Teat condition and mastitis

This paper discusses the influence of liner type and pulsation on teat condition and udder health. A scheme is proposed for evaluation of teat condition within and between herds. It is concluded that the liner barrel should be slightly smaller than the teat diameter and the mouthpiece cavity height low enough in order for teats to penetrate below the collapsing point of the liner. The effective length of the liner should be sufficiently long to enable collapse below the teat end. Stiff mouthpiece lips can occlude the movement of interstitial fluids in the teat and predispose to ringing at the base of the teat. Measurement of mouthpiece vacuum is regarded as a useful tool for evaluation of liner type on teat condition and udder health.