Teat images and the scoring system for hyperkeratosis

The photos on this web site are copyright Countdown Downunder and/or Dairy Australia. They may be reproduced in connection with stories about Countdown Downunder. Please do not use them for any other purpose unless you have the written permission of Countdown Downunder or Dairy Australia. Please contact Andrea Niblett for further information.

For further information on teat condition and the scoring system please refer to Technote 9 (2003 edition).  The Mastitis Investigation Pack "Sheet I" can be used as a systematic approach to recording and interpreting teat assesments. 

Normal Teat end	Teat end hyperkeratosis	Open teat orifice
Black Spot	Pseudocowpox	Pseudocowpox - typical horseshoe lesion
Petechiations	Bovine Herpes Mammillitis	Photosensitization
Teat chaps - early lesions  and nodules - white warts	Blue teats	Firm, red teats with rings  at base

The scoring system for teat end hyperkeratosis

	No Ring (N) The teat end is with a small even orifice This is a typical status for many teats soon after the start of lactation       Smooth or Slightly rough ring (S) A raised ring encircles the orifice.  The surface of the ring is smooth or it might feel slightly rough, but no fronds of old keratin are evident.
	Rough ring (R) A raised roughened ring with isolated fronds or mounds of old keratin extending 1-3 mm from the orifice.         Very rough ring (V) A raised ring with rough fronds or mounds of old keratin extending 4 mm or more from the orifice.  The rim of the ring is rough and cracked, often giving the teat end a 'flowered' appearance.

  For more information on Countdown Downunder
  contact your regional project manager,
  your factory, or e-mail rod@countdown.org.au 
  Before using the information on this site please read our legal notice.

  Site design by eleven99