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Physiological responses to somatotropin in the ruminant
B H Breier1, P D Gluckman, S N McCutcheon
1Department of Paediatrics, University of Auckland, New Zealand.
Journal of Dairy Science
|January 1, 1991
Summary
Somatotropin supplementation in ruminants enhances milk production by redirecting nutrients. This involves reduced fat storage, increased fat breakdown, and sparing glucose and amino acids for milk synthesis.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Endocrinology
- Dairy Science
Background:
- Ruminant physiology and lactational performance are influenced by somatotropin.
- Understanding somatotropin's effects is crucial for the dairy industry.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the physiological responses to somatotropin supplementation in ruminants.
- To highlight the implications for dairy cows and milk production.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on somatotropin's physiological effects.
- Analysis of nutrient partitioning, metabolic changes, and cardiovascular responses.
Main Results:
- Somatotropin alters nutrient partitioning, reducing lipid accretion and increasing mobilization.
- It spares glucose and amino acids for milk component synthesis.
- Increased cardiac output and mammary blood flow facilitate nutrient delivery to the mammary gland.
Conclusions:
- Exogenous somatotropin enhances lactational performance in dairy cows.
- Endocrine mediators, potentially involving insulin-like growth factors, are implicated in somatotropin's effects on mammary metabolism.