Udder health is at the heart of every productive, welfare-oriented dairy farm. When the teats are healthy, cows are more comfortable, milk quality improves, and the entire milking process runs more smoothly, making life better for cows and farmers alike.
But what does it take to keep teats in top condition, especially in automated milking environments? Here are some practical tips and insights for Lely users to help support healthy udders, starting with the basics: prevention, care, and smart technology.
Why the Teat Canal Is Your First Line of Defense
Mastitis-causing bacteria typically enter the udder via the teat canal and sphincter. Keeping these areas strong and healthy is your cow's best natural defense. The smoother, stronger, and more flexible the teat skin is, the harder it is for bacteria to take hold. That’s why proper udder care isn’t just about cleaning, it’s about protection and recovery, too.
Milking Gently, Yet Effectively
Did you know each teat undergoes around 750 squeezes per day? That’s 60 pulses per minute, for 5 minutes, across 2.5 daily milkings. The mechanical stress on teat skin is real, so make sure your Lely Astronaut’s milk settings and liners are correctly adjusted for comfort and safety.
Post-Milking Spray: More Than Just Disinfection
Teat spraying after milking serves two purposes:
- Disinfection – to reduce bacterial load using active ingredients like iodine or lactic acid.
- Care – to help repair and maintain the skin's natural protective barrier (which has a slightly acidic pH of around 5.5).
Choose a teat dip that fits your herd's needs. Is the mastitis pressure environmental or cow-related? What’s the condition of the teat ends, especially across different lactation stages? Your local Lely advisor can guide you to the right product.
Once you’ve selected a teat care product, be sure your spray settings, including pressure, duration, and spray pattern, are aligned for optimal coverage and effectiveness. Use the teat coordinate scanning feature on the Lely Astronaut A5 to handle udder shape variation or cow movement, and don’t forget to set a spray for failed milkings, too.
Clean Environment = Closed Sphincter Safety
The teat sphincter remains open for 2–15 minutes after milking, making cows especially vulnerable to infection during that time. That’s why post-milking cow flow into a clean, dry, and comfortable area is so important. Keep cubicles well-bedded and dry, and make sure walkways are clean and scraped regularly.
In Summary: Protect the First Line of Defense
Join the discussion!
What’s your go-to product or tip for keeping teats healthy on your farm? Share it with other farmers in the Lely Community Forum.
Note: Product availability may vary by country or region. Please consult your local advisor for tailored solutions.
