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THE UDDER OF THE COW |
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Lobule with Alveoli |
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HOW IS IT INSIDE? |
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Front Quarters (40-45 %) |
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Suspensory Ligament |
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Lateral Ligament |
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Laminas of Lateral Ligament |
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Rear Quarters (55-60 %) |
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TOP VIEW OF THE UDDER |
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It comprises four independent glands, with one teat and one exit duct each. Right and left halves are totally separated. |
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SIDE VIEW OF REAR QUARTERS |
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HOW IS MILK PRODUCED? |
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1. Blood stream delivers nutrients to alveolus epithelial cells
2. Using these nutrients, epithelial cells produce milk, which is then released inside the alveolus lumen.
3. During milking, oxytocin is released in the blood stream, and induces contraction of the muscular cells covering the alveolus.
4. This contraction on the alveolus, leads to milk ejection (milk let down), forcing the milk out to lactiferous ducts and the gland cistern. |
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MAMMARY ALVEOLUS |
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Developed by Humberto Rivera, MS., supported by the program “A Mexican-U.S. Dairyland Partnership Between Queretaro and Wisconsin: Dairy Training Research, and Extension for Economic Development and Trade”. |
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Gland Cistern |
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Udder Suspensory Ligament |
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Lactiferous ducts |
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Udder Lateral Ligament |
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Teat Cistern |
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Teat end |
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Alveolus Lumen |
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Milk Drops |
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Epithelial Cell |
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Muscular Cell |
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Blood Flow |
