P.PSH.1287 - Improving twin lamb survival through melatonin implants: commercial validation
Supplementing twin-bearing ewes with melatonin (orally) or via a subcutaneous melatonin implant (Regulin®) significantly increased twin lamb survival?
| Project start date: | 14 April 2021 |
| Project end date: | 30 June 2023 |
| Publication date: | 14 May 2024 |
| Project status: | Completed |
| Livestock species: | Sheep |
| Relevant regions: | NSW, Western Australia, Victoria, Cold wet, South Australia, Dry, Queensland, Mediterranean, Tasmania, Temperate |
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Summary
The delivery mechanism for melatonin is an easily administered implant (Regulin) to the ewe at pregnancy scanning. The Regulin implant is currently commercially available for application to non-pregnant ewes 30-40 days prior to joining in order to reduce the seasonality of breeding. If successful, the commercial provider will apply for a label change to also register the implants for use during pregnancy.
Objectives
This project will validate research trial observations that demonstrate significant (14-15%) improvements in twin lambs survival, through maternal supplementation of melatonin, on 15 commercial properties.
Key findings
The project reported the following findings:
- Across 17 farms, a single melatonin (Regulin®) implant between day 70 and 100 gestation did not significantly increase twin lamb survival
- Across eight different mobs, lambs born to Regulin® treated ewes were 800 grams heavier at weaning compared with the control lambs.
Benefits to industry
This study was necessary to validate the positive impact of melatonin on twin lamb survival observed in a previous project by the research team.
MLA action
MLA developed fact sheets and case studies as key deliverables from the research project.
Future research
This work requires an additional two consecutive lambing seasons to confirm the effect of melatonin, which may provide a value proposition supporting the use of melatonin in the farming enterprise. The relationship between melatonin and weaning weight is also a future consideration, with closer examination of milk production.
More information
| Project manager: | Melanie Smith |
| Contact email: | reports@mla.com.au |
| Primary researcher: | University Of Adelaide |
