Over recent weeks we have dealt with outbreaks of environmental mastitis that have been associated with a high incidence of teat lesions in the affected herds. With the farming practices used today involving feedpads, etc there is ample opportunity for teats to be contaminated with mastitis causing bacteria. If the integrity of the teat opening has been compromised these bacteria stand a much greater chance of colonising the teat canal and causing mastitis.
It is always good practice to monitor and score teat condition in your herd. The development of hyperkeratosis of the teat opening and progressive cracking may indicate problems with the milking plant that need to be addressed ASAP.
Avoid teat lesion problems by:
- Having the correct cups and liners for your cows.
- Regularly ensuring the milking plant is running correctly.
- Ensuring that teat spray and emollient are correctly mixed and applied.
- Making a point of checking and scoring the teat health of your herd on a regular basis.