Role of ß carotene / vitamin A in animal reproduction

Reproduction being a luxury function, nutrition requirement and also due to lack of knowledge of the plays a primary role for its optimum expression. Apart interaction of micronutrients in the body. Perhaps, sfrom energy and protein intake, the micronutrients carotene deficiency occurs at levels well below those (vitamins and minerals) are highly essential for better normally found in practice and the association between reproductive efficiency. Though these micronutrients s-carotene deficiency and fertility is a reflection of are required in very minute quantities, they are some other unspecified deficiency (Ducker et al, considered indispensable for normal cellular 1984). metabolism, growth and maintenance including reproduction. The beneficial effects of s- carotene and Vitamin A and Reproduction vitamin A in controlling various maladies causing Vitamins are not directly involved in reproduction reproductive failure have been well documented but play an indirect role in proper functioning of (Hamit Yildiz et al., 2005). This review is an attempt to reproductive system. Vitamin A regulates vision, highlight the role of s-carotene and vitamin A in farm growth and reproduction and, affects the overall health animal reproduction. of animals (Zile and Cullum, 1983, Chew, 1987). It is