<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><p>The seasonality of reproduction in most mammals is dictated by photoperiod, temperature and nutrition. Melatonin, mainly synthesized in the pineal gland, is generally accepted as the active mediator of photoperiod responses including reproduction. While non-pregnant heifers and cows show continuous sexual activity and are therefore not seasonal breeders, it has been suggested that photo-periodicity may influence the appearance of puberty in heifers and the onset of parturition. Further, the light/dark ratio may influence endocrine patterns of gestation and a shorter light period correlates with the incidence of twin pregnancies. This review considers specific aspects of the effects of photoperiod and melatonin on reproduction in dairy cattle and discusses the clinical applications of melatonin.</p></abstract>

The seasonality of reproduction in most mammals is dictated by photoperiod, temperature and nutrition. Melatonin, mainly synthesized in the pineal gland, is generally accepted as the active mediator of photoperiod responses including reproduction. While non-pregnant heifers and cows show continuous sexual activity and are therefore not seasonal breeders, it has been suggested that photo-periodicity may influence the appearance of puberty in heifers and the onset of parturition. Further, the light/dark ratio may influence endocrine patterns of gestation and a shorter light period correlates with the incidence of twin pregnancies. This review considers specific aspects of the effects of photoperiod and melatonin on reproduction in dairy cattle and discusses the clinical applications of melatonin.

To What Extent Does Photoperiod Affect Cattle Reproduction? Clinical Perspectives of Melatonin Administration – A Review

Annals of Animal Science

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 3.0 License.

The seasonality of reproduction in most mammals is dictated by photoperiod, temperature and nutrition. Melatonin, mainly synthesized in the pineal gland, is...

To What Extent Does Photoperiod Affect Cattle Reproduction? Clinical Perspectives of Melatonin Administration – A Review

Published Online: Aug 01, 2020

Page range: 797 - 809

Received: Sep 23, 2019

Accepted: Jan 09, 2020

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/aoas-2020-0012

Keywords
dark-light cycles, heat stress, fertility, twin pregnancy, prolactin

© 2020 Fabio De Rensis et al., published by Sciendo

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 3.0 License.

To What Extent Does Photoperiod Affect Cattle Reproduction? Clinical Perspectives of Melatonin Administration – A Review

Published Online: Aug 01, 2020

Page range: 797 - 809

Received: Sep 23, 2019

Accepted: Jan 09, 2020

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/aoas-2020-0012

Keywordsdark-light cycles, heat stress, fertility, twin pregnancy, prolactin

© 2020 Fabio De Rensis et al., published by Sciendo

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 3.0 License.

Keywords
dark-light cycles, heat stress, fertility, twin pregnancy, prolactin