Udder: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 19:59, 8 February 2025

Udder

An udder is an organ formed of two or four mammary glands on the females of dairy animals and ruminants such as cattle, goats, sheep, and deer. It is equivalent to the breast in primates. The udder is a single mass hanging beneath the animal, consisting of pairs of mammary glands with protruding teats.

Anatomy

The udder is divided into sections called quarters, each with its own milk-producing gland. In cows, the udder is divided into four quarters, each with a teat. The front quarters are usually smaller than the rear quarters. Each quarter operates independently in terms of milk production.

The udder is supported by a complex structure of ligaments and connective tissue. The median suspensory ligament is the most important, providing the primary support for the udder. The lateral suspensory ligaments provide additional support.

Function

The primary function of the udder is to produce and store milk. Milk is produced in the alveoli, small sac-like structures within the mammary gland. The milk is then transported through a series of ducts to the gland cistern, where it is stored until it is released through the teat during milking.

The process of milk production is regulated by hormones, primarily prolactin and oxytocin. Prolactin stimulates milk production, while oxytocin triggers the milk let-down reflex, allowing milk to be released from the udder.

Health and Care

Proper care of the udder is essential for the health of the animal and the quality of the milk produced. Common issues affecting the udder include mastitis, an inflammation of the mammary gland usually caused by bacterial infection. Mastitis can lead to decreased milk production and quality, and it requires prompt treatment.

Regular milking and proper hygiene are crucial in preventing udder infections. Farmers often use pre- and post-milking teat dips to reduce the risk of infection.

Related pages

References

"Udder." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Udder
"Mastitis in Dairy Cows." DairyNZ. https://www.dairynz.co.nz/animal/cow-health/mastitis/

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-'''Udder'''
+== Udder ==
-The '''udder''' is a large, distensible and glandular organ, present in female mammals. It is responsible for the production and secretion of milk, a process known as lactation. The udder is a distinguishing characteristic of mammals, including humans, cows, goats, and sheep.
+[[File:Cow_udders02.jpg|thumb|A cow's udder]]
-==Anatomy==
+An '''udder''' is an organ formed of two or four mammary glands on the females of dairy animals and ruminants such as [[cattle]], [[goats]], [[sheep]], and [[deer]]. It is equivalent to the breast in primates. The udder is a single mass hanging beneath the animal, consisting of pairs of mammary glands with protruding teats.
-The udder is composed of multiple mammary glands, each of which consists of a milk-producing glandular tissue and a milk duct. The number of mammary glands varies among different species. For instance, cows and goats have four mammary glands, while sheep and humans have two.
+== Anatomy ==
-The mammary glands are surrounded by connective tissue and fat, which provide support and insulation. The milk ducts transport the milk from the glandular tissue to the teat, where it is excreted.
+The udder is divided into sections called quarters, each with its own milk-producing gland. In cows, the udder is divided into four quarters, each with a teat. The front quarters are usually smaller than the rear quarters. Each quarter operates independently in terms of milk production.
-==Physiology==
+The udder is supported by a complex structure of ligaments and connective tissue. The median suspensory ligament is the most important, providing the primary support for the udder. The lateral suspensory ligaments provide additional support.
-The production and secretion of milk in the udder is regulated by hormones, including prolactin and oxytocin. Prolactin stimulates the mammary glands to produce milk, while oxytocin triggers the milk let-down reflex, causing the milk to be pushed out of the teat.
+== Function ==
-The udder can also be affected by various diseases, such as mastitis, which is an inflammation of the mammary gland. Mastitis can be caused by bacterial infection, injury, or a blocked milk duct.
+The primary function of the udder is to produce and store milk. Milk is produced in the alveoli, small sac-like structures within the mammary gland. The milk is then transported through a series of ducts to the gland cistern, where it is stored until it is released through the teat during milking.
-==In Agriculture==
+The process of milk production is regulated by hormones, primarily [[prolactin]] and [[oxytocin]]. Prolactin stimulates milk production, while oxytocin triggers the milk let-down reflex, allowing milk to be released from the udder.
-In dairy farming, the health and productivity of the udder are of paramount importance. Dairy farmers monitor the udder for signs of disease and use various techniques to maximize milk production, such as selective breeding and proper nutrition.
+== Health and Care ==
-==See Also==
+Proper care of the udder is essential for the health of the animal and the quality of the milk produced. Common issues affecting the udder include [[mastitis]], an inflammation of the mammary gland usually caused by bacterial infection. Mastitis can lead to decreased milk production and quality, and it requires prompt treatment.
+Regular milking and proper hygiene are crucial in preventing udder infections. Farmers often use pre- and post-milking teat dips to reduce the risk of infection.
+== Related pages ==
-* [[Mammary gland]]
-* [[Lactation]]
 * [[Mastitis]]
+* [[Milk]]
 * [[Dairy farming]]
-[[Category:Mammal anatomy]]
+== References ==
+* "Udder." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Udder
+* "Mastitis in Dairy Cows." DairyNZ. https://www.dairynz.co.nz/animal/cow-health/mastitis/
+[[Category:Animal anatomy]]
 [[Category:Dairy farming]]
-[[Category:Veterinary medicine]]
-{{stub}}