Effect of decreased feed intake on the response of milk secretion to frequent milking in goats.
During declining lactation in goats, dietary intake was decreased and the animals switched from positive to negative energy balance. Milk yield and empty udder volume decreased. Goats on the reduced diet were milked hourly with the aid of oxytocin for 8 h. No stimulatory effect of hourly milking was observed. The results are discussed in relation to the factors which limit the rate of milk secretion in the declining phase of lactation.
D000818:Animals; D004435:Eating; D004734:Energy Metabolism; D005260:Female; D006041:Goats / Q000502:physiology*; D007774:Lactation; D011247:Pregnancy; D013997:Time Factors