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Studies on mild composition and lactogenic hormones in the mare
Journal of Reproduction and Fertility. Supplement
|October 1, 1975
Summary
Mares establish udder secretory capacity before foaling, with lactose and triglyceride levels increasing significantly in milk after birth. This indicates normal mammary function development prior to parturition.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Animal physiology
- Mammalian lactation
Background:
- Mammary gland development and function are crucial for offspring survival.
- Understanding the timing of secretory capacity establishment in mares is important for equine reproduction.
- Previous research has explored lactogenic hormones, but their role in mares remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the establishment of mammary secretory capacity in Thoroughbred mares.
- To quantify lactose and triglyceride concentrations in mammary secretions before and after parturition.
- To explore the presence of placental lactogen and lactogenic hormones in mare plasma.
Main Methods:
- Collection of mammary secretion samples from eight Thoroughbred mares.
- Sampling occurred during the late pregnancy, at foaling, and one week postpartum.
- Analysis of lactose and triglyceride concentrations using specific assays.
Main Results:
- Lactose and triglyceride were present in mammary secretions before birth.
- Concentrations of lactose and triglyceride progressively increased in colostrum and milk post-foaling.
- By 7-9 days postpartum, milk contained 6.0 g/100 ml lactose and 1.8 g/100 ml triglyceride.
- Attempts to detect placental lactogen and measure lactogenic hormones in plasma were unsuccessful.
Conclusions:
- Equine mammary secretory capacity is established well before parturition.
- Lactose and triglyceride are key components of mare milk, with increasing levels post-birth.
- The role of placental lactogen and circulating lactogenic hormones in mare lactation requires further investigation.