Changes in the quantity and composition of mammary gland secretion in the dry period between lactations. II. The complete dry period

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Abstract
Summary: The changes in yield and composition of mammary gland secretion throughout the whole of the dry period have been investigated in 6 cows. The yields of lactose, potassium, fat and casein decreased to very low values for the greater part of the dry period but then increased slightly just before parturition. Similar trends were observed for sodium and chloride but they were much less marked. During the middle of the dry period the concentrations of sodium, potassium and chloride tended towards those of blood serum while the concentrations of fat and lactose decreased to < 1%.