Evaluation of Prolactin levels in ewes administrated with Oxytocin during the postpartum period

Abstract

The levels of prolactin was measured in the plasma of ewes administrated by oxytocin in the early postpartum period. Twenty ewe were divided into two groups: the first was injected with oxytocin 10 I.U twice a week at for two weeks after birth and the second group was adopted as a control group to measure changes in prolactin levels. Prolactin levels were higher in treated animals (90 ±7 ng/ mL) (52 ± 7 ng/ mL) oxytocin dose was increased to 20 I.U during the third and fourth weeks after birth. There was a significant increase (P<0.01) in the levels of prolactin hormone, which gave an indication of the positive effect of oxytocin in increase the level of prolactin hormone and the secretion of the mammary glands to produce quantities additional milk after birth