Teat Morphology Research Articles

Teat morphology across five buffalo breeds: a multi-country collaborative study.

The buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) is a species of worldwide importance, raised to produce milk, meat, and hides, and often used as a working animal in rural contexts with low access to hi-tech solutions. In the present study, 100 lactating buffaloes (50 primiparous and 50 pluriparous) of five popular breeds were recruited to characterize and compare teat morphology. In particular, the focus was put on the Nili Ravi, Mediterranean, Egyptian, Bulgarian Murrah, and Azeri buffaloes raised in Pakistan, Italy, Egypt, Bulgaria, and Iran, respectively. In all countries, a longitudinal cross-section ultrasound was obtained before the milking to measure teat parameters at individual level: overall, teat canal length (TCL) averaged 24.13mm, teat diameter (TD) 30.46mm, cisternal diameter (CD) 17.80mm, and teat wall (TW) 7.12mm. The most variable trait across breeds was TCL which was positively correlated with CD and TD and negatively with TW, regardless of the teat position (front/rear or left/right). A strong negative correlation was found between TW and CD (- 0.43). The analysis of variance revealed that the fixed effect of breed significantly affected all the traits except TD. In fact, Bulgarian Murrah, Azeri, and Egyptian buffaloes presented the greatest estimate of TCL, whereas NR the smallest (14.70mm). The TW was maximum in Nili Ravi, Egyptian, and Mediterranean buffaloes, with estimates equal to 8.19, 7.59, and 8.74mm, respectively. Nili Ravi also showed the greatest TL (82.39mm). In terms of CD, the lowest least square mean was that of Mediterranean buffaloes (12.14mm). Primiparous and pluriparous buffaloes differed in terms of TD, TW, and TL, with older animals presenting the highest least square mean. In terms of position, instead, significant differences were observed for TD, CD, and TL when comparing front and rear teats, as left and right teats did not differ. Teat anatomy includes a set of heritable morphological features and is therefore breed-dependent. Differences presented in this study could be attributed to the divergent breeding objective and selective pressure across the five breeds; e.g., in some cases such as Mediterranean buffalo, selection for decades was oriented to improve milk production and milkability and achieve optimal conformation for mechanical milking. A better understanding of the mammary gland anatomical descriptors can be informative of the history of a breed and could provide useful insights to guide possible selection.

Udder and teat morphology traits associated with milk production and somatic cell score in dairy sheep from a New Zealand flock

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to estimate the phenotypic correlations between udder and teat morphology traits, milk production traits, and somatic cell score in dairy sheep from a flock in New Zealand. A total of 162 lactating ewes were scored for morphology traits during the milk production season of 2021–2022. The 130-d lactation yields of milk, fat, protein, and lactose were obtained with 2–4 test-days from each ewe and modelled using random regression with orthogonal polynomials. Age had a significant effect on all udder and teat traits. Coat-colour (genetic variety within the breed; white or black) was a significant effect for teat angle and udder separation. Udders that were above the hook were associated with lower milk, fat, protein, and lactose yields. Udders with well-defined separation between halves were associated with higher milk, protein, and lactose yields, and with lower somatic cell count. Well-attached udders were associated with lower fat yield and lower somatic cell score. Teats with a backwards angle were associated with lower milk and lactose yields. Further studies are needed to estimate heritability and genetic correlations between these traits to determine whether these traits should be implemented in breeding programs for dairy sheep in New Zealand.

Complex Relationships between Milking-Induced Changes in Teat Structures and Their Pre-Milking Dimensions in Holstein Cows.

