LH, Zimbelman RB, Xiao Y (2019) Heat stress: physiology of acclimation and adaptation. Anim Front 9:12–19

    Google Scholar 

  • Dado-Senn B, Skibiel AL, Fabris TF, Dahl GE, Laporta J (2019) Dry period heat stress induces microstructural changes in the lactating mammary gland. PLoS One 14

    Google Scholar 

  • Dahri M (1990) Aspects nutritionnels et toxicologiques des oligoéléments: prévention de la carence en sélénenium et de l’intoxication fluorée chez les ovins. Thèse Doct Vét IAV Hassan II, Maroc

    Google Scholar 

  • De K, Kumar D, Balaganur K, Saxena VK, Thirumurugan P, Naqvi SMK (2017) Effect of thermal exposure on physiological adaptability and seminal attributes of rams under semi-arid environment. J Therm Biol 65:113–118

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • DiGiacomo K, Simpson S, Leury BJ, Dunshea FR (2012) Dietary betaine improves physiological responses in sheep under chronic heat load in a dose dependent manner. J Anim Sci 90:269

    Google Scholar 

  • Dutt RH (1963) Critical period for early embryo mortality in ewes exposed to high ambient temperature. J Anim Sci 22:713–719

    Google Scholar 

  • El Amiri B, Abdellatif R, Mounia S (2022) Perception et pratiques d’élevage pour atténuer la fluorose chez les ovins dans trois communes de la province de Khouribga-Maroc. AFRIMED Agric J-Al Awamia 135:1–17

    Google Scholar 

  • Evans NP, North T, Dye S, Sweeney T (2004) Differential effects of the endocrine-disrupting compounds bisphenol-A and octylphenol on gonadotropin secretion, in prepubertal ewe lambs. Domest Anim Endocrinol 26:61–73

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Fontanesi L, Dall’Olio S, Beretti F, Portolano B, Russo V (2011) Coat colours in the Massese sheep breed are associated with mutations in the agouti signalling protein (ASIP) and melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) genes. Animal 5:8–17

    Google Scholar 

  • Gastelum-Delgado MA, Avendaño-Reyes L, Álvarez-Valenzuela FD, Correa-Calderón A, Meza-Herrera CA, Mellado M, Macías-Cruz U (2015) Circannual estrous behavior in Pelibuey ewes under arid conditions of Northwestern of Mexico. Rev Mex De Cienc Pecu 6:109–118

    Google Scholar 

  • George W, Zoltán B, András J, Szilvia K (2020) Impacts of climate change on sheep genetic diversity: a review. Sustainable Development, vol 10

    Google Scholar 

  • Gibson A, Akinrinsola A, Patel T, Ray A, Tucker J, McFadzean I (2002) Pharmacology and thermosensitivity of the dartos muscle isolated from rat scrotum. Br J Pharmacol 136:1194–1200

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gilbert RD, Schroder H, Kawamura T, Dale PS, Power GG (1985) Heat transfer pathways between fetal lamb and ewe. J Appl Physiol 59:634–638

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Glover V (2015) Prenatal stress and its effects on the fetus and the child: possible underlying biological mechanisms. In: Perinatal programming of neurodevelopment. Springer, Berlin, pp 269–283

    Google Scholar 

  • Gootwine E (2011) Mini review: breeding Awassi and Assaf sheep for diverse management conditions. Trop Anim Health Prod 43:1289–1296

    Google Scholar 

  • Hassanin SH, Abdalla EB, Kotby EA, Abd-Elaziz AMS, El-Fouly MA (1996) Efficiency of asbestos shading for growth of Barki rams during hot summer. Small Rumin Res 20:199–203

    Google Scholar 

  • Heidari AH, Zamiri MJ, Nazem MN, Jafarzadeh Shirazi MR, Akhlaghi A, Ansari Pirsaraei Z (2021) Detrimental effects of long-term exposure to heavy metals on histology, size and trace elements of testes and sperm parameters in Kermani Sheep. Ecotoxicol Environ Saf 207:111563

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hill TG, Alliston CW (1981) Effects of thermal stress on plasma concentrations of luteinizing hormone, progesterone, prolactin and testosterone in the cycling ewe. Theriogenology 15:201–209

