Milk yield and composition in the punare Thrichomys apereoides.
1. Per cent fat composition of the milk was unusually high, ranging from 30.2 +/- 0.8% on day 2, to 21.0 +/- 1.0% on day 21. 2. Per cent protein changed significantly over time, ranging from 11.9 +/- 0.6% to 17.4 +/- 0.9%. 3. Lactose content was low, and decreased significantly over time, from 4.62 +/- 0.1% to 2.65 +/- 0.1%. 4. Milk production peaked at day 14 and ceased by day 35. 5. The unusual milk composition of this tropical rodent, is one of several adaptations correlated with reproduction in a xeric environment.
Meyerson-McCormick
R
R
Department of Biology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg 24061.
Cranford
J A
JA
Akers
R M
RM
D000818:Animals; D005223:Fats / Q000032:analysis; D007774:Lactation / Q000378:metabolism*; D007785:Lactose / Q000032:analysis; D008892:Milk / Q000032:analysis*; D008894:Milk Proteins / Q000032:analysis; D012377:Rodentia / Q000378:metabolism*
D005223:Fats; D008894:Milk Proteins; D007785:Lactose