The Healthy Teat
Maintaining a healthy teat and teat end is important for the protection of the teat and udder from pathogens. The ability of the teat end to close properly is especially important to protect the udder from the very high levels of disease-causing organisms in the environment.

Cracks, chapping and injury to the teat may also allow pathogens to colonize the teat skin and the mammary gland. Teat damage may cause discomfort during milking as well as increased risk of mastitis. Following are examples of the kinds of damage to the teat ends. With few exceptions, the only way bacteria can enter the udder is through the opening in the teat end.