The Importance of Prolactin for Initiation. of Lactation in the Pregnant Ewe

Abstract

A single injection of ergocryptine (0, 5 mg/kg liveweight) given to ewes O· 5-20 days prepartum or two injections (0' 5 mg/kg liveweight per injection) given c. 30 and 10 days prepartum reduced concentrations of plasma prolactin to negligible « 5 ng/ml) values for 4 weeks after parturition, but did not affect concentrations of growth hormone and placental lactogen.