Teat anatomy and its relationship with quarter and udder milk flow characteristics in dairy cows

摘要

Anatomical and functional characteristics of the teat are supposed to have considerable influence on milk flow performance. In the present study, various teat and milking characteristics in 148 quarters of 38 cows were analyzed via 3 different approaches. Teat canal length, teat wall thickness, and teat diameter were measured by ultrasound. In addition, the vacuum needed to open the teat canal (VO) was determined and milk flow profiles were measured in each quarter separately.