Classification and Longitudinal Examination of Callused Teat Ends in Dairy Cows

Abstract

To examine the development of teat end callosity thickness and roughness in early lactation and to quantify cow factors of interest, a system to classify teat end condition was developed. A distinction was made between rough and smooth rings around the teat orifice. In addition, a classification of the degree of callosity was developed. Kappa coefficients for the repeatability of scoring by this classification system by different workers were 0.71 for teat end callosity thickness and 0.86 for teat end callosity roughness. The teat end callosity classification system was used for a longitudinal study with 40 cows during the first 14 wk of lactation. Models were built to predict teat end callosity thickness and roughness, machine-on time, and milk yield. For the response variables, teat end callosity thickness, machine-on time, and milk yield, the consecutive measurements appeared to follow a lactation curve model with a subject-specific general slope and intercept. Teat end callosity increased rapidly the first 8 wk. Cow factors such as days in milk, parity, machine-on time, and teat end shape were associated with the degree of teat end callosity, and the probability of the callosity ring to become rough. Teat end callosity thickness did not decrease within the 14-wk trial period for most teats. Pointed or round teat ends showed more callus than inverted teat ends. Longer machine-on time resulted in a higher probability of the callosity ring to become rough. Rear teats showed less callosity than front teats in this study.

Changes in teat parameters caused by milking and their recovery to their initial size

“…Although the relative changes of the observed traits between the 1st and the 2nd period of lactation were non-significant, we found a tendency of teat stability to decline during milking and in its capability to reach its initial size as well. These findings are in agreement with the results of NEIJENHUIS et al (2000).…”

“…Enlargement of the teat end area was comparable, 21.9 % in group C and 21.7 % in group H. However, the area remained enlarged 3 h after milking differently, in the C breed by 7.6 % and by 10.9 % in the H cows. Relatively fast restoration of the teat end area to its initial size demonstrates good health condition of the teats in cows of both breeds as well as proper milking management, according to the findings of DOLEžAL et al (2000), VEGRICHT et al (1995), andNEIJENHUIS et al (2000). NEIJENHUIS et al (2001) called attention to the importance of the teat end as a barrier against infiltration of infection into the udder in the case of incorrect milking procedures.…”

USE OF HYDROALCOHOLIC EXTRACT OF Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi IN PRE- AND POST-MILKING ANTISEPSIS OF THE TEAT IN DAIRY COWS

“…However, at the beginning of the experiment, there was a worsening in the scores of both treatments. According to Neijenhuis, (11) it may be due to a hyperkeratosis of the teat duct orifice, which is the result of a normal physiological process of adaptation at the beginning of lactation. On the other hand, after repeated milking, the teatend tissue shows changes that appear as a crown around the teat orifice, such changes may result from mechanical forces exerted by the vacuum during milking.…”

“…On the other hand, after repeated milking, the teatend tissue shows changes that appear as a crown around the teat orifice, such changes may result from mechanical forces exerted by the vacuum during milking. (11) Silva (21) performed toxicological tests of the essential oil from the leaves of Schinus terebnthifolius Raddi in laboratory animals and observed no changes.…”

“…(10) To assess the health of the teat skin under the use of the extract we collected, every two weeks, assessment data concerning teat scores, referring to the sphincter and the skin at the proximal and distal portions of the mammary gland, according to classification by Neijenhuis. (11) The experiment was conducted in a commercial dairy production unit during 12 weeks. The number of animals in milking oscillated between 64 and 73 cows in different periods of lactation, totaling 95 animals of Jersey and Holstein breeds under extensive farming with mechanized milking performed twice a day.…”