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.

Anatomy

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.

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.

Physiology

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.

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.

In Agriculture

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.

See Also

• Mammary gland
• Lactation
• Mastitis
• Dairy farming

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