W-MP-4: Teat End Condition Scoring (Neijenhuis System)

The health and integrity of teats and streak canals is positively correlated to udder health and the incidence of mastitis. One sign of a reduction in teat end integrity is formation of excessive callus known as hyperkeratosis. Seiber and Farnsworth were the first to identify teat end hyperkeratosis and establish a teat end scoring system. Scoring systems have been developed to help standardize the quantification of teat end conditions as an aid in identification of cause and effect factors and to help direct proper corrective action. Recent studies have associated an increase in teat end hyperkeratosis with a greater incidence of new intramammary infections.