Parturition is followed by lactation in mammals

Metabolic load

Sudden metabolic load placed on mother as compared to providing nutrients to fetuses Tend to focus on the mammary gland Lactation requires the integrated and orchestrated activities of most of the organs and tissues in the body. Recall that the mammary gland evolved after all the endocrine organs had developed.

Metabolic adaptations associated with onset of lactation

Milk synthesis -increased used of nutrients mammary gland - energy budget 2-3X in some species, larger than any other time in life cycle.

Metabolic adaptations associated with onset of lactation (cont.)

Intake and digestion -increased food and water consumption -hypertrophy of digestive tract -increased capacity for nutrient absorption central nervous system most important, but other factors will be listed -all segments of digestive tract

Metabolic adaptations associated with onset of lactation (cont.)

Lipid metabolism -Increased lipolysis -decreased lipogenesis adipose tissue - major difference among species - seals stay on land, eat nothing - body fat stores massively mobilized - litter bearers rats, mice - food intake about 300% - woman + 25% max.

Metabolic adaptations associated with onset of lactation (cont.)

Glucose metabolism -increased gluconeogenesis, increased glycogenolysis

liver enlarges in some species and health of this organ is vital to whole animal heath status.

Metabolic adaptations associated with onset of lactation (cont.)

Protein metabolism -mobilization of protein reserves
muscle and other body tissues

Metabolic adaptations associated with onset of lactation (cont.)

Mineral metabolism -increased absorption and mobilization of reserves- Ca, P, Mg gut, bone, kidney, liver - downer cow syndrome, milk fever, muscle weakness - hormonal control- PTH, CT, E2

Metabolic adaptations associated with onset of lactation (cont.)

Water metabolism -increased absorption and expansion of plasma volume gut, kidney, central nervous system

Metabolic adaptations associated with onset of lactation (cont.)

Galactopoietic hormones drive system strong stimulus -oxytocin -prolactin -STH nutrient partitioning -thyroid hormone -cortisol

Appetite Regulation
1. Palatability important primary constraint distension of rumen or stomach

2.

Physical capacity

3. Chemical signals - blood glucose levels - fatty acids (NEFA in bloodstream) - rumen function intake during mobilization obesity - NEFA

Appetite Regulation (cont.)

4. Hormonal Signals
- insulin - cholecystokinin - gastrin

satiety signals

- opiates -- stimulate feeding endorphins

A previous world record cow >19 gal/day

Important factors on milk yield

1. Genetics- species and breed differences. 2. Nutrition- nutrient availability.

Diet formulation- milk composition

3. Age- growth requirements limit nutrients for milk production in 1st or 2nd parity vs. older mature animal.

Important factors on milk yield-2

4. Pregnancy- nutrition of fetus in late pregnancy milk yield due to energy demand. Also pregnancy hormones have an effect on appetite. 5. Environment- cold & heat stress- water metabolism, maintenance requirements (fig.) 6. Disease- ketosis- incomplete oxidation of fatty acids when glucose is lacking. --mastitis- inflammation reduces mammary secretion.

Lactation delays reproduction

Effects of negative energy balance during high milk yield- inhibits reproduction- expect poorest reproduction in highest producing females. TABLE NEB (undernutrition in early lactation) suppresses LH pulse generator resulting in delay of ovarian cycles. FIGURE Mobilization of body reserves is related to delayed ovarian activity. How does LH neuroendocrine system monitor body composition? LEPTIN??

Milk Yield Kg
<5900

Conception Rate %
48.5

5900-6800
6800-7730

45.1
41.0

7730-8640
>8640 Spring and Fall Summer Winter

38.6
38.5 39.0 55.0 17.0

Lactation and reproduction

High milk production

Negative energy balanceMobilization of body reserves LH pulses

Delay of ovarian cycles

Lower fertility due to fewer cycles

Lactation delays reproduction

Effects of negative energy balance during high milk yield- inhibits reproduction- expect poorest reproduction in highest producing females.TABLE NEB (undernutrition in early lactation) suppresses LH pulse generator resulting in delay of ovarian cycles. FIGURE Mobilization of body reserves is related to delayed ovarian activity. How does LH neuroendocrine system monitor body composition? LEPTIN??

Lactation delays reproduction-2

Energy costs of lactation-- low glucose and insulin? Effects of suckling stimulus- overlapping effects on the ovarian control system- LH secretion is depressed. Most important mechanism may be opiate inhibition of LH.

Lactation delays reproduction-3

Suckling PRL via opiate pathway (endorphins)

LH prolonged interval to ovulation Lactational anovulation leads into seasonal anestrous in some species.

Overall combination of energy and metabolic demands coupled with suckling results in reduced reproductive capability.

Darwin, 1859 and 1868

hard living retards the period at which animals conceive amount of food affects the fertility it is difficult to fatten a cow that is lactating