Ontogeny of the pineal melatonin rhythm and implications for reproductive development in domestic ruminants

This review focuses on the important contribution that domestic ruminants have made to understanding the role of environmental photoperiod in the process of reproductive maturation. Evidence in the sheep, goat and deer indicate that the influence of photoperiod on growth and the onset of puberty is mediated by the pineal gland and secretion of the hormone melatonin. The ontogeny of the circadian melatonin rhythm is discussed in relation to its role in the timing of puberty for these ruminant species.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/29742/1/0000079.pd