Dietary supplementation increases milk output in the rat.

The effects of dietary supplementation on milk output and maternal body composition were investigated in the lactating rat. The supplement was a cooked homogeneous mixture of eggs and maize oil, and had the same protein-energy: total energy value as the control diet. During 2-12 d post partum rats were fed ad lib., either on the control diet alone or on the control diet plus the supplement. Measurements were made of milk output using an isotope-dilution technique, milk composition, and dam and litter body-composition changes. Compared with the dams receiving only the control diet, dams provided with the supplement consumed 19.7% more energy and protein and produced 31.2% more milk and mobilized less body fat. By 12 d of age, pups in litters of dams receiving the supplement were significantly heavier than those in litters of dams receiving the control diet only, and they contained more protein and more fat. It is concluded that dietary supplementation of lactating rats can enhance lactational performance.