The study aimed to explore the relationship between teat structure dimensions and their short-term reaction to milking, to find the optimal dimensions of teat structures in relation to milking-induced teat tissue changes. Teat structures (teat length, canal length, thickness at barrel and apex, wall and cistern width) were measured by ultrasonography before and after milking for 38 Holstein cows at the beginning, middle, and end of lactation. We found that milking-induced changes in teat structures significantly depended on their pre-milking size. Furthermore, we observed that some teat structures and their changes were interconnected, and some did not affect each other. For example, changes in the barrel thickness and cistern width were affected by all structures, while the canal and apex did not influence each other. We deduced that more favorable changes were observed for teats of medium length, medium barrel and apex thickness, with teat canals of medium length, but with wider cisterns and thinner walls. The results of this study may help improve research in the area of milking-induced changes in teat morphology. Our findings could help understand potential health risks to animals in relation to teat morphology, milking equipment, and machine settings.

Effects of bovine casein hydrolysate as a dry cow therapy on prevention and cure of bovine intramammary infection, milk production, and somatic cell count in the subsequent lactation

The primary objectives were to investigate the efficacy of bovine casein hydrolysate (bCNH) as a dry cow therapy at (1) preventing new intramammary infection (IMI) postpartum of all bacteria and coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS), and (2) curing existing subclinical infections, mainly of CNS. The secondary objective was to measure the effects of bCNH on milk yield, composition, and somatic cell count (SCC) during the lactation postcalving. The trial was conducted as a randomized, blinded controlled experiment. Israeli Holstein dairy cows (n = 170) in first or higher lactations were recruited from 4 large commercial dairy herds. Cows were enrolled following clinical examination and bacteriological sampling of each quarter, which was the experimental unit. Random allocation was implemented at the cow level. All quarters of 100 cows were treated with 1 dose of bCNH (60 mg diluted in 20 mL of sterile solution) and those of 70 control cows were treated with saline solution. Clinical assessment of each cow's general appearance, teat-end leakage, and teat morphology was performed for 0, 1, 2, 3, 7, and 14 d after treatment, together with follow-up clinical observation and clinical examination of udder quarters. Quarter aseptic milk samples were obtained for bacteriological culture 48 h pretreatment, at time of treatment, and 3 and 5 d postcalving. Multivariable analyses were conducted to study the effects of bCNH on cure and prevention of IMI, adjusting for parity, farm, average of daily milk yield for 305 d, and average of monthly SCC values for 305 d of previous lactation. The odds of preventing IMI in cows treated with bCNH at dry-off were 2.15 times higher [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.15 to 4.00] than in cows treated with saline. Prevention was mostly of CNS. The odds of preventing CNS in cows treated with bCNH at dry-off were 2.20 times higher (95% CI: 1.58 to 3.07) than in control cows. The odds of curing IMI caused by CNS in cows treated with bCNH at dry-off were 4.80 times higher (95% CI: 0.75 to 30.75) than in saline-treated cows. Log SCC, adjusted to that of the previous lactation, was lower in the bCNH group compared with controls for 305 d in milk postcalving. The average milk yield per day for 305 d, adjusted to average daily milk yield of previous lactation, was higher by 2.1 kg in the bCNH group compared with controls (95% CI: 1.21 to 3.20). Clinical assessment of udders and cows posttreatment showed no negative effects of bCNH. Incidence of stillbirth, clinical mastitis, retained placenta, endometritis (5 to 12 d postcalving), ketosis, abortions, and reproduction did not differ between the 2 groups. Results suggest that a single intramammary administration of bCNH at dry-off effectively increases milk yield and lowers SCC, prevents new IMI during the dry period, and may be a beneficial alternative for curing existing IMI at dry-off, mainly by CNS.

Effects of milking, over-milking and vacuum levels on front and rear quarter teats in dairy cows.

