Acta Veterinaria et Zootechnica Sinica ›› 2024, Vol. 55 ›› Issue (12): 5379-5390.doi: 10.11843/j.issn.0366-6964.2024.12.005

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Research Progress on Regulation of Reproductive Performance by Exogenous Melatonin in Cows

LIU Caifeng1(), WANG Jingzhuo1, WANG Xi1, LIU Zirui1, JI Puyu2,*(), LIU Shenhe1,*()   

  1. 1. College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
    2. Shangqiu Rural Industry Development Center, Shangqiu 476000, China
  • Received:2024-05-31 Online:2024-12-23 Published:2024-12-27
  • Contact: JI Puyu, LIU Shenhe E-mail:liucf2916389782@qq.com;jipuyu0576@163.com;liush2016@qq.com

Abstract:

The reproductive performance of cows is the basis for the development of cattle industry. As a multifunctional hormone, melatonin interacts with MT1 and MT2 receptors, reduces the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6), enhances the levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10, IL-1Ra), and promotes the expression of antioxidant enzyme genes (SodCatGpxGpx4). Additionally, it modulates autophagy and mitochondrial autophagy-related genes expression, alters the composition of rumen and vaginal microbiota, thereby influencing reproductive performance in bovine follicular cells, granulosa cells as well as embryonic development alongside estrus cycles, ovulation processes, and pregnancy outcomes. Consequently, this article reviews the current status and mechanisms underlying exogenous melatonin's role in regulating cow reproduction both in vivo and in vitro while providing a theoretical framework for its rational application to enhance reproductive efficiency in cattle.

Key words: melatonin, cattle, reproductive performance, mechanism

CLC Number: