CHANGES IN RAT MILK QUANTITY AND QUALITY DUE TO VARIATIONS IN LITTER SIZE AND HIGH AMBIENT-TEMPERATURE

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  • 1 January 1976
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 26  (1) , 33-37
Abstract
The effects of variations in suckling stimulus (changes in litter size) and exposure to high ambient temperatures on the quality and quantity of rat''s milk and mammary tissue structure were determined. Increasing the number of suckling pups per dam increased the amount of milk produced by the animals proportionally, as each pup could drink the same amount of milk per day. With more than 6 pups/litter, the quality of the milk was not significantly changed. Smaller litters changed the amount of milk suckled per milking and considerably changed the milk content. Exposure to high ambient temperatures, although for only 8 h/day, drastically affected the amount and quality of 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 a diminished synthesizing capability. Ten-litters are the optimal litter size for research concerning rat milk; exposure to high ambient temperatures affects the milk yield by directly affecting the alveolae.

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