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Growth and Reproduction on Milk Diets^*

J. Waddell, H. Steenbock, E. B. Hart and Evelyn VanDonk

(From the Department of Agricultural Chemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison)

A study has been made of the growth and reproductive performance of rats on diets of cow's whole milk supplemented with copper and with copper and iron.

On a diet of whole milk and copper a chronic anemia, due to the low iron intake, was observed. Growth and reproduction were below normal, although fair weights were eventually reached and living young were produced. Many of the young born were not nursed, and those that were suckled grew more slowly than young from our stock colony. Third generation animals were secured.

On a diet of whole milk, iron, and copper, no anemia was observed but growth and reproduction were still sub-normal. The rearing of young was poor, due to poor mammary secretion. It is suggested that subnormal growth and poor rearing of young may be due to the low caloric diet. No specific evidence of low vitamin B was observed.

By means of daily vaginal smears it was established that subnormal reproduction was due to late sexual maturity and very poor ovulation. Some females ovulated at very long intervals and never mated. Preliminary experiments indicate that the addition of small amounts of either manganese or iodine, or both, greatly improves the ovulation rhythm in females on the milk, copper, and iron diet.

No evidence of lack of vitamin E was noted in females on these milk diets.

E. R. Squibb and Sons Fellow.

Manuscript received 5 July 1930.