Roles of the olfactory and vomeronasal systems in behavior.

The chemosensory experiences of farm animals involve a stimulus world that we are incapable of appreciating through our own limited olfactory system and nonexistent vomeronasal system. It is obvious that to domestic ruminants as well as their wild counterparts these systems are an important element in day-to-day activities and in social encounters. As we come to learn more about the role of chemosensory analysis by both the olfactory system and the vomeronasal system, we will eventually have the opportunity to utilize such information more effectively to manage the reproduction, growth, and welfare of our domestic livestock species.