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kafi M, Safdarian M, Hashemi M (2004) Seasonal variation in semen characteristics, scrotal circumference and libido of Persian Karakul rams. Small Rumin Res 53:133–139

    Google Scholar 

  • Kahwage PR, Esteves SN, Jacinto MAC, Junior WB, Pezzopane JRM, de Andrade Pantoja MH, Bosi C, Miguel MCV, Mahlmeister K, Garcia AR (2017) High systemic and testicular thermolytic efficiency during heat tolerance test reflects better semen quality in rams of tropical breeds. Int J Biometeorol 61:1819–1829

    Google Scholar 

  • Karagiannidis A, Varsakeli S, Alexopoulos C, Amarantidis I (2000) Seasonal variation in semen characteristics of Chios and Friesian rams in Greece. Small Rumin Res 37:125–130

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Karimi V, Karami E, Keshavarz M (2018) Climate change and agriculture: impacts and adaptive responses in Iran. J Integr Agric 17:1–15

    Google Scholar 

  • Kim E-S, Elbeltagy AR, Aboul-Naga AM, Rischkowsky B, Sayre B, Mwacharo JM, Rothschild MF (2016) Multiple genomic signatures of selection in goats and sheep indigenous to a hot arid environment. Heredity 116:255–264

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Krishnan G, Bagath M, Pragna P, Vidya MK, Aleena J, Archana PR, Sejian V, Bhatta R (2017) Mitigation of the heat stress impact in livestock reproduction. Theriogenology 8:8–9

    Google Scholar 

  • Krogenæs AK, Ropstad E, Gutleb AC, Hårdnes N, Berg V, Dahl E, Fowler PA (2014) In: Utero exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations of PCB 153 and PCB 118 disrupts fetal testis development in sheep. J Toxicol Environ Health Part A 77:628–649

    Google Scholar 

  • Kumar D, Sejian V, Gaughan JB, Naqvi SMK (2017) Biological functions as affected by summer season-related multiple environmental stressors (heat, nutritional and walking stress) in Malpura rams under semi-arid tropical environment. Biol Rhythm Res 48:593–606

    Google Scholar 

  • Lacetera N (2019) Impact of climate change on animal health and welfare. Anim Front 9:26–31

    Google Scholar 

  • Leoni G, Bogliolo L, Deiana G, Berlinguer F, Rosati I, Pintus PP, Ledda S, Naitana S (2002) Influence of cadmium exposure on in vitro ovine gamete dysfunction. Reprod Toxicol 16:371–377

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Magaña-Monforte JG, Centurión-Castro FG, Aké-López JR, Cárdenas-Gallegos MA (2015) Libido and serving capacity of mature hair rams under tropical environmental conditions. Arch De Med VetIa 47:39–44

    Google Scholar 

  • Maloney SK, Mitchell D (1996) Regulation of ram scrotal temperature during heat exposure, cold exposure, fever and exercise. J Physiol 496:421–430

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Maloney SK, Bonomelli JM, DeSouza J (2003) Scrotal heating stimulates panting and reduces body temperature similarly in febrile and non-febrile rams (Ovis aries). Comp Biochem Physiol a: Mol Integr Physiol 135:565–573

    Google Scholar 

  • Marai IF, El-Darawany A-HA, Ismail ESAF, Abdelhafez MA (2006) Tunica dartos index as a parameter for measurement of adaptability of rams to subtropical conditions of Egypt. Anim Sci J 77:487–494

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Maurya VP, Naqvi SMK, Gulyani R, Joshi A, Mittal JP (2005) Effect of Thermal Stress on Sexual Behaviour of Superovulated Bharat Merino Ewes. Asian Australas J Anim Sci 18:1403–1406

    Google Scholar 

  • Maurya VP, Sejian V, Kumar D, Naqvi SMK (2016) Impact of heat stress, nutritional restriction and combined stresses (heat and nutritional) on growth and reproductive performance of Malpura rams under semi-arid tropical environment. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr 100:938–946

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Maurya VP, Sejian V, Kumar D, Naqvi SMK (2018) Biological ability of Malpura rams to counter heat stress challenges and its consequences on production performance in a semi-arid tropical environment. Biol Rhythm Res 49:479–493

