Ways Teat Characteristics Affect Milking Management and Udder Health

From the NMC Newsletter "Udder Topics", April 1996

Teat Shape affects milkability, liners slip, and teat end health. Teats which are wider than the inside liner diameter may result in slow milking speed and more fall off because the liner does not crawl high enough toward the teat base. Teats which are small may result in excess crawl of the liner toward the teat base and some restriction of milk flow from the glands cistern to the teat cistern.

Teat length affects liner slip and teat end health. Short teats may result in liner slip due to inadequate teat length inside the liner. Long teats may be poorly massaged during milking because the teat end is beyond the collapse point of the liner.

Teat End Shape affects teat end massage and hyperkeratosis formation. Pointed teats have more hyperkeratosis and more lesions. Flat teats tend to milk slower but have fewer infections.

Teat Skin protects the deep teat tissues from infections. When damaged the skin may allow microorganisms to invade the teat tissue resulting in necrosis, fibrosis, scarring, and sloughing. These conditions reduce milkability and increase culling. Changes in teat skin are often related to cold weather, wind chill, or incorrect chemical use.

Source: 1996 NMC Annual Meeting Proceedings, p. 228

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