The positive effects of fat and energy supplementation on improvements in reproduction
are well documented. However, the specific effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids
(n-3) on reproductive success in ruminants have not been examined in detail. While the
link between n-3 and markers associated with reproduction, in particular, prostaglandin
F2 (PGF2) and the link between PGF2 and reproductive outcomes are well established,
evidence of a direct effect of high n-3 diets on measurable reproductive outcomes in ruminants
is lacking. Therefore, the aim of the current review was to examine the effect of
n-3 on a number of reproductive markers and measurable outcomes in sheep and cattle.
There is strong evidence linking consumption of diets high in n-3 with reduced circulating
peripheralinflammatorymarkers suchas PGF2.Inflammatory eicosanoids including PGF2,
in particular, can significantly affect reproduction outcomes such as the onset of oestrus,
embryo survival and parturition. While there is also evidence linking n-3 supplementation
with longer time to oestrus and parturition associated with reduced PGF2, the effects of
n-3 on other measurable outcomes of reproductive success, such as pregnancy rate, embryo
survival and intergenerational effects on the health and production of offspring are largely
unknown. Similarly, the effects of diets high in n-3 or n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids on
male fertility are also unknown.
© 2012 Elsevier B.V