Download Physiology of Lactation

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Course Description
Faculty of Graduate Studies
Department of Animal Production
Course title: Physiology of Lactation
Course code : 602755
Instructor: Prof. Mufeed Alnimer
E-mail: [email protected]
Course objectives are to:
1- Know the anatomy and the processes of development and growth of the mammary glands.
2- Understand the processes of synthesis of milk and milk components.
3- Understand the physiological and environmental factors which affect lactation.
Learning outcomes:
A. Knowledge and understanding:
At the end of the course, students are expected to :
1. Know the phases of development and growth of the mammary glands.
2. Describe the various parts and systems of the mammary glands and their functions.
3. Understand the role of various hormones and the neural mechanism which control milk
production and lactation.
4. Explain the mechanism and chemical processes for synthesis of milk protein, fat, lactose and
other milk components.
5. Comprehend the various physiological factors and environmental factors which affect milk
production and lactation.
B. Academic skills:
At the end of the course, students are expected to gain knowledge and skills about the scientific
research methods concerning milk production and lactation.
C. Personal skills:
Students are expected to know:
1. How to manipulate the precursors involved in milk synthesis and milk production.
2. How to utilize various hormonal preparations and nutritional ingredients to enhance milk
production.
3. How to provide the most appropriate environmental conditions which increase milk
production.
D. Learning and teaching methods:
Lectures, class discussion, transparences, handouts, assigned readings, reports and class
presentations by students.
E. Assignments:
Every student will submit a report about a specific assigned topic and deliver a class
presentation about that topic which will be discussed with his fellow students.
F. Evaluation:
First exam
20%
Second exam
20%
Reports and presentation
20%
Final exam
40%
_____
Total
100%
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Course Contents:
Week
1
1
2
2,3
4,5
5,6
7
7
8
9
10
11
12
12
13,14
15
16
Topic
Introduction
Anatomy of the mammary gland: external features, internal structure
Supportive system vascular and lymphatic systems of the udder
Histology and cytology of the mammary glands: ducts, alveoli, cisterns,
epithelial cells, myoepithelial cells
Growth and development of the mammary glands: fetal period, birth to
puberty, estrous cycle, pregnancy and lactation
Hormonal and neural control of lactation: pituitary, adrenal and thyroid
hormones. Maintenance of milk secretion, galactopoiesis, milking and
milk ejection
First Exam
Involution of the udder: histological changes, biochemical changes,
suckling stimulus
Rate of milk secretion and milking: internal pressure, residual milk,
interval and frequency of milking, physiological and machine factors
affecting milking rate
Biochemistry of mammary glands: blood precursors, energy production
and utilization
Milk protein synthesis: protein components, protein precursors, protein
synthesis
Milk fat synthesis: fat components fat precursors, fat synthesis
Second Exam
Other milk components: lactose, minerals, vitamins
Physiological factors affecting lactation: stage of lactation, persistency,
pregnancy, first and last milk withdrawn, estrus, diseases
Environmental factors affecting lactation: drying-off, dry period, season
of calving, interval between milkings
Factors affect lactation: number of milkings, incomplete milking,
ambient temperature, nutrition
Hrs
1
2
2
4
5
4
1
2
3
3
3
3
1
2
6
3
3
References:
1234-
Whittermore, Colin T. Lactation of the dairy cow. London: Longman. 1980.
Mepham, T.B. Physiology of lacation. John Wiley and Sons Inc. IA. USA., 1991.
Martinet, J., L.M. Houdibine and H.H. Head. Biology of lactation. Wageningen Academic
Publishers. Netherlands, 1999.
Michael Akers, R. Lactation and the mammary gland. Blackwell Pub Professional. U.K. 2002.