How does the breeding cycle of seasonal breeders relate to daylight?

The breeding cycle of seasonal breeders, such as sheep, is indeed influenced by the amount of daylight, which plays a crucial role in their reproductive patterns. Seasonal breeders exhibit specific breeding seasons that align with changes in daylight length, typically responding to the increasing or decreasing daylight hours throughout the year. This phenomenon is largely regulated by the hormone melatonin, which is secreted in response to the length of the day. During longer daylight hours, for example, females may suppress their reproductive cycles, while shorter days can trigger estrous cycles and breeding behaviors.

Understanding how daylight influences the breeding cycle helps in managing breeding programs effectively, ensuring that mating occurs at the optimal time for lambing when environmental conditions are favorable for the newborns. This knowledge is key for sheep management as it helps optimize genetics, improve lamb survival rates, and enhance overall flock productivity.