Maternal Milk Production Research Articles

Maternal Milk Production Rate at 2 and 6 Weeks Postpartum

Maternal Milk Production Rate at 2 and 6 Weeks Postpartum

Pengaruh Teknik Marmet Terhadap Produksi ASI Pada Ibu Postpartum Di TPMB R Cibitung

Exclusive breastfeeding for infants 0-6 months in Bekasi Regency in 2021 was 72.59%. The results of preliminary studies based on the results of interviews, there has been no handling of increasing breast milk volume production with the marmet technique. The purpose of UNU's research is to determine the effect of marmet technique on breast milk production in postpartum mothers at TPMB R, Cibitung in 2023. Pre-experimental research method, one group pretest posttest. The population amounted to 30 postpartum mothers with a research sample of 30 respondents, with total sampling. Research instrument observation sheet of breast milk volume. Univariate analysis and bivariate analysis with Wilcoxon test. The results of the study found that postpartum maternal milk production before marmet technique intervention was given, milk production with less category as much as 73.3%, while after marmet technique intervention milk production with less category as much as 40%. Wilcoxon test results obtained p-values of 0.002 < α 0.05. The conclusion of this study is that there is an effect of giving marmet techniques on postpartum mother's milk production.

Developmental programming of production and reproduction in dairy cows: III. Association of level of maternal milk production with offspring's birth weight, survival, productive and reproductive performance and AMH concentration from birth to the first lactation period

Although some studies investigated the relationship of dam milk production (DMP) with offspring birth weight and productive performance, limited information is available on the association of level of DMP with reproductive performance in dairy cows. Therefore, the present study was conducted to understand whether dams with various levels of milk production produce offspring with different fertility. In study I, offspring were classified based on the level of DMP into five categories, including DMP1 (dams with <10.00 × 103 kg of 305-day milk production), DMP2 (dams with ≥10.00 × 103 kg and <12.00 × 103 kg of 305-day milk production), DMP3 (dams with ≥12.00 × 103 kg and <14.00 × 103 kg of 305-day milk production), DMP4 (dams with ≥14.00 × 103 kg and <16.00 × 103 kg of 305-day milk production) and DMP5 (dams with ≥16.00 × 103 kg of 305-day milk production). In study I, data of birth weight, milk yield and reproductive variables of 14,536 offspring born to lactating dams and corresponding data of DMP were retrieved. In study II, blood samples (n = 339) were collected from offspring in various categories of DMP for measurement of serum AMH. Offspring were heavier at birth in DMP4 and DMP5 categories than DMP1 and DMP2 categories (P < 0.05). Milk yield of offspring increased as DMP elevated (P < 0.05); however, offspring in DMP1 and DMP2 categories produced higher milk as compared with their dams during primiparity (P < 0.05) whereas offspring in DMP3, DMP4 and DMP5 categories produced less milk as compared with their dams during primiparity (P < 0.05). Milk fat to protein ratio during the first month of lactation was greater in DMP4 and DMP5 categories than DMP1 category (P < 0.05). Offspring of DMP4 and DMP5 categories were inseminated and conceived at younger ages than offspring of DMP1 category during nulliparity (P < 0.05). Calving to conception interval was longer in DMP5 than DMP1 category in primiparous offspring (P < 0.05), but concentration of AMH did not differ among various categories of DMP (P > 0.05). In conclusion, dams with greater level of milk production produced heavier offspring with higher milk yield but worse transgenerational improvement in milk production and diminished reproductive performance, which were seemingly under higher pressure of negative energy balance during the first month of lactation.

