Changes in Milk Composition during Lactation in the Potoroo, Potorous tridactyius (Marsupialia : Potoroinae)

Abstract

Milk samples from captive potoroos were analysed for composition during weeks 3-25 of the lactation period. During pouch residence, up to week 16, carbohydrate levels were high, ranging from 9 g 100 ml-I at week 5 to 15 g 100 ml-I at week 15; fat levels were consistently low, at around 2 g 100 ml-I; protein levels gradually increased from 5 g 100 ml-I before week 10 to 12 g 100 ml-I at week 16. Growth rates during this period increased exponentially, from 1 g week-I at week 3 to 40 g week-I at week 16. Thereafter, as the young left the pouch, marked changes were seen in carbohydrate and fat levels: by week 25, carbohydrate levels had fallen to 2 g 100 ml-I, and fat levels had risen to 26 g 100 ml-I. Protein levels increased moderately, reaching 15 g 100 ml-I by week 25. Growth rates further increased during this period, to reach 60 g week-I by week 25