Lactation

What is the mammary gland?

modified sweat gland which is external to body cavity

How many mammals are defined by a mammary gland?

small percent of 4,000+ mammal species

What is Lactation?

production of milk from mammary gland which provides nutrution and passive immunity to young

How is lactation controlled?

by hormones

how is it supported?

its supported by ligaments

What animal has 4 quatres?

cow

What animals have 2 halves?

ewe, doe, mare

What animals have 8-20 mammary glands?

sow, queen, bitch

What hormones of the body contribute to gland development?

• hypothalamus

• pituitary gland

• thyroid

• adrenal

• ovary

• placenta

What hormones in the pituitary gland contribute?

ACT, TSH, FSH, LH, growth hormone, prolactin, oxytocin

What hormones in the Thyroid contribute?

T3, T4

What hormones in the ovaries/placenta contribute?

estrogen and progesterone

What hormones in the adrenal contribute?

Epinephrine (adrenaline)

What factors affect milk production?

Mastitis

What is Mastitis?

Decrease in MP, which affects the gland by inflation

Give examples of factors that can affect milk production

demand increases, male birth, multiple births, stress

What is the general milk composition trend in animals with fewer offspring?

Higher fat content in milk.

What is the general milk composition trend in animals with more offspring?

Higher protein content in milk.

what is the approximate drying off period needed for the udder to heal in a cow?

60 days

What is the importance of colostrum?

it allows a calf to absorb the anti-bodies from the milk due to its intestines being porous at birth