Reproduction and Lactation Studies with Rats Fed Natural Rations

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Abstract
It has been shown that an all plant ration composed of 75.34% yellow corn, 17.50% soybean oil meal, 5.0% alfalfa meal and 2.16% minerals was inadequate for reproduction and lactation in the rat. More than 35% of the females fed the basal ration were completely sterile. Resorption and toxemia occurred frequently. Young that were born alive died within 1 or 2 days after parturition. These young attempted to nurse, but no milk could be found in their stomachs. This condition was considered to be due to lactation failure. Previous diets were found to have a pronounced influence upon reproduction and lactation performance. There appears to be a storage of dietary essentials needed for reproduction and lactation in the rat. The supplementation of additional alfalfa meal, 1:20 liver powder, a combination of casein (crude or acid-washed) plus choline, or fish meal improved reproduction and lactation. These data indicate that an active factor or factors are present in these supplements. Brewer's yeast, fish press water, soybean lecithin, among other materials, were variable in their supplemental effect upon reproduction and lactation.