Milk synthesis takes place in the udder, which is the milk gland of the cow. The udder is visibly separated into two parts by a longitudinal line and into two parts by a cross-line, forming four quarters.
The bulk mass is formed by a glandular tissue, surrounded by bands of muscles systems. This tissue consists of multiple glandular alveoles, containing the milk formation cells. In a normal udder the number of these glandular alveoles is estimated to be about 2 billion. Four hundred of these glandular alveoles are the size of a pin prick. Seven to eleven of theses glandular alveoles form a gland, connected to the milk channels. They are branched, have bottlenecks and increase in diameter up to 10 mm during their progress toward the udder cistern.
The milk channels end in the udder cistern, which can collect up to 400 ml. This cavity extends up to the teat cistern. In the lower part of the cistern, is a 1 – 1.5 long channel, and at the end an opening, closed by an annular muscle. This annular muscle prevents the discharge of milk and at the same time the penetration of microorganism from the outside into the udder.
The entire under is interspersed with a blood and lymph system, in which the transport of nutrient which is necessary for the milk formation, takes place. The blood capillaries which serve as a connection between the nutrients rich blood in the arteries and veins, feed the milk formation cells with nutrients. The lymph is a colorless liquid and participates in nutrients exchange where there are no blood cells.
Due to the widely dispersed nervous system, the udder is very sensitive to mechanical influences, so that the animal reacts very strongly to improper udder treatment and disease. This can influence formation significantly.
Milk synthesis takes place in the udder during milking. The milk formation and milk discharge during milking are control by hormones via reflex reactions, so that for milking optimal conditions musty prevail. This is achieved by conditioning the cow. Disturbances in the environment of the animal will lead to a reduction in the milk yield.
Formation of Milk
