EFFECTS OF TEAT DILATORS AND TEAT CANNULAS ON UDDER HEALTH

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of teat dilato rs and teat cannulas on udder health. Over a period of 15 days the tea ts of four dairy cows were inserted with teat dilators, teat cannulas or were left untreated (controls). Cows were milked twice daily. Teat dilators were removed for milking. During milking time the plugs of th e teat cannulas were removed and milk was drained. All teats were exam ined endoscopically before the start and after the end of this experim ent. The California Mastitis Test (CMT) and a bacteriological examinat ion was performed with the morning milk before start, on day 5, on day 11 and after the end of this experiment. The use of teat dilators and teat cannulas was associated with endoscopically visible injuries. Th e character of these injuries indicated, that teat dilators and teat c annulas stab into the teat cistern. In three of seven teats the remova l of the teat cannula caused the circular separation and eversion of F urstenberg Rosette and teat canal skin. The use of teat dilators and t eat cannulas significantly increased CMT findings and the odds of a po sitive bacterial result. We conclude, that the use of teat dilators an d teat cannulas may harm udder health.