Abstract
Blood samples were collected from 8 lactating sows every 2 h for 24 h periods on the Days 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35 of lactation. Additional samples were drawn from four sows during morning spontaneous sucklings on the same days. Prolactin (PRL), oxytocin (OT), estradiol 17-beta (E2) and estrone (E1) were measured by RIA. Corticosteroids (CS) were determined by competitive protein binding assay (CPBA). In 4 of 8 sows, elevated concentrations of PRL were concomitant with greater concentrations of CS and slightly larger concentrations of OT. Mean concentrations of E1 were markedly greater than those of E2 in 6 of 8 sows. A response of PRL to nursing was observed in 90% of all suckling events studied. A CS increase was observed in 64% of suckling occurrences. During suckling OT surges appeared with peripheral concentrations greater on day 5 and 10 of lactation versus days 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
