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Hormonal induced lactation in transgenic goats
Animal Biotechnology
|July 8, 2000
Summary
Hormonally inducing lactation in goats, including males and transgenic animals, is a viable alternative to pregnancy. This method allows for early assessment of recombinant proteins without long-term negative impacts on reproductive capabilities.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Endocrinology
- Transgenic Animal Technology
- Lactation Physiology
Background:
- Initiating lactation typically requires pregnancy and parturition in female goats.
- Assessing recombinant protein production in transgenic animals often relies on natural lactation cycles.
- Alternative methods for inducing lactation could streamline research and production.
Purpose of the Study:
- To hormonally induce lactation in prepubertal, nulliparous, and male goats (transgenic and non-transgenic).
- To evaluate milk quality, recombinant protein expression, and reproductive capability post-induction.
- To assess the feasibility of hormonal induction as an alternative to natural lactation for transgenic programs.
Main Methods:
- Fifty-one goats (females and males, transgenic and non-transgenic) received estradiol and progesterone for 13 days, followed by prednisilone and daily mammary massage.
- Milk yield and composition (protein, fat, total solids, somatic cell count) were analyzed.
- Recombinant protein expression levels and reproductive performance (pregnancy rates, semen quality) were assessed.
Main Results:
- Forty of 51 animals successfully produced milk, with volumes ranging from 500 microliters to 6.8 liters over 30 days.
- Induced milk composition showed no significant differences compared to natural milk.
- Recombinant protein expression levels and total production were not significantly affected by induced lactation.
- Over 90% of females became pregnant; males achieved 100% pregnancy success in settling females.
- Semen quality in males showed temporary minor decreases in motility post-treatment, returning to normal within 4-5 weeks.
Conclusions:
- Hormonal induction of lactation in goats is a viable method for initiating milk production, serving as an alternative to pregnancy.
- This technique does not adversely affect long-term reproductive performance in either sex.
- Induced lactation facilitates early assessment of recombinant proteins in transgenic founder programs.