Assessment of plasma melatonin profile in summer anestrous buffaloes exhibiting differential fertility following melatonin implants treatment

Plasma melatonin vis-a-vis anestrus or estrus status of buffaloes during summer or winter season (n=50 in each group) suggested its impact on reproductive axis as plasma melatonin activity tended to be higher (P>0.05) in buffaloes exhibiting estrus compared to their anestrous counterparts irrespective of season. The differential reproductive status of these buffaloes was confirmed by history as well as differences (P<0.05) in diameter of largest follicle and luteal profile. Further, for evaluating the impact of melatonin treatment during summer season on reproductive axis, 132 anestrous buffaloes were subcutaneously inserted 2x4 mm absorbable slow-release melatonin implants (18 mg/50 kg b wt) at the base of left ear and 60 buffaloes were used as control. In these buffaloes, ovarian ultrasonography and jugular vein blood sampling was carried out at 7-day interval till day 35 post-treatment or till ovulation, whichever was earlier. Control and implanted buffaloes were subjected to artificial insemination (AI) at overt or induced estrus followed by pregnancy diagnosis at day 90 post-AI. In treatment group, an increase (P<0.05) in plasma melatonin was recorded in all the buffaloes, exhibiting differential fertility status, during post-treatment study period compared to their pre-treatment and control group values. However, within treatment group, there was no difference (P>0.05) in plasma melatonin between ovulatory or non-ovulatory as well as between pregnant or non-pregnant counterparts. Moreover, plasma melatonin within control buffaloes remained similar (P>0.05) throughout the study period irrespective of differential exhibition of fertility. It can be concluded that factors other than circulating melatonin are also involved in the display of differential fertility in terms of initiation of ovarian cyclicity/ovulation or ability to conceive in summer anestrous buffaloes.