Clinical endocrinology of thyroid gland function in ruminants

After briefly introducing the basec steps in production and metabolism of thyroid hormones, the author gives an overview of nutritional, metabolic and disease related factors and endocrine interactions influ - encing thyroid gland function in ruminants, particularly in the postpartum dairy cow. Involvement of thyroid hormonal regulation of seasonal patterns of reproduction as well as ovarian endocrine function are discussed.