Photoperiodic versus metabolic signals as determinants of seasonal anestrus in the mare

The objectives of this study were to compare the timing and mechanisms controlling the onset of anestrus in young and mature mares treated either continuously with melatonin and in those that remained untreated. Changes in body weight, subcutaneous body fat measured to provide an estimate of total body fat, and circulating concentrations of leptin were compared throughout the 1-yr experimental period. The results demonstrate that in young mares the timing of anestrus occurs significantly earlier in the year than in mature mares and that mature mares are more likely to exhibit continuous reproductive activity during the nonbreeding season. The propensity of mature mares to exhibit this phenomenon is not modified by continuous treatment with melatonin but is associated with higher mean circulating concentrations of leptin, body weight, and estimated percent of body fat. In both young and mature mares, body weight, percent of body fat, and circulating concentrations of leptin are higher during summer than winter months. We conclude that, in the mare, the reproductive response to a decrease in photoperiod or a presumptive inhibitory melatonin signal is modified by energy availability, which may be signaled to the hypothalamus-pituitary axis via a change in the circulating concentration of leptin. An additional observation confirmed that the prolactin axis is responsive to continuous treatment with melatonin but that a suppression of prolactin secretion is limited to the spring months.