Artificial Induction of Lactation in Ewes: The Relative Importance of Oxytocin and the Milking Stimulus

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Abstract
Eight ovariectomized and 4 intact ewes were given estrogen plus progesterone to develop the mammary glands. The intact ewes (group A) and 4 ovariectomized ewes (group B) then received 4 injections each day of 1 IU Syntocinon for 5 days whereas the other 4 ovariectomized ewes (group C) received placebo injections of 0.9% saline. Milking commenced the day after the last of these injections. Yields of mammary secretion on the 1st day of milking, representing secretion accumulated during the injection of syntocinon or saline, for ewes in groups A and B were significantly higher than yields from group C (control) ewes. After 12 days of milking, yields of secretion from group A ewes were significantly higher than yields from group B ewes which in turn were significantly higher than yields from ewes in group C.

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