Effects of melatonin treatment on twin pregnancy and fetal mortality in sheep

Authors

  • Gy. Lakatos University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest Doctoral School, 1078 Budapest, István u. 2, Hungary
  • B.N. Vincze University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest Department of Obstetrics and Food Animal Medicine, 1078 Budapest, István u. 2, Hungary
  • N. Vass University of Debrecen Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences and Environmental Management, Institute of Animal Science, Biotechnology and Nature, 4032 Debrecen, Böszörményi út 138, Hungary
  • A. Dobos Large Animal Clinical Laboratory, University of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Palackého tř. 1946/1, 612 42 Brno, Czech Republic

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24425/pjvs.2026.1279

Keywords

fetal mortality, melatonin, reproduction, sheep, twin pregnancy

Abstract

This study is the first to examine the effects of melatonin implants on the litter size and fetal mortality rate of Blanc du Massif Central ewes in Hungary. The ewes were divided into two experimental groups: group A: 96 ewes were treated with melatonin implants and group B: 114 ewes was the control group. The number of twin litters was significantly larger in group A than in group B, whereas the fetal mortality rate was significantly lower in the melatonin treated group than in the control group. These findings suggest that melatonin implants may provide significant benefits for sheep production in continental regions; however, their application requires careful consideration due to potential adverse effects on flock management associated with an increased incidence of twin pregnancies.

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Published

2026-06-15

How to Cite

Lakatos, Gy., et al. “Effects of Melatonin Treatment on Twin Pregnancy and Fetal Mortality in Sheep”. Polish Journal of Veterinary Sciences, vol. 29, no. 2, June 2026, pp. 339-41, doi:10.24425/pjvs.2026.1279.

Issue

Vol. 29 No. 2 (2026)

Section

Short communication

License

Copyright (c) 2026 Polish Journal of Veterinary Sciences

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