Teat Shape and Size in Relation to Production Characteristics and Mastitis in Dairy Cattle

Abstract Funnel-shaped teats were found to have significantly lower frequency of mastitis than cylindrical-shaped teats. Small and nonsignificant differences in level of production existed for different teat shapes. A pronounced positive relationship was found for incidence of mastitis and teat diameter, but length of teat appeared independent of incidence of mastitis. Production levels were insignificant among teat diameter groupings, but short teats were significantly superior for level of production.