Comparison of Glucose Biokinetics in Parturient Ewes and Ewes Induced to Lactate Artificially

Abstract

Glucose biokinetics of six normal pregnant/lactating ewes during the periparturient period were compared with those of five non-pregnant ewes induced to lactate artificially by treatment with oestrogen and progesterone, followed by a series of infusions of oxytocin. Normal ewes produced large amounts of milk (800-900 g/day) on day 1, and yields remained relatively constant until day 8 post partum.