Lactation Biology

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign via Coursera

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/lactation-biology

Introduction

### Course Review: Lactation Biology on Coursera #### Overview Lactation Biology is an intriguing course offered via Coursera, aimed at demystifying the biological processes behind lactation and milk production. The course recognizes that while milk is a staple in our diets, the underlying biology is often misunderstood, even by those in the dairy industry. This course serves as an excellent introduction to the fundamental concepts surrounding the biology of lactation, the mammary gland, and the myriad of products derived from this physiological process. #### Course Structure The course comprises several detailed modules that guide the learner through the essential aspects of lactation biology. Each module is well-structured, making it easy for participants to grasp complex concepts systematically. Here’s a sneak peek into the captivating content covered: 1. **Course Orientation**: - Establishes a foundational understanding of the course format and sets expectations for learner engagement. 2. **Module 1: Introduction to Lactation Biology**: - Introduces key terminologies and concepts, offering a comprehensive overview of the evolution of lactation among mammals. 3. **Module 2: Mammary Gland Structure**: - Discusses mammary gland anatomy and how structure relates to function, using dairy cows as a primary example. 4. **Module 3: Milk Composition**: - Explores the complexities of milk, its composition, and variations among different species, including humans and cows. 5. **Module 4: Mammary Gland Development**: - Outlines the developmental stages of the mammary gland from fetal development to lactation, emphasizing its cyclical nature. 6. **Module 5: Mother & Neonate**: - Investigates physiological changes during the peripartum period, emphasizing lactogenesis and the significance of colostrum. 7. **Module 6: Lactation**: - Delves into the physiological processes of lactation, focusing on how milk removal stimulates production. 8. **Module 7: Milk Ejection**: - Covers the milk ejection reflex, including the roles of oxytocin and its implications in lactation management. 9. **Module 8: Atypical Lactation**: - Discusses instances of lactation outside the normal reproductive context, challenging conventional understanding. 10. **Module 9: Mastitis**: - Examines the complexities surrounding mastitis, a common but costly condition in dairy cattle and other mammals, including case studies. 11. **Module 10: Comparative Lactation** (Optional): - Expands on learned principles by examining lactation processes across various mammalian species, both wild and domesticated. #### Strengths of the Course - **Comprehensive Content**: The range of topics covered is impressive, from basic definitions to complex physiological processes, making it suitable for novices and those familiar with the subject. - **Engaging Materials**: The course utilizes a mix of videos and readings that enhance understanding and retention of information. - **Real-World Application**: The inclusion of case studies, particularly regarding mastitis management, provides learners with insights into practical challenges in the dairy industry. #### Recommendations I highly recommend the Lactation Biology course for anyone interested in veterinary sciences, animal husbandry, nutrition, or even maternal and neonatal health. It is equally beneficial for professionals in the dairy industry who seek to deepen their understanding of lactation processes, and for educators looking to broaden their knowledge base in animal biology. The detailed exploration of mammary gland anatomy and function, alongside a solid grounding in the biochemical perspectives of milk production, makes this course a vital resource. Whether you are a hobbyist, a student, or a dedicated professional, the Lactation Biology course on Coursera is an educational endeavor worth pursuing. ### Final Thoughts In conclusion, Lactation Biology presents a unique opportunity to unravel the complexities of lactation and milk production in mammals. With its thorough curriculum, expert-led instruction, and practical applications, this course not only enriches your understanding but also fosters a deeper appreciation for the significance of lactation in both biological and economic contexts. Enroll today, and embark on this fascinating journey through the biology of one of nature's most essential processes!

Syllabus

Course Orientation

The series of videos and readings provided here are aimed at introducing this course in Lactation Biology. Course organization is described. Requirements for participation in the course are summarized. And, opportunities for learners to engage in the course content, as well as with each other, are indicated.

Module 1: Introduction to Lactation Biology

In this module, we will introduce some basic definitions of terms related to the biology of lactation, provide an overview of milk, and briefly introduce the phylogenetic organization and evolution of mammals. Learning the definitions will be important for establishing a baseline vocabulary that will help reduce confusion about topics presented in subsequent videos. Milk, a primary product of the lactation process, will be introduced in an effort to provide a foundation for later modules in which milk and milk composition are explored in greater depth. The series of videos about mammals collectively offer a brief overview of the wide spectrum of these animal species, as well as some thoughts on how lactation came to be an integral part of the reproductive strategy of those species.

Module 2: Mammary Gland Structure

One of the most fundamental requirements for understanding any aspect of biology is to appreciate the relationships that exist between form and function, or anatomy and physiology. In the case of lactation and the mammary gland, it is important to be able to visualize the various levels of mammary gland structure in order to understand how the mammary gland grows and functions. This module presents an overview of mammary gland anatomy and macrostructure using the dairy cow as our primary example. In addition, the tissue, cellular, and subcellular levels of mammary structure are presented. The module provides a conceptual foundation that will allow you to individually explore mammary gland anatomy and microstructure in other mammalian species.

