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Effect of constant-release melatonin implants on the onset of oestrous activity and on reproductive performance in the ewe

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 September 2010

L. A. Durotoye ,
R. Rajkumar ,
C. M. Argo ,
R. Nowak ,
G. E. Webley ,
M. E. McNeil ,
N. B. Graham  and
R. G. Rodway
L. A. Durotoye
Affiliation:
Department of Animal Physiology and Nutrition, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT
R. Rajkumar
Affiliation:
Department of Animal Physiology and Nutrition, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT
C. M. Argo
Affiliation:
Department of Animal Physiology and Nutrition, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT
R. Nowak
Affiliation:
Department of Animal Physiology and Nutrition, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT
G. E. Webley
Affiliation:
Institute of Zoology, Regent's Park, London NW1 4RY
M. E. McNeil
Affiliation:
Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow Gl 1XL
N. B. Graham
Affiliation:
Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow Gl 1XL
R. G. Rodway
Affiliation:
Department of Animal Physiology and Nutrition, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT
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Abstract

Various types of constant-release melatonin implants were designed and administered to adult ewes during seasonal anoestrus. Implants were given between May and July in a series of four experiments. Treatment of ewes with melatonin implants resulted in advancement of the onset of oestrous activity. Melatonin treatment also resulted in improved reproductive performance, increased numbers of lambs born per ewe bred and caused more multiple births. Results from this study show, therefore, that constant-release melatonin implants administered during late spring or early summer advance the onset of the breeding season and improve reproductive performance in ewes.

Keywords

breeding seasonewesmelatoninreproductive performance
Type
Research Article
Information
Animal Production , Volume 52 , Issue 3 , June 1991 , pp. 489 - 497
Copyright
Copyright © British Society of Animal Science 1991

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References

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