Physiology of lactation

The course aims to provide students with adequate knowledge of the physiology and endocrinology of the mammary gland, the composition of milk and colostrum, the functional activity of milk and its technological characteristics, the characteristics and use of substitute milk. The differences between the species will be analyzed for each topic. In addition, the course aims to develop the student's ability to highlight the link between structure and function for the acquisition of a general vision of the physiological processes that lead to the production of milk. The student must be able to evaluate the quality and technological characteristics of the milk product and to be able to expose the topics covered with an appropriate language.

1. Knowledge and understanding: the student, at the end of the course, will have to demonstrate knowledge of the following:
(a) physiology of the mammary gland (development and its regulation)
b) endocrinology of lactation and milk ejection reflex
(c) mode of production of the different components of milk by the alveolar cells of the udder
(d) integrated view of the physiological mechanisms regulating udder development, milk production and milk ejection
(e) composition of colostrum and bovine milk and in the different species
(f) functional and technological characteristics of milk
(g) correct terminology
2. Ability to apply knowledge and understanding: the student will have to demonstrate that he/she has knowledge and concepts useful for developing a thesis during the exercises that will be carried out in class.
3. Critical and judgement skills: the student must demonstrate the ability to critically argue the information acquired during the course, in particular during the exercises that will be carried out in class and relating to lecture topics that will be studied in depth.
4. Ability to communicate what has been learnt: the student will have to demonstrate the ability to express him/herself with scientifically appropriate terminology during the in-class exercises in the form of a thesis, on a topic that will be subjected to a deep and have the ability to discuss it scientifically with peers.