beef cow with one enlarged teat (picture)

[SRBeef]

I noticed the other day that one of my beef cows had on enlarged teat. Here is a picture. Otherwise she seemed ok. Still nursing a calf, hope to wean next week. I could tell why the difference in coloring -maybe she just layed down on some manure? As a beginner I appreciate any comments or suggestions. Otherwise the cow looked great. Been grazing a combination of standing corn and some grass. Is this anything to worry about or just normal? She has a very good calf.

 

[KNERSIE]

It could be that the teat is just covered with manure and that is why the calf hasn't suckled that teat down causing it to look so much bigger, or it could be that that teat has just blown out.

Wait till you wean the calf, about 48 hours after weaning take a few pics of the udder and you'll get a reasonable idea of what the udder will look like at the next calving. Then its easier to make an informed decision on whether this teat (and the others) are likely to cause extra work for you next time around. Only then can you really decide on her future.

 

[SRBeef]

Knersie, I think you are right. The bag above that teat appeared much fuller than the others. There was some rain yesterday at the farm and I moved them to some clean grass on Sunday so hopefully it'll clean off and the calf will suck this one down.

It does look like the teats just before calving, now that you mention it. As always, thank you.

 

[rockridgecattle]

Knersie is probably right, but if it were my cow, I would probably check that side for warmth indicating masitits. A week can make the difference in saving the quarter, if not the whole bag and loosing a good cow to the sale barn cause the infection got to bad.

 

[angus9259]

How'd it turn out? Every time I've had one get big like that with an older calf on it's been mastitis and I've lost the quarter or the cow.

 

[angus9259]

How'd it turn out? Every time I've had one get big like that with an older calf on it's been mastitis and I've lost the quarter or the cow.

 

[SRBeef]

How'd it turn out? Every time I've had one get big like that with an older calf on it's been mastitis and I've lost the quarter or the cow.

Checking on this cow today, the teat that was enlarged seemed clean, good color and used. Does still look a little bit bigger than normal and the others but seems to be "better". Overall she seems in good health, eating well, still nursing her big calf.

What does mastitis look like? Is it obvious?

 

[LoveMoo11]

In mastitis, the udder will be inflamed and hard...if you can get out some milk to look at it will be watery and clumpy. If its a serious case there might be blood in the milk too. If she has it, you'll know.