Invited Review: Reproductive biotechnologies in Moroccan livestock: achievements, challenges, and future perspectives

This review explores the landscape of published research on reproductive biotechnologies in Moroccan livestock industry, with a particular focus on sheep and goats. While significant attention has been directed towards these species, a notable absence of research remains on other livestock species. Certain breeds of sheep and goats have also been insufficiently studied, revealing critical gaps in knowledge regarding reproductive interventions across Morocco's diverse livestock population. Although advancements in artificial insemination (AI) have improved outcomes in sheep through techniques such as semen storage and ovulation induction, essential methods like oocyte and embryo conservation, as well as embryo transfer, have been largely overlooked in Moroccan livestock research. This review underscores the necessity for a more inclusive approach, advocating for broader research that encompasses a variety of breeds within sheep and goats, while also extending beyond these species to include other overlooked categories of livestock. Addressing these identified gaps presents an opportunity to deepen our understanding of reproductive interventions and emphasizes the importance of establishing a cryobank to preserve genetic diversity and ensure livestock resilience in the face of climate change challenges. Recommendations outlined in this review propose a strategic roadmap that prioritizes expanding research to include overlooked species and breeds, integrating techniques such as oocyte and embryo conservation, and emphasizing the importance of embryo transfer studies in advancing reproductive biotechnologies within the Moroccan livestock industry.

کلیدواژه ها:

livestock farming ، reproductive biotechnologies ، Morocco ، conservation efforts