Teat Injuries in Goats: Financial Losses for Farmers

Teat lacerations and teat fistulas therefore present a big bottleneck when it comes to economic returns for farmers. These conditions lead to monetary loss from the point of view of the reduced supply of milk, increased expenses, and possible negative consequences on the animal’s future health status and productive performances. The cases of teat affection are very important for early intervention before the threat of developing further severe conditions such as mastitis, teat necrosis, or even the total loss of the affected quarter. Goats are a vital source of meat and milk-producing animals in livestock farming. However, they are easily affected by several operative illnesses that could lead to low yields and significant losses (Abu-Seida and Ahmed, 2007). Considering that ruminants’ udder and teats are external body appendages, the teats are prone to injuries from traumas (Weaver et al., 2005). Grazing animals are most often affected by teat laceration which is the most widespread surgical ailment and may result from barbed wires and farm implements. In goats, a higher incidence of teat lacerations is expected because of their droopy udder and large teats. Teat injuries could perhaps be a result of trauma, insect bites, effects of environmental factors, and milking paraphernalia particularly the milking machine (Sreenu et al., 2014).