Role of ß carotene / vitamin A in animal reproduction

Reproduction being a luxury function, nutrition plays a primary role for its optimum expression. Apart from energy and protein intake, the micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) are highly essential for better reproductive efficiency. Though these micronutrients are required in very minute quantities, they are considered indispensable for normal cellular metabolism, growth and maintenance including reproduction. The beneficial effects of 13- carotene and vitamin A in controlling various maladies causing reproductive failure have been well documented (Hamit Yildiz et al., 2005). This review is an attempt to highlight the role of 13-carotene and vitamin A in farm animal reproduction.