Investigations of milk quality from teats with milk flow disorders.

The objective of this study was to investigate the quality of milk from teats with milk flow disorders. Somatic cell count, pathogens, and signs of mastitis (>100,000 cells/ml and pathogens detected) were determined in the milk from all teats of the udder before treatment of the affected teat, as well as 1 and 6 mo later. Teats with milk flow disorders were compared to all of the other teats from the same udder. Before treatment, the SCC from affected teats was 4.3 million higher, the odds of detecting pathogens 6 times higher, and the odds of mastitis 11 times higher than in control teats (when adjusted for other significant explanatory variables). SCC and the risk of mastitis decreased after surgical treatment of the affected teats, whereas the chance of detecting pathogens was not affected. Six months after treatment, the SCC was 1.3 million higher, and the odds of mastitis 6.5 times higher than in control teats. Throughout the study period neither SCC, the odds of detecting pathogens, nor mastitis changed significantly in control teats. It may be concluded from this study that milk quality from teats with milk flow disorders is decreased before treatment and does not reach the milk quality from unaffected teats within 6 mo after treatment.

Comparative evaluation of SIMPL silicone implants and NIT natural teat inserts to keep the teat canal patent after surgery.

The objective of this study was the comparative evaluation of SIMPL silicone implants and NIT natural teat inserts to keep the teat canal patent after teat surgery. The study was performed on 100 teats of 97 cows treated surgically for milk flow disorders. After surgery, 53 teats were administered with SIMPL and 47 with NIT, and rested for several days. Before treatment and 1 and 6 mo later quarter milk flow and milk yield were measured with Lactocorders; quarter milk was examined for somatic cell count (SCC), pathogens, and signs of mastitis (SCC > 100,000 and pathogens detected). Half a year after surgery milk flow, milk yield and SCC were equal from teats that had been inserted with SIMPL or NIT. The odds of detecting pathogens or signs of mastitis in the milk was lower in SIMPL than in NIT teats at this point in time. SIMPL teats stayed in the herd as long as NIT teats. Based on the results, it may be expected that teats inserted with a SIMPL or NIT do not differ long term in regards to milk flow, milk yield, SCC, and risk of removal from the herd. After the use of SIMPL, fewer pathogens may be detected in the milk long term than after the use of NIT.

Investigations on teat canal length in teats with milk flow disturbances.

The objective of this study was to evaluate teat canal length as a test for tissue ruptures in the area of the teat canal in teats with milk flow disturbances (Medl's test). A total of 133 dairy cows affected with milk flow disturbances in one teat were used for this study. The teat canal length of the affected teat was compared with the teat canal length of the contralateral teat of the same cow. Milk flow disturbances were diagnosed by endoscopy. Diagnoses were categorized as tissue ruptures in the area of the teat canal or other causes such as narrowing of the teat canal, or free foreign bodies in the teat cistern. The median teat canal length was 11 mm in teats with milk flow disturbances, and 8 mm in contralateral control teats. When the test criterion was lengthening of the teat canal by > or =2 mm, 79% of the teat canals with tissue ruptures tested positive (true positive), but 47% of teat canals without tissue ruptures also tested positive (false positive). When the test criterion was unchanged teat canal length, 47% of teat canals with tissue ruptures tested positive, and only 7% of teat canals without tissue ruptures tested positive. Thus, it is concluded that Medl's test may be useful in differentiating causes of milk flow disturbances. However, a more accurate diagnosis may be made by teat endoscopy.

Milk yield, somatic cell counts, and risk of removal from the herd for dairy cows after covered teat canal injury.

The objective of this study was to evaluate milk yield, somatic cell count (SCC), and risk of removal of a cow from the herd after covered teat injury. Teat injuries were diagnosed and treated by using endoscopy. After treatment, teats were rested for 3 x 3 d. Eighty-one cows referred to the Veterinary Clinic Babenhausen were used for this study. Each cow was matched to three herdmates by breed, age, and calving date. Data on milk yield and SCC were available from the records of the Bavarian milk control board. Test day milk yields and lactational milk yields were equal for cows with covered teat injury and herdmates in the lactation when the injury was diagnosed and in the subsequent lactation. Calving interval in the year the injury was diagnosed and the time cows lived in the herd were also equal. However, covered teat injuries significantly increased test day SCC by 128,000 cells/ml of milk. These injuries also significantly increased the odds of subclinical mastitis (SCC > 100,000 on test day) and the odds of violating European milk shipping regulations (SCC > 400,000 on test day). Because increased SCC was significantly associated with decreased milk yield, cows may not have fully utilized their milk yield capacity after covered teat injury.

[Clarification and treatment of teat stenosis using endoscopy]. / Zur Abklärung und Behandlung von Zitzenstenosen mittels Endoskopie.

In ten cows ten stenotic teats were endoscopically examined and treated. For this purpose two different methods were performed: Either the endoscopy was performed through the teat canal or through a small incision in the side of the teat. The endoscopy through the teat canal proved to be a simple and practical method. However, the results were not always clear-cut, and a controlled operation was not possible. Endoscopy through a side access is more expensive but has several advantages. It allows a good view on the Fürstenbergsche Rosette, one of the most frequent locations of stenosis. Additionally, controlled operations of the level of the Fürstenbergsche Rosette are possible once a suitable instrument has been introduced through the teat canal. The additional trauma caused by the access hole is a minor problem. All cows examined and treated by this method could be milked without any problems three days after the operation.