Module 3: Milk Composition

Milk is the product of the lactation process. Such a simple statement does not come close to doing justice to the complex nature of this biological fluid. In this module, we explore the major components of milk, as well as provide a basis for understanding milk as a product that we purchase in a store. Mechanisms of synthesis of milk components are introduced. And, several videos include discussions of the nature of differences in milk composition among mammalian species, including comparisons of cow milk with human milk.

Module 4: Mammary Gland Development

The tissue that we know of as the mammary gland (or udder or breast) may appear as relatively uncomplicated compared with some internal organs such as the heart or brain. The gland is outside the body wall, has a nipple or teat in most species, and has a series of ducts by which milk that is produced in microscopic blind tubes can be expressed from the gland. How can such a gland develop and what regulates that development? It turns out that the initial stage of development occurs extremely early in the fetal development of the animal. It then proceeds through a series of developmental phases, many of which are closely linked with the reproductive functioning of the animal, and eventually leading to the time when the gland is producing milk. Furthermore, the mammary gland is one of a few tissues that undergoes repeated cycles of development, functioning, regression, and redevelopment, again associated with the reproductive cycles of the animal. This module describes the various stages of mammary development and provides the framework for understanding how these stages relate to each other, as well as to the functionality of the gland.

Module 5: Mother & Neonate

The peripartum period, the time shortly before, during, and after giving birth, is a time of rapid changes in the mammary gland, the mother, and the neonate. Extensive physiological coordination occurs between the processes leading up to and giving birth, the formation of colostrum, the initiation of lactation in the mammary gland, and the subsequent removal of milk by the neonate. In this module, we explore how the mammary gland changes around the time of giving birth when the gland transitions from a non-lactating to a lactating state. Part of this transition is the production of colostrum, the first mammary secretion produced by the gland after giving birth. Another part of the transition is the changing regulation of mammary gland function from one being driven primarily by hormones associated with pregnancy and parturition to one where milk removal, by the neonate or milking machine, is the driving force in gland function after birth. In this module, we examine some basic characteristics of the neonate, how lactation is initiated (lactogenesis), and the formation and special components of colostrum (immunoglobulins) and their impact on the neonate.

Module 6: Lactation

In this module, we explore the many facets of lactation as a complex physiological process. We will find that removal of the milk in the gland is critical to continued production of that fluid. The interactions between milk removal, the systemic factors stimulating the gland to produce milk, such as several hormones, and the local factors that inhibit further milk secretion are examined. Some of the effects of milk removal, as well as the absence of milk removal, are discussed in this series of videos. The responses of the mammary gland to milk removal provide a means of understanding the impact of management practices on lactation.

Module 7: Milk Ejection

This module introduces the physiological process known as the milk ejection reflex. The neural and endocrine pathways of this process are discussed, as is a broad overview of the hormone responsible for milk ejection, oxytocin. In addition, the consequences of ineffective milk ejection and ways that have been tried to manipulate the milk ejection process are presented.

Module 8: Atypical Lactation

We typically assume that development of the mammary gland and production of milk are closely regulated by and are coordinated with the reproductive functioning of the animal. Most often that is true. From the knowledge gained from other modules in this course, it is clear that mammary gland development and lactogenesis are heavily regulated by hormones. As it turns out, the presence of mammary gland-regulating hormones is not always directly associated with the reproductive status of the animal. If the hormone activity is present, regardless of its source, it may impact mammary gland development and function. The series of videos in this module presents an overview of what we are calling atypical lactation. That is when the mammary gland undergoes development and lactation in the absence of the usual physiological cues that we associate with the process, such as an animal giving birth.

Module 9: Mastitis

The mammary gland is an excretory gland, meaning that it produces a fluid that is secreted to the outside of the body. These secretions leave the gland through a series of ducts that eventually open to the outside of the skin. The presence of these openings not only means that the mammary secretion can leave the gland, it also means that microorganisms can enter the gland. When that happens, the gland may become infected and present as a disease known as mastitis. Mastitis is an inflammation of the mammary gland, the inflammation most commonly being caused by an infection by a pathogen. Mastitis is the most costly disease in dairy cattle, but is also prevalent in other species, including our own. We will examine many of the aspects of how this disease is manifested using the dairy cow as our primary example in this module. We will examine mastitis at the level of an individual cow, as well as at the whole herd level. And then to fully integrate and apply the knowledge gained about this disease, we will examine several real-life cases of herd-level mastitis problems faced by dairy producers.

Module 10: Comparative Lactation

In this module, we provide a series of videos that expands what has already been learned in other modules about the basic principles of lactation biology to a range of mammalian species. These videos focus on these animals in their native state, as well as some that have been domesticated for use as dairy animals and domestic livestock. This module is optional.