The Influence of Baby Massage on The Frequency and Duration of Breastfeeding in Infants Aged 0-6 Months

ABSTRACT The duration and frequency of breastfeeding in infants not only affects the infants but also their mothers, as the frequency of infant suckling influences maternal breast milk production. Data obtained from Suoh Village, the working area of the Bandar Negeri Suoh Health Center, revealed that 40% of infants were breastfeeding only 6-7 times a day, and 20% of infants were breastfeeding for just 5 minutes. One effort that can be made to increase the duration and frequency of breastfeeding is by providing infant massage therapy. The objective of this research is to determine the effect of infant massage on the frequency and duration of breastfeeding in infants aged 0-6 months in Suoh Village, the working area of Bandar Negeri Suoh Public Health Center, in the year 2023. This research employed a quantitative approach with a pre-experimental design and a one-group pretest and posttest design. The population in this study consisted of all infants aged 0-6 months in the working area of Bandar Negeri Suoh Public Health Center, with a sample size of 30 individuals. The sampling technique used was purposive sampling. The study was conducted in July 2023. The data analysis in this study employed the Wilcoxon test. The results of this study indicated that the average frequency of breastfeeding before infant massage therapy was 6.93 times, and after the therapy it increased to 10.37 times. The average duration of breastfeeding before infant massage therapy was 6.77 minutes, and after the therapy it was 10.27 minutes. The bivariate analysis results revealed that there was a significant effect of infant massage therapy on the frequency of breastfeeding with a p-value of 0.000. There was also a significant effect of infant massage therapy on the duration of breastfeeding with a p-value of 0.000. Anthe effect of infant massage on the frequency and duration of breastfeeding in infants aged 0-6 months in Suoh Village, the working area of Bandar Negeri Suoh Public Health Center, in the year 2023. Keywords: Breastfeeding Duration, Breastfeeding Frequency, Infant Massage

Transcriptome analysis of the Bactrian camel (Camelus bactrianus) reveals candidate genes affecting milk production traits

BackgroundMilk production traits are complex traits with vital economic importance in the camel industry. However, the genetic mechanisms regulating milk production traits in camels remain poorly understood. Therefore, we aimed to identify candidate genes and metabolic pathways that affect milk production traits in Bactrian camels.MethodsWe classified camels (fourth parity) as low- or high-yield, examined pregnant camels using B-mode ultrasonography, observed the microscopic changes in the mammary gland using hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, and used RNA sequencing to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and pathways.ResultsThe average standard milk yield over the 300 days during parity was recorded as 470.18 ± 9.75 and 978.34 ± 3.80 kg in low- and high-performance camels, respectively. Nine female Junggar Bactrian camels were subjected to transcriptome sequencing, and 609 and 393 DEGs were identified in the low-yield vs. high-yield (WDL vs. WGH) and pregnancy versus colostrum period (RSQ vs. CRQ) comparison groups, respectively. The DEGs were compared with genes associated with milk production traits in the Animal Quantitative Trait Loci database and in Alashan Bactrian camels, and 65 and 46 overlapping candidate genes were obtained, respectively. Functional enrichment and protein–protein interaction network analyses of the DEGs and candidate genes were conducted. After comparing our results with those of other livestock studies, we identified 16 signaling pathways and 27 core candidate genes associated with maternal parturition, estrogen regulation, initiation of lactation, and milk production traits. The pathways suggest that emerged milk production involves the regulation of multiple complex metabolic and cellular developmental processes in camels. Finally, the RNA sequencing results were validated using quantitative real-time PCR; the 15 selected genes exhibited consistent expression changes.ConclusionsThis study identified DEGs and metabolic pathways affecting maternal parturition and milk production traits. The results provides a theoretical foundation for further research on the molecular mechanism of genes related to milk production traits in camels. Furthermore, these findings will help improve breeding strategies to achieve the desired milk yield in camels.Graphical

The Effect of Moringa Leaf Decoction on Breast Milk Production and Hemoglobin Levels in Postpartum Mothers at Juliana Clinic Tanjung Morawa in 2023

