[The molecular mechanism of sheep seasonal breeding and artificial regulatory techniques for estrus and mating in anestrus].

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.