The effect of a mixed-management system on the release of oxytocin, prolactin, and cortisol in ewes during suckling and machine milking

Milk yield and plasma oxytocin (OT), prolactin (PRL), and cortisol (CORT) during suckling and machine milking were measured in multiparous ewes subjected to a mixed management system of 3 sucklings and two daily milkings. Peak hormones were significantly increased and were similar during suckling and milking for PRL (181 vs. 163.3 ng.mL(-1)) and CORT (12.5 vs. 11.5 ng.mL(-1)). During the period of exclusive suckling, OT was always significantly released (90.3 pg.mL(-1)); however, during the period of mixed management, OT concentrations only increased during suckling compared to milking (91.7 vs. 13.1 pg.mL(-1)). The mean volume of milk obtained during suckling (632 mL) was significantly higher than during milking (255 mL). Thus, during a mixed management system, oxytocin and prolactin releases are not under similar central regulation. A mixed system, without OT release during milking, does not contribute to accelerate the conditioning of ewes for machine milking.