Changes in rat milk quantity and quality due to variations in litter size and high ambient temperature
Yagil, R.; Etzion, Z.; Berlyne, G.M.
Laboratory Animal Science 26(1): 33-37
1976
ISSN/ISBN: 0023-6764 PMID: 1263428 Document Number: 36
The effects of variations in suckling stimulus (changes in lifter size) and exposure to high ambient temperatures on the quality and quantity of rat's milk and mammary tissue structure were determined. By increasing the number of suckling pups per dam, if was found that the amount of milk produced by the animals was proportionally increased, as each pup was able to drink the same amount of milk per day. With more than 6 pups per lifter, the qualify of the milk was not significantly changed. Smaller litters led to changes in the amount of milk suckled per milking and fo considerable changes in the content of the milk. Exposure to high ambient temperatures, although for only 8 hr per day, drastically affected the amount of milk produced by the lactating rat as well as the quality of the milk produced. Microscopic examination of mammary tissue revealed changes in the alveolar area and height of the alveolar cells as the suckling stimulus varied. After heat exposure the gland changed to one of diminished synthesizing capability. If was concluded that 10-pup lifters are the optimal lifter size for research concerning rat milk, and that exposure to high ambient temperatures affects the milk yield by directly affecting the alveolae.
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