Omega-3 PUFA significantly affect circulating peripheral
inflammatory markers such as PGF2 as well as a
number of hormones and cytokines and these peripheral
markers can have a significant effect on reproduction outcomes
(Fig. 3). There is strong evidence linking PG and
steroid hormones, in particular, with several measurable
outcomes of reproduction including the timing of oestrus
and parturition. The time to oestrus and parturition is
lengthened following supplementation with n-3 and this
delay appears to be closely associated with reduced PGF2.
However, the effects of n-3 on other measurable outcomes
of reproductive success are largely unknown. Direct feeding
studies in ruminants examining the effects of n-3 on
several aspects of reproduction, including pregnancy rates,
embryo survival and intergenerational effects on the health
and production of offspring, are required, in addition to
effects on male fertility. Further studies are also needed
to confirm the mechanisms of action of n-3.