Abstract
Posterior pituitary releases a hormone named oxytocin (OT) that causes contraction
of smaller ducts and myoepithelial cells surrounding the alveoli of mammary glands. The milking
process is allowed to be managed by an exogenous OT by its vital role in neuro hormonal milkejection process. OT increases milk yield by ↑ gland output, which is not due to residual milk
removal. OT also improves the persistency of lactation. Receptor blockade of oxytocin causes
milk ejection inhibition. OT injections cause increased OT blood levels which results in the
prolonged myoepithelial and alveolar contractions that ultimately increase milk yield. Milk
composition especially protein, fat, lactose and mineral concentration are influenced by exogenous
OT administration. It affects the cell maintenance and mammary metabolism along with its
proven physiological role in the milk ejection reflex. OT effects are not manifested through
effects on cell remodeling. Observed effects of OT administration on reproductive anomalies are
anestrous, the development of corpus-luteum cysts, follicular ovarian cysts, delayed age at puberty,
repeated estrous cycles, dystocia, abortions, dead fetuses and retention of the fetal membranes.
OT administered exogenously or secreted endogenously, establishes in minutes the desired effects
and metabolized to inactive products rapidly in the body. Irrespective of whether OT is ingested
with milk or secreted into the milk, it is degraded readily by gut-enzymes so that it doesn’t reach
the circulation in biologically-active form so there seems to be less or no harm in consumption
of milk from OT-treated-animals. But OT has remarkable effects on milk quality, composition
and reproductive health of the dairy animals so it’s use in dairy industry should be discouraged.
Asim Faraz, Abdul Waheed, Muhammad Mudasser Nazir, Aneela Hameed, Nasir Ali Tauqir, Riaz Hussain Mirza, Hafiz Muhammad Ishaq, Rana Muhammad Bilal. (2020) Impact of Oxytocin Administration on Milk Quality, Reproductive Performance and Residual Effects in Dairy Animals – A Review, Punjab University Journal of Zoology, Volume 35, Issue 1.
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