[Bovine teat lesions - Retrospective data evaluation of 116 German Holstein cows]. / Zitzenverletzungen ­ retrospektive Datenauswertung von 116 Deutsch-Holstein-Kühen.

OBJECTIVE: The management and treatment of teat injuries represent major challenges in modern dairy farming. The injury per se, its treatment and the handling of the cow during the healing process interfere with the principal purpose of the cow, which is the production of saleable milk. The study presents treatment and post-operative management based on the evaluation of a large data set. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The data from patients of the Clinic of Ruminants and Swine of the University Leipzig from May 2012 to July 2017 were analysed in a retrospective study. The location and type of injury, initial and post-operative medication, and treatment and outcome were analyzed. RESULTS: In total, 120 teat injuries in 116 cows were treated. The teat canal was the most common location of injuries (n = 85; 70.8 %), and closed injuries (without an external wound) were the most frequent type (n = 73; 60.8 %). Of all teat canal injuries, 65 (54.2 %) were internal and did not involve the skin. Most of these injuries were treated under theloscopic guidance directly after initial examination irrespective of concomitant disorders, such as thelitis (except severe acute), cysternitis and mastitis. The majority of treated teats (n = 98; 87.4 %) had functional healing and could be milked, 8 (7.2 %) of treated teats were amputated and in the remaining functional healing was achieved after a second surgery. According to an owner survey at least 700 days post-treatment, 23 (21.5 %) of the surgically treated cows and 50 % (n = 2) of the non-surgically treated cows were slaughtered in consequence of complications associated with the treated teat or the corresponding quarter. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Teat injuries are commonly seen in dairy practice. A successful outcome is obtainable when surgical or medical treatment is administered promptly and consequently in addition to an appropriate post-operative management and monitoring.

Effects of tail docking and/or teeth clipping on behavior, lesions, and physiological indicators of sows and their piglets.

To evaluate effects of tail docking and/or teeth clipping on sows and their piglets, a total of 24 sows and their 302 piglets at 3 days of age were randomly allocated to one of four treatments: teeth clipping and tail docking (TCTD), teeth clipping (TC), tail docking (TD), or intact teeth and tail (Intact). Behavior of piglets and sows, lesions on the body and tail of piglets and sows' teats were inspected. Heart rates of processed piglets were increased (p < .01) during the procedures. Teeth clipping decreased body surface temperature (p < .01) of piglets during and after the procedures but tail docking did not (p > .01). Processed piglets spent more (p < .05) time lying alone and playing/fighting than sham-processed piglets. Tail docked piglets spent less (p < .01) time standing than tail sham-docked piglets. Intact teeth increased (p < .05) the avoidance behaviors of sows. Teeth clipping decreased (p < .05) the lesion scores on the anterior, middle, and posterior teats. Taken together, piglet teeth clipping had more impact on sows and their piglets than tail docking did in the lactation period based on our findings.

Long-term mechanical milking status of lacerated teat repaired surgically in cattle: 67 cases (2003-2013).

This study evaluated the long-term prognosis of return to normal mechanical milking after reconstructive teat surgery and determined the factors that have an impact on the outcome. A retrospective study of 67 dairy cows with teat lacerations was performed. Milking status at discharge and at long-term follow-up was adequate for 83% and 75% of the cows, respectively. No statistically significant differences were detected between the long-term prognosis and the age of the cow, the stage of lactation at presentation, or the configuration of the laceration. Lacerations repaired more than 24 hours after the trauma were more frequently associated with a negative outcome (P = 0.05). Mastitis was the most frequent complication (n = 17) and had a statistically significant negative impact on long-term prognosis (P = 0.02). Reconstructive surgery of lacerated teat in dairy cows can help establish return to normal mechanical milking.

Évaluation du pronostic à long terme en regard de la traite mécanique des trayons lacérés réparés chirurgicalement chez la vache : 67 cas (2003­2013). Les objectifs de cette étude sont d'évaluer le pronostic à long terme, en regard de la traite mécanique, suivant la reconstruction d'un trayon lacéré et de déterminer les critères associés à un pronostic négatif. Une étude rétrospective sur 67 vaches laitières a été réalisée. La traite mécanique était adéquate pour 83 et 75 % des vaches à leur sortie de l'hôpital et lors du suivi à long terme. Pas de différences statistiques ont été trouvées entre le pronostic à long terme et l'âge des vaches, leur stade de lactation et la configuration de la lacération. Les lacérations réparées plus de 24 heures après le trauma avaient un pronostic moins bon (P = 0,05). La complication la plus fréquente était la mammite (n = 17). Elle avait un effet négatif sur le pronostic à long terme (P = 0,02). Reconstruire chirurgicalement un trayon lacéré peut rétablir la traite mécanique.(Traduit par les auteurs).

