Abstract
The objective of this study was to examine the effect of compensatory growth nutritional regimen on mammary gland growth and lactation. One hundred twenty-two Sprague Dawley female rats (35 days of age) were randomly assigned to either a control or a stair-step compensatory nutrition (SSCN) feeding regimen or an alternating 2-2-3-3-week schedule beginning with 40% energy restriction for 2 weeks followed by re-alimentation (control diet) for 2 weeks. Pup weight gain and milk yield were improved 8% and 8 to 15%, respectively, by the SSCN regimen. The gene expression of β-casein was 2.3-fold greater in the SSCN group than in the control group during early lactation, but they were greater at all stages of the second lactation. The gene expression of insulin-like growth factor-1 was 40% lower in the SSCN group than in the control group during early lactation of the second lactation, but during late lactation it was 80% greater than in the control group. The concentration of serum corticosterone tended to be higher in the SSCN group during the late stage of the first lactation. These results suggest that the stair-step compensatory nutrition regimen improves lactation performance and persistency by modulation of cell differentiation and apoptotic cell death.
Highlights
The concentration of serum corticosterone tended to be higher in the SSCN group during the late stage of the first lactation. These results suggest that the stair-step compensatory nutrition regimen improves lactation performance and persistency by modulation of cell differentiation and apoptotic cell death
Rats reared on the SSCN regimen gained The daily weight gains did not differ between the two (p=0.0209) less (1.76 vs 2.10 g/day) and consumed less diet groups until mid-lactation
The SSCN regimen increased peak milk yield and improved lactation persistency after the peak of lactation. These results suggest that the SSCN regimen had a significant beneficial effect on lactation performance
Summary
There are many other ways to improve the milk production including the supplement of nutrients (El. Hag et al, 2002; Alshaikh et al, 2002), the genetic selection by breeding (Pongpiachan et al, 2000), and the improvement of the quality of feed (Chen et al, 2002). 2002; Alshaikh et al, 2002), the genetic selection by breeding (Pongpiachan et al, 2000), and the improvement of the quality of feed (Chen et al, 2002) Those methods and the compensatory nutrition regimen can be additive effects on the improvement of mammary growth and lactation potential of animals. The cellular mechanisms responsible for the effects of nutritionally induced compensatory growth on mammary gland development and subsequent lactation are not well defined, despite the potentially beneficial role of a controlled nutrition regimen in improving lactation. Restriction phase, whereas a compensatory growth phase immediately after energy restriction stimulates rapid and Animals and experimental design
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