Print Syllabus

Syllabus

HV0194 Biology of lactation, 7.5 Credits

Laktationsbiologi

Subjects

Animal Science Biology Animal science Biology

Education cycle

Master’s level

Modules

Title	Credits	Code
Biology of lactation	7.5	0102

Advanced study in the main field

Second cycle, has only first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
Master’s level (A1N)

Grading scale

Language

English

Prior knowledge

150 credits at first cycle level, of which

• 60 credits biology or

• 60 credits animal science or

• 60 credits equine science or

• 60 credits veterinary nursing or veterinary medicine or

• 60 credits agricultural sciences of which at least 30 credits animal and dairy science/zoology

Objectives

The aim of the course is to provide in-depth knowledge of factors that affect milk production and interactions

between reproduction, nutrition, behavior and lactation, including effects of lactation on the lactating animal.

After completing the course, the student should be able to:

• describe the development, anatomy and physiology of the mammary gland and surrounding tissue, including the physiology of lactation,

• explain how the quality and process characteristics of the milk can be affected by management, feeding and milking routines and the impact of the genotype on the composition and quality of the milk,

• give examples of interactions between reproduction and lactation,

• explain the milk ejection reflex, describe its significance for the possibility of emptying the mammary gland and describe in detail different steps in lactation and in milking routines, describe in detail how a milking machine works and describe the interaction between animals, humans and technology regarding milking,

• give examples of the most common pathogens and pathological changes affecting lactating udders and describe metabolic disease states that are linked to lactation,

• describe and propose different forms of methodology analysis used for quality determination of milk,

• on the basis of biological knowledge, assess and evaluate milking techniques, routines and care adjacent to milking to achieve optimal production, milk raw material and animal health and discuss the impact on the sustainability of milk production from a social, economic and ecological perspective,

• discuss and summarize scientific studies in lactation biology.

Content

The course content is udder anatomy, udder physiology, milk formation, milk extraction, udder health, care routines, milking technology, milking equipment and genetics. In addition, the composition of the milk is treated as an effect of feeding, milking and management routines as well as breeding, milk chemistry and milk analyses.

The course makes comparisons between different milk-producing animal species, such as cattle, water buffalo, goats, sheep and camels. The course is further based on basic knowledge mainly in cell biology, physiology and nutrition, but ethology, animal welfare, food science, production systems, sustainability and interaction between humans, animals and technology are also included.

The course compares different mammalian species, including humans, regarding lactation, but cows, sheep and goats are given the most space. During the first part of the course, the different topics will be covered in lectures, exercises and demonstrations. At the end of the course, the student works on a project/thesis.

Within the course the following general skills is trained: critical thinking, scientific communication and oral presentation

Grading form

The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest.

Formats and requirements for examination

Passed written and oral examination. Passed participation in compulsory course modules.

• If a student has failed an examination, the examiner has the right to issue supplementary assignments. This applies if it is possible and there are grounds to do so.
• The examiner can provide an adapted assessment to students entitled to study support for students with disabilities following a decision by the university. Examiners may also issue an adapted examination or provide an alternative way for the students to take the exam.
• If this syllabus is withdrawn, SLU may introduce transitional provisions for examining students admitted based on this syllabus and who have not yet passed the course.
• For the examination of a degree project (independent project), the examiner may also allow the student to add supplemental information after the deadline for submission. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

Other information

• The right to participate in teaching and/or supervision only applies for the course instance the student was admitted to and registered on.

• If there are special reasons, students are entitled to participate in components with compulsory attendance when the course is given again. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

Additional information

It is recommended that the student has basic knowledge in cell biology and physiology.

Responsible department

Department of Animal Nutrition and Management

Cooperating departments: