Immunity of the mammary gland

For the proper function of the mammary gland, its morphological properties and properties of its immune system with leucocytes, antibodies and substances inhibiting bacterial growth, such as lactoferrin or the lactoperoxidase complex, are important. Formation of a keratin plug in a teat canal is also an important defence mechanism.

Immunity of the mammary gland itself relates to overall immunity of the organism and comprises local defence mechanisms too. The mammary gland is densely woven with blood and lymphatic vessels. Thus, the infection is prevented by leucocytes and antibodies contained in blood.

The mammary gland has several defence mechanisms how the organism prevents microorganisms from getting into the udder and if so, how to destroy them. Creation of the keratin plug in the teat canal is the important defence mechanism. It was found that the plug of cows susceptible to mastitis contained a higher amount of oleic and linoleic acids which meant they were different.

The ability of the teat canal sphincter to be closed well is another important factor. The cows which give milk extremely fast (the canal is opened easily) are more predisposed to mastitis.

The cow’s organism excretes several chemical substances into milk which are being created in the udder; altogether, they form a so called lactoperoxidase complex able to kill bacteria. Lactoferrin excreted into milk works in a similar way – it stops (inhibits) multiplication of bacterial species which require iron for their growth.