Dairy Cow Nutrition and Lactation Cycles

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary reason for providing a dry period of around 2 months in lactating animals?

To improve the fertility of the lactating animal

To allow the mammary tissue to recuperate (correct)

To increase milk production

To reduce the risk of disease in the newborn

What is the rate of decline in milk yield after peak production referred to as?

Lactation cycle

Dry period

Lactation persistency (correct)

Mammary gland function

What is the primary function of immunoglobulins in milk?

To provide protection against disease in the newborn (correct)

To provide nutrition to the young

To improve the fertility of the lactating animal

To increase milk production

What is the caloric value of milk per 100g?

70-75 kcal Signup and view all the answers

What is the basis for the dairy industry?

Domestication of certain mammals for milk production Signup and view all the answers

What is the period between one calving and the next referred to as?

Lactation cycle Signup and view all the answers

Why is underfeeding cows in early lactation detrimental?

It can reduce peak yield and negatively impact persistency and fertility Signup and view all the answers

What is the mammary gland responsible for?

Producing milk for the young Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the mammary gland in mammals?

To produce milk for feeding young offspring Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following species has two streak canals per teat, with each canal serving a separate secretory area?

Pigs Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the collective glands and teats of domestic animals?

Udder Signup and view all the answers

Which factor affects milk composition and yield?

Breed and individual characteristics Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the process of removing milk from the mammary gland?

Milk removal Signup and view all the answers

During which stage of lactation is milk production typically at its highest?

Mid-lactation Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of milk in nutrition?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a factor affecting milk composition and yield?

Type of exercise Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of prolactin during lactation?

Maintaining milk production Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of lactose in milk?

Main carbohydrate Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the process of milk secretion initiation at the end of pregnancy?

Lactogenesis Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of progesterone on milk production during pregnancy?

Inhibits milk production Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the structure that produces milk in female mammals?

Mammary gland Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of oxytocin during lactation?

Causes alveolar contraction and milk release Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of not milking an animal for more than 16 hours?

Milk production decreases Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary source of energy in milk?

Fat Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Lactation Cycles and Persistency

The lactation cycle is the period between one calving and the next, divided into four phases: early, peak, mid, and late lactation.
Lactation persistency refers to the rate of decline in milk yield after peak production.
Higher producing cows tend to have lower persistency.
Underfeeding cows, especially in early lactation, can reduce peak yield and negatively impact persistency and fertility.

Drying-Off and Dry Periods

Lactating animals should be given a dry period of around 2 months to allow the mammary tissue to recuperate before the next lactation.
Proper management of the drying-off process is important to maintain udder health and prepare the animal for the next lactation.

Importance of Milk

Milk provides nourishment for young, with a high caloric value and a balance of nutrients, easily digested.
Milk satisfies nutritional needs of the young during early critical period of development.
Milk provides protection for neonates against disease, primarily in the form of immunoglobulins.
Milk is a human food source, with dairy industries based on domesticated mammals bred for milk production.

Mammary Gland and System

The mammary gland is an exocrine gland that produces milk to feed young offspring.
The mammary system has comparative anatomy, with variations in anatomic position, number, and teat morphology among mammals.
Cattle have four functional teats and glands, whereas sheep and goats have two; each teat has one streak canal and drains a separate gland.

Factors Affecting Milk Composition and Yield

Species affects milk composition and yield.
Breed and individuals within breed affect milk composition and yield.
Stage of lactation affects milk composition and yield.
Milk removal frequency and persistency affect milk composition and yield.
Nutrition affects milk composition and yield.
Udder health affects milk composition and yield.
Environmental factors affect milk composition and yield.

Terminologies

Lactation period: the period after parturition in which the animal produces milk.
Lactogenesis: the process that initiates milk secretion at the end of pregnancy.
Galactopoiesis: the maintenance of milk production, requiring prolactin.
Mammogenesis: the process of structural development (growth) of the mammary gland.
Udder: the mammary gland of female mammals, with two or more teats hanging near the hind legs.
Progesterone: a hormone that stimulates breast development and inhibits production of large volumes of milk.
Prolactin: a hormone that stimulates breast development and affects milk production.
Colostrum: a concentrated fluid secreted by the breast at the end of pregnancy and shortly after childbirth.
Oxytocin: a hormone that causes alveolar contraction, milk release, and uterine contractions.

Physiology of Lactation

Milk production is regulated by several hormonal mechanisms, including prolactin.
Constant stimulation of the nipple through milking or suckling is important to maintain milk production.
The composition of milk is important, with fat, lactose, and casein as key components.

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Description

This quiz covers the importance of nutrition and health in dairy cows, particularly in the intestines and liver, for quality milk production. It also explores lactation cycles and persistency, including the phases of lactation and factors affecting milk yield.