Acute wounds accelerate tumorigenesis by a T cell-dependent mechanism.

We investigated the influence of acute wounding on tumor growth in a syngeneic mouse breast cancer model. Metastatic mouse breast cancer cells (4T1) were orthotopically injected into the mammary fat pads of BALB/c mice, and animals were wounded locally by full thickness dermal incisions above the mammary fat pads or remotely above the scapula 9 days later. Local, but not remote, wounding increased tumor size when compared with sham treatment. Injection of wound fluid close to the tumor site increased tumor growth, whereas in vitro wound fluid compared with serum increased the proliferation rate of 4T1 cells. Our results show that wound stroma can unfavorably influence growth of nearby tumors. This effect is T cell-dependent, as local wounding had no effect on tumor growth in nu/nu mice. The effect of wounding on tumor growth can be mimicked by acellular wound fluid, suggesting that T cells secrete or mediate secretion of cytokines or growth factors that then accelerate tumor growth. Here, we define an experimental model of wound-promoted tumor growth that will enable us to identify mechanisms and therapeutic targets to reduce the negative effect of tissue repair on residual tumors.

Teat laceration repair in cattle.

Teat injuries are common in dairy cattle, and, compared with other frequently occurring diseases, these injuries often result in premature culling of affected cows. Teat injuries can be divided into two categories (external or internal injuries). All the different types of injuries/diseases, diagnostic approaches, and therapies have been described in a previous chapter. This chapter focuses only on teat lacerations (external injury).

Ectima contagioso em ovinos e caprinos no semi-árido da Paraíba / Contagious echtyma in sheep and goats in the semiarid of Paraíba, Brazil

Descrevem-se dez surtos de ectima contagioso em caprinos e dois em ovinos no semi-árido da Paraíba. Os animais jovens foram os mais afetados, mas em oito surtos animais adultos também foram afetados, principalmente cabras lactantes que apresentavam lesões no úbere. Em nenhum dos rebanhos afetados havia antecedentes de vacinação contra ectima contagioso. Histologicamente a epiderme apresentava acantose com hiperplasia pseudoepiteliomatosa e com múltiplos focos de degeneração hidrópica formando vesículas ou pústulas. Inclusões intracitoplasmáticas eosinofílicas foram observadas em queratinócitos. Havia restos celulares necróticos formando crostas, hiperqueratose e microabscessos intracorneais ou extensas áreas ulceradas. Na derme observou-se infiltrado inflamatório mononuclear difuso. Também foi registrado um caso humano em um pesquisador que tinha administrado planta por via oral a um caprino que, posteriormente, apresentou lesões de ectima contagioso. Neste caso, também foram observadas lesões características em uma biopsia e o vírus foi identificado por microscopia eletrônica. Conclui-se que a doença é endêmica no semi-árido e que é necessária a vacinação sistemática dos rebanhos para diminuir os prejuízos econômicos causados pela mesma. A utilização de luvas para o manuseio de animais afetados é necessária para evitar casos humanos da enfermidade.

Ten outbreaks of contagious ecthyma in goats and two in sheep in the semiarid of Paraíba State are reported. Young animals were more frequently affected, but in 8 outbreaks adult animals were also affected, mainly lactating goats which developed udder lesions. None of the affected flocks had been vaccinated. Upon histologic examination the epidermis showed acanthosis with pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia and multifocal ballooning degeneration forming vesicles or pustules. Eosinophilic inclusion bodies were observed in keratinocytes. Crust of necrotic cells, hyperkeratosis, and intracorneal microabscesses or large ulcerated areas were also observed. Severe diffuse infiltration by mononuclear cells was observed in the dermis. A human case was observed in an investigator that was feeding a goat that later appeared with lesions of the disease. In this case, the virus was identified by electron microscopy of a skin biopsy. These results show that contagious ecthyma is endemic in Northeastern Brazil and therefore systematic vaccination of the flocks is necessary to control the disease. The use of gloves to handle affected animals is advisable to minimize the risk of human exposure.

Associations between teat injuries and fistula formation in lactating dairy cows treated with surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To determine associations between rate of fistula formation and parity, lactation period, wound age, wound location, and shape of teat injuries in surgically treated teats in dairy cows. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective clinical study. ANIMALS: 106 lactating dairy cows with teat lacerations. PROCEDURES: Lacerations were classified via shape, location, and age. Associations between potential risk factors and fistula formation were analyzed. Seasonal distribution, type of injured teat, parity, and days in lactation were determined. RESULTS: Cows with teat injury in their first and second parity had 4.1 times the odds of fistula formation, compared with cows with parity >or= 3. Teats sutured within 48 to 72 hours of injury had 8.3 times the odds of fistula formation, compared with teats sutured within the first 24 hours. Cows in early lactation stage (first 60 days of lactation) were more susceptible to teat injuries. Occurrence of teat injury was greater at the third, fourth, and fifth parity. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Season, parity, and lactation period were associated with prevalence of teat injury in lactating dairy cows in a range system. Neither the type of suture material used nor the suturing technique was associated with effects on healing of the operated full-thickness teat wounds. Factors such as parity and age of the wound can be associated with delay in the healing process, which may result in fistula formation.

