7. Importance of udder evaluation in dairy cattle 젖소 젖통 평가

B6 Importance of udder evaluation in dairy cattle, udder health, milk hygiene

​

 

Udder evaluation- importance

For breeding

• Important to check up udders to avoid the “bad breeders habit”:
• Formalism (Ayrshire cow)
• Functionalism- bad function

​for Estimation of conformation

• conformation is estimated based on a Linear conformation scoring system of functional traits. (9 point scale)
• Somatic cell count
• Udder conformation- correlate to mastitis resistance!!
• Fore udder attachment, udder depth, teat length
• Milking speed
• Stature
• Strength (in legs??)
• Foot angle

---

Mastitis resistance index:

• Mastitis- inflammation of breast tissue that sometimes involves an infection which reduce the milk yield
• For genetic evaluation of breeding bulls (in case of estimation of genetic effect of udder health) some important traits of daughters must be considered.
• Traits must be included in This index:
• Somatic cell count
• Udder conformation: a) Udder depth b) Fore udder attachment c) teat length
• Milking speed​

---

Udder health:

• Very important as mastitis is one of the 3 main diseases affecting dairy cows.
• Mastitis causes suppression of the immune system
• ​Cows in negative energy balance are at a higher risk of ketosis and clinical ketosis is associated with a 2 fold increase in risk of mastitis.
• Trace minerals and vitamins can also affect udder health, eg selenium, vitamin E, copper, Zinc, vit A and Betacarotene

​Udder health steps to prevent mastitis:

• Annual milking machine test
• Post milking teat disinfection
• Dry cow therapy on all cows (minimum 2 months dry period)
• Correct treatment of clinical cases and record keeping
• Culling chronically infected cows
• Good teat prep. Prior to milking to ensure teats are clean and dry
• Good housing and bedding management

​Control measures has given a significant reduction in incidences of mastitis (effective against at least the pathogens spread from cow to cow)

Step by step, once the cows are in the parlor; (=the isolated room for milking)

Wash the teats, then wipe dry with a clean dry cloth or towel.

Foremilk, checking for any symptoms of mastitis or irregularities in the milk.

Pre-dip the teats, allowing sufficient time for the product to work, then wipe dry with a clean dry cloth or towel.

Attach the cluster unit, ensuring the clusters are squarely attached and aligned and balanced centrally.​

---