Abstract
In this study, hyperkeratosis score, teat end shape score, teat shape score, teat length score, teat skin score, teat cleanliness score, teat warts score (fibropapillomas), front teat placement score, rear teat placement score and California Mastitis Score (CMT) of 158 milking Holstein cows determined in a dairy farm which is member of Sakarya Dairy Cattle Breeders Association in Sakarya. The relationship between teat traits and Somatic Cell Counts determined. Animals monitored during 12 months and scored at the end of each month. Data’s were evaluated in four season (fall, winter, spring and summer) in the study. Scorings were performed separately for each teat (front right teat, front left teat, rear right teat and rear left teat) in each group. According to the teat, the groups end the ratings. There was a substantial relationship between teat end score groups and CMT for ART (p < 0.01), ALT (p < 0.01), PRT (p < 0.01) and PLT (p < 0.01). There was a strong correlation between teat form classes and CMT for ART (p < 0.05). No statistical association was observed between the teat shape groups and the CMT for ALT, PRT and PLT (p > 0.05). There was a strong correlation between the teat tip score categories and the CMT for ART (p < 0.01), ALT (p < 0.01), PRT (p < 0.01) and PLT (p < 0.01). Based on the teat tip score for ART, 214 teats were smooth, the teats were round, and 182 teats were pointed., there was a significant association between the teat length and the CMT for ART (p < 0.05), ALT (p < 0.05) and PLT (p < 0.01). It was significantly relationship between teat morphological traits and CMT level, therefore it was concluded that the characters such as hyperkeratosis, teat end shape, teat length can be used as selection criteria in animal breeding.