Ultrasound imaging has been used extensively to detect abnormalities of the non-lactating breast. In contrast, the use of ultrasound for the investigation of pathology of the lactating breast is limited. Recent studies have re-examined the anatomy of the lactating breast highlighting features unique to this phase of breast development. These features should be taken into consideration along wit...

A physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PB-PK) model was developed to describe trichloroethylene (TCE) kinetics in the lactating rat and nursing pup. The lactating dam was exposed to TCE either by inhalation or by ingestion in drinking water. The nursing pup's exposure to TCE was by ingestion of maternal milk containing TCE. The kinetics of trichloroacetic acid (TCA), a metabolite of TCE, were...

In several mammalian species, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) and behavioral responses to stressors are down-regulated in lactating females, possibly preventing stress-induced disruptions of maternal care. Experimental elevations of HPA axis hormones have been found to inhibit maternal behavior in lactating common marmoset monkeys (Callithrix jacchus), raising the question of whether lacta...

Three-hundred and thirty-five lactating dairy cows from two herds were used to compare the effects on reproductive performance of intramuscular injections of 100 micrograms gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), 250 micrograms GnRH or saline given on day 13, 14 or 15 postpartum. The incidence of ovarian cysts or uterine infections was not reduced after GnRH injection. Culling rate for infertili...

It is well established that breast milk provides the infant with optimal nutritional and developmental factors. Organisations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend breastfeeding (or the provision of mother’s own milk) for all infants, including high risk and premature infants. Indeed, many mothers, physicians and other health professionals recognise this, however, many women stil...

According to the heat dissipation limit theory, maximum metabolic turnover is limited by the capacity of the body to dissipate excess heat. Small mammals, including common voles (Microtus arvalis), face a heat dissipation limitation during lactation. Pup growth and milk production are reduced under higher ambient temperatures. Heat dissipation problems might in part be alleviated by modifying b...

Two hundred eighty-seven lactating Newsham sows and their litters were used to determine the effects of intensive indoor (n = 147) and intensive outdoor (n = 140) production systems on sow and litter productivity and behavior. All sows were of contemporary age and fed a completely balanced sorghum-based diet. Behavior data were collected by live observation on 40 sows and litters (20 indoor and...

The present work was aimed at evaluating the effects of maternal exposure to potassium cyanide (KCN) during lactation in goats. Twenty-seven lactating female goats were orally dosed with 0 (control), 1.0, 2.0, or 3.0 mg KCN/kg body weight/day from lactation days 0 to 90. After this period, all male kids and one mother from each group were killed for a pathological study. Cyanide treatment promo...