Potential Application of Pheromones in Reproduction of Farm Animals- a Review

Pheromones are involved in communication between con-specific members of different species of insects, birds and mammals. Numerous works have been carried out in insects, wild animals, small ruminants and in pig. However, in cattle and particularly buffaloes, application of pheromones have been tried to augment reproductive efficiency only in the recent years. This review covers in detail about sources and nature of pheromones, means of transportation, pheromone perception and effects on reproduction in different farm animal species. The main emphasis has been given on application of pheromones through biostimulation on augmenting sexual maturity, curtailing incidence of silent estrus and postpartum anestrus in cattle and buffaloes. Pheromones can act as a marker to detect estrus where its’ detection is a problem and for diagnosing early pregnancy in farm animals. The potential implication of pheromones on improving sexual desire in male is also highlighted in the review. There is huge scope of application of pheromones once it is characterized and synthesized chemically. The synthetic product can also be used in therapeutics for controlled reproductive management practices.