Moringa leaves (Moringa oleifera) are functional plants with an abundance of nutrients both macronutrients and micronutrients. The need for nutrition in postpartum and lactating mothers is more than the nutritional needs of mothers during pregnancy, during the first 6 months the mother needs an additional energy of 500 calories / day which is useful for producing adequate milk production for the baby. The use of Moringa leaves has been widely used by the community as an alternative menu that is beneficial for mothers during pregnancy and breastfeeding mothers. For postpartum and lactating mothers, Moringa leaves are very useful and contain phytosterol compounds that are lactagogum effects that can increase and launch milk production so that they can improve the baby's health status by increasing the baby's weight and can also prevent stunting in infants. This research is a Quasy Experiment research with One Group Pretest and Postest Design approach. The sample in this study was determined by Purposive Sampling technique, which is a sample with a total of 19 postpartum mothers at the Juliana Tanjung Morawa midwife clinic. The results of the study found a difference between before and after being given Moringa leaf boiled water on maternal breast milk production, this can be seen from the sig value of 0.000 and the difference between before and after being given Moringa leaf cooking water on maternal HB levels, this can be seen from the GIS value of 0.000, it was concluded that there was an effect of Moringa leaf cooking water on breast milk production and Hb levels of postpartum mothers at the Juliana Tanjung Morawa clinic.

The Effect of the Combination of Marmet-Oketani Massage Technique and Soybean Consumption (Glycin max) on Breast Milk (ASI) in Post Partum Mothers at the Siswani Lubuk Pakam Maternity Clinic

Breast milk (ASI) is a healthy and perfect foods for babies, containing all the nutrients needed for optimal growth and development by babies. Insufficient breast milk is a threat to children's growth and development, which will ultimately affect their health. The Marmet-Oketani massage technique will synergistically increase the flexibility of the breasts and nipples to become softer. The combination with soybeans will stimulate the production of breast milk itself so that the baby's needs for nutrients are fulfilled. Goal of the research is to effect the combination of Marmet-Oketani massage technique as well as soybean consumption (Glycin max) on breast milk (ASI) in Post Partum Mothers at the Siswani Lubuk Pakam Maternity Clinic. The study was conducted on 54 postpartum mothers with purposive sampling techniques with pre-experimental method methods with the design of The One Group Pretest Posttest Design. Breast milk production in the treatment group (given marmet-oketani technique) with many categories amounted to 89.47% (17 respondents), smooth milk production in the control group (given marmet-oketani technique) and soybean consumption with many categories of 18 (94.73%). Based on the results of Chi-Square statistical test analysis, a p-value of 0.025 &lt; ? 0.05 was obtained, this shows that there is an influence of the provision of marmet-oketani techniques and soybean consumption with postpartum maternal milk production at the Siswanti Lubuk Pakam Midwife Clinic. It is recommended that future researchers conduct research on other massage techniques to obtain quality breast milk

Efektivitas Pijat Oksitosin terhadap Pengeluaran ASI pada Ibu Post Partum

Oxcytocin massage were solutions to help maximize the proplactin and oxytocin receptors so as to facilitate the process of maternal milk production.. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of the Oxcytocin massage in post partum mothers. Method: Pre- experimental research with one group pretest and posttest design approach. The population was all normal post partum mothers with the first child at Aura Syifa Kediri Hospital. A sample of 8 respondents with accidental sampling technique. Data collection used observation. Results: The results of data analysis used Wilcoxon test revealed that there was no effect of Oxcytocin massage. While the implementation of acupressure was known that there was an effect of acupressure therapy on milk production on. The results of data analysis used the mann whitney test was known that the value of Sig. 2- tailed (p value): 0.040 and alpha value (a): 0.05 so that the p value &lt;a means that H0 was rejected and H1 was accepted. Conclusion: there are differences in the effectiveness of the Oxcytocin massage methods in increased milk production in Post Partum Mothers. Suggestion: The results of this study can be used as an alternative intervention in treating the physical and psychological needs of Postpartum Mothers. Nurses need to teach this technique to Postpartum Mothers to be more independent in dealing with milk production problems. &#x0D;

The impact of swaddling upon breastfeeding: A critical review.

