Effects of melatonin treatment on milk traits, reproductive performance and immune response in Sarda dairy sheep

In ruminants, the role of melatonin in control reproductive seasonality is well reported, but it still little known about its action on milk traits and immune system. The aim this study was to assess effect yield composition, somatic cell count (SCC), some cytokine blood concentration resumption sheep. One hundred lactating sheep were allocated two groups (of 50 each), M (treated with melatonin) C (controls), exposed rams for d. Time period days from ram introduction lambing (TRIL) litter size recorded. Every 15 d, 1 March 30 April, individual daily registered composition SCC, analysed. levels Interleukin 2 6 (IL-2 6) tumour necrosis factor-alpha (Tnf-α) evaluated every highest fertility rate (p < .01) shortest TRIL .05) recorded group. Milk similar between groups. cells decreased continuously treated ewes increased untreated .05). IL-2 IL-6 group, although no statistical differences found Melatonin administration improved efficiency, did not affect cells. This last could help maintain healthy mammary gland encourage farmers reduce use drugs against mastitis.HighlightsMelatonin involved different physiological processes, such as seasonality, production response.Melatonin Sarda modify SCC advanced spring.Melatonin be used strengthen response order both therapeutic preventive purposes mastitis.