Alterations of estrous activity in the ewe by circadian-based manipulation of the endogenous pacemaker

The timing of reproductive activity in the seasonal breeding Romney Marsh ewe depends on the measurement of photoperiodic time. In this experiment, artificial light and dark signals are provided in a measured sequence at an inappropriate time of year to induce breeding out of phase with environmental photoperiod. The endogenous circadian responses and reproductive effects are documented. One group (Group A, control) of 6 Romney Marsh ewes was held in natural photoperiod throughout the experiment. For 8 weeks centered about the winter solstice (Stage 1), an additional 18 animals (Groups B, C, and D) were exposed to an artificial earlier dawn. Measurements of endogenous melatonin performed under acutely extended darkness confirmed a phase advance of the endogenous circadian pacemaker of the suprachiasmatic nucleus compared to control animals. In Stage 2, to the summer solstice (21 December), Group B animals were returned to natural photoperiod, Group C animals were subjected to an earlier artificial dusk, and Group D animals were subjected to an artificial delayed dawn. Melatonin measurements during Stage 2 confirmed that onset and offset times for Group C were earlier and that onset and offset times for Group D were delayed compared to corresponding times for Group B animals. Ovarian activity was monitored throughout. During Stage 2, Groups C and D commenced reproductive activity in mid-spring, and this continued until the experimental conditions changed. Groups A and B commenced reproductive activity at the normal timing in the subsequent autumn. Although not exclusive, these results are consistent with a coincidence model to explain the timing of seasonal breeding in this species with a dusk-located phase of the endogenous pacemaker sensitive to both light and melatonin. The temporal relationship between circadian alterations and the environmental photoperiod warrants further investigation as an explanation for seasonal breeding.