Teat Canal Diameter and Other Cow Factors with Possible Influence on Somatic Cell Counts in Cow Milk

Abstract

A case-control study on matched pairs of cows in 2 counties of Norway indicated a strong positive association between teat canal diameter (TCD) and somatic cell count (SCC) in milk. The study indicated further a highly significant association between leakage of milk and high SCC and a significant association between teat injury and high SCC. Finally, an association between the shape of the teat end and SCC that was nearly significant (p =.067) when considered in isolation, was shown to exist through it's dependency on TCD. A flat or inverted teat end is associated with a large TCD while a pointed or round teat end tends to have a smaller TCD.