RESUMEN
Although many studies have examined the relation between a wide range of factors and quarter milk somatic cell count (qSCC), including physical characteristics of the teat and changes in teat tissue due to milking, the effect of short-term, milking-induced changes in teat dimensions on somatic cell count has not yet been investigated. To identify teat dimensions and milking-induced changes in teat dimensions associated with qSCC, we conducted a longitudinal study (n(herds)=6, n(cows)=72, n(measurements)=12). Parity, stage of lactation, teat barrel diameter, and changes in teat barrel diameter during milking were identified as factors associated with qSCC. Teats with wider barrels had higher qSCC. Negative changes in the diameter of the teat barrel during milking (i.e., thinner teats postmilking compared with premilking) were associated with lower qSCC, whereas positive changes (i.e., thicker teats postmilking compared with premilking) were associated with higher qSCC. Selection toward more optimal teat characteristics may therefore result in improved milk quality and udder health. However, a threshold might exist for the maximum reduction in teat barrel diameter below which udder health is negatively influenced. If so, changes in teat barrel diameter might serve as an indicator for suboptimal milking and incorrect choice of teatcup liner or milking machine settings and thus help improve management of the herd.
Asunto(s)
Bovinos/anatomía & histología , Glándulas Mamarias Animales/anatomía & histología , Leche/citología , Animales , Bovinos/fisiología , Recuento de Células , Industria Lechera , Femenino , Lactancia/fisiología , Glándulas Mamarias Animales/fisiología , Leche/normasRESUMEN
Various methods have been applied to measure teat dimensions. However, the accuracy and precision needed to obtain reliable results are often poor or have not yet been investigated. To determine the precision of the ruler, the caliper, and a recently developed 2-dimensional (2D) vision-based measuring device under field conditions, for respectively teat length, teat diameter, and both teat length and diameter, 2 experiments were conducted in which the consistency of measurements within operators (repeatability) and between operators (reproducibility) was tested. In addition, the agreement of the 2D device with the ruler and the caliper was studied. Although the ruler and the 2D device poorly agreed, both methods were precise in measuring teat length when the operators had experience in working with cows. The caliper was repeatable in measuring teat diameter, but was not reproducible. The 2D device was also repeatable in measuring teat diameter, and reproducible when the operators had experience with the device. The methods had poor agreement, most likely due to the operator-dependent pressure applied by the caliper. Because the 2D device has the advantage of measuring both teat length and teat diameters in a single measurement and is accurate and practical, this method allows efficient and fast collection of data on a large scale for various applications.
Asunto(s)
Bovinos/anatomía & histología , Glándulas Mamarias Animales/anatomía & histología , Animales , Industria Lechera/instrumentación , Industria Lechera/normas , Femenino , Humanos , Variaciones Dependientes del Observador , Reproducibilidad de los ResultadosRESUMEN
Traditionally, all cows within a herd are milked with the same teat cup liner, although it is hypothesized that considerable variation in teat dimensions exists between cows and quarters within cows. To study at which level (herd, cow, or quarter) most variation in teat dimensions resides, and to identify factors explaining (part of) this variation, both a cross-sectional (n=2,715) and a longitudinal study (n=8,678) were conducted. Using an objective and easy-to-use measuring device, teat length and teat diameters were determined. In both studies, most variation in teat dimensions was present at the cow or within-cow level, and not at the herd level, indicating that choosing a teat cup liner that is identical for all cows in a herd is far from optimal. Quarter position (front versus hind), parity and lactation stage were identified as factors associated with teat length and teat diameters. Generally, front teats were longer and broader than hind teats. Teat length and diameters increased with parity, although the increase in teat length was not significant from second parity onwards in front teats, based on observations from the longitudinal study. After the first 30 d in milk, teat length substantially and significantly increased, whereas teat diameters decreased. We conclude that better results in teat condition, and eventually in udder health, might be yielded when different teat cup liners are chosen for front versus hind teats or for cows of different parity or lactation stage, with special attention to the first 30 d in milk. However, the biological relevance of these differences should be examined first.