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Relative importance of pre-partum and post-partum factors in the control of milk yield in the guinea-pig

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 June 2009

Stephen R. Davis ,
T. Ben Mepham  and
Kathryn J. Lock
Stephen R. Davis
Affiliation:
Department of Physiology and Environmental Studies, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, Loughborough, Leics, LE12 5RD
T. Ben Mepham
Affiliation:
Department of Physiology and Environmental Studies, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, Loughborough, Leics, LE12 5RD
Kathryn J. Lock
Affiliation:
Department of Physiology and Environmental Studies, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, Loughborough, Leics, LE12 5RD
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Summary

Examination of data pertaining to milk yield and litter growth rate of guinea-pigs at peak lactation showed that milk yield increased with increasing number of pups carried by the dam during pregnancy and also with increasing maternal weight. There was a significant linear correlation (P < 0.05) of mammary gland weight (expressed per unit of maternal body weight) with litter size. Increasing litter size, within 18 h of parturition, from 1 pup to 5 pups did not elicit a response in milk yield. Decreasing litter size from 5 pups to 1 pup reduced milk yield to the level expected of a monotocous dam. Data are presented showing the ability of the guinea-pig pup to survive from birth without access to milk and the inadequacy of milk supply to meet litter requirements when the litter size is more than 2 pups. The mechanisms controlling lactation in the guinea-pig are discussed in relation to data obtained in other species.

Type
Original Articles
Information
Journal of Dairy Research , Volume 46 , Issue 4 , November 1979 , pp. 613 - 621
Copyright
Copyright © Proprietors of Journal of Dairy Research 1979

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