Table 2 Explanation of the scales used in relation to each of the applied clinical variables.

COW LEVEL

Soiling – Hind part and tail

1 = slightly dirty, 2 = moderate and obviously dirty, and 3 = Smeared in thick layer of manure.

   Udder

   Teats

Callus, lateral hocks

1 = hairless and slightly hyperkeratosis, 2 = swollen – unable to feel bones, 3 = large as football

Long claws

1 = slight, 2 = obvious and 3 = extreme

Mange

1 = slight, 2 = obvious, 3 = extreme

UDDER LEVEL

Shape

Coded 1–6 : 1 = normal, 2 = long, 3 = withdrawn between hind legs, 4 = asymmetric front/hind, 5 = small and 6 = deep (Rosenberger, 1979)

Asymmetry – Left/Right

Write smallest quarter code if asymmetry present add degree:

Separate variable for front and hind quarters

1 = slight, 2 = obvious, 3 = extreme

Udder tissue consistency

1 = soft, 3 = firm and 5 = hard (½ values allowed)

Oedema

0 = slight, 1 = large areas, 2 = Most of the udder

Signs of clinical mastitis

0 = not present, 1 = present

Distinct nodes palpated in tissue

Write quarter code if present

Nodular tissue – diffuse

Write quarter code if present

TEAT LEVEL

Shape

Coded 1–5 : 1 = normal, 2 = conical, 3 = short, 4 = fleshy, 5 = other (Rosenberger, 1979)

Skin quality

1 = silk, 2 = very smooth, 3 = smooth, 4 = slightly rough, 5 = very rough (½ values allowed)

Wounds on teats

0 = not present, 1 = present

Warts

0 = not present, 1 = <8 and 2 = >8 on all 4 teats together

Wounds on warts

0 = not present, 1 = present

Warts on teat end

1 = warts on teat end, 2 = warts with wound on teat end

Teat end callus

1 = slight, 3 = immediate visible, 5 = extreme (1/2 values allowed)

Scar tissue in teat canal

Write quarter code if present

Oedema/Hard teat

Write quarter code if present