Effect of lunar cycle on estrous cycle and fertility of ruminants: a review based on verifiable evidence
Scientia Review
Volume 2, 2026 – Issue 11
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1 Dept. of Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Tamil Nadu, India
2 Veterinary Clinical Complex, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Tamil Nadu, India
3 Veterinary College and Research institute, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Tamil Nadu, India
Scientia Review
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2(11), 2026
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Article ID: SR01183
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ISSN: 3107-7919
Received: 23 October 2026
Revised: 26 October 2026
Accepted: 29 October 2026
Published online: 2 November 2026
Cite this article
Thangamani, A., Vigneshwaran, B., Sabarinathan, A., Prabaharan, V., & Elango, A. (2026). Effect of lunar cycle on estrous cycle and fertility of ruminants: a review based on verifiable evidence. Scientia Review, 2(11).
The lunar cycle of 29.5 days with eight phases from new moon to full moon causes periodic changes in moonlight intensity and earth magnetic field influencing melatonin secretion from pineal gland. Melatonin found in granulosa cells, ovaries and placenta acts as transducer linking lunar rhythm to reproduction in cattle, sheep and goat. Real evidence shows bimodal clustering of calvings, estrus and AI around new and full moon in cattle with higher conception during waning and third quarter, higher fertility around new moon in sheep and early puberty in goats born on full moon. In Indian crossbreds, lunar days cause false estrus with smaller follicles, hence Veterinarian confirmation before AI is essential.
Keywords: Lunar cycle, Estrous cycle, Ruminants, Melatonin, False estrus