Dynamics of the Secretory Activity of the Female Moose Mammary Gland During the First Lactation at the Sumarokovskaya Moose Farm

Abstract

For the first time, comprehensive research have been conducted to study the morphology and function of the mammary gland of domesticated first-calf moose. The mammary gland is an organ of dense consistency, consisting of four grouped hills divided into left and right halves, in which, in turn, the anterior and posterior lobes are distinguished, consisting of glandular (62.8%) and connective tissues (37.2%). Data on the secretory function duration, which varies from 120 to 42 days, and the productive qualities of the mammary gland (175.7 and 20.3 liters, respectively) in female moose with different activities of coming to the farm for milking are presented and systematized. The clarified features of the activity of the secretory system of the mammary gland of the moose-heifer represent the “standard.” Thus, they are essential to analyze species characteristics, comparative morphology, and physiology of lactation as a standard criterion for improving animal productivity at the stage of domestication, as well as to organize measures for the prevention of breast diseases in moose. The object of the study is elk cows of the first lactation (n= 221 heads). Depending on the activity of moose coming to the farm during lactation, they were divided into four groups: 1st - with 100% activity, 2nd – 99-80%, 3rd - 79-50%, and 4th – with 49% activity or less. The scientific information presented in the paper was obtained using morphological, histological, zootechnical, and statistical methods. Morphometric analysis showed the ratio of parenchyma and stroma in the mammary gland in domesticated moose 1.7:1. The glandular apparatus of the udder in the studied female moose secreted significantly higher in animals of the first (duration of lactation 120 days, lactation milk yield – 175.7±3.36 l) and the second groups (109 days and milk yield 122.9 ± 2.31 l) compared to the animals of the third (96 days and a yield of 80.4 ± 3.77 l) and fourth (42 days and a yield of 20.3 ± 1.06 l) groups. The analysis of the secretory activity of the mammary gland in female moose with different activities of coming to milking during the first lactation showed that domestication is a complex and lengthy process. There is still a long and purposeful work to be done to improve the issues of morphology, physiology of the lactation process, and regulation of growth and development of the mammary gland. Moreover, it is essential to organize and improve measures for the raising of moose replacements to transfer them to a milking herd. This will not only domesticate the moose on the farm and strengthen their attachment to humans but also prepare the animals for the upcoming productive period.