Relationship between shape of teat and teat tip and somatic cell count (SCC) in dairy cows

ABSTRACT

Background: Mastitis is characterized by inflammation of the mammary gland, usually caused by pathogens, these infections may be classified as either clinical or subclinical, which are responsible for physical, chemical and bacteriological changes in milk and/or changes in the glandular tissue. The shape of both teat and teat tip are among the factors that may predispose to the development of clinical and subclinical mastitis, it is therefore important that they have a desirable morphology so that they are less susceptible to pathogens. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between teat shape and Somatic Cell Count (SCC) in dairy cattle.Materials, Methods & Results: The research was carried out in two dairy farms located in the municipality of Arapongas, Parana state, Brazil. Data were obtained from 150 Holstein cows variety black and white, where 597 teat shape and teat tip were evaluated during entry into the milking parlor. The teat shape was classified as desirable; bottle-shaped; cone-shaped; short; funnel-shaped; plump; and pencil-shaped, while the teat tip was classified as round; flat; funnel shape (inverted); disk, and pointed (hyperkeratosis). The somatic cell count (SCC) was carried out by flow cytometry by the equipment Somacount 500®1. The variable SCC was evaluated taking into account the shape of the teat, then two groups were formed...