Open AccessThe influence of the suction factor on prolactin secretion and ethological conditions of lambs during the rearing period with their mothers
Author(s) -
Edyta Molik,
Elżbieta Marciniak,
J Nowicki
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
roczniki naukowe polskiego towarzystwa zootechnicznego
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2719-3934
pISSN - 1733-7305
DOI - 10.5604/01.3001.0013.6562
Subject(s) - prolactin , lactation , endocrinology , medicine , hormone , secretion , domestic sheep reproduction , offspring , period (music) , maternal deprivation , stimulation , pregnancy , biology , zoology , physics , acoustics , genetics
hormonal changes. One of the main hormones responsible for lactation and determinants of the maternal instinct is prolactin. A study was carried out on 20 Polish Longwool ewes and their offspring. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of suckling on prolactin secretion and to analyse lamb behaviour during the first 14 days after lambing. On day 7 of the experiment, blood was taken for determination of the prolactin level. The study showed a significant effect of the suckling factor on prolactin secretion. Stimulation of the mammary gland by the suckling lamb stimulated prolactin secretion. The ethological observations indicated that the behaviour of lambs both during the day and at night depends on their age. Younger lambs spent more time with their mothers, while in the second week they were more active.