Parturition and Lactogenesis in Rabbits with High Spinal Cord Transection

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Abstract
The effect of high spinal cord transection (T2–T3) performed on days 25–27 of pregnancy on subsequent parturition and lactation was studied in New Zealand white rabbits. Parturition was initiated in all spinal rabbits within the normal time (30–32 days), but severe dystocias were found in nearly all cases. Thus, only 10 of 66 fetuses were born alive and 9 of 13 rabbits delivered exclusively dead fetuses. Retention of dead fetuses or placentae in the uteri and parturition with long intervals between individual deliveries were commonly observed. Milk secretion was noted in all spinal rabbits post partum. In 5 rabbits in which daily milk yields were determined, milk secretion was initiated and maintained during the first week of lactation. Yet the milk yields were significantly smaller than those obtained in 3 intact control rabbits.

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