Melatonin can induce early onset of the breeding season in ewes

Abstract

Patterns of plasma melatonin, similar in the duration of high levels to those found in winter, were induced in Suffolk-cross ewes kept in summer light (16 h light: 8 h darkness) by daily oral administration of melatonin (3 mg/13 mumol). The onset of oestrous cycles in these sheep occurred in August, 2-8 weeks before the onset of oestrous cycles in untreated ewes kept in natural light. The onset of oestrous cycles in a further group of ewes kept in winter light (8 h light: 16 h darkness) from mid-June was indistinguishable from that of the melatonin-treated ewes. Rams were excluded from the premises. These data indicate that melatonin alone in physiological quantities is sufficient to induce early onset of the breeding season in the ewe, and provide strong evidence for a hormonal role of melatonin in a short-day breeder.