Glycine as a Metabolic Regulator of Reproductive Function in Livestock: From Gametes to Early Embryos

Reproductive inefficiency associated with impaired oocyte competence and embryonic loss remains a major limitation in livestock production. Although glycine is classified as a non-essential amino acid, its endogenous synthesis is often insufficient to meet increased metabolic demands during gestation and early embryonic development. This suggests that glycine has a conditionally essential role in reproductive physiology. However, the mechanisms through which glycine integrates metabolic and signaling processes to regulate reproductive outcomes are not fully understood. This review summarizes the recent advances in understanding glycine’s role in animal reproduction, emphasizing its function as a metabolic regulator rather than merely a structural component. Glycine contributes to reproductive processes by maintaining redox homeostasis, supporting mitochondrial function and stabilizing cellular environments as part of its osmolyte function during critical developmental stages. Additionally, glycine participates in one-carbon metabolism, influencing nucleotide synthesis and epigenetic regulation. Furthermore, emerging evidence suggests that glycine may modulate key signaling pathways, including the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)-mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) pathway. Consistent with these mechanistic roles, glycine supplementation has been associated with improvements in oocyte maturation and embryonic development, particularly in vitro. These findings highlight the potential of glycine as a dietary or culture medium supplement to enhance reproductive performance in livestock. However, most current evidence is derived from in vitro systems, and the translation of these findings into livestock production strategies requires validation through well-designed in vivo studies.