Abstract
The aim of this study is to call attention to the possibility of using ultrasonography as a useful tool for the evaluation of morphological characteristics of the udder and teats in dairy cows in relation to milking characteristics and udder health. A total of 26 dairy cows of the Holstein breed in the first (n = 13) and second lactation (n = 13) were investigated with a linear array ultrasound probe. Recovery of the teat internal parameters after milking was determined by ultrasonographic scanning. Teat canal length, teat canal diameter and teat wall thickness of 103 teats were evaluated from 622 measurements before and directly after milking and every 15 minutes until 1 hour after milking (6 measurements). The most significant differences in internal proportions were determined within those values measured before and immediately after milking. The dynamics of changes in the length of the teat canal demonstrated the extension by 27%. A sudden restoration of the initial length by 11% was detected one hour after milking. Differences in teat canal diameter were significant at P<0.01 between the 1st and 4th measurement. The initial extension was 17% immediately after milking and the restoration about 9% one hour after milking. The wall thickness was strengthened during the 2nd measurement immediately after milking in comparison with the 1st measurement before milking (P<0.01). Significant differences in the wall thickness were detected between the 1st and 2nd measurement (+26%; P<0.01) and between the 2nd and 3rd measurement. The ultrasonographic scanning of the teat parameters was a useful tool to study teat changes caused by milking.