Laitumen
Laitumen is a term that refers to the act of producing milk, specifically in the context of lactating animals, including humans. The process of laitumen involves the secretion of milk from the mammary glands, which is essential for the nourishment of offspring. In mammals, laitumen is regulated by hormonal signals, primarily prolactin, which stimulates the production of milk. The composition of milk varies depending on the species and the nutritional needs of the offspring. For example, human milk is rich in antibodies and nutrients tailored to support the growth and development of infants. In dairy animals, laitumen is managed to produce milk for human consumption, contributing significantly to the global food supply. The study of laitumen encompasses various disciplines, including physiology, nutrition, and animal science, aiming to understand the mechanisms underlying milk production and its implications for both animal health and human nutrition.