The Effects of Bromocriptine on The Tasmanian Pademelon, Thylogale billardierii, During Lactational Quiescence.

Abstract

Many macropodids exhibit lactational quiescence during which a blastocyst is retained in utero while a pouch young is sucking. The sucking stimulus presumably maintains secretion of prolactin which inhibits activity of the corpus luteum. When sucking frequency decreases, the blastocyst resumes development. In this study the Tasmanian pademelon (Thylogale billardierii) was given the dopamine agonist bromocriptine (5mg kg-1) which in most mammals results in decreased secretion of prolactin by the pituitary gland. Of fourteen animals treated, ten came into oestrus and/or gave birth within 31 days of injection. Three older pouch young prematurely vacated the pouch on the night of birth of a new young.