Role of Leptin in Growth, Reproduction and Milk Production in Farm Animals: A Review

Abstract

Livestock species of agri-based countries, like Pakistan, need special attention for the improvement and sustainability of their productive traits because the economy and huge population is largely dependent on livestock. Therefore it is necessary to adopt some strategies to get more adaptive and productive animals. Leptin, a hormone pro- duced mostly by white adipose tissues of body, has many roles including body energy balance, tissue growth, body com- position, reproduction and immunity. Leptin helps in reducing feed intake of animal through feed-back mechanism by informing CNS about body energy and fat reserves. The gene responsible for leptin production has many forms which are associated with leptin production, its level in blood and working. The physiological role of leptin and association of different forms of leptin (LEP) gene with multiple economic traits has made it a potential candidate to be studied and improve animals through proper breeding and management strategies. This current review article discusses the role of leptin in various economic traits of farm animals.