Abstract
The aim of this work was to evaluate the association between milk flow, teat morphological measurements and subclinical mastitis prevalence in Gir cows. Eighty cows in the 2nd and 3rd lactations, with 90 to 200 days of lactation, were divided according to milk flow during milking into fast or slow groups. Teat morphometry was assessed by ultrasound scanning of the right anterior teat and external measurements. Milk samples were collected for somatic cells count (SCC) and microbiological culture. The effect of milk flow during milking was evaluated by analysis of variance of milk yield, SCC, morphometry and external measurements. The association of morphometry and external measurements of the teats with the SCC and microorganisms found in milk were analysed. Milk flow was significantly correlated to milk production. Gir cows with slower milk flow had longer teat canal and greater milk yield, in comparison to cows with fast milk flow. Teat-end to floor distance influenced SCC of Gir cows. Prevalence of subclinical mastitis and the type of mastitis-causing pathogens were not affected by milk flow during milking
Highlights
Among dairy breeds, Gir cows represent an important percentage of Brazilian dairy cattle herd mainly because of its high adaptability to the tropical climate and the production systems
Anatomical characteristics of teats have positive correlation with milk flow rate during milking that could be used for precocious identification of udder health problems which could increase the risks of mastitis (Tancin et al, 2007)
Cows were sorted according to the milking time and milk yield, divided into two groups according to the speed of milking: fast flow (FF) and slow flow (SF)
Summary
Gir cows represent an important percentage of Brazilian dairy cattle herd mainly because of its high adaptability to the tropical climate and the production systems. The studies of milk flow patterns provide important information about the cow’s responses to milking in different situations, such as the udder health state (Pérez‐Guzman et al, 1986; Naumann et al, 1998) and the inefficiency in milk ejection (Tancin & Bruckmaier, 2001). Tancin et al (2007) studied the milk flow and its variations during lactation and observed influences in the somatic cell counts (SCC), as much as the udder. Using 200,000 cells mL‐1 SCC threshold, Schepers et al (1997) found 74% sensitivity and 89% specificity in Holstein cows. Anatomical characteristics of teats have positive correlation with milk flow rate during milking that could be used for precocious identification of udder health problems which could increase the risks of mastitis (Tancin et al, 2007)
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