Compositional and Mineral Profile of Sahiwal Cow Milk at Various Lactation Stages as Influenced by Oxytocin Administration

The objective of the study was to assess the effect of exogenous administration of oxytocin on gross composition and mineral contents in milk of Sahiwal cow. At three lactation stages, milk samples were collected from two groups of sixteen animals each under controlled atmosphere and feeding conditions. One group was subjected to intramuscular injection of oxytocin (20 IU) and other was kept as control. Significant variations were obtained in milk composition along with lactations stages. Decrease in fat, protein, lactose, solids not fat and total solids contents and increase in ash contents were noted in oxytocin administreted milk. Minerals' analysis of the milk samples were conducted and it was found that lactation stages have significant effect on minerals composition i.e. macro minerals (Na, Cl, K, Ca, Mg and P) and micro minerals (Zn and Cu) in milk. Oxytocin administration showed significant effect on milk minerals during various lactation stages as sodium, chloride and copper contents increased while potassium decreased. It was concluded that indiscriminate use of oxytocin for milk let down considerably influences minerals profile and results in detrimental variations of gross composition of milk.