The Milking Procedure

Udder Anatomy 4 separate compartments Fore udder (front two teats) Rear udder (back two teats) Ligaments Median suspensory- center of the udder & holds up Lateral suspensory- aid in udder support

Lateral Suspensory Ligament Median Suspensory Ligament Intermammary Groove

Udder Divisions Divided into half by the central supporting ligament Each half is divided by a fine membrane Milk does not go from one half to another Antibiotics or other medication can go through the blood

Central Ligament Fine Membrane Outer Wall

Teats Teat Cistern Gland Cistern Skin Streak Canal

Milk Letdown Process Must have a cow that cooperates Stimulation Washing massaging the udder Stimulation causes the pituitary gland to produce oxytocin into the blood stream Oxytocin then circulates through the blood to all of the udder Milk is forced down into the ducts, the gland and then teat cisterns

Backbone Epinephrine Brain Pituitary Gland Nerve Impulses Oxytocin Heart Udder Stimulation Blood