THE UDDER OF THE COW 5 



atrophic pigmentation and likewise the leucoeytic infiltra- 

 tion disappear. 



The milk of the first few days, the so-called colostrmn, 

 has an albumin and leucoeytic content of great similarity 

 to the milk of the atrophic udders, the " gelt " milk. 



During this quick change from the dry to the lactation 

 state circulatory disturbances may easily occur. The func- 

 tional hypersemia can frequently be so increased that an 

 abnormal transudation occurs inducing oedema of the udder. 

 Following this condition small capillary hemorrhages may 

 occur in the intralobular connective-tissue spaces from 

 which blood may empty into the milk-ducts, mix with the 

 milk and cause bloody milk. 



Following these changes functional disturbances may 

 also develop. It is very probable that the atrophic cells 

 also secrete other abnormal products, such as virulent 

 toxins although in insignificant quantities. Following par- 

 turition however large quantities of the same toxin may 

 be produced due to the altered condition which may lead 

 to a general intoxication, milk fever. This disease is treated 

 by air inflation with localized cell paralysis due to the 

 effect of pressure. 



Summary 



I. Anatomy of the udder : 



A. Microscopic structure. 



1. The parenchyma of the udder. 



2. The stroma of the udder. 



B. Gross anatomical structure. 



Arteries and veins. 

 Lymph-vessels. 

 II. Physiology of the udder: 



A. Milking period. 



B. Incitation and maintenance of milk secretion. 



C. Diminution, dry or alactiferous udder, " gelt " milk. 



D. The udder at the time of parturition. 



Circulatory disturbances. 

 Functional disturbances. 



