Chemical Composition of Sheep Mammary Gland

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Abstract
The chemical composition of non-lactating mammary gland was studied in both young and mature sheep under differing ovarian hormonal conditions. Total mammary gland weight, water, fat, Na, Cl, K, DNA, RNA, histamine, and glycogen were determined in mammary gland tissue from estrous, luteal, and ovariectomized sheep. Endocrine status had little effect upon the concentration of these constituents, but significant differences in composition were found between young and mature mammary gland tissue. The mammary glands from older animals were about 50% larger than those of young sheep. Water content was about 4% higher and the amount of fat was considerably greater in the young animals, being 27% as compared to about 12% of total mammary gland weight.