Comparative Effects of Melatonin and Ginseng on Ovarian Activity, Hormonal Levels, and Reproductive Performance Local Iraqi Ewes

The study was designed to inspect the impact of Melatonin and Ginseng as dietary supplements on the hormonal Profiles and estrus performance in local Iraqi ewes. A total of fifteen multiparous ewes with two rams were used. The animals were randomly divided into three groups, (G1 n=5) as the control group, and (G2 n=5) were treated by Melatonin single dose/day (20 mg/kg/day) orally for a period of 30 days, and (G3 n=5) were administrated of pure ginsengs a single dose/day (5 mg/kg/day) orally for 30 days. Estrus Synchronization was performed. After that, the rams were introduced for estrus detection, mating, and evaluation of estrus performance. Ewes were examined by ultrasound at days (35,45 and 60) after mating. Blood Samples were collected from all groups at day (0) and after treatment (15, 30, and 45 days) to evaluate Follicle-Stimulating Hormone, Luteinizing Hormone, and Estrogen. The results illustrated a non-significant difference in hormonal levels in all Groups at (0) day. While it increased significantly at (15,30 and 45) days in G2 and G3 compared with G1. On the other hand, the results of estrus rate were equal in G2 and G3 groups (100%) compared with G1 (80%). Also, the results showed significantly different values (P<0.05) at different times of mating in G2 compared with G3 and G1. Furthermore, the G3 showed significantly values compared with the G1. More over the result showed increase significant difference in the prolificacy of the G2 in the number of kids compared with G1 and G3.