Effect of changes in litter size at mid-lactation on lactation in rats

The effect of altering the number of pups per litter from ten to two or two to ten at day 14 of lactation in rats was investigated. Reducing litter size had no effect on the daily live weight gain whereas increasing the litter size resulted in an initial weight loss followed by an impaired weight gain. Maternal food consumption decreased to values appropriate for rats feeding two pups within 2 days after litter reduction, but required at least 5 days after the increase in litter size to increase to values appropriate for rats feeding large litters from parturition. Altering the litter size resulted in maternal serum insulin concentrations that were intermediate between those expected for rats feeding two or ten pups from parturition. Maternal serum prolactin concentrations increased after litter sizes were increased and decreased initially after litter reduction before being restored to normal levels. The activities of the lipogenic enzymes, fatty acid synthase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and 'malic' enzyme in the mammary gland all decreased within 72 h of litter reduction to levels appropriate for rats feeding two pups. Although all three enzymes increased in activity after litter size increase, only fatty acid synthase had reached values appropriate for rats feeding ten pups by 72 h.