This material was contributed from collections at the National Agricultural Library. However, users should direct all inquires about the contents to authors or originating agencies. From a physiological viewpoint, they might be classified as accessory reproductive organs, as they are intrinsic to the reproductive function.
Mammary glands are present in both sexes.
Functional activity in the male is rare, although milk secreting glands have been developed in both virgin does and bucks by repeated gentle massage of the mammary area. Differentiation in growth of mammary glands between the sexes is usually not obvious until puberty. At that time, glandular enlargement occurs in the female. Most of it is in increased amount of connective tissue and fat deposition, but not increased formation of secretory tissue. Estrus periods bring on increases in the development of the secretory and duct tissues, with a recession during the anestrus period.