Mechanical forces to the teat and vacuum during milking negatively affect teat condition and may result in increased mastitis risk. We compared vacuum levels during milking and over-milking as well as teat condition before and after milking between front and rear teats. We expected that the lower milk yield of the front quarters would result in a longer over-milking and higher vacuum levels in front teats, resulting in morphological differences. The study comprised 540 dairy cows in 41 Austrian dairy farms with conventional milking systems. Before and after milking teats were visually assessed (colour, swelling, rings, hyperkeratosis) and teat dimensions (length, diameter, wall thickness, teat canal length) were measured manually and ultrasonographically. Vacuum measurements were taken using a vacuum measurement device attached to the cluster (short milk tube, pulsation tube and mouth-piece chamber). These various measurements of front and rear teats were compared and a multivariable analysis with backward stepwise procedure was used for inclusion or exclusion from the model. Front teats showed a poorer teat condition and were over-milked for longer in comparison to the rear teats. However, during milking and over-milking the vacuum levels in the mouthpiece chamber were significantly higher at the rear teats. The changes in front teat morphology were only partially caused by milking, over-milking and vacuum levels, with approximately 70% of the variation due to other, undetermined variables. Milking, over-milking and vacuum levels had no or very limited impact on the morphological changes of the rear teats.

PSI-10 The Relationship Between Litter Size and Functional Teat Number at Farrowing on Litter Size at Weaning

Abstract Sow functional teat number (FTEAT) is positively associated with piglet preweaning survival and litter throughput. The objective was to estimate the value of FTEAT in relationship to litter size to optimize the number of pigs weaned. Number of pigs born alive (NBA) and total teat number (TTEAT) were counted at farrowing on 836 multiparous purebred sows between March and September, 2020. Teats were evaluated by trained staff at farrowing and considered functional based on visual appraisal of teat morphology. Litter size at weaning (LSW) was recorded after a 26.5 d lactation length (LL). Sow was the experimental unit and all data were analyzed as a function of the biological sow. Number born alive was categorized by quartile: Q1 ≤ 10 NBA (n=185; µ=8.2); Q2 = 11 to 12 NBA (n=194; µ=11.6); Q3 = 13 to 14 NBA (n=238; µ=13.5); Q4 ≥ 15 NBA (n=219; µ=16.3). Data were analyzed in PROC GLM of SAS with farm, breed, and NBA quartile as categorical effects and LL and FTEAT as linear terms. The interaction of NBA quartile and FTEAT was also included. Mean TTEAT, FTEAT, LSW and preweaning survival were 15.4, 14.5, 11.3 and 89.4%, respectively. As a linear term, a one teat increase in FTEAT improved (P< 0.01) LSW by 0.3±0.1 pigs. Yet the value of an additional functional teat increased with increasing NBA. A one teat increase in FTEAT improved (P< 0.01) LSW in Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4 by 0.12, 0.27, 0.33, and 0.38 pigs, respectively. The analysis demonstrates the impact of FTEAT on sow performance increases with increasing litter size, and highlights the importance of functional teats to optimize litter throughput and maximize the genetic potential of a maternal line.

A descriptive study of teat morphology, milking machine characteristics, and milking practices in a sample of Brazilian dairy herds.

The objective of this study was to describe teat morphology, milking equipment characteristics and settings, and milking practices adopted in a sample of Brazilian dairy herds. A secondary objective was to compare the study variables among herd size categories. Forty herds were visited once. A vacuum recorder was used to analyze all pulsators prior to milking. During milking, the device was mounted to a milking cluster and vacuum levels were recorded at four points (short pulsation tube, short milk tube, and mouthpiece chamber of the front and rear liners) to estimate the following variables: short milk tube vacuum (VSMT), VSMT during peak milk flow, VSMT during overmilking, liner mouthpiece chamber vacuum (VMPC) during peak milk flow, time in overmilking, total milking time, and presence of bimodal milk flow. The dataset included 678 teats from 339 cows (average of 17 teats from 8.5 cows sampled per herd) and 592 measurements from 296 pulsators (average of 14.8 measurements from 7.4 pulsators per herd). Front teats were longer and wider (4.93±1.34 and 2.58±0.71 cm) than rear teats (4.04±1.14 and 2.43±0.57 cm), respectively. Teat length was negatively associated with herd size and a higher proportion of flat teats was observed in large herds, as compared with medium or small herds. Preparation lag time was longer in small herds (median = 3.67 min) than in large herds (2.19 min). The prevalence of bimodal milk flow was 6.49%. Cows of small herds remained a longer time in overmilking than those of large herds. Higher VMPC at peak milk flow, higher pulsation rate, longer B-phase, and shorter D-phase were observed in large herds (median = 15.20 kPa, 61.93 pulses/min[p/m], 465.43 ms, and 242.01 ms, respectively), as compared with small (10.20 kPa, 58.74 p/m, 428.52 ms, and 498.14 ms) or medium (8.50 kPa, 60.46 p/m, 443.52 ms, and 264.05 ms) herds. The VSMT during overmilking (39.60 kPa) was independent of herd size category. Desirable milking practices, such as wearing of gloves, use of automatic cluster removal, use of liners in good condition, training of staff, no use of oxytocin, and reduced time in overmilking were more frequent in large and medium herds, than in small herds. Results of this study can be useful for situational diagnosis and implementation of milk quality and animal welfare improvement programs.

