Comparative evaluation of SIMPL® silicone implants and NIT® natural teat inserts to keep the teat canal patent after surgery

The objective of this study was the comparative evaluation of SIMPL(R) silicone implants and NIT(R) natural teat inserts to keep the teat canal patent after teat surgery. The study was performed on 100 teats of 97 cows treated for milk flow disorders surgically with the help of theloscopy. After surgery 53 teats were inserted with SIMPL and 47 with NIT, and rested for several days. Before treatment as well as one and six months later quarter milk flow and milk yield were measured with Lactocorders. Quarter milk was examined for somatic cell count (SCC), pathogens and signs of mastitis (SCC > 100 000 and pathogens detected). Half a year after surgery milk flow, milk yield and SCC were equal from teats that had been inserted with SlMPL or NIT. The odds of detecting pathogens or signs or mastitis in the milk was lower in SIMPL than in NIT teats at this point in time. SIMPL teats stayed in the herd as long as NIT teats. Based on the results it may be expected that teats inserted with a SIMPL or NIT do not differ on a long term in regards to milk flow, milk yield, somatic cell count and risk of removal from the herd. After the use of SIMPL less pathogens maybe detected in the milk on a long term than after the use of NIT.