    Google Scholar 

  • Mazinani M, Rude B (2020) Population, world production and quality of sheep and goat products. Am J Anim Vet Sci 15:291–299

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • McCrabb GJ, Bortolussi G (1996) Placental growth and the ability of sheep to thermoregulate in hot environment. Small Rumin Res 20:121–127

    Google Scholar 

  • Mieusset R, Casares PQ, Partida LS, Sowerbutts SF, Zupp JL, Setchell BP (1992) Effects of heating the testes and epididymides of rams by scrotal insulation on fertility and embryonic mortality in ewes inseminated with frozen semen. Reproduction 94:337–343

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mota-Rojas D, Titto CG, de Mira Geraldo A, Martínez-Burnes J, Gómez J, Hernández-Ávalos I, Casas A, Domínguez A, José N, Bertoni A (2021) Efficacy and function of feathers, hair, and glabrous skin in the thermoregulation strategies of domestic animals. Animals 11:3472

    Google Scholar 

  • Najarnezhad V, Aslani MR, Balali-Mood M (2008) Evaluation of allicin for the treatment of experimentally induced subacute lead poisoning in sheep. Biol Trace Elem Res 126:141–147

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Narayan E, Sawyer G, Parisella S (2018) Faecal glucocorticoid metabolites and body temperature in Australian merino ewes (Ovis aries) during summer artificial insemination (AI) program. PLoS ONE 13:e0191961

    Google Scholar 

  • Noyes PD, Lema SC (2015) Forecasting the impacts of chemical pollution and climate change interactions on the health of wildlife. Curr Zool 61:669–689

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Panyaboriban S, Suwimonteerabutr J, Swangchan-Uthai T, Tharasanit T, Phutikanit N, Techakumphu M (2016) Effect of heat stress on reproductive performance of an imported dorper ram: a case study in Thailand. Thai J Vet Med 46:671

    Google Scholar 

  • Piras AR, Ariu F, Maltana A, Leoni GG, Martino NA, Mastrorocco A, Del AME, Bogliolo L (2022) Protective effect of resveratrol against cadmium-induced toxicity on ovine oocyte in vitro maturation and fertilization. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 13:83

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Pourlis AF (2011) A review of morphological characteristics relating to the production and reproduction of fat-tailed sheep breeds. Trop Anim Health Prod 43:1267–1287

    Google Scholar 

  • Rahim A, Aydogmus-Öztürk F, Çakir C, Essamadi A, El Amiri B (2022a) Mitigating fluoride, lead, arsenic and cadmium toxicities in laboratory animals and ruminants through natural products. Rec Agric Food Chem 2:1–17

    Google Scholar 

  • Rahim A, Essamadi A, El Amiri B (2022b) A comprehensive review on endemic and experimental fluorosis in sheep: Its diverse effects and prevention. Toxicology 465:153025

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rhind SM, Evans NP, Bellingham M, Sharpe RM, Cotinot C, Mandon-Pepin B, Loup B, Sinclair KD, Lea RG, Pocar P (2010) Effects of environmental pollutants on the reproduction and welfare of ruminants. Animal 4:1227–1239

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Romo-Barron CB, Diaz D, Portillo-Loera JJ, Romo-Rubio JA, Jimenez-Trejo F, Montero-Pardo A (2019) Impact of heat stress on the reproductive performance and physiology of ewes: a systematic review and meta-analyses. Int J Biometeorol 63

    Google Scholar 

  • Savabieasfahani M, Kannan K, Astapova O, Evans NP, Padmanabhan V (2006) Developmental programming: differential effects of prenatal exposure to bisphenol-A or methoxychlor on reproductive function. Endocrinology 147:5956–5966

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sawyer GJ (1979) The influence of radiant heat load on reproduction in the Merino ewe. The relative effects of heating before and after insemination. Aust J Agric Res 30

    Google Scholar 

  • Sawyer G, Narayan EJ (2019) A review on the influence of climate change on sheep reproduction. Comp Endocrinol Anim 10

    Google Scholar 

  • Schiedek D, Sundelin B, Readman JW, Macdonald RW (2007) Interactions between climate change and contaminants. Mar Pollut Bull 54:1845–1856

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sejian V, Maurya VP, Kumar K, Naqvi SMK (2012) Effect of multiple stresses (thermal, nutritional, and walking stress) on the reproductive performance of Malpura ewes. Vet Med Int 2012

