Metabolic Limits to Milk Production, Especially Roles of Growth Hormone and Insulin

Abstract

Potential of the bovine mammary gland to synthesize milk probably is determined fully at parturition. Realization of that potential depends on the gland receiving adequate amounts of nutrients in the correct proportions. Provided the cow is fed adequately in relation to her potential yield, supply to the body of those nutrients that are absorbed directly from the gut is not likely to limit milk synthesis. Glucose and long-chain fatty acids, however, are not absorbed from the gut in adequate amounts, and metabolic factors (primarily hormonal regulation) determining the supply of these may be important limits to milk synthesis. Even when amounts and proportions of metabolites entering circulation are adequate for maintenance and maximum milk synthesis, the cow's potential cannot be realized fully unless nutrients are channeled selectively towards the mammary gland. This occurs naturally in the high-yielding cow in early lactation and probably can be maintained artificially into midlactation by use of growth hormone. Consequences of this on milk output, health, and reproductive performance are considered.