What are weaning disorders?
Teat disorders, often caused by improper adjustment of the milking machine or robot. The type of teat liner, liner movement, vacuum under the teat and the degree of blind milking also affect teats. The standard is that no more than 10 per cent of cows should have one or more frayed teat ends.
There is a wide variety of weaning disorders. Ranging from very serious conditions to less serious conditions. Teat disorders can cause many problems with milking and udder inflammation can occur. Identifying the causes quickly is important.
Teats can tell you a lot about the milking machine.
Teat end damages
Teat tip callus occurs due to the pressure of the nipple lining on the teat tip. There are smooth, pale yellow calluses that we see regularly, as well as the frayed, heavily bulged calluses that are seen less often. Teats with the latter conditions are more likely to have a mastitis infection. Teat tip separation is more common in cows with long pointed teats. As the (machine) milking time gets longer, the likelihood of vertebralisation increases. With proper adjustment of the milking machine or robot, excessive teat end verelting can be limited.
Hard, swollen teats
Hard and swollen teats are sometimes seen immediately after milk sets are collected. Occasionally, it is accompanied by red or even purple discolouration. This abnormal teat condition results from not closing the liner properly, too high a vacuum, blind milking for too long or using unsuitable liners. Blood circulation is disturbed and fluid builds up in the teat wall. In addition to swollen teats, hard, flat teats are also observed. Too long closing phases, too stiff nipple liners and worn liners are often the cause. A farm problem exists if more than 10 per cent of cows have this condition.