This behaviour is linked to higher rates of first lactation mastitis and increased incidences of blind quarters.
The teat canal is sealed with a keratin plug that protects the udder from pathogens. During cross-suckling, this plug is removed, leaving the developing teat canal exposed.
Bacteria then colonise the tissue, setting the stage for mastitis and permanent damage.
Why do calves cross-suck?
Calves are born with a strong suckling instinct. In nature, this is satisfied by the slow milk delivery of the cow ‒ about one litre over four minutes.
After 9-11 minutes, neurological feedback signals that the calf has consumed enough, the instinct switches off and the calf is content.
Problems arise when calves are fed with a fast flow. Valved teats squirt milk at the slightest touch, allowing a calf to consume a litre in 1-2 minutes.
Calves fed from a bucket can consume a litre in under a minute. This rapid intake is far quicker than nature intended. The brain continues to tell the calf to suckle, where in the absence of milk, it turns to its pen mates, leading to cross-suckling.
How to prevent cross-suckling
Cross-suckling is linked to drinking speed.
By regulating milk flow to 3-4 minutes per litre the calf’s brain receives the correct feedback, and the suckling instinct is satisfied.
Milk Bar Teats are designed to achieve this.
The unique design and rubber formulation stimulate natural suckling behaviour, while controlling milk flow.
Calves draw milk in the same way they would from a cow, preventing the rapid intake that drives cross-suckling.
Using controlled-flow Milk Bar Teats protects calves developing udders, reduces the mastitis and blind quarters risk, and raises more productive heifers.
10°C