Mammary Gland & Lactation QUIZ

Question 1

The main elastic support system for the udder is:
1. Ventral Prepubic tendon
2. Lateral suspensory Ligament
3. Skin
4. Median Suspensory Ligament

Answer 1

Median Suspensory Ligament

Question 2

The series of changes that spermatozoa undergo in the female reproductive tract area is summarized by the term:
1. Maturation
2. Parturition
3. Capacitation
4. Ejaculation

Answer 2

3. Capcitation

Question 3

The hormone known as the “pregnancy” hormone is:
1. Oxytocin
2. GnRH
3. Progesterone
4. Testosterone

Answer 3

3. Progesterone

Question 4

The function of the placenta is:
1. Provide oxygen to the fetus
2. All of the answers
3. To transfer wastes from the fetus to the dam
4. To transfer nutrients from the dam to the fetus
5. Provide progesterone in some species

Answer 4

2. All answers

Question 5

Which is NOT TRUE of embryo migration:
1. Is not needed for retention of pregnancy in the mare
2. Migration contact allows for better recognition of pregnancy
3. Allows for adequate spacing between embryos in the uterine horns
4. 30% of embryos may die before implantation

Answer 5

1. Is not needed for retention of pregnancy in the mare

Question 6

T/F: Parturition is mainly initiated by the fetus

Answer 6

True

Question 7

T/F: The fetus itself creates the placental membranes

Answer 7

True

Question 8

T/F: The process of embryo transfer only allows for one extra offspring a year from each female

Answer 8

False

Question 9

T/F: Galactopoesis refers to the continued production of milk by the mammary glands

Answer 9

True

Question 10

T/F: Increase in the frequency of milking has minimal effect on the amount of milk produced.

Answer 10

False

Question 11

T/F: “Drying off” refers to the cleaning process of the udder prior to milking

Answer 11

False

Question 12

T/F: Progesterone produced during each estrus promotes development of the duct system of the mammary gland

Answer 12

False

Question 13

T/F: The mare has 4 mammary glands like a cow but only two teats

Answer 13

True

Question 14

T/F: The venous circle around the udder refers to the 3 large veins that drain the udder

Answer 14

True

Question 15

T/F: Inverted nipples are usually functional.

Answer 15

False

Question 16

T/F: The composition of milk can vary between different breeds of cattle and how many days the animal is in their lactation cycle.

Answer 16

True

Question 17

T/F: The sow can have numerous paired mammary glands, each teat has only one opening.

Answer 17

False.
Each teat has an opening?

Question 18

1. The main protein in milk is ____
2. The main carb is ____
3. This carbohydrate is made from blood glucose that in ruminants is produced in the liver from this energy source byproduct of rumen metabolism ____
4. The main fat is ____

Answer 18

1. Casein
2. Lactose
3. VFAs
4. Triglycerides

Question 19

Briefly explain how colostrum is different than regular milk and why it is important to the health of neonates (3)

Answer 19

• Colostrum is very high in maternal antibodies which are absorbed into the blood of the nursing neonate to provide passive immunity.
• Colostrum is also very high in proteins, lipids and vitamins. Making it yellow in color!
• Colostrum has a laxative effect which stimulates function of the gi tract of the neonate (enhances passage of meconium).

Question 20

1. The lobe has millions of milk secreting units ____.
2. Milk then flows into B_____ and then into C____ which can contain 100-400mLs of milk.
3. Milk then flows into D____ and exits the udder via E_____.
4. _____ is the hormone that stims the contraction of muscle fibers also known as _____ which then causes milk let down.

Answer 20

1. Alveoli
2. Collecting duct; Gland cistern
3. Teat sinus/cistern; Streak canal/Teat meatus
4. Oxytocin; Myoepithelial cells

Question 21

Mastitis is a serious condition of the mammary gland which can result in the total necrosis of the entire gland.
1. List 3 clinical signs of mastitis
2. List 3 possible tx

Answer 21

1. Possible Clinical Signs:
   - Systemic: fever; shock; weakness; diarrhea; low milk production; anorexia
   - Udder: Swelling, redness, pain, discolored/abnormal milk
2. Possible Treatments:
   - Antibiotics (systemic or local infusion); Milking out/discarding milk; Drying off; pain/anti-inflammatory RX; Changing milking equipment/practices

Question 22

Answer 22

A. Diffuse
B. Cotyledonary
C. Zonal
D. Discoid

Question 23

Briefly explain what happens in each stage of labor:

First Stage:
Second Stage:
Third Stage:

Answer 23

First Stage: uterine contractions; rupture of amniotic membranes; dilation of cervix

Second Stage: Delivery of neonate

Third Stage: Delivery of placenta

Question 24

Identify the correct term and name the function.
A
B
C

Answer 24

A. chorion: membranes that attach to uterine wall, allows exchange of gasses and nutrients from dam to fetus

B. urachus: urine made by fetus empties from fetal bladder into allantoic cavity as waste storage site

C. amniotic sac: fluid “water bed” that houses fetus. Protects from trauma and supports development of fetal lungs

Question 25

List two potential complications that might require medical intervention of the labor and delivery process:

Answer 25

1. Dystocia (fetal malposition, oversized fetus, hypocalcemia)
2. Uterine prolapse “red bag”
3. Retained placenta