Many parents swaddle their infants to promote sleep and reduce night-waking, however lack of definitive evidence about the pros and cons of swaddling when breastfeeding hinders postnatal recommendations regarding this infant care practice. This review critically examines research conducted on the impact of swaddling upon breastfeeding. Only two recent studies on swaddling outcomes have reported infant feed-type, therefore the purpose of this paper is to consider the known effects of swaddling on breastfeeding babies and their mothers. We interpret the existing literature on swaddling in terms of impact on breastfeeding physiology and behaviour during the immediate post-natal period, and as infancy progresses. Infants swaddled immediately after birth show a delay in initial breastfeeding, less successful suckling at the breast, reduced intake of breastmilk and greater weight loss compared to un-swaddled babies. Swaddling visually obscures feeding cues and reduces crying, thereby eliminating two key feeding prompts typically used by parents/carers. As swaddled babies cry less, and are fed less frequently than un-swaddled babies some clinical trials position swaddling as a 'novel weight regulation tool' to combat obesity. However, in the case of breastfed babies, by reducing feed frequency swaddling may impede maternal milk production and thereby infant growth.

Risperidone as a galactogogue of choice in peripartum: A concise review

Human lactation is a dynamic physiological process that produces a complex biological fluid that provides nutritive and nonnutritive factors for an optimal child growth and well-being. Several factors play a formidable role in maternal breast milk production with respect to quality, and quantity, which will adequately sustain the child for at least the first 6 months after delivery. Evidence has shown majority of new mothers who wished to immediately commence exclusive breastfeeding after birth as recommended by the WHO, are unable to initiate lactation immediately. In view of this lactation insufficiency, health-care personnel have not only been campaigning on appropriate breastfeeding education but also offer early lactation support such as encouraging liberal fluid intake, dietary modifications, and in a worst-case scenario, administering agents/drugs such as galactogogue. Orthodox galactogogues in current use are either hormonal or antipsychotics; most of them have relative efficacy and safety limitations. Risperidone is an atypical antipsychotic which has been used for decades with established safety in lactating mothers and the highest propensity to induce galactorrhea as a secondary effect when compared to other antipsychotics that are currently being used as galactogogues. We call the attention of the medical community in conducting further researches on its possible adoption as a galactogogue, using this review as an insight.

Midwifery Complementary Treatment with The Application of Oxytocin Massage Using Lavender Aromatherapy Oil on Breast Milk Production in Postpartum Mothers

Introduction: One of the non-pharmacological methods used to increase breast milk production is known as complementary care, one of which is by giving oxytocin massage using lavender aromatherapy oil. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of oxytocin massage using lavender aromatherapy oil on postpartum mother's milk production.&#x0D; Methods: This study used a quasi-experimental with pre-test and post-test with a control group. The sample in this study were postpartum mothers with a sample size of 15 respondents in the treatment group and 15 respondents in the control group who met the criteria. The intervention group received oxytocin massage services with lavender aromatherapy oil starting on the 2nd day postpartum, while the control group received breastfeeding assistance, then on the 6th day both groups measured milk production using a Brust Pump. The instrument used is the observation sheet. Hypothesis testing was carried out using the Mann-Whitney test.&#x0D; Results: Based on the calculation of the Mann-Whitney test, the sig value (p value) is 0.000, where p value &lt;0.05, which means that oxytocin massage using lavender aromatherapy oil has a significant effect on maternal milk production in normal postpartum.&#x0D; Conclusion: Combination complementary therapy between oxytocin massage and lavender aromatherapy can increase breast milk production in postpartum mothers in Denpasar City.

The Effectiveness of Oxytocin Massage with Breast Care Against Breast Milk Production in Post Sc Mothers

Background: Conditions that affect milk production include the use of medications such as ideas that are used during surgery. Postoperative pain affects the mother to delay breastfeeding and interferes with the lactation reflex, so the mother needs time to recover. Breast milk production affecting by two hormones: the hormone prolactin and the hormone oxytocin. A message from the mother's spine can stimulate the hormone oxytocin. This study aims to clarify the effectiveness of oxytocin and breast care massage on maternal milk production after SC.&#x0D; Methods This type of quasi-experimental study is only a post-experimental design with a control design. The population of this study were mothers who had SC during March and May 2021. 44 respondents were selected based on random sampling. This study was divided into two groups. Intervention group: mothers after SC received oxytocin massage while control.&#x0D; Results: The results showed that the average weight gain of babies on day 3 of the oxytocin massage group was 85 grams and 256 grams on day 7 of the massage. While the mean weight gain of children on day 3 in the Maternal Care group was 52 grams, and on day 7, the mean weight gain of children was 155 grams. Based on bivariate test results shows that oxytocin massage has more effect significantly in breast milk production of post-SC mothers (p-value: 0.000).&#x0D; Conclusion Therefore, in the case of mothers after SC Willing to receive oxytocin massage treatment to promote milk production.

