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Evolution of placentation in cattle and antelopes
1Cardiovascular and Renal Research, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.
Animal Reproduction
|May 3, 2021
Summary
Reproduction and placentation evolution in bovids, including cattle, sheep, and antelopes, reveal key adaptations. Variations in placental structures and hormones evolved before bovids, highlighting their evolutionary success.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Evolutionary biology
- Comparative placentology
Background:
- Bovids, encompassing cattle, sheep, and antelopes, exhibit significant evolutionary success and include vital domestic species.
- Understanding reproductive and placental evolution requires a comparative approach across diverse bovid subfamilies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evolution of reproduction and placentation within the Bovinae and Antilopinae subfamilies.
- To highlight key variations in placental development and hormonal evolution in bovids.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of reproductive and placental features across bovid species.
- Review of existing literature on bovid placentation and hormonal evolution.
Main Results:
- Placentation features evolved prior to bovid diversification, with notable variations observed.
- Differences in trophoblast cell fusion, placentome structure, and uterine implantation sites exist.
- Bovids show continued evolution in placental hormones, including placental-associated glycoprotein (PAG) genes and placental lactogen.
Conclusions:
- Bovid reproductive and placental evolution is characterized by both conserved ancestral traits and significant derived variations.
- Maternal-fetal nutrient competition is a potential selective pressure driving placental evolution in bovids.
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