Research Topic · Peer-Reviewed

Lactation

Lactation is the physiological process by which the mammary glands synthesize and secrete milk to nourish offspring, a defining characteristic of mammals and a key determinant of neonatal survival and development. It is regulated by an interplay of hormones, chiefly prolactin, which drives milk synthesis, and oxytoc…

Curated from this journal's research 📚 12 peer-reviewed articles cited Cited 114× across the literature 🗓 Reviewed October 2026

Overview

Lactation is the physiological process by which the mammary glands synthesize and secrete milk to nourish offspring, a defining characteristic of mammals and a key determinant of neonatal survival and development. It is regulated by an interplay of hormones, chiefly prolactin, which drives milk synthesis, and oxytocin, which mediates milk ejection, set against the endocrine changes of pregnancy, parturition, and suckling. Milk composition is dynamic, supplying species-appropriate proportions of protein, fat, carbohydrate, immune factors, and micronutrients, and varies with maternal nutrition, stage of lactation, and physiological state. In comparative and applied mammalian research, lactation is studied in both human and animal contexts, encompassing reproductive physiology, maternal-offspring biology, and production traits. Research relevant to this area examines breast milk composition and expression, maternal assets and feeding practices, exclusive breastfeeding and the beliefs surrounding it, and the safety of maternal dietary supplementation during pregnancy and lactation. Allied work addresses reproductive management and postpartum performance in dairy cattle and buffalo, including uterine involution, ovarian activity, and fertility selection. The field connects endocrinology, nutrition, and reproductive biology across species. The journal publishes peer-reviewed research on lactation, including human breastfeeding and milk composition and the reproductive and postpartum physiology of lactating mammals.

Research published in this journal

12 peer-reviewed articles, ranked by relevance. Each links to its DOI.

How this research is being cited

The 12 articles above have been cited 114 times in the scholarly literature. Citation data via OpenAlex and Crossref, updated Jun 2026.

A sample of recent works citing this journal's research on Lactation, linking to each citing work.

Editorial oversight

Curated from peer-reviewed research published in Journal of Mammal Research.

Journal editorial board
ALESSANDRA PELAGALLI · Italy Farman Ali · China Francisco Jiménez-Trejo · Mexico

This page summarises published research for orientation; it is not medical or professional advice.