How does a calf suckle milk from his mother?

Calves suckle milk from their mothers through a specialized behavior known as suckling. The process involves the calf latching onto the mother's teat and creating a vacuum that draws the milk out. Here is a step-by-step explanation of how a calf suckles milk:

Positioning: The calf positions itself underneath the mother, usually facing her udder. The mother may stand or lie down during this process.

Recognition: The calf recognizes its mother through various cues, such as her voice, scent, and appearance.

Latching: The calf extends its tongue and places it over the teat. The tongue then curls around the teat, forming a seal. This creates a closed chamber between the tongue and the teat.

Vacuum Creation: The calf uses its powerful tongue muscles to create a vacuum within the sealed chamber. This negative pressure draws the milk out of the teat.

Milk Flow: As the calf suckles, the mother's muscles in the udder contract, squeezing milk into the teat. The milk flows into the calf's mouth due to the vacuum created by the calf's tongue.

Swallowing: The calf swallows the milk that has been drawn into its mouth. The swallowing action is coordinated with the suckling rhythm.

Release and Repeat: After suckling for a few seconds, the calf releases the teat. It may then reposition its mouth and repeat the process to extract more milk.

The calf continues to suckle until it has obtained enough milk. The duration of suckling can vary depending on the calf's age, the mother's milk production, and the individual calf's suckling efficiency.

Suckling behavior in calves is instinctive and is essential for obtaining nourishment. It also plays an important role in the calf's bonding and social development.