季节性繁殖是限制绵羊生产效率的重要因素。季节性繁殖分子机制的深入解析是提高绵羊休情季节发情配种率的前提。研究发现,长光照与短光照条件下绵羊季节性繁殖通路中出现一系列相关信号分子变化及细胞形态学改变。基于季节性繁殖分子机制,研究者已研发出若干休情季节诱导母羊发情配种的技术或方法。本文从季节性繁殖分子机制方面总结了上述光照信号分子及垂体和下丘脑组织中细胞形态学的变化特征,及休情季节诱导母羊发情配种技术的应用效果及其利弊,并提出解决问题的关键在于寻找能够提高休情季节配种率的绿色高效的新型技术。

Seasonal breeding is an important factor limiting sheep production efficiency. Detailed analysis on the molecular mechanisms of seasonal breeding is the premise for improving estrus and mating rate of sheep during anestrus. Recent research showed that under long-photoperiod and short-photoperiod conditions, a series of changes in signaling molecules and cell morphology could be observed in ovine seasonal reproduction pathway. Based on the molecular mechanisms of seasonal reproduction, several technologies or methods for inducing estrus and mating of ewes in anestrus have been developed. In this review, photoperiod-induced changes in signaling molecules and cell morphology in pituitary and hypothalamic tissue are first summarized in terms of the molecular mechanisms and characteristics of seasonal reproduction. The application effect, advantages and disadvantages for applying these technologies for inducing estrus and mating of ewes in anestrus are then discussed, thereby providing the critical insights in identifying a new technology, which is environmentally friendly and efficient, to improve breeding rate in anestrus.