Lactation Physiology
A.Y. 2021/2022
Learning objectives
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.
Expected learning outcomes
The student must be able to:
1) know the physiology of the mammary gland (development and its regulation);
2) know the endocrinology of lactation and milk ejection reflex;
3) know how the alveolar cells of the breast produce the various milk components;
4) Highlight the link between structure and function;
5) Acquire an integrated view of the physiological mechanisms that regulate breast development, milk production and ejection;
6) Know the composition of colostrum and milk also in the different species;
7) Understanding pathophysiological situations that determine a reduction or altered milk production;
8) Know the functional and technological characteristics of milk;
9) Highlight the link between functional and technological characteristics and product quality;
10) Replacement milk;
11) Acquire a correct terminology.
1) know the physiology of the mammary gland (development and its regulation);
2) know the endocrinology of lactation and milk ejection reflex;
3) know how the alveolar cells of the breast produce the various milk components;
4) Highlight the link between structure and function;
5) Acquire an integrated view of the physiological mechanisms that regulate breast development, milk production and ejection;
6) Know the composition of colostrum and milk also in the different species;
7) Understanding pathophysiological situations that determine a reduction or altered milk production;
8) Know the functional and technological characteristics of milk;
9) Highlight the link between functional and technological characteristics and product quality;
10) Replacement milk;
11) Acquire a correct terminology.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
In the event of a restriction of the current regulations related to the COVID-19 emergency, the lessons and exercises will not take place in person, but synchronously through the Microsoft Teams platform, on the day and time established by the teaching calendar. Furthermore, the exams will be held only in oral form on the date and time set in the exam calendar.
Course syllabus
1) Structure and development of the mammary gland and its regulation
2) Endocrinology of lactation and milk ejection reflex
3) Colostrum, composition and functions
4) Milk, composition and species differences
5) Production of milk components by the alveolar cells
6) Functional and technological characteristics of milk
2) Endocrinology of lactation and milk ejection reflex
3) Colostrum, composition and functions
4) Milk, composition and species differences
5) Production of milk components by the alveolar cells
6) Functional and technological characteristics of milk
Prerequisites for admission
General physiology concepts, mainly endocrinology and lactation physiology
Teaching methods
Lessons will be held in person, in the classroom according to the teaching calendar, ensuring adequate spacing and maintaining personal protective equipment as required by current regulations. If it is not possible to use the classroom, for reasons related to the COVID-19 emergency, all students will be able to follow the lesson synchronously, on the Microsoft Teams platform.
In-person exercises are provided, in the classroom and at farms. The aforementioned activities will be carried out in small groups, always in compliance with current regulations. If it is not possible to carry out practical activities in person due to an aggravation of the rules related to the COVID-19 emergency, the practical lessons will be reduced in number and will be carried out through tutorials, supervisors, seminars and term papers carried out by students by deepening some topics of the course. Students will be informed of these activities directly by the teacher and / or through notices on the Ariel website of the courses.
In-person exercises are provided, in the classroom and at farms. The aforementioned activities will be carried out in small groups, always in compliance with current regulations. If it is not possible to carry out practical activities in person due to an aggravation of the rules related to the COVID-19 emergency, the practical lessons will be reduced in number and will be carried out through tutorials, supervisors, seminars and term papers carried out by students by deepening some topics of the course. Students will be informed of these activities directly by the teacher and / or through notices on the Ariel website of the courses.
Teaching Resources
568/5000
Students can use the following books for study:
- "Physiology of Domestic Animals" 2nd edition, by Sjaastad O.V., Sand O., Hove K. 2010. Scandinavian Veterinary Press
- "Anatomy and physiology of domestic animals" Bortolami, Callegari and Beghelli, edagricole, 1982
- "Manual of Veterinary Physiology" James G. Cunningam Antonio Delfino Editore
- "Textbook of Veterinary Physiology" James G. Cunningam, by Saunders Company- Philadelphia.
In addition, the teacher will provide students with handouts and the material used for the course.
Students can use the following books for study:
- "Physiology of Domestic Animals" 2nd edition, by Sjaastad O.V., Sand O., Hove K. 2010. Scandinavian Veterinary Press
- "Anatomy and physiology of domestic animals" Bortolami, Callegari and Beghelli, edagricole, 1982
- "Manual of Veterinary Physiology" James G. Cunningam Antonio Delfino Editore
- "Textbook of Veterinary Physiology" James G. Cunningam, by Saunders Company- Philadelphia.
In addition, the teacher will provide students with handouts and the material used for the course.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam includes a written test after which the student access to the oral exam. In the event of a further restriction of the current regulations related to the COVID-19 emergency, only the oral exam will be taken through the Microsoft Teams platform.
The written test is designed to verify the ability to apply correctly the theoretical knowledge. The written test consists in 30 multiple choice questions. The test has a duration of 1 hour. The student is admitted to the oral exam if a score higher then 18 is reached.
The oral exam is designed to assess the level of knowledge and comprehension reached by the student on the content of the program. In addition, this test is used for verifying the communication skills of the student, the properties of language and the organization of the presentation. The oral exam consists of 3 questions concerning the topics covered in the teaching.
The written test is designed to verify the ability to apply correctly the theoretical knowledge. The written test consists in 30 multiple choice questions. The test has a duration of 1 hour. The student is admitted to the oral exam if a score higher then 18 is reached.
The oral exam is designed to assess the level of knowledge and comprehension reached by the student on the content of the program. In addition, this test is used for verifying the communication skills of the student, the properties of language and the organization of the presentation. The oral exam consists of 3 questions concerning the topics covered in the teaching.
VET/02 - VETERINARY PHYSIOLOGY - University credits: 3
Practicals: 16 hours
Lessons: 16 hours
Lessons: 16 hours
Professor:
Brecchia Gabriele
Professor(s)
Reception:
Monday 12-14
Room of the teacher