Retained energy in lactating beef cows; effects on maintenance energy requirement and voluntary feed intake.

The objectives of these experiments were to determine the relationship between maintenance requirements and energy partitioned to maternal tissue or milk production in limit-fed Angus cows and to determine the relationship between retained energy during the lactation period to dry-period voluntary forage intake (VDMI). Twenty-four mature fall-calving Angus cows were used in a 79-d study during late lactation to establish daily metabolizable energy required for maintenance (MEm). Cows were individually fed daily a mixed diet (2.62 Mcal MEl/kg, 18.2% crude protein) to meet energy and protein requirements of 505 kg beef cows producing 8.2 kg milk daily. If cow BW changed by ±9 kg from initial BW, daily feed intake was adjusted to slow BW loss or reduce BW gain. Milk yield and composition were determined on 3 occasions throughout the study. Maintenance was computed as metabolizable energy intake minus retained energy assigned to average daily maternal tissue energy change, average daily milk energy yield, and average daily energy required for pregnancy. After calves were weaned, cows were fed a low-quality grass hay diet (8.2% crude protein, 65% NDF) and VDMI was measured for 21 days. Lactation maintenance energy was 83% the default value recommended by NASEM (2016. Nutrient Requirements of Beef Cattle: Eighth Revised Edition.) for lactating Angus cows. Increasing lactation-period retained energy (decreasing BW loss and increasing milk energy yield) was associated with lower maintenance energy requirements (P < 0.01; R2 = 0.92). Increased residual daily gain during lactation was associated with lower lactation maintenance energy requirements (P = 0.05; R2 = 0.17). Post-weaning VDMI was not related to late-lactation milk energy production, although sensitive to lactation period BCS and BW loss. These results contradict previous reports, suggesting that maintenance requirements increase with increasing milk yield.

Universal hepatitis B vaccination in adults aged 19–59 years: Updated recommendations of the advisory committee on immunization practices—United States, 2022

Universal hepatitis B vaccination in adults aged 19–59 years: Updated recommendations of the advisory committee on immunization practices—United States, 2022

Stimulation of Lactation Using Acupuncture: A Case Study.

Introduction:Breastfeeding is a recognized preferred method of infant feeding; however, for many women, difficulties in breastfeeding result in termination before the recommended period of time. Acupuncture is suggested to be a promising option to treat lactation insufficiency and enhance the production of maternal milk.Main Issue:We have reported the case of a woman with lactation insufficiency due to Caesarean section and congenital unilateral invaginated nipple. Milk production started on the 3rd day following delivery. The newborn was not provided with any food or fluids other than mother’s milk. At 5 days of life, the newborn required long feeding periods and lost 4% of his birth weight, with the participant reporting lactation insufficiency described by the perception of inadequate milk production.Management:Despite the implementation of conventional measures to improve lactation, the difficulties in breastfeeding persisted. Acupuncture was tried on Day 6 of life, and enhanced milk production was observed, which could be measured as the volume of residual milk extracted using the breast pump each time after the newborn achieved satiety. After acupuncture treatment there was an augmentation of maternal milk production from both breasts and successful lactation.Conclusion:This case study provides information that might be useful for prospective investigation of acupuncture’s efficacy in women with lactation insufficiency.

