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Short communication: Timing of first milking affects serotonin (5-Ht) concentrations.
- Source :
-
Journal of Dairy Science . May2014, Vol. 97 Issue 5, p2944-2948. 5p. - Publication Year :
- 2014
-
Abstract
- Hormonal signals differentially regulate the timing of parturition, as well lactogenesis and, potentially, colostrum formation in the mammary gland. Non-neuronal serotonin (5-HT) is a homeostatic regulator of the mammary gland. In the current study, we manipulated the timing of first milking to investigate its effects on serum 5-HT and calcium concentrations in the maternal and calf circulation, as well as in colostrum. Twenty-three cows were randomly assigned to a control (CON; n = 10) group, milked for the first time at 4 h postcalving, or a treatment (TRT; n = 13) group, milked for the first time approximately 1 d before calving in addition to 4 h postcalving. Maternal blood samples were collected for 4 d precalving, 3 times daily, and 1 blood sample was taken 4 h postcalving. Calf blood samples were collected 4 (before first colostrum feeding) and 12 h after birth, and at 3 wk of age. Calves from both treatments were fed colostrum from their respective mothers. Serum 5-HT concentrations were greater in CON cows and decreased significantly in TRT cows after milking was initiated precalving (951 vs. 524 ± 111 ng/mL, respectively). Cow serum calcium concentrations were affected by time, beginning to decrease 1 d precalving until 4 h postcalving, but this drop in serum calcium was more pronounced in TRT cows. Serum 5-HT and calcium concentrations were negatively correlated (r = -0.57) for the CON cows and positively correlated (r = 0.6) for the TRT cows. Maternal calcium and 5-HT decreased similarly due to precalving milking. Calcium and 5-HT concentrations were greater in colostrum collected from TRT cows milked precalving. Overall, calves had higher circulating 5-HT concentrations than cows, and calves born to TRT cows had increased 5-HT concentrations compared with the CON. Precalving milking could affect 5-HT synthesis within the mammary gland and therefore affect maternal 5-HT and calcium concentrations. Further research is needed in ruminants to assess the extent of 5-HT placental transfer, its role on pre- and postnatal development of the calf, the importance of its presence in colostrum, and potential long-term effects on calf health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Subjects :
- *CATTLE
*COLOSTRUM
*SEROTONIN
*MILKING
*CATTLE parturition
*DAIRY cattle
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 00220302
- Volume :
- 97
- Issue :
- 5
- Database :
- Academic Search Index
- Journal :
- Journal of Dairy Science
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 95443651
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2013-7336