Question:medium
Which hormone causes milk letdown in dairy cows?
Which hormone causes milk letdown in dairy cows?
Show Hint
Prolactin = produce milk; Oxytocin = release milk. Don’t mix these up!
Updated On: Jul 2, 2026
- Prolactin
- Estrogen
- Oxytocin
- Progesterone
Show Solution
The Correct Option is C
Solution and Explanation
Key Concept: Milk production and milk release (letdown) are controlled by two different hormones.
Why it's correct: Oxytocin, released from the posterior pituitary in response to the suckling/milking stimulus, contracts myoepithelial cells around the udder alveoli, squeezing milk into the ducts — that contraction IS letdown.
Why others fail: Prolactin only stimulates milk synthesis, not release. Estrogen and progesterone prepare the udder during pregnancy but play no role in the letdown reflex.
Why it's correct: Oxytocin, released from the posterior pituitary in response to the suckling/milking stimulus, contracts myoepithelial cells around the udder alveoli, squeezing milk into the ducts — that contraction IS letdown.
Why others fail: Prolactin only stimulates milk synthesis, not release. Estrogen and progesterone prepare the udder during pregnancy but play no role in the letdown reflex.
Was this answer helpful?
0
Top Questions on Dairy Engineering
- The recommended pressure range for homogenization of milk is:
- CUET (PG) - 2024
- Diary Technology
- Dairy Engineering
- The temperature of milk should not be less than .......... for better homogenization:
- CUET (PG) - 2024
- Diary Technology
- Dairy Engineering
Identify the equipment in the image:
- CUET (PG) - 2025
- Food Engineering and Technology
- Dairy Engineering
- Casein is more resistant to heat than whey. Resistance of casein to heat is NOT because of the following which factor.
- CUET (PG) - 2025
- Food Engineering and Technology
- Dairy Engineering
- Want to practice more? Try solving extra ecology questions todayView All Questions