Reproduction and Lactation Studies with Rats Fed Natural and Purified Rations

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Abstract
Standardization of the experimental animal was found to be essential for reproduction and lactation studies. Supplementing the basal “T” ration with 0.5% L(+)-lysine and 0.3% DL-methionine led to excellent reproduction and lactation in rats. The weight of the young weaned on this ration was less than that of young weaned on the casein-supplemented ration. Supplemental folic acid appeared to be essential for normal reproduction and lactation in our female rats fed the corn-soybean-5% alfalfa ration or a purified ration. The addition of 1% pancreatin or 5% corn steep liquor to the ration did not have any stimulative effect on reproduction or lactation, but 5% corn steep liquor did stimulate growth in the suckling young. From these studies it is evident that in addition to other factors demonstrated to be helpful in reproduction and lactation — i.e., choline, B6, inositol, and biotin — the amino acids L(+)-lysine and DL-methionine, and folic acid, are essential for good reproduction and lactation in female rats fed basal ration “T,” which is essentially a corn-soybean oil meal-5% alfalfa ration.