Milk is a white liquid produced by the mammary glands of mammals. It is the primary source of nutrition for young
mammals before they are able to digest other types of food. Early-lactation milk contains colostrum, which carries the mother's antibodies to the baby and can reduce the risk of many diseases in the baby. It also contains many other nutrients
An 8-ounce glass of milk provides a big percentage of your recommended daily allowance of vitamins and minerals: 17% protein, 29% calcium, 23% phosphorus, 23% riboflavin, 25% vitamin D, and 15% vitamin B-12. Refrigeration came into use in 1880, and the first pasteurizing machine was introduced in 1895. The milk bottle was invented in 1884. Plastic milk containers were introduced in 1964. Before milking machines were invented in 1894, farmers could only hand milk about 6 cows per hour. Today, farmers use automated machines to milk more than 100 cows per hour.
A Jersey set the all-time record for milk production by a single cow in 2003. A Jersey named Mainstream Berretta Joy, is the new U.S. and World Milk Champion. Bred and owned by Melissa R. Kortus of Lynden, Washington “Joy” produced 44,930 lbs. milk in 365 days on twice-daily milkings. Joy also becomes the first Jersey cow to complete two consecutive records over 40,000 lbs. milk in the history of the American Jersey Cattle Association.
Trivia[]
- Fresh goat milk is sometimes substituted for breast milk. This risks the child developing electrolyte imbalances, metabolic acidosis, megaloblastic anemia, and a host of allergic reactions.
- The females of all mammal species can by definition produce milk, but cow milk dominates commercial production.