Prenatal and Preweaning Environmental Effects upon Pubertal Development and Sperm Production.

This chapter examines the role of early life perturbations upon the developing bull calf. Surprisingly, we observe effects upon sexual development and sperm quality, including sperm morphology, as early as the periconception period (-60 to 23 days post conception). Similarly, during postnatal life (prior to 6mths of age) dietary perturbations retard sexual development and sperm quality. Herein we discuss the ontology of development and examine why these periods of development are fundamental to fertility in the bull. Ultimately, this leads to recommendations for changes to current husbandry protocols.