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Control of gluconeogenesis in the lactating sheep
Australian Journal of Biological Sciences
|January 1, 1981
Summary
Food restriction in lactating ewes significantly impacts milk production and body weight. Key hormones regulating glucose metabolism shift, suggesting similar gluconeogenesis control in ruminants and non-ruminants.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Metabolic Endocrinology
- Ruminant Physiology
Background:
- Lactating ewes undergo significant metabolic demands.
- Understanding hormonal responses to nutritional stress is crucial for animal health and productivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the metabolic and hormonal effects of short-term food restriction in lactating ewes.
- To compare the hormonal control of gluconeogenesis in ruminants versus non-ruminants.
Main Methods:
- Lactating ewes were subjected to an 80% food restriction for 4 days.
- Blood samples were analyzed for glucose, amino acids, insulin, glucagon, thyroxine, and growth hormone levels.
- Body weight and milk yield were monitored throughout the study.
Main Results:
- Food restriction led to decreased milk yield and body weight.
- Plasma glucose, insulin, thyroxine, and the insulin:glucagon ratio decreased, while free fatty acids and growth hormone increased.
- Plasma glucagon levels remained relatively stable.
Conclusions:
- Short-term food restriction induces significant metabolic and hormonal changes in lactating ewes.
- The hormonal regulation of gluconeogenesis in ruminants appears comparable to that in non-ruminants.
- These adaptive changes are reversible upon refeeding.