Teat diameter gradient associated with milk yield and somatic cell count in British Friesian cows

Abstract

SUMMARYTeat diameters of 144 British Friesian cows were measured (1) at the proximal end of the teat and (2) 20 mm above the distal end before and after milking. Proximal minus distal diameter—‘teat diameter gradient’is used to describe shapes varying from cylindrical to funnel-shaped. Proximal and distal teat diameters and teat diameter gradient had higher values before milking than after milking. Teat diameter, teat diameter gradient and difference in gradient before and after milking, were positively correlated with milk yield and negatively correlated with somatic cell count.