LACTATION IN FARM ANIMALS

1. This is the period during which the female animal releases milk from its udder immediately after parturition and thereafter.
2. The milk is used to feed the young ones.
3. It is under the control of hormone, i.e, decrease in progesterone and an increase in oestrogen and oxytocin.
4. Lactation or milk let-down can be increased, or if the female animal refuses to produce milk, the animal can be injected with oxytocin injection. This injection will make the animal to secrete milk.
5. Lactation can also be stimulated by the presence of the young ones, presence of the milker, the use of hand to rub the udder and use of machine (milking machine) to milk the cow. Of all the farm animals, milk from goat is the richest and the best.

 

Structure of Mammary Gland (Udder)

The mammary gland or udder is a large and succulent organ surrounded by the skin. It is attached to the body of the animal by strong ligament. It is made up of large ducts which empty their content into a large gland cistern. It terminates with an alveoli from where milk is secreted. The contraction of the alveoli leads to the letting down of milk.

The mammary gland is made up of smooth muscles, sympathetic and sensory nerves. The number of glands varies with farm animals. For example:

The major equipment or instrument used in extracting milk from the mammary gland of farm animal is the milking machine.

 

Milking Machines

Function/Use: Milking machines are used for milking or extracting fresh milk mechanically from the udder of cattle (cow) and other milk producing animals like sheep (ewe) and goat (doe).

Description: The milking machine is made up of an electric motor, vacuum pump, source of power, trap pail, vacuum controller, guage, gap, milk tank and four teat cups.

How the machine works: The milk is removed from the teat when the vacuum is applied to the outside of the teat cup liner. When the teat cup liner collapses, the teat is massaged and this action helps to prevent congestion in the teat walls and ensures regular flow of milk from the udder into the teat cups.

Milking machines are more efficient. They save labour, stop the cow from becoming strippers and reduce the danger of contamination. The quality of milk obtained depends on the care taken in cleaning and operating the machine.

 

Substance extracted by milking machine

The main substance that is extracted by the milking machine from farm animals like cow, ewe and goat is milk. The process by which the substance (milk) collected with the milking machine is made fit for human consumption is called pasteurisation.

 

Economic Importance of Milk

1. It is a source of protein in food.
2. It can be used in raising foster calves, lambs or children.
3. It is used in the preparation of baby food.
4. It supplies minerals to livestock.
5. It is used as an extender in artificial insemination practices.
6. It is also used in the preparation of dairy products such as butter, cheese and yoghurt.

 

Colostrum

1) Colostrum is the first milk produced immediately after the parturition/delivery of the new born animal.

2) The first five days of milk production is essentially colostrum which all young ones must have access to.

3) It is the yellowish white milk, produced immediately after giving birth to young ones.

4) It is very important for the new born animal to take colostrum because:

• It contains some antibodies against diseases to which the mother has been exposed.
• It enables the new born to get immunity to diseases.
• It is rich in protein, especially albumin and globulins.
• It also contains vitamins A, E and B2 (riboflavin).
• It is highly digestible and has a laxatic effect which helps the young ones to expel the foetal dung (an indication of functioning of digestive system).