Effects of teat shape on milk yield and milking traits in Brown Swiss cows

Effects of teat measurement and teat shape on milking time, milk flow rate and milk yield in Brown Swiss cows were evaluated. The means of 305-day milk yield for cylindrical, funnel and bottle teat shape groups were 3156, 3169 and 2377 kg, respectively. The mean values for the milking time in 1(st), 2(nd) and 3(rd) milk yield groups were 6.54, 6.56 and 6.20 min and the differences were not statistically significant. Length and diameter of front and rear teats were negatively correlated with milk flow rate. Milk flow rate showed significant correlations with 305-day milk yield and milk yield per milking (P < 0.001). There was a significant negative correlation between milking time and milk flow rate (P < 0.001). In conclusion, 305-day milk yield of bottle teat shape cows was lower than that of cylindrical and funnel teat shape cows.