THE EFFECT OF PITUITARY GROWTH HORMONE AND ADRENOCORTICOTROPIC HORMONE ON ESTABLISHED LACTATION

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Abstract
In lactating cattle, certain changes in milk production and milk composition brought about by growth hormone (GH), ACTH and partial fasting were correlated with certain changes in blood constituents: Daily administration of GH effects an increase in milk production and slight increases in blood glucose levels. The fat content of the milk is not altered by this treatment. During partial fasting milk production and blood glucose concentration decline, but milk fat concentration increases. The effect of this fasting on milk production and blood glucose concentration is reversed by GH, but the milk fat concentration remains elevated. When ACTH is given to full fed cows, milk production declines, but milk fat and blood glucose concentrations increase. When ACTH and GH are given simultaneously there is an apparent neutraliza-tion of their opposite effects on milk production. Milk fat concentration remains elevated and their effects on blood glucose levels appear to be additive. No significant changes in the blood ketone levels were observed with any of the treatments.