The effect of teat cup liner type on the teat condition of Holstein primiparous cows

Abstract

The objective of this study was to test the effect of two different teat cup liners (difference in: head diameter, length, body shape and with / without of air vent) on the teat condition score after milking (hyperkeratosis, color and swellings) and somatic cell count (SCClog) on the Holstein primiparous cows. The cows in control group had significantly (P<0.0001) better teat condition, and lower somatic cell count compering to the cows in experimental group. The obtained results indicate that liner type affects teat skin condition and somatic cell count, and therefore the risk of mastitis.

Keywords

• Holstein
• primiparous cows
• somatic cell count
• teat condition
• teat cup liner types