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Teat Anatomy and its Relationship with Quarter and Udder Milk Flow Characteristics in Dairy Cows

Physiology Weihenstephan, Technical University, Munich, Germany

Corresponding author: R. M. Bruckmaier; e-mail: bruckmaier{at}wzw.tum.de.

Anatomical and functional characteristics of the teat are supposed to have considerable influence on milk flow performance. In the present study, various teat and milking characteristics in 148 quarters of 38 cows were analyzed via 3 different approaches. Teat canal length, teat wall thickness, and teat diameter were measured by ultrasound. In addition, the vacuum needed to open the teat canal (VO) was determined and milk flow profiles were measured in each quarter separately.

Rear teats were shorter and thicker than front teats, whereas teat canal length and teat wall thickness did not differ according to quarter position. Milk yield and peak flow rate (PFR) were higher in rear than in front quarters. Teat canal length and VO were negatively correlated with PFR and average flow rate (AFR) but no correlations were observed between milkability traits and externally measurable teat characteristics like teat length or teat diameter.

Individual milkability at an udder level is a complex characteristic that is determined by the milkability at a quarter level and the distribution of quarter milk yields. The anatomical and functional characteristics of single teats can partly explain the milk flow characteristics of individual quarters.

Key Words: teat anatomy • teat canal • milk flow

Abbreviation key: AFR = average flow rate, PFR = peak flow rate, VO = vacuum needed to open the teat canal, VO-C = vacuum needed to open the teat canal at cessation of milk flow, VO-S = vacuum needed to open the teat canal at start of milk flow

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