Various approaches to influence melatonin level in sheep reproduction

Abstract

A new field of research in reproductive biology was heralded by the discovery of melatonin in 1958. The concentration of melatonin follows light-dark cycles with significantly higher concentrations during darkness. The authors present the importance of the melatonin protein hormone by focusing on the reproductive processes in domestic sheep. In their literature review, they report that sheep melatonin levels show daily and seasonal rhythms. In sheep as a seasonal breeder and short-day animal species, seasonal increases in melatonin production stimulate sexual activity. The authors describe innovative possibilities for regulating melatonin levels in sheep production. The use of exogenous melatonin brings forward the expression of the sexual cycle. It increases the fertility rate, the number of lambs born, and the chances of survival of twin lambs. Melatonin is a neuroprotection compound against cerebral hypoxia and the development of inflammatory processes in the growing foetus and the newborn lamb.

A novel p.127Val>Ile single nucleotide polymorphism in the MTNR1A gene and its relation to litter size in Thin-tailed Indonesian ewes

“…The recent advancements in computational tools for predicting the effects of SNPs on protein structure and function have greatly facilitated data interpretation in animal breeding [48]. In our study, the utilization of these tools proved to be highly beneficial in elucidating the impact of observed SNPs on the MTNR1A protein in Thin-tailed Indonesian sheep.…”

Administration of melatonin prior to modified synchronization protocol improves the productive and reproductive efficiency of Chinese crossbred buffaloes in low breeding season

“…The pregnancy rate results agreed with the earlier reports (16, 17, 42) when buffaloes were treated with melatonin, in injectable or slowrelease forms, during the low breeding season. Previous reports proved that melatonin administration improved fertility and fecundity in ewes (49)(50)(51). A higher percentage of pregnancy rates might be associated with an improvement in fertilization which is connected to the antioxidant capacity of melatonin (52).…”