P.PSH.1287- Improving twin lamb survival through melatonin implants: commercial validation
The data demonstrated that across 17 farms, a single melatonin (Regulin®) implant between day 70 and 100 gestation did not significantly increase 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 |
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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
The objective of this study was to build on previous, positive results, and demonstrate whether implanting twin-bearing ewes with Regulin® would increase twin lamb survival under commercial conditions.
Key findings
The data demonstrated that across 17 farms, a single melatonin (Regulin®) implant between day 70 and 100 gestation did not significantly increase twin lamb survival.
Benefits to industry
Based on previous, positive research findings, this study was necessary to quantify the impact of melatonin on twin lamb survival within commercial systems, to justify the adoption of a simple strategy to improve twin lamb survival.
MLA action
No further action to date till findings from l.lsm,0015 are completed.
Future research
Based on the results from this project, it is recommended to repeat this work utilising the same producer sites for another two lambing seasons. This would allow for the effects of melatonin to be determined across consecutive seasons, strengthening the analysis and possible economic benefits of melatonin. In addition, a closer look at the relationship between melatonin and weaning weight should be considered in future work, which would likely involve determining the impacts on milk production.
More information
| Project manager: | Melanie Smith |
| Contact email: | reports@mla.com.au |
