Reproductive Technologies in Small Ruminants: Envi-ronmental and Economic Effects in Iran

Sheep and goat breeding have been a source of supply for meat, milk, wool, and other human-required products. Many breeds of small ruminants can graze in inferior rangelands considering important for their survival in Iran with its semi-arid climate. However, during recent years, drought and inappropriate use of rangelands made it very difficult to provide enough food to breeding sheep with traditional methods. Assisted reproduc-tive technologies (ART) could increase the efficiency of re-production in livestock, optimize the use of food resources and pastures and reduce production costs. Estrus synchronization protocols provide out of season reproduction and also apply other reproductive technologies such as artificial insemination and embryo transfer. Different methods of artificial insemina-tion can increase the selection intensity in male and proliferate desirable traits. In embryo transfer technology, it is possible to select a superior mother, in addition to the father, and also is possible to provide several fetuses from the mother with the desired genes by superovulation methods. Diagnosis of preg-nancy can improve herd health management and inhibit costs of feeding and maintaining barren sheep for several months. Cloning and producing transgenic animals are technologies that can help us face future challenges by accelerating genetic pro-gress, helping to produce drugs, and preventing extinction of endangered species.