The Occurrence of Teat Hyperkeratosis in Cows and Its Effect on Milk Somatic Cell Counts

İngilizce (OpenAlex)

Objective: In this study, the frequency of hyperkeratosis and its effect on milk somatic cell counts were researched. Material and Methods: A total of 2332 teats in 583 Holstein cows in different stage of lactation were evaluated on the base of the criteria of morphological structure of the teat end and teat length, milk yield and number of lactations. Macroscopic appearances of lesions on the teat orifice were classified and also were photographed. Somatic cell counts (SCC) were evaluated using the fossomatic method. Results: The SCC was determined to be less than 200.000 cells/mL in 72.8% of the quarters and greater than this in 27.2%. Forty-nine percent of the teat ends were normal while hyperkeratosis was identified in 51%. Hyperkeratosis degrees of 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 was determined in 17%, 13.8%, 9.2%, 5% and 6% respectively. The study findings demonstrated that there was a significant rise in SCC parallel to increasing severity of hyperkeratosis (p<0.001) and that even mild hyperkeratosis could result in an increase in SCC (p<0.05). A significant correlation was determined between severe hyperkeratosis and pointed teat ends (p<0.001). The relationship between hyperkeratosis and milk yield was determined to be significant (p<0.001). However the connection between number of lactations and teat length with hyperkeratosis was not identified as statistically significant. Conclusion: It was concluded that pointed teat ends have a greater tendency to develop hyperkeratosis, the development of hyperkeratosis increased as milk yield dropped and hyperkeratosis could result in a significant increase in SCC and consequently pose a risk to udder health.