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Short-Term Effect of Transition from Conventional to Automated Milking on Teat Skin and Teat End Condition

S. De Vliegher^*, H. Laevens¹, H. W. Barkema, G. Opsomer^*, T. Hemling and A. de Kruif^*

^* Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
Department of Health Management, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, Canada
DeLaval International, Business Unit Hygiene, Kansas City, MO

Corresponding author: S. De Vliegher; e-mail:
Sarne.Devliegher{at}rug.ac.be.

A higher milking frequency, as a consequence of milking with an automated milking system, incorporates a threat to teat condition. To study the effect of transition from conventional to automated milking on teat skin and teat end condition, 40 lactating Holstein-Friesian cows and heifers from a high yielding dairy herd were randomly allocated to either a conventional or an automated milking system group. In the latter group, automated milking was initiated during the study period, while conventional milking was continued in the control group. Teat skin and teat end condition were evaluated weekly on quarter level for all animals from 5 wk before until 8 wk after transition. A high emollient iodine teat dip was used on all cows during the study period.

Teat skin condition of the animals in the automated milking system group was consistent from before and during milking with the automated milking system. Rear teats had a better skin and end condition than front teats. Evolution of teat end condition over time between the automated and conventional milking groups was not statistically different. Heifers, however, seemed to be more sensitive to the change than multiparous cows, as their teat end condition slightly decreased.

Key Words: automated milking • teat end condition • teat skin condition

Abbreviation key: AMS = automated milking system, CMS = conventional milking system, PAR = parity, TP = teat position, TES = teat end score, TSS = teat skin score