Dr. Mohd Noor Hisham Mohd Nadzir from the Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia gave a guest lecture on animal physiology (13/10). With the theme “Endocrinology and Reproductive Physiology of Beef Cattle”, the lecture was attended by students of the Animal Physiology course, Biology Department, FMIPA UNEJ online. At the beginning, Dr. Noor Hisham introduced what is meant by endocrinology. “Endocrinology is the study of hormones, and hormones are very important for daily survival as chemical messengers that move from one cell to another,” he explained. This guest lecture event was moderated by Purwatiningsih, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D.

It is said that scientifically, hormones communicate this effect through their unique chemical structure, which is recognized by specific receptors on their target cells. “Hormones will tell us or animals how to control various physiological activities, such as growth, development, puberty, level of alertness, regulation of sugar and appetite, bone growth, and stress,” he said. In short, hormones influence aspects of our daily lives to ensure the body maintains the balance necessary for health and survival.

Dr. Noor Hisham continued the material regarding the endocrinology and physiology of beef cattle. Reproductive efficiency is very important in beef cattle production because it has a direct impact on livestock numbers and profitability. “Understanding the biological mechanisms associated with breeding cows or heifers becomes an important management tool. The endocrine system plays a role in regulating reproductive processes, including the estrus cycle, ovulation, pregnancy, and the birthing process,” he continued.

This doctoral alumnus from Queensland, Australia, also explained how reproduction occurs in male and female cattle. Assisted reproductive technology was also mentioned. ART or Assisted Technology Reproduction carried out on the farm and taking it to the laboratory. These include estrous synchronization, which is the process of coordinating a group of female animals so that they have the same onset of estrus (heat) and induce the production of many mature egg cells from the ovaries using medicines.

It was also conveyed that several factors that influence reproduction are nutrition, stress, health and disease, timing, and insemination techniques. Less influential are vaccination programs and overall livestock health management that contribute to reproductive success. “It can be concluded that understanding the endocrine physiology and reproduction of beef cattle will optimize livestock productivity. Management of nutrition, health, and appropriate breeding practices can increase reproductive efficiency and the overall profitability of beef cattle production,” he concluded.