PSII-19 The Effects of Maternal Programming on Dairy Bull Calf Response to an Intravenous Glucose Tolerance Test

Abstract Calves are prone to health issues with high mortality observed during the first 3 weeks of life. We hypothesized that dam milk production levels and/or mastitis infection during gestation will lead to reduced insulin production and increased circulating glucose concentration in response to an Intravenous Glucose Tolerance Test (IVGTT) in young dairy bull calves. Calves (n = 45) were selected from dams classified has high producers (HI; Top 25% for herd M305; n = 7), high producers with high somatic cell count (SCC; HIMAST; SCC test during gestation over 200,000 cells/mL; n = 15), moderate producers (MOD; lower 60% for herd M305; n =17) or moderate producers with high SCC (MODMAST; n = 6). IVGTT were performed on the calves at 7 weeks of age. Blood samples were collected prior to (-30, -15 and 0 min) infusion of glucose. After glucose (0.15 grams /kg bw) administration, samples were collected at 2, 5, 10, 15, 30, 60, and 120-minutes post infusion. Serum insulin and glucose concentrations were determined at Cornell Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (Ithica, NY). Data were analysed in SAS using Proc Mixed. Insulin:glucose ratio was analysed using Proc Mixed with repeated measures for treatment x time. No effect of maternal milk production and/or mastitis infection during gestation was observed on calf baseline insulin, insulin AUC, baseline glucose or glucose AUC (P ≥ 0.12). Similarly, no difference in Insulin:Glucose ratio was observed in these calves (P = 0.66). In conclusion, high maternal milk production and/or mastitis infection may not have an effect on circulating insulin production in calves in response to an IVGTT. Correlation analyses will be performed on these data, as well as additional analyses, to determine if insulin sensitivity or response (ie: phase 1 response) was altered further.

PSV-10 The effects of maternal programming on postnatal growth and inflammation in neonatal dairy bull calves

Abstract Neonatal dairy calves are highly susceptible to respiratory and digestive diseases. A mechanism that could be predisposing calves to disease is maternal programming. We hypothesized that high milk production and/or mastitis infection during gestation will 1) affect postnatal growth and development 2) cause increased inflammation in neonatal dairy bull calves. Calves (n = 45) were selected from dams classified has high producers (HI; Top 25% for herd M305; n = 7), high producers with high SCC (HIMAST; SCC test during pregnancy over 200,000 cells/mL; n = 15), moderate producers (MOD; lower 60% for herd M305; n = 17) or moderate producers with high SCC (MODMAST; n = 6). Calves were transported to the University of Rhode Island at 24 hrs of age. Body weights and body measurements (crown rump length (CRL), skull length (SL), skull width (SW), Girth, Height) were collected at 24 hrs (Initial) and at weaning (8 weeks). C-reactive protein (Abclonal, Woburn, MA) and Malondialdehyde (Abcam, Cambridge, MA) analyses were performed on plasma samples collected 72 hrs post travel. Data were analyzed in SAS using repeated measures (BW and growth measurements) and proc mixed (inflammatory biomarkers). As expected, an effect of time was observed on calf BW, CRL, SL, SW, Girth and Height (P ≤ 0.01). However, no difference in calf BW, CRL, SL, SW, Girth and Height were observed between groups (P&amp;gt;0.05). No effect of dam milk production and/or SCC during gestation was observed on CRP or MDA concentrations at 72 hrs post travel (P ≥ 0.17). In conclusion, high maternal milk production and/or mastitis infection during gestation does not affect calf BW and body measurements when analyzed overtime. Correlation analyses will be performed to better understand the relationship between maternal programming and calf growth. Additional inflammatory biomarkers are also going to be evaluated.

Associations between minerals and metabolic indicators in maternal blood pre- and postpartum with ewe body condition, methane emissions, and lamb body weight development

