Navel suckling can cause localised infections, but cross-suckling of the juvenile udder carries long-term consequences. The juvenile teat canal is sealed with a keratin plug that protects the udder from pathogens. During cross-suckling, this protective plug is removed, leaving the developing teat canal exposed. Bacteria can then colonise the tissue, setting the stage for mastitis and permanent damage.
Why do calves cross-suckle?
To effectively prevent cross-suckling, it’s important to understand why calves do it.
Calves are born with a strong suckling instinct, a survival mechanism controlled by gut–brain communication. In nature, this instinct is satisfied when suckling from a cow. The cow releases milk slowly – about one litre over around four minutes. After a period of time spent suckling, neurological feedback signals that the calf has consumed enough, and the instinct switches off. At this point, the calf is calm and content.
Problems can arise when calves are fed from a fast-flow teat. Teats with valves pressurise the milk so that it squirts out with the slightest touch, allowing a calf to consume a litre in as little as 1 minute 40 seconds. This rapid intake is far quicker than the digestive system is geared for, so the brain continues to signal the calf to suckle. The milk has been consumed rubber formulation stimulate natural suckling behaviour, while controlling rapidly so, in the absence of milk, calves then turn to their pen mates, leading to cross-suckling.
How to prevent cross-suckling
This behaviour is closely tied to drinking speed. By regulating milk flow to a natural rate – around 3-4 minutes per litre – the calf’s brain receives the correct feedback, and the suckling instinct is properly satisfied.
It is reported that post-feeding, calves fed with fast teats typically exhibit excitable behaviour and chase each other around the pen. They also show a great desire to continue feeding, which they appease by suckling on gates and clothing as well as their companions' navels and udders. By contrast, those fed using the slow-flow teats are calmer after feeding and do not exhibit the desire to continue suckling.1
Milk Bar™ teats are designed specifically to achieve this. The unique design and milk flow. This ensures calves draw milk in the same way they would from a cow, preventing the rapid intake that drives cross-suckling.
By feeding calves with a controlled-flow Milk Bar™ teat, you protect their developing udders, reduce the risk of mastitis and blind quarters, and raise healthier, more productive heifers.
To reduce cross-suckling and protect future udder health, talk to your Farm Source TSR about feeding systems and teat options.
