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Effect of Prolactin Suppression on the Ovarian Activity in the Lactating Sow

Virkning av prolaktinsuppresjon på ovarialfunksjonen hos lakterende purker

Abstract

The effect of prolactin suppression during lactation was studied in 6 sows nursing 5–10 piglets. In order to inhibit prolactin secretion a dopamin agonist (bromocriptine, Parlodel® “Sandoz”) was given per os from about 4 weeks after parturition until weaning 9–17 days later. Plasma prolactin and plasma progesterone were determined by radioimmunoassays. In all animals plasma prolactin was suppressed during the bromocriptine treatment. Two sows resumed ovarian activity during treatment as indicated by elevated plasma progesterone, probably as a result of the low plasma prolactin levels. The results suggest that the elevated plasma prolactin levels during lactation is one of the factors responsible for lactational an oestrus in the sow.

Sammendrag

Virkningen av prolaktinsuppresjon under laktasjonen ble undersøkt hos 6 purker, som hadde 5–10 unger. For å hemme prolaktinsekresjonen ble purkene gilt en dopamin agonist (bromocriptin, Pariodel® „Sandoz“) per os fra ca. 4 uker etter grising til avvenning 9 til 17 dager senere. Plasma prolaktin og plasma progesteron ble bestemt ved hjelp av radioimmunoassays. Hos alle dyrene gikk plasma prolaktinverdiene ned under bromocriptin behandlingen. Progesteronprofilene indikerte at 2 purker ovulerte og dannet gule legemer under laktasjonen, sannsynligvis som et resultat av de lave prolaktinverdiene. Undersøkelsen viser at høyt plasma prolaktin trolig er en av årsakene til laktasjons anøstrus hos purke.

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Financial support was given by the Norwegian Agricultural Research Council.

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Benjaminsen, E. Effect of Prolactin Suppression on the Ovarian Activity in the Lactating Sow. Acta Vet Scand 22, 189–197 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1186/BF03547508

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