Mammary System Objectives o Identify the parts of
Mammary System
Objectives o Identify the parts of the udder. o Describe the function of the cow’s udder. o Describe milk let-down and the processes of that.
Parts of the udder o Made up of 4 glands called quarters o Each quarter has a teat that provides an outlet for milk
Parts of an udder
Can you see the quarters?
What about here?
So. . what makes the milk? o Udders contain alveoli that manufacture milk o Blood carries all the raw materials to the alveoli o Each alveoli contains cavities for milk
Parts of the Udder o Teats n Contain a small opening called “streak canal” n A narrow streak canal and strong muscle=cow that is harder to milk n A wide streak canal and weak muscle=easy to milk but can leak when udder is full
Milking – by hand, machine, or calf
Milking – by hand, machine, or calf o Squeeze the teat from top to bottom o Machine works in the same way with a vacuum action
What do udders do? o Manufacture milk o Store milk until cow is milked or calf nurses
Milk Let-Down o Process when cow responds to a conditioned reflex to sensory stimuli n Stimuli: an event that promotes a response either consciously or unconsciously
Milk Let-Down o Stimuli can be a number of things and often in combination: n Washing and/or touching of the udder n Sight of a calf n Sound of a milk machine o This triggers a response in the cow to release oxytocin
What are some of our responses to stimuli? o Getting your books out at the beginning of class when the bell rings o Shutting off your alarm in the morning o Hunger at the smell of food o Fear at the sight of heights, spiders, snakes, etc.
Oxytocin and Milk Let-Down o With stimuli, the pituitary gland releases the hormone oxytocin n What are human hormones? n Do humans have oxytocin? o This is carried to the udders through the blood
Oxytocin – what it does o Causes muscle fibers to squeeze milk from the alveoli into the gland cistern o Milk Let-Down must occur before milk can successfully be removed from the udder o Oxytocin effect lasts about 5 -7 minutes
The Big Picture o Udders produce milk all the time and pressure builds in the udders with milk storage o As pressure increases=production decreases so regular milking is important n About 80% of the milk is taken at each milking n Cows will dry up sooner if not enough milk is taken
Things to look for with the mammary system Mastitis n Inflammation of the mammary gland caused by bacteria n Disease is followed by an infection n Usually only affects one quarter o Symptoms: n Udders will be o Swollen o Hot to the touch o Red o Abnormal Milk (lumpy, contains blood)
Swollen Udders
Redness and swollen
Treating Mastitis o Identify the bacteria that caused it o Maintain Milking Equipment o Use approved mastitis medications o Treat as quickly as possible
Review o What are the parts of the udder? o What do udders do? o What is oxytocin? o How much milk is taken after each milking?
- Slides: 28