AgResearch Limited, Private Bag 3123, Hamilton 3240, New Zealand.
Anim Reprod Sci. 2010 Dec;122(3-4):164-73. doi: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2010.08.015. Epub 2010 Aug 22.
Impaired reproduction in farmed animals is a major cost to agriculture, and this is exacerbated by the implementation of intensive production systems. Addressing this has been the focus of a significant body of research. While considerable advances have been made in biological experiments and understanding, a systems insight into the mechanisms that underlie reproductive function in mammals is needed. Mathematical modelling offers a means to develop a systems approach to reproduction by coalescing information and predicting outcomes of interventions. There has been steady progress in the development of mathematical models addressing various issues of reproduction over the last decade, from cell-signalling pathways through to herd management. We review these developments and their insights as well as their limitations. In addition, we identify other areas that need development, and how modelling might usefully contribute to these areas of reproduction science.
养殖动物繁殖能力受损是农业的主要成本，集约化生产系统的实施使这一问题更加严重。解决这个问题一直是大量研究的重点。虽然在生物实验和理解方面取得了相当大的进展，但需要对哺乳动物生殖功能的机制有系统的认识。数学建模提供了一种通过整合信息和预测干预结果来发展生殖系统方法的手段。在过去十年中，从细胞信号通路到畜群管理，针对各种生殖问题的数学模型的发展取得了稳步进展。我们回顾了这些进展及其见解，以及它们的局限性。此外，我们确定了其他需要发展的领域，以及建模如何为这些生殖科学领域做出有益的贡献。
