Teat lesions with reference to housing and milking management

Abstract

Potential associations between teat lesions and housing, hoof care, milking machine and milking management, were investigated. Overmilking, pulsation ratios of 71%, height of manger edge in the short type of stalls, and insufficient hoof care were associated with an increased incidence of teat lesions. The associations of pulsation ratio and overmilking suggest that factors disposing for teat end oedema and/or irritation during milking might cause teat lesions. Accordingly, milking machine control and milking technique evaluation might help in decreasing the incidence of teat lesions, together with correct constructed stalls and good hoof care. These factors should receive attention in dairy herd health programmes.