Teat characteristics in relation to animal temperament during milking in buffaloes, and comparison of buffalo and cow teat morphology

This study aimed to examine the teat characteristics in relation to the animal temperament during milking in the Anatolian buffaloes using ultrasonographic, histomorphological and immunohistochemical methods. The teat canal length (TCL), teat wall thickness (TWT), teat cisternal diameter (TCD), teat diameter (TD), teat length (TL), and teat circumference (TC) values in docile (n=5) and nervous (n=7) buffaloes were measured at the 0th,3rd and 6th minute of stimulation. In additional experiments, comparative histomorphology and immunohistochemical examinations of buffalo (n=7) and cow teats (n=8) were performed. It was determined that post-stimulation mean TCL values were significantly higher in nervous buffaloes than those of teats in docile buffaloes (p<.05). A significant positive correlation between TCD and TD, TL and TC in both docile and nervous buffaloes was noted (p<.05). Unlike nervous buffaloes where only 3/14 teat canals were open by 3rd minute of milking stimulation, almost all (9/10) teat canals were observed opened in docile buffaloes. There were fewer muscle but more collagen bundles in buffalo teats compared with cow teats. It seems that temperament of animal during milking effects the milking efficiency, and in nervous buffaloes, probably the stimulation alone may not be sufficient for opening of the teat canal and hence achieve complete milking.

Automated gradual reduction of milk yield before dry-off: Effects on udder health, involution and inner teat morphology

Lowering milk production of high yielding dairy cows before dry-off may be beneficial for both physical health and welfare of the cow. Extending the milking intervals as well as restricting energy intake are the commonly used approaches to decrease milk secretion, but are mostly accompanied by adverse side effects. Our objective was to elaborate a new technique for reducing milk production taking the natural process of weaning into account, i.e. the abatement of the calf`s milk removal when shifting its diet from milk towards solid feed. We tested a software module by which the degree of udder emptying can be gradually decreased through automated early removal of the milking clusters over 10.4 ± 1.8 days on 26 Holstein cows that were close to dry-off and free of mastitis (SCC < 100,000 cells/mL and negative bacteriology in quarter milk samples). Milk yield was compared to 30 conventionally milked control cows, which had the same initial milk yields and fulfilled the same udder health criteria. After the period of incomplete milking, milk production immediately before dry-off was 35.3 ± 12.9% less in the experimental cows compared to the control cows. As expected, the duration of milking decreased with time of incomplete milking. Neither SCC nor bacteriology findings were altered by leaving residual milk in the udder. Ultrasonographic investigation of pre- and post-milking teat characteristics showed that all traits of inner teat morphology except teat end width were less changed through the incomplete milking process when compared to the changes occurring in the conventionally milked control cows (differences in changes ranged from - 2.0% for teat width to - 27.9% for the distal teat canal`s surface). These findings suggest that the mechanical strain on the teat was considerably decreased with termination of the milking process before udders were completely emptied. After several days of incomplete milking, the perimeter and the surface of the distal teat canal of the experimental teats were even smaller before attachment of the clusters when compared to the pre-milking values of the control teats, which might reflect a strengthening of the teat canals` functional defense mechanisms against the invasion of potential pathogens. Assessments in the following lactation showed that neither milk yield nor udder health were impeded by the targeted automated reduction of milk production before dry-off. The software module tested herein thus provides an effective tool for facilitating the dry-off process.

Ultrasonographic Evaluation of Teat Structure and Detection of Prominent Annular Folds in Brazilian Dairy Buffaloes

Udder and teat characteristics differ between buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) and cattle (Bos taurus) and the differences are important in relation machine milk ability. Dairy buffalo milk out more slowly and are more difficult to milk than dairy cows, especially when milking machines are used. The goal of this study was to determine the ultrasonographic characteristics of udder and teat morphology in dairy buffaloes in Brazil, a country with a relatively recent history of buffalo farming. External assessment of the udder type and ultrasonography of the teat were done in 63 purebred Murrah and Mediterranian ´ Murrah dairy buffalo cows on three farms with different management systems. Udder types differed among farms; the rear-heavy udder type was most prevalent on two farms and the ball-shaped type occurred frequently on the third farm. Ultrasonographic measurements of the teat were made on one farm and showed correlations between the width of the teat tip and teat canal length, between the width of the teat tip and teat wall thickness and between the width of the teat tip and teat length. During the ultrasonographic examination of the teat, hyperechogenic membrane-like structures in the region of the annular folds, referred to as prominent annular folds (pAFs), were detected in at least one teat in 98 % of all buffaloes. These folds caused narrowing of the lumen between the teat cistern and gland cistern, but their physiological function and relevance concerning machine milk ability remain unclear. Further studies are needed to evaluate the effect of prominent annular folds on milk flow characteristics during mechanical milking in dairy buffaloes.

Evaluation of inner teat morphology by using high-resolution ultrasound: Changes due to milking and establishment of measurement traits of the distal teat canal

The teat canal is important in the defense against invading pathogens, but its functional features can be impeded by the milking process. The objective of our study was to compare teat morphology before and after a standard milking procedure using high-resolution ultrasonography. Tissue changes were determined by measuring inner traits of teat morphology: teat width, teat end width, teat cistern width, diameter of the lower and upper teat wall, teat canal length, and teat canal diameter. Additionally, 3 traits describing the distal teat canal and its external orifice were established: diameter of the distal teat canal orifice, distal teat canal perimeter, and distal teat canal surface. In the first trial, we verified the repeatability of scanning over time with a mixed model. During the second trial, significant changes after milking were observed for all measured traits of teat morphology except teat end width. The traits from the distal teat canal and its orifice were remarkably changed by milking: distal teat canal orifice, +28.9%; distal teat canal perimeter, +25.0%; and distal teat canal surface, +41.5%. Comparing multiparous versus primiparous cows, higher values of teat width, teat end width, and teat canal length were observed in the older animals. Testing the effect of milk yield on teat dimensions, cows with milk yields >11.0 kg/afternoon milking were found to have larger teat widths, teat end widths, and cistern widths before attachment of the cluster. Furthermore, we observed associations of inner teat morphology toward bacterial counts in the appropriate milk. Regarding this udder health-related parameter especially, the newly established traits showed a connection. Teats in which milk showed bacterial growth had larger distal teat canal perimeters and distal teat canal surfaces. High-resolution ultrasonographic scanning of dairy teats allowed a detailed visualization of the inner morphology. The applied procedure can therefore serve as a useful tool for comparison and evaluation of different milking techniques by analyzing the resulting changes of the morphological traits. The thorough description of teat tissue can also be applied for drawing conclusions on the status of the teat canal's physical and mechanical defense function.

Relationship of sow udder morphology with piglet suckling behavior and teat access

The aim of this study was to investigate if there is a relationship between the latency to the first suckling and udder and teat morphology and to assess the extent to which piglet and sow characteristics influence teat pair position preference. Udder morphology trait measurements, piglet suckling behavior, and sow productive and behavioral traits were recorded from a population of 74 Large White X Landrace sows of different parities. The interteat distance within the same row was larger between the teats that were suckled at the first contact with the udder compared with the unsuckled teats (P = 0.04). There was a tendency for piglets to suckle first from teats placed closer to the abdominal midline. A high proportion of siblings (64%) suckled for the first time on a teat previously chosen by another piglet. Most neonates suckled first from a teat located in the posterior part of the udder (41%) or in the anterior part (33%), rather than the middle section. Latency from birth to suckling and the time from the first udder contact to locate a teat and suckle was shorter for piglets first suckling the anterior (28:03 and 9:48 minutes) and posterior teats (26:31; 8:38 minutes) than for those sucking the midsection teats (34:30 minutes, F7,256 = 1.99, P = 0.05; 10:30, F7,256 = 2.37, P = 0.05). To avoid possible confounds, other potential causes of delay in successful suckling were studied. The latency to suckle was not influenced by piglet vitality score at birth, weight, or provision of human assistance to place it at the udder. It was shorter when the piglets were born later in the litter (P < 0.001), from a litter with a low incidence of piglets born dead (P = 0.001) and from a sow with an induced farrowing (P = 0.007). Moreover, there was a tendency for piglets born from a multiparous sow (P = 0.06) and in a large litter size (P = 0.07) to have a longer latency to find a teat and suckle once they had made the first contact with the udder. Although suckling itself is clearly an instinctive behavior, acquisition of colostrum depends on many variables, relating not only to piglet characteristics but to sow behavioral and morphological characteristics as well. Future studies on sow characteristics are therefore recommended.

Teat Morphology Characterization With 3D Imaging.

The objective of this study was to visualize, in a novel way, the morphological characteristics of bovine teats to gain a better understanding of the detailed teat morphology. We applied silicone casting and 3D digital imaging in order to obtain a more detailed image of the teat structures than that seen in previous studies. Teat samples from 65 dairy cows over 12 months of age were obtained from cows slaughtered at an abattoir. The teats were classified according to the teat condition scoring used in Finland and the lengths of the teat canals were measured. Silicone molds were made from the external teat surface surrounding the teat orifice and from the internal surface of the teat consisting of the papillary duct, Fürstenberg's rosette, and distal part of the teat cistern. The external and internal surface molds of 35 cows were scanned with a 3D laser scanner. The molds and the digital 3D models were used to evaluate internal and external teat surface morphology. A number of measurements were taken from the silicone molds. The 3D models reproduced the morphology of the teats accurately with high repeatability. Breed didn't correlate with the teat classification score. The rosette was found to have significant variation in its size and number of mucosal folds. The internal surface morphology of the rosette did not correlate with the external surface morphology of the teat implying that it is relatively independent of milking parameters that may impact the teat canal and the external surface of the teat.

Evolution of udder morphology, alveolar and cisternal milk compartment during lactation and their relationship with milk yield in Najdi sheep

A total of 30 multiparous Najdi ewes were used to study the evolution of udder morphology traits and milk fractions in the udder during suckling (3rd, 6th, 9thwk) and milking (10th, 11th, 12thwk) periods. During suckling period, daily milk yield was estimated by using the double oxytocin injections method 4-h after milking. During milking period, ewes were hand-milked once daily. Udder and teat morphology traits for all ewes were measured 4-h after milking. Udder compartments were evaluated 8-h after milking by using atosiban and oxytocin; milk samples of each fraction were collected. Najdi ewes had a medium and healthy udders (CMT&lt;1), with medium sized teats (length, 3.2±0.1 cm and width, 1.7±0.1 cm) attached at 35.7 ± 11º angle. Milk yield averaged 1.88±0.18 and 0.44±0.12 L d-1 during suckling and milking periods, respectively. A drop in milk yield (-75%, p&lt;0.01) was found in the transition from suckling to milking. Udder traits, teats angle and width, and distance between teats declined (p&lt;0.05) throughout lactation, whereas teat lengths did not show any change. Positive correlations (p&lt;0.05) were observed between milk yield and udder depth (r=0.47-0.49), width (r=0.31-0.39) and distance between teats (r=0.26-0.39). The cisternal milk volumes decreased (p&lt;0.05) after weaning, whilst the corresponding percentages increased (p&lt;0.05). Cisternal milk accounted for 55% and 67% of the total udder milk during suckling and milking periods, respectively. Cisternal milk was positively correlated (r=0.93, p&lt;0.05) with total milk yield. The percentages of protein and total solids in alveolar and cisternal milk increased significantly (p&lt;0.05) after weaning, whilst fat percentages in cisternal milk did not change. In conclusion, the evaluated Najdi ewes showed medium sized cisterns and teats, which considered adequate for machine milking. Udder morphology traits had positive correlations with milk yield and hence, can be utilized in breeding programs.

Relationship between udder morphology traits, alveolar and cisternal milk compartments and machine milking performances of dairy camels (Camelus dromedarius)

A total of 22 dairy dromedary camels under intensive conditions in late lactation (275±24 days) were used to study the relationship between external and internal udder morphology and machine milking performances. Measurements of udder and teat morphology were obtained immediately before milking and in duplicate. Individual milk yield, lag time and total milking time were recorded during milking, and milk samples were collected and analyzed for milk composition thereafter. Cisternal and alveolar milk volumes and composition were evaluated at 9 h milking interval. Results revealed that dairy camels had well developed udders and milk veins, with medium sized teats. On average, milk yield as well as milk fat and protein contents were 4.80±0.50 L d-1, 2.61±0.16% and 3.08±0.05%, respectively. The low fat values observed indicated incomplete milk letdown during machine milking. Lag time, and total milking time were 3.0±0.3, and 120.0±8.9s, on average, respectively. Positive correlations (p&lt;0.05) were observed between milk yield and udder depth (r=0.37), distance between teats (r=0.57) and milk vein diameter (r=0.28), while a negative correlation was found with udder height (r=-0.25, p&lt;0.05). Cisternal milk accounted for 11% of the total udder milk. Positive correlations were observed between total milk yield and volume of alveolar milk (r=0.98; p&lt;0.001) as well as with volume of cisternal milk (r=0.63, p&lt;0.05). Despite the low udder milk storage capacity observed in dairy camels, our study concluded that the evaluated dromedary sample had adequate udder morphology for machine milking. Finally, positive relationships were detected between milk yield and udder morphology traits of dairy camels.

Genetic correlation of longevity with growth, post-mortem, docility and some morphological traits in the Pirenaica beef cattle breed

Survival or longevity is an economically relevant trait in cattle. However, it is not currently included in cattle selection criteria because of the delayed recording of phenotypic data and the high computational demand of survival techniques under proportional hazard models. The identification of longevity-correlated traits that can be early registered in lifetime would therefore be very useful for beef cattle selection processes. The aim of this study was to estimate the genetic correlation of survival (SURV) with: growth – birth weight (BW), weight at 120 days (W120), weight at 210 days (W210); carcass – cold carcass weight (CCW), conformation (CON), fatness (FAT) and meat colour (COL); teat morphology – teat thickness (TT), teat length (TL) and udder depth (UD); leg morphology – forward (FL) and backward legs (BL); milk production (MILK) and docility (DOC). In the statistical analysis, SURV was measured in discrete-time intervals and modelled via a sequential threshold model. A series of independent bivariate Bayesian analyses between cow survival and each recorded trait were carried out. The posterior mean estimates (and posterior standard deviation) for the heritability of SURV was 0.05 (0.01); and for the relevant genetic correlations with SURV were 0.07 (0.04), 0.12 (0.05), 0.10 (0.05), 0.15 (0.05), −0.18 (0.06), 0.33 (0.06) and 0.27 (0.15) for BW, W120, W210, CCW, CON, FAT and COL, respectively.

Objective measuring technique for teat dimensions of dairy cows

Interaction between the teat and the teatcup liner can strongly affect the milking characteristics and udder health of dairy cows. Therefore, teat morphology is an important parameter in choosing the most appropriate liner. Nevertheless, information on teat morphology is scarce and rarely sufficient for liner selection. Current techniques for measuring teat morphology are subjective, not always accurate and time consuming, and gathering such information on large scale is difficult. This study presents a new vision based measuring technique that uses a camera to obtain a 2D image of the teat and image processing analysis to determine teat length and diameters. The technique was shown to be accurate. Errors were generally limited to 5% for both teat length and diameters and were less than 2% when the angle of the teat in the longitudinal direction was small.

Machine induced changes of caprine teats diagnosed by ultrasonography

Analyses were performed on 10 nanny goats of the Polish White Improved breed aged 2 to 5 years. Ultrasound images of the longitudinal cross-section of teats were taken in 9 replications, 4 times daily before and immediately after morning milking, and then 4 and 10 h after milking, using a Hitachi EUB405+ apparatus with a 10 MHz linear probe. The ultrasound probe was placed in a plastic cup filled with water (approximately 30 - 35°C), in which teats were immersed. Measurements of the diameter and length of the teat canals and the thickness of the teat wall were taken on ultrasound images in the MultiScan® 12.05. computer software. Immediately after milking a marked thickening (swelling) of the teat wall, an elongation of the teat canal was observed by approximately 40 and 18%, respectively (p < 0.01). Four hours after milking, the swelling was still considerable and teat walls were thicker by approximately 30% (p < 0.01). These changes started to subside after approximately 10 h after milking, at that time reaching a level close to the initial condition, which may indicate the necessity to provide animals with an approximately 10 to 12 h intervals between milkings to ensure teat regeneration. Less marked changes in teat morphology is concerned with the measurement of the diameter of the teat canal. No definite effect of age of animals (lactation) and the shape of the udder on teat morphology were observed. Results of analyses indicate considerable suitability of ultrasonography in the monitoring of caprine teat morphology; however, thorough training of operators is required, since significant differences were observed in values of individual measurements between operators with varying professional experience. Keywords: Goat, teat reaction, machine milking, ultrasonography

Relationship between mammary morphology traits and milk yield of Sicilo-Sarde dairy sheep in Tunisia

Sicilo-Sarde is a local breed from northern Tunisia resulting from crossing Sarda and Comisana dairy sheep and is traditionally used for cheese production after lamb weaning. A sample of 52 adult Sicilo-Sarde lactating ewes was used for studying their udder morphological traits and milk yield potential during weeks 4–8 (milking–suckling period) and 10 (milking period) of lactation. Daily milk yield was estimated on a daily basis by using the double oxytocin injection method 4 h after machine-milking at d 30 and 45. Udder and teat morphology were also measured at d 45 of lactation. Cisternal area (by ultrasonography) and udder compartments (cisternal and alveolar milk) were evaluated 8 h after milking by using atosiban and oxytocin on d 72 of lactation. Milk yield averaged 0.56 ± 0.10 L/d and ewes had small (volume, 496 ± 28 mL) and healthy udders (CMT, <1), with medium sized teats (length, 18.5 ± 4.9 mm; diameter, 10.0 ± 2.0 mm) attached at 45 ± 10°. A drop in milk production (49%) was found in the transition from suckling (day 30) to milking (week 10). Udder cisterns were multilocular and small sized (half udder area, 11.6 ± 4.5 cm 2), although cisternal milk accounted for 54% of the total milk in the udder. Correlation between cisternal milk and cisternal area was moderate ( R 2 = 0.48; P < 0.05). Lag time and total milking time were 1.9 ± 0.1 and 31 ± 5 s, respectively. In conclusion, the Sicilo-Sarde ewes evaluated showed medium sized cisterns and teats which were morphologically adequate for machine milking, although milk production needs to be improved.

Milk flow, teat morphology and subclinical mastitis prevalence in Gir cows

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