Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 8th March 2017
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Study reveals how animals measure time to reproduce
The team believe their discovery could help to control when sheep start lambing.
Findings have implications for the farming industry

New research has revealed how animals measure annual time to control seasonal fertility.

Writing in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, scientists reveal the link between breeding season and the hormone melatonin.

“Changes during the year in sex hormones made in the pituitary gland control when mammals start reproducing, and other changes like growing new coats or developing antlers,” said joint senior author David Bates from the University of Nottingham.

“The length of the day is recognised in most vertebrate animals by the pineal gland in the brain, which produces melatonin. However, until now, it has not been known how melatonin, which is produced at night, signals to the area of the pituitary gland that controls sex hormones.”

Through a study of sheep, the researchers found melatonin controls production of two different types of a protein called vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). This occurs within a specific area of the pituitary gland, away from the area where sex hormones are made.

They discovered that sheep make forms of VEGF that stop blood vessels growing in winter. In summer, they make a different VEGF that makes vessels grow between the two areas of the pituitary.

“We found that this melatonin-dependent production of different forms of VEGF has two complementary effects," said Dr Domingo Tortonese, joint senior author from the University of Bristol.

“Firstly, it causes remodelling of the blood vessels that connect the brain with the pituitary gland, and secondly, it is used as a messenger signal to act on the cells of the pituitary that produce hormones that control seasonal fertility, which are located in a different part of the gland.”

The team believe their discovery could help to control when sheep start lambing, enabling farmers to respond to farmer change. They also anticipate that the findings will have an impact on human medicine. 

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.