    Google Scholar 

  • Sillmann J, Aunan K, Emberson L, Büker P, Van Oort B, O’Neill C, Otero N, Pandey D, Brisebois A (2021) Combined impacts of climate and air pollution on human health and agricultural productivity. Environ Res Lett 16:093004

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Soravia C, Ashton BJ, Thornton A, Ridley AR (2021) The impacts of heat stress on animal cognition: implications for adaptation to a changing climate. Wiley Interdiscip Rev: Clim Chang 12:e713

    Google Scholar 

  • Suhair SM, Abdalla MA (2013) Effects of seasonal changes and shearing on thermoregulation, blood constituents and semen characteristics of desert rams (Ovis aries). Pak J Biol Sci: PJBS 16:1884–1893

    Google Scholar 

  • Swanepoel FJC, Stroebel A, Moyo S (2010) The role of livestock in developing communities: enhancing multifunctionality. University of the Free State/CTA

    Google Scholar 

  • Sweeney T, Nicol L, Roche JF, Brooks AN (2000) Maternal exposure to octylphenol suppresses ovine fetal follicle-stimulating hormone secretion, testis size, and sertoli cell number. Endocrinology 141:2667–2673

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sweeney T, Fox J, Robertson L, Kelly G, Duffy P, Lonergan P, O’doherty J, Roche JF, Evans NP (2007) Postnatal exposure to octylphenol decreases semen quality in the adult ram. Theriogenology 67:1068–1075

    Google Scholar 

  • Terrien J, Perret M, Aujard F (2011) Behavioral thermoregulation in mammals: a review. Front Biosci-Landmark 16:1428–1444

    Google Scholar 

  • Thwaites CJ (1971) Short term heat stress and embryo mortality in the ewe. Aust J Exp Agric 11:265–267

    Google Scholar 

  • van Wettere WH, Kind KL, Gatford KL, Swinbourne AM, Leu ST, Hayman PT, Kelly JM, Weaver AC, Kleemann DO, Walker SK (2021) Review of impact of heat stress on reproductive performance of sheep. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 12:1–18

    Google Scholar 

  • Vasant R, Narasimhacharya A (2011) Amelioration of fluoride-induced oxidative stress by Mangifera indica L. fruit. Spatula DD 1:181–188

    Google Scholar 

  • Wright C, Evans ACO, Evans NP, Duffy P, Fox J, Boland MP, Roche JF, Sweeney T (2002) Effect of maternal exposure to the environmental estrogen, octylphenol, during fetal and/or postnatal life on onset of puberty, endocrine status, and ovarian follicular dynamics in ewe lambs. Biol Reprod 67:1734–1740

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zaki MS, Abd El-Rahman HH, Mohamed MI, Abd El-Magid SS (2013) Some studies in Barki sheep intoxicated with cadmium. Life Sci J 10:1202–1204

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Animal Production Unit, Regional Center Agricultural Research of Settat, National Institute for Agricultural Research (INRA), Avenue Ennasr, Rabat Principal, P.O. Box 415, 10090, Rabat, Morocco

    Abdellatif Rahim & Bouchra El Amiri

Authors
  1. Abdellatif Rahim
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Bouchra El Amiri
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Bouchra El Amiri .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Sciences, Mohammed V University, Rabat, Morocco

    Jamal Mabrouki

  2. Department of Computer, Faculty of Sciences and Technologies, Moulay Ismail University of Meknès, Errachidia, Morocco

    Azrour Mourade

  3. Higher Education Department, Govt. Asghar Mall College Rawalpindi, Rawalpindi, Pakistan

    Azeem  Irshad 

  4. Department of Computer Science and Information Technology, College of Engineering, Abu Dhabi University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

    Shehzad Ashraf  Chaudhry

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2023 The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG

About this chapter

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this chapter

Rahim, A., El Amiri, B. (2023). Effects of Heat Stress and Chemical Pollutants on Sheep Reproduction and Strategies to Mitigate Them. In: Mabrouki, J., Mourade, A., Irshad , A., Chaudhry, S. (eds) Advanced Technology for Smart Environment and Energy. Environmental Science and Engineering. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-25662-2_15

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation