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Updated: Jun 1, 2026
Bovine Mammary Gland Biopsy Techniques
Published on: December 23, 2018
Relationship between teat-end condition, udder cleanliness and bovine subclinical mastitis
Marcela de Pinho Manzi1, Diego Borin Nóbrega, Patrícia Yoshida Faccioli
1Department of Veterinary Hygiene and Public Health, São Paulo State University, Botucatu 18618-900, Brazil.
Insights
Rough teat ends and dirty udders significantly increase the risk of intramammary infection (IMI) in dairy cows. Maintaining good udder cleanliness and teat condition is crucial for preventing IMI.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Animal Science
- Dairy Science
Background:
- Intramammary infection (IMI) is a significant concern in dairy herds, impacting animal health and milk production.
- Teat-end condition (TEC) and udder cleanliness (UC) are potential risk factors for IMI, but their specific associations require further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between intramammary infection (IMI) occurrence and somatic cell count (SCC) with teat-end condition (TEC) and udder cleanliness (UC) in dairy cattle.
Main Methods:
- Milk samples from 1931 teats were analyzed for IMI and SCC.
- Teats were scored for condition (TEC) and udders for cleanliness (UC).
- Statistical analysis was performed to determine associations between scores and IMI/SCC.
Main Results:
- Teat ends with very rough rings showed the highest incidence of IMI.
- Animals with dirtier udders also had a higher prevalence of IMI.
- An increase in TEC score raised the odds of IMI by approximately 30%, while an increase in UC score raised the odds by about 47%.
Conclusions:
- Dairy animals with rough teat ends and dirty udders are more susceptible to developing IMI.
- TEC and UC are significant risk factors for IMI, emphasizing the importance of hygiene and teat care in dairy management.
- No significant association was found between TEC/UC scores and quarter SCC.
Abstract:
The aims of the present study were to relate intramammary infection (IMI) occurrence and somatic cell count (SCC) with teat-end condition (TEC) and udder cleanliness (UC). Milk samples from 1931 teats were evaluated according to the presence of IMI and SCC. Scores were applied to teats according to the TEC and to UC. Teats ends with a very rough ring had the largest number of IMI when compared to the other three categories, as well as animals with dirtier udders. The change in a TEC score increased by around 30% the chance of IMI. Also, the chance of the animal developing IMI increased by approximately 47% when the UC score increased. No significant association between both scores and quarter SCC was found. It can be concluded that animals with very rough teat end rings and very dirty udders have a greater predisposition to IMI.
