The International Centre for Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies (CIHEAM), through the Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Zaragoza (IAMZ), with the collaboration of the Agrifood Research and Technology Centre of Aragón (CITA-GA), through the Animal Production and Health Unit, is organizing an advanced course on "Advances in small ruminant reproduction" in Zaragoza (Spain) from 3 to 7 April 2017. This course provides professionals and researchers with the most advanced knowledge in reproductive physiology, focused on sheep and goat, and with strategies using reproductive biotechnologies for flock management.

In April 2017, the Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Zaragoza (IAMZ-CIHEAM) will host an international course on advances in small ruminant reproduction. Small ruminant productions are of particular relevance in Mediterranean countries, covering a significant part of the demand of animal foodstuffs and playing an important role in socioeconomic development and landscape preservation. Animal production is facing increasingly challenging conditions due to climate change, socioeconomic constraints and evolving consumer’s needs and regulations. Under this increasing pressure, the mastering of reproductive functions becomes critical for breeding industry sustainability. This requires a precise knowledge of reproductive physiology at different levels (flock, animal, tissue, molecules). Besides, well established reproductive technologies are now available in different livestock production systems and will allow some of the impact of upcoming constraints on small ruminant breeding to be overcome. In addition, emerging biotechnologies may pave the way for further progress over new unexpected challenges.