Cow's udder: structure and anatomical scheme, possible diseases

For cattle owners, knowledge about the structure of the cow's udder, diseases to which the organ is susceptible is necessary. They allow you to properly care for the livestock, maintain the productivity of animals, and respond in a timely manner to problems that have arisen. Competent milking of heifers, massage, systematic inspections guarantee the he alth of the dairy herd and the quality of the products.

How a cow's udder works

The udder of cattle is located in the inguinal region. The organ is covered with delicate sparse hairs, in the back of the hairs grow from the bottom up and to the sides and form a "milky mirror", the size of which can be used to judge the productivity of the animal.The structure of the udder is complex, the milk production of an animal depends on the interaction of many systems: digestive, hormonal, CNS (central nervous system).

The udder consists of glandular tissue - parenchyma, adipose and connective tissues. The glandular tissue has many alveoli - vesicles in which milk is produced, adipose and connective tissues protect the parenchyma from external influences (hypothermia, overheating, bruises and injuries). These tissues are permeated with blood vessels. In highly productive animals, blood vessels are clearly visible under the skin, the amount of milk produced depends on the degree of blood supply to the udder.

Under the influence of hormones (oxytocin, prolactin, estrogens), the alveoli begin to produce milk. It enters the small ducts extending from the alveoli. The small ducts, uniting, form the middle ducts, which, in turn, "flow" into 12-50 large milk ducts leading down to the milk cisterns of the nipple.Milk tank - a cavity in the upper part of the nipple, connected to the parenchyma, in which milk accumulates.

The mammary gland consists of 4 lobes, each of which ends in a nipple. The shares are a closed system for the production of milk, they are not interconnected. The right and left udder lobes are separated by an elastic septum - a ligament that supports the organ. The posterior lobes are more developed than the anterior ones. In cows that give a lot of milk, the nipples are well developed, they are far apart, have a length of 8-10 centimeters. The nipple consists of a base that passes into the body of the lobe, an apex (lower part) and a cylindrical middle part.

Nipples have many nerve endings, they are irritated during milking and send signals to the animal's brain, provoking the return of milk. The walls of the nipple are lined with muscle fibers, which at the top of the nipple form a sphincter - a locking device that prevents the free flow of milk.

Development

The udder of the heifer is laid during fetal development. The productivity of an animal depends on genetics, breed, conditions of keeping a heifer, especially in the first months of life. It can be:

1. Tub-shaped. The shape is typical for dairy breeds. Deep, elongated, pushed forward, and looks oval from the side.
2. Bowl-shaped. The organ is rounded and looks like a deep bowl.
3. Goat. It has pendulous rear and underdeveloped anterior nipples and a prominent lateral furrow. Cows with such an udder are not suitable for machine milking, the shape is considered a malformation.
4. Funnel-shaped. Tapering towards the bottom, with closely spaced nipples.
5. Primitive. An underdeveloped organ with large nipples. Formed if the heifer was poorly fed from birth.

The development of the mammary gland continues with the growth of the animal, but the udder in first-calf heifers especially increases in size during pregnancy. Further, over the years (up to about 6 calving), the udder continues to increase, then the reverse process begins. Lactation directly depends on the state of the hormonal and reproductive system of the animal.

How milk is made

The process of lactation is associated with the processes of digestion, metabolism, blood circulation, respiration. The more glandular tissue the udder contains, the better it is supplied with blood, the higher the productivity of the animal.

Important: some alveoli produce milk fat, others produce skim milk, mixing takes place in the ducts.

Lactation starts from the first calving of a cow. Colostrum and milk are produced for feeding offspring. Milk is produced from products that enter the alveoli with blood, so a huge amount of blood passes through the udder, about 500 liters are needed to form 1 liter of milk.The product in the udder of dairy cows is constantly formed, if the animal is not milked in time, its production decreases, and then completely stops.

Over time, a conditioned reflex is developed in a cow, with the sound of a pail, the sight of a hostess in certain clothes, care procedures, milk flow increases. Acetic acid, which is formed in the rumen, is responsible for the fat content of milk, and the hormonal and nervous systems of the animal regulate its production.

Udder hygiene

The udder performs the same functions as the female breast, it should be carefully looked after. The organ must be inspected before each milking. The lobes should be symmetrical, the skin of the organ should be elastic and soft, there should be no bumps and seals in the tissues. Before milking, it is necessary to wash the mammary gland with warm water, soap is used for severe contamination, then the organ is wiped dry with a soft cloth.

Next, you should lubricate the udder with cream or ointment and do a light massage. To prevent garbage from getting into the milk, they wash not only the udder, but also the stomach, sides, hind legs.

The first drops of milk are milked into a separate bowl to clean the teat canals. If the animal does not give milk well, repeat the massage during the milking process. Scratches, cracks, abrasions of the udder must be treated with hydrogen peroxide, after milking a layer of salicylic ointment is applied. Nipples do not have sebaceous and sweat glands, so the skin on them dries and cracks, the use of creams ("Burenka", "Lyubava", "Dawn") removes the problem.

Possible diseases

Scratches, cracked nipples, minor bruises can be treated on your own, in case of serious problems, you should consult a veterinarian.

Mastitis

Inflammation usually occurs after calving. The udder or part of it becomes swollen, hot and hard to the touch.The cow is worried, loses her appetite, milk production is reduced. There may be traces of blood or pus in the milk. With serous mastitis, the milk becomes bluish, and flakes are visible in it.

In this case, the udder is gently massaged, the animal is milked manually 5-6 times a day, warming compresses are applied to the seals. In severe cases, antibiotic injections are given.

Edema

If found after calving, no treatment is required. Frequent manual milking, light massage will relieve the problem. Juicy food should be excluded, s alt should not be given. Lubricate the udder or its individual sections with "Rigofen", bismuth-zinc ointment. In severe cases, calcium preparations in injections, caffeine are prescribed.

Smallpox

This is a serious infectious disease. The animal is isolated, the veterinary service is called, quarantine measures are observed.

Furunculosis

For treatment, frequent, 4-6 times a day, washing of the udder with clean, warm water and soap is necessary. Ichthyol ointment is applied to the boils, the skin area is treated with salicylic or camphor alcohol, sprinkled with streptocide. Furunculosis occurs when cold and high humidity in the barn, non-compliance with sanitary standards.

Bruises

The bruise is smeared with iodine, and for the first 2 days a cold compress is applied, then warming ointments. You can use the remedy "Rescuer" from hematomas. It is applied in a thick layer. In severe cases, open and clean the area of blood clots, and then treat the resulting wound.

Apply antibiotic ointment (Levomikol, synthomycin emulsion). To keep compresses and napkins with ointment on the udder, put on a bandage.

Insect bites

First, the sting is removed with tweezers. A cooling compress is applied to the bite site. Lubricate the bite site with "Rigofen", "Fenistil". On the recommendation of a veterinarian, use antihistamines and drugs that support the work of the heart.

Warts

In the presence of warts, salicylic ointment, or a mixture of salicylic and interferon ointment, is applied to the affected areas 3-4 times a day. The course of treatment is 1-3 weeks.

To avoid mammary gland diseases, systematic tests for mastitis are carried out, animals are vaccinated, creams and ointments are used to treat the udder. These drugs are sold in conventional or veterinary pharmacies. Good nutrition, housing and careful care will keep the animals strong and he althy and provide high milk yields.

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