Contents
Cracks in the udder of a cow are a common pathology in cattle. They cause pain to the animal, are favorable areas for the accumulation and reproduction of pathogenic microorganisms. Therefore, therapeutic measures must be carried out without fail and as soon as possible, so as not to provoke the development of complications.
Causes of cracks in the udder of a cow
If during milking the cow began to behave restlessly, does not allow the milkmaid to touch the udder, beats with her limbs – these are signs of cracks. When they appear, it is important to determine the causes of such a pathology as soon as possible.
Visually, the milkmaid can see cracks, wounds of various sizes. A significant part of them is located on the nipples. They can be longitudinal and transverse, single or multiple, with a red bottom and somewhat thickened edges. Cracks in the udder and teats sometimes bleed as the epidermal layer is torn. With poor care, the mammary gland becomes covered with dirt and crust.
The main causes of cracks in the body:
- poor-quality processing of the udder before and after milking;
- damp, dirty bedding through which pathogenic microorganisms penetrate;
- unsanitary conditions for keeping an animal in a barn (dampness, dirt);
- rough, sloppy milking (pinch).
Sometimes the cause of the pathology is a decrease in the elasticity of the skin of the mammary gland. This can also cause cracks and crusts to appear.
What are dangerous cracks in the udder
The mammary gland of cattle is a glandular organ. Consists of 4 lobes that end in nipples. It fits rather tightly to the lower wall and is held by the ligament and fasciae. The organ is represented by glandular tissue, excretory ducts, connective tissue, nerve endings, lymphatic and blood vessels.
Thus, the udder of a cow is a very delicate organ that requires careful handling. Even a minor wound, crack in the udder or teat can lead to unpleasant consequences for the animal and for the owner.
Already at the first stages of the development of the disease, the cow experiences pain during milking and during hygiene procedures. Every touch of the udder is stressful for the cow. This affects the general health of the animal and milk flow. Milk is not fully milked, which leads to the development of mastitis, an inflammatory disease of the mammary glands.
If the owner does not take any measures, then suppuration forms on the gland under a crust of dirt and blood, which leads to the development of infectious diseases of the udder, for example, phlegmon, an acute purulent inflammatory process of the loose connective tissue of the udder.
Cracks, like udder and teat diseases, cause economic damage to dairy cow owners. Milk becomes either unfit for consumption, or its quantity is significantly reduced.
How to treat cracks in the udder of a cow
If the situation has not yet started, there are no complications, then the treatment of cracks will be quite simple, not expensive, and the prognosis is favorable.
The entire affected area should be well washed, cleaned of contaminants with warm water. You can use a solution of baking soda for this procedure. Then you need to carefully dry the skin of the gland with a clean towel. After that, streptocid ointment at room temperature or another disinfectant should be applied.
Each time after milking, the nipples should be treated with a warm soda solution. Then lubricate with petroleum jelly or a special ointment for the treatment of nipples.
It is also recommended to transfer the cow to manual milking for the period of treatment or use a gentle milking machine.
From folk remedies, cabbage leaves or coltsfoot leaves are often used, wrapping them around the gland and bandaging them with gauze. Rice starch is also diluted to a state of thick sour cream and smeared on the affected area.
Preventive measures
Prevention should consist in careful care of the cow’s udder:
- each time before milking it should be washed with warm water;
- wipe dry with a clean towel;
- be sure to get a massage.
Massage significantly enhances blood circulation, promotes the formation of milk and its complete milking, makes the skin soft and supple. It needs to be done right. First, the right half of the cow’s mammary gland is massaged, while putting the right hand on the front quarter of the organ, the left hand on the back quarter. The thumbs should be facing each other. The udder should be carefully raised and lowered, stroking from top to bottom. Massaging the left half of the gland, the thumbs must be turned in the opposite direction. After the end of the massage, you can start the milking process.
You need to milk a cow while sitting on a bench on the right side of the animal, the tail should immediately be tied to the limb. The most correct milking technique is with a fist. So the milk is fully milked and does not cause pain to the animal. Milkmaid’s hands must be clean and dry.
It is important for the owner to understand that the animal must be kept clean. The stall should be cleaned daily. The bedding should only be dry and clean.
Conclusion
Cracks in the udder of a cow are the result of incorrect actions on the part of the owner, staff, or, conversely, their complete inaction. Fortunately, cracks do not require special treatment; even an inexperienced farmer can bring the health of the animal back to normal. However, if the situation is started, swelling of the mammary gland, mastitis, phlegmon, or some other complications begin. Prompt veterinary attention and proper treatment may be required.