Evaluation of selected biophysical parameters of the teat skin of dairy cows

Abstract

The aim of the research was to assess transepidermal water loss (TEWL), epidermal hydration (EH) and teat skin pH in Holstein-Friesian (HF) dairy cows of various ages and with varying degrees of teat skin damage. The research was carried out on one farm in 3 groups of 18 animals each: B1 – cows in the 2nd or 3rd lactation with a teat damage score of 2; B2 – cows in the 5th or 6th lactation with a teat damage score of 3; and B3 – cows in the 5th or 6th lactations with a point assessment of teat damage of 4. The Burmeister classification was used (1). In each cow, the parameters were assessed four times throughout the summer. Measurements were performed using a 5-head Courage Khazaka Multi Probe digital camera with the Windows Adapter MPA 5 software (D-50829 Köln, Germany). The TEWL values were lowest in group B1 (average = 28.5 g/m2/h) and significantly higher in groups B2 (33.28 g/m2/h) and B3 (39.48 g/m2/h). The highest EH values were obtained in group B1 (24.85%), and they were significantly higher than those in groups B2 (15.63%) and B3 (15.39%). Skin pH values in all groups of cows ranged from 6.96 to 7.2. The research allowed us to conclude that TEWL, EH and pH are sensitive indicators of the condition of the epidermal barrier of the teat skin and its stability. The parameters tested in this study may be useful in clinical practice for monitoring the condition of teat skin and assessing the progress of skin lichenisation.