Ultrasonographic Evaluation of Age Related Influence on the Teat Canal and the Effect of This Influence on Milk Yield in Brown Swiss Cows

Abstract

A total of 400 teat canals were investigated with a linear array ultrasound probe. The teat canal was observed as a hyperechogenic line at the tip of the teat. Twenty percent of the examined teat canals showed a crooked course, whereas in 80%, a linear course was observed. There was no statistically significant difference among teats of crooked teat canal and lateral aspects of teats. The mean length of teat canal was found to be 1 1.51 +/- 0.01 min. It was demonstrated that the length of the teat canal and milk yield were affected by the animals' age. The teat canals were the shortest in young cows and these cows showed the highest milk yield. On the other hand, older cows with the longest teat canals showed the least milk yield. It was concluded that the ultrasonographic examination was effective in teat canal imaging and morphological assessment. The observation of the location of the canal within teats and its course was essential.