Effect of feeding melatonin to red deer (Cervus elaphus) on the onset of the breeding season

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Abstract
Four non-lactating red deer hinds kept in natural light were each orally given 5 mg melatonin daily, in the afternoon, from June 1-Oct. 5. The time difference between melatonin administration and sunset was 5.5-6 h until the end of Aug., thereafter gradually decreasing to 3.5 h. Onset of estrous cyclicity occurred in late Aug. and early Sept., 2-8 wk in advance of control hinds. A stag, given 10 mg melatonin daily, shed the antler velvet on July 18, 4 wk earlier than untreated stags; it started rutting behavior in July-Aug., 2 mo. before the usual time.

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