Effects of Heat Stress on the Reproductive Performance of Mammalians

Relevant researches in the past semi century have shown that there is a significant decrease in fertility during the hot months. The most important factor is a consequence of increased temperature. Heat stress (HS) can have large effects on most aspects of reproductive function in mammals. In this paper, the effects and possible mechanisms of heat stress on the reproduction of mammalians are discussed in three aspects: gametes production, embryo development and litter size, so as to guide the production practice and offer a theoretical basis for exploring mitigation measures.