Udder palpation can be a valuable tool. A number of chronic high cell count cows have discernable abscesses, scar tissue and irregular nodules.Such animals are unlikely to respond to treatment and constitute a risk to other cows in the herd by acting as a reservoir of infection.

• Either milk these cows last or remove them from the herd
• Cows with a poor chance of recovery can be excluded from treatment programmes, resulting in more cost-effective treatment of high cell count

PALPATION TECHNIQUE
Palpate udder when it is flaccid, immediately after milking.

SKIN
Grasp udder skin between forefinger and thumb
.

• It should be pliable and easily separated from underlying tissue
• If not, there may be oedema, associated with infection or recent calving

UDDER TISSUE
Palpate each quarter with both hands. One hand on the medial side, one on the lateral side.
Deep palpate by pressing your fingertips towards each other. Gradually work hands towards bottom of each quarter.

• The tissue should have a fine grain
• Coarse grain that feels soft should respond to treatment
• A harder udder, especially one with lumps is less likely to respond well

LYMPH NODES
The most obvious lymph nodes lie above each hind quarter at the base of udder.

• Healthy lymph nodes are not usually apparent
• Enlarged and nodular nodes indicate infection