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Home / Equine Research Bank / Reprod Domest Anim / Seasonality of reproduction in mammals: intimate regulatory ...
Reproduction in domestic animals = Zuchthygiene2008; 43 Suppl 2; 40-47; doi: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2008.01141.x

Seasonality of reproduction in mammals: intimate regulatory mechanisms and practical implications.

Abstract: Farm mammals generally express seasonal variations in their production traits, thus inducing changing availability of fresh derived animal products (meat, milk and cheese) or performances (horses). This is due to a more or less marked seasonal birth distribution in sheep and goats, in horses but not cattle. Birth peak occurs at the end of winter-early spring, the most favourable period for the progeny to survive. Most species show seasonal variations in their ovulation frequency (presence or absence of ovulation), spermatogenic activity (from moderate decrease to complete absence of sperm production), gamete quality (variations in fertilization rates and embryo survival), and also sexual behaviour. The intimate mechanism involved is a complex combination of endogenous circannual rhythm driven and synchronized by light and melatonin. Profound and long-term neuroendocrine changes involving different neuromediator systems were described to play a role in these processes. In most species artificial photoperiodic treatments consisting of extra-light during natural short days (in sheep and goats and mares) or melatonin during long days (in sheep and goats) are extensively used to either adjust the breeding season to animal producer needs and/or to completely overcome seasonal variations of sperm production in artificial insemination centres. Pure light treatments (without melatonin), especially when applied in open barns, could be considered as non-invasive ones which fully respect animal welfare. Genetic selection could be one of the future ways to decrease seasonality in sheep and goats.
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Publication Date: 2008-07-25 PubMed ID: 18638103DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2008.01141.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research article explores the seasonal variations in production traits of farm mammals, their reproductive capacity, and how these changes can be managed for better yield. The study dives into the roles of light, melatonin, and genetic selection in controlling these seasonal trends.

Seasonal Variations in Reproduction

  • The research investigates the seasonal patterns of reproduction in farm animals such as sheep, goats, and horses. This is seen in the varying availability of animal products including meat, milk, and cheese throughout the year.
  • The distribution of births also noticeably varies across the seasons. Most offspring births occur at the end of winter or the start of spring, which provides the progeny with the best chances of survival.
  • The farm animals under consideration show seasonal changes in their ovulation frequencies, spermatogenic activities, quality of gametes, and sexual behavior.
  • A decrease in sperm production and variations in fertilization rates and embryo survival are also recorded during some seasons.

Role of Light and Melatonin

  • The researchers highlight light and melatonin as core regulators of the observed seasonal variations. The interaction of these two factors drives the seasonal rhythms in farm mammals.
  • Neuroendocrine changes that happen due to these elements play a significant role in these seasonal processes.

Interventions to Reverse Seasonal Variations

  • The study considers practices such as providing extra-light during naturally short days or administering melatonin during long days to influence the breeding season. These interventions are used to align the breeding season with the needs of the animal producers.
  • In artificial insemination centers, these techniques are used to overcome variations in sperm production. Using light treatments without melatonin in open barns is regarded as non-invasive and respects animal welfare.

Future Approach to Counter Seasonal Changes

  • The researchers suggest genetic selection as a prospective approach to decrease the seasonality in the reproduction of sheep and goats. This step could contribute to steadier production rates of animal products throughout the year.

Cite This Article

APA
Chemineau P, Guillaume D, Migaud M, Thiéry JC, Pellicer-Rubio MT, Malpaux B. (2008). Seasonality of reproduction in mammals: intimate regulatory mechanisms and practical implications. Reprod Domest Anim, 43 Suppl 2, 40-47. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1439-0531.2008.01141.x

Publication

Reproduction in domestic animals = Zuchthygiene
ISSN: 1439-0531
NlmUniqueID: 9015668
Country: Germany
Language: English
Volume: 43 Suppl 2
Pages: 40-47

Researcher Affiliations

Chemineau, P
  • UMR Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, INRA, CNRS, Université F. Rabelais, Haras Nationaux, Nouzilly, France. philippe.chemineau@tours.inra.fr
Guillaume, D
    Migaud, M
      Thiéry, J C
        Pellicer-Rubio, M T
          Malpaux, B

            MeSH Terms

            • Animals
            • Cattle / physiology
            • Estrus / physiology
            • Female
            • Goats / physiology
            • Horses / physiology
            • Male
            • Melatonin / physiology
            • Periodicity
            • Reproduction / physiology
            • Seasons
            • Sexual Behavior, Animal / physiology
            • Sheep / physiology
            • Species Specificity
            • Spermatogenesis / physiology
            • Sunlight

            References

            This article includes 64 references

            Citations

            This article has been cited 36 times.
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