Microstructural organization of the mammary gland of the black mottle breed cows during the dry period

Abstract

During the dry period, the udder tissues are renewed, which is necessary for subsequent lactation. According to many researchers, this period is the most favorable for the treatment and prevention of mastitis. The literature data concerning the microscopic organization of breast tissues in the dry period are sketchy and do not allow us to recreate a complete picture of its architectonics, which is necessary for understanding the physiological processes of lactation, as well as the competent organization of treatment and prevention of mastitis. Taking into account the above, we set a goal – to establish the features of the microstructural organization of the mammary gland of black-and-white cows in the dry period. For the study, udder tissue samples obtained by biopsy were used from five black-and-white cows located in the middle of the dry period. The material was fixed in a 10.0% solution of neutral formalin. Its further processing was carried out according to generally accepted methods. It was found that the mammary gland of the studied animals is an exocrine gland consisting of stroma and parenchyma. The stroma divides the organ into lobules and is represented by connective tissue. In its composition, neurovascular bundles are distinguishable, as well as milk channels, which are links of the ductal system of the gland. The lobules of the organ are filled with adipose tissue replacing glandular tissue, which is the result of post-lactation physiological involution. Also, non-functioning milk alveoli lined with a single layer of cubic lactocytes with no signs of secretory activity are detected in the lobules.