Lactation Physiology Flashcards
What are the functions of lactation?
Transfer of passive immunity
Nourishment
How is passive immunity transferred in Ruminants
Colostrum is secreted in the first 24 hours after birth and contains IgGs (absorbed in the small intestine) and IgAs (acts locally to protect mucosa)
What factors affect when the young is weaned from milk
- Stage of development at birth
- Type of food (carnivores need time to learn to catch food)
- Size requirement
- Environmental procreation (insulating fat layer development in marine mammals)
Where are components of milk synthesized?
Mammary epithelial cells
Where is milk stored
In the alveoli, ducts, and lactiferous sinus
How much milk can the lactiferous sinus hold
100-400ml of milk
Is there a sphincter mechanism at the end of the teat?
No, but there is some evidence of a “gravity seal”
Describe the process of milk ejection
- Mechanical stimulus activates nerves in the skin of tears
- Nerve impulse travels through the spinothalamic nerve tract
- Oxytocin containing neurons are stimulated and release oxytocin
- Oxytocin travels in the blood to the mammary gland
- Oxytocin binds to the receptors on epithelial secretory cells, resulting in contraction and release of milk
What are the key components of milk
Fat, protein, and carbohydrates (lactose)
What are the general differences between species of milk content
Milk from marine animals is high in fat.
Rapidly growing animals tend to have high protein content