In sheep production, economic efficiency strongly depends on the maternal health and feed efficiency status and on weaning performances of their offspring. Accordingly, an optimal level for the supply with macro- and microelements and the ewe energy status has impact on the fetal development during gestation and on maternal milk production during lactation. Furthermore, this study addressed intergenerational aspects, i.e., on associations between maternal energy metabolism profiles considering the macro- and microelement status, metabolic indicators (e.g. β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB)), body condition and methane (CH4) emissions with lamb BW (LBW) in two sheep breeds. Traits were recorded at the beginning of gestation (ewe traits), at lambing, three weeks postpartum, and at weaning (ewe and lamb traits). Trait recording included CH4 emissions (recorded via laser methane detector (LMD)), ewe BW (EBW), backfat thickness (BFT), and body condition score (BCS) from 46 ewes (24 Merinoland- (ML), 22 Rhönsheep (RH)), and LBW of their 87 (35 ML, 52 RH) purebred lambs. Serum levels of the following ewe blood parameters were determined: calcium (Ca), sodium (Na), potassium (K), phosphate (P), nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), BHB, glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH), selenium (Se), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), and magnesium (Mg). Mixed models were applied to infer associations between ewe blood parameters with EBW, BFT, BCS, and CH4 and with LBW recorded in offspring. At weaning, a maternal serum Mg level > 1.0 mmol/L was significantly associated with an increase of 13% in LBW in ML, compared to offspring from ML ewes with a serum Mg concentration within the lower reference range (0.8 mmol/L). Furthermore, higher Cu levels were favorably associated with ewe BCS and BFT at weaning in both breeds. In RH ewes, a Se level > 2.4 μmol/l was significantly associated with increased BCS. In the ML breed, high Zn levels during lactation were associated with reduced CH4 emissions. Ewe EBW was significantly larger for ML ewes representing low Ca levels. A low BHB level was associated with decreasing CH4 emissions in RH and ML. Serum levels for Na, K, P, GLDH, and Fe did not significantly affect the traits of interest. Trait associations from the present study indicate the importance of the mineral supply and metabolic status of the ewe with regard to body condition, CH4 emissions, and LBW development, but depending on the breed. Identified associations might contribute to energy efficiency in sheep production systems.

Developmental and reproductive physiology of small mammals at high altitude: challenges and evolutionary innovations.

High-altitude environments, characterized by low oxygen levels and low ambient temperatures, have been repeatedly colonized by small altricial mammals. These species inhabit mountainous regions year-round, enduring chronic cold and hypoxia. The adaptations that allow small mammals to thrive at altitude have been well studied in non-reproducing adults; however, our knowledge of adaptations specific to earlier life stages and reproductive females is extremely limited. In lowland natives, chronic hypoxia during gestation affects maternal physiology and placental function, ultimately limiting fetal growth. During post-natal development, hypoxia and cold further limit growth both directly by acting on neonatal physiology and indirectly via impacts on maternal milk production and care. Although lowland natives can survive brief sojourns to even extreme high altitude as adults, reproductive success in these environments is very low, and lowland young rarely survive to sexual maturity in chronic cold and hypoxia. Here, we review the limits to maternal and offspring physiology - both pre-natal and post-natal - that highland-adapted species have overcome, with a focus on recent studies on high-altitude populations of the North American deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus). We conclude that a combination of maternal and developmental adaptations were likely to have been critical steps in the evolutionary history of high-altitude native mammals.

Associations Between Single-Family Room Care and Breastfeeding Rates in Preterm Infants

BackgroundHospitalization in neonatal intensive care units with a single-family room design enables continuous maternal presence, but less is known regarding the association with milk production and breastfeeding.Research aimTo compare maternal milk production, breastfeeding self-efficacy, the extent to which infants received mother’s milk, and rate of direct breastfeeding in a single-family room to an open bay neonatal intensive care unit.MethodsA longitudinal, prospective observational study comparing 77 infants born at 28– 32° weeks gestational age and their 66 mothers (n = 35 infants of n = 30 mothers in single family room and n = 42 infants of n = 36 mothers in open bay). Comparisons were made on milk volume produced, the extent to which infants were fed mother’s milk, and rate of direct breastfeeding from birth to 4 months’ corrected infant age. Breastfeeding self-efficacy was compared across mothers who directly breastfed at discharge (n = 45).ResultsFirst expression (6 hr vs. 30 hr, p < .001) and first attempt at breastfeeding (48 hr vs. 109 hr, p < .001) occurred significantly earlier, infants were fed a greater amount of mother’s milk (p < .04), and significantly more infants having single-family room care were exclusively directly breastfed from discharge until 4 months’ corrected age; OR 6.8 (95% CI [2.4, 19.1]). Volumes of milk produced and breastfeeding self-efficacy did not differ significantly between participants in either units.ConclusionTo increase the extent to which infants are fed mother’s own milk and are exclusively directly breastfed, the design of neonatal intensive care units should facilitate continuous maternal presence and privacy for the mother–infant dyad.