Effects of starvation on the cardiovascular system, water balance and milk secretion in lactating goats

During starvation in the lactating goat, cardiac output, stroke volume, mammary blood flow, blood volume and the rate of milk secretion decreased markedly; total peripheral resistance and haematocrit increased while arterial blood pressure and plasma osmolality remained unchanged. Water consumption decreased markedly and the animals went into negative water balance even though water was available throughout.