The cow · Milk and the udder
Milk secretion and letdown
Milk is made continuously between milkings and released in a few minutes when the cow lets down. This heading gathers short papers on the biology of the udder: how secretion is regulated, how the oxytocin reflex works and what upsets it, and why milking more often raises yield.
5 papers are filed under this heading. Main sources: Western Dairy Digest, Dairy Production Primer: Milking and Milking Equipment.
Stat5: An important link in the control of milk protein production
Describes research into the role of Stat5 in the regulation of milk protein synthesis.
Why Does Increased Milking Frequency Raise Milk Yield?
Speculates on the reasons that more frequent milking increases milk yield.
The Milk Letdown Reflex
Describes the physiology of milk letdown including factors which stimulate and inhibit the reflex.
Lying Increases Uterine Blood Flow
Blood flow to the gravid horn of the uterus was greater when cows were standing than when they were lying.
Milk Secretion and the Letdown Reflex
Describes the process of milk secretion and lists stimuli which initiate milk letdown.