The effect of ovine placenta extract on mammogenesis, lactogenesis, and galactopoiesis in sheep

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of ovine placenta extract, obtained by affinity chromatography on immobilized wheat germ lectin, on mammogenesis, lactogenesis, and galactopoiesis in pregnant and lactating sheep. Placental extract (100 μg/mL protein concentration) was subcutaneously injected to pregnant sheep in days 1, 4, 7, 10, and 13 of the experiment (totally 10 mL placenta extract/animal) alternatively on the right and left side of the neck. Placental extract induced a more intense development of udder parameters; udder circumference increase was of 16.73%, anteroposterior length increase was of 15.9%, and latero-lateral length of 11.1%. Placental extract administration resulted in 7.92% increase in milk yield. Lactating ewes were monitored for milk production for 6 days before the experiment, aft er placental extract administration from day 7 to day 14 of the experiment, twice a day, and they presented 14.14% higher milk yield in comparison with the control group, no significant diff erences in milk lactose and protein content, but an increase in milk fat (6.2%). It may be concluded that the glycoprotein or glycopeptide isolated from sheep placenta by affinity chromatography on wheat germ lectin increased mammogenesis, lactogenesis, and galactopoiesis in sheep. © TÜBİTAK.