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