The effect of exogenous melatonin during the non-reproductive season on the seminal plasma hormonal profile and the antioxidant defence system of Rasa Aragonesa rams

The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of melatonin implants, during the non-reproductive season, on the content of melatonin, testosterone and 17-β estradiol levels, and the antioxidant enzymes glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, superoxide dismutase and catalase of seminal plasma in Rasa Aragonesa rams. Five rams were implanted with melatonin, and four others were used as a control group. Seminal plasma was separated from ejaculates collected one week before melatonin treatment until 21 weeks after melatonin placement, and the hormonal levels and the antioxidant enzyme activity were determined. Exogenous melatonin treatment significantly (P < 0.05) increased the levels of endogenous melatonin in seminal plasma immediately, and this effect lasted for 14 weeks. Testosterone and 17-β estradiol levels significantly (P < 0.05) increased four and eight weeks after melatonin treatment, respectively. As regards the antioxidant enzymes, melatonin treatment significantly increased (P < 0.05) glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase activity only, and had no effect on superoxide dismutase and catalase. Therefore, melatonin treatment during the non-breeding season modifies the seminal plasma hormonal profile and some antioxidant enzyme activity in Rasa Aragonesa rams.