Uso de dilatador temporário em papilas mamárias de vacas, submetidas a lesões experimentais / Use of temporary dilatator in cow mammary papilla submitted to experimental lesions

Trinta e duas papilas mamárias de vacas da raça Holandesa, em período seco, foram submetidas a telotomia lateral que produziu defeito linear na mucosa da parte papilar do seio lactífero (PPSL). Houve excisão de um retângulo de mucosa de tamanho padronizado que provocou um defeito retangular na mucosa do PPSL, oposto à telotomia. Todas as telotomias foram suturadas e, aleatoriamente, em 16 delas foram introduzidas sondas de Foley de 2,7mm de diâmetro, formando o grupo de papilas com dilatador. A distensão dos balonetes das sondas de Foley provocou a dilatação da PPSL o que forçou a manutenção das sondas, por sete dias, na papila mamária. As 16 papilas restantes formaram o grupo de papilas sem dilatador. Foram realizadas videoteloscopias antes (dia 0) e após as telotomias (dia 8, após a retirada das sondas de Foley e dia 15). As avaliações morfológica e histológica do processo de cicatrização dos defeitos lineares e retangulares evidenciaram que o uso de dilatador na PPSL auxiliou na orientação cicatricial, mantendo a patência do seio lactífero em um maior número de papilas, quando os dois grupos foram comparados. A dilatação da PPSL interferiu na cicatrização das telotomias, e provocou maior número de alterações no epitélio de revestimento do seio lactífero

Thirty two mammary teats of Holstein cows, in the dry period, were submitted to histological examination. Lateral thelostomy was performed in all teats, producing a linear defect on the mucous membrane of the lactiferous sinus (MMLS). The teats were also submitted to a standard rectangular excision on the mucous membrane of MMLS, on the opposite side of thelostomy. All thelostomies were sutured and then the teats were divided in 2 groups. One group received Foleys's catheter of 2.7mm in diameter and was designed teat distention group. The 16 remain teats formed the no teat distention group. The Foleys's catheter balloon distention produced MMLS dilatation and also a 7 days maintenance period on the mammary teat. The scar evaluation of the linear and rectangular defects, performed trough morphologic and histological examinations showed that the dilatation on MMLS contributes on the scar orientation, keeping the lactiferous sinus patency in a greater number of teats, when both groups were compared. The MMLS dilatation interferes with telothomies healing, can observe so more alterations on the mucous membrane of lactiferous sinus

Teat lesions predispose to invasion of the ovine mammary gland by Mannheimia haemolytica.

Teat lesions, produced in ewes by an experimental chapping procedure, were found to facilitate experimental infection with Mannheimia haemolytica, as assessed by observations on infection of the teat skin, teat duct and mammary gland, and on the production of mastitis. The origin of the M. haemolytica strain used (ovine tonsillar or mammary infection) did not appear to influence the results. In a second experiment, in which ewes continued to suckle their lambs but were not deliberately infected, chapping was shown to favour infection by Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus and M. haemolytica.

Clinical, bacteriological, cytological and pathological features of teat disorders in ewes.

We describe the features of 13 cases of teat disorders in ewes, as follows: lengthy teats (one case), papilloma infection (two), staphylococcal dermatitis (one), nodules and abscesses (two), teat bites (three), stenosis (one), orf (two), compressed teat (one). Mannheimia haemolytica, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus simulans or Staphylococcus aureus were isolated from samples. Sub-epithelial leucocytic infiltration at the teat duct-teat cistern border, but not lymphoid nodules, was the salient histological finding in the teat. Leucocytic infiltration and destruction of parenchyma were evident in the mammary gland. The results provide field evidence suggesting that teat lesions predispose ewes to mastitis.

Teat disorders predispose ewes to clinical mastitis after challenge with Mannheimia haemolytica.

In order to study the effects of sheep teat disorders on the protection of the mammary gland, we used a Mannheimia haemolytica isolate, which did not cause clinical mastitis when deposited into intact teats. In the first experiment, this was deposited into the duct of teats with orf (Group A, n=5) or papilloma (Group B, n=3). In the second, teats were chapped and then, the organism was deposited into the duct (Group C, n=7) or on the skin (Group D, n=4). Ewes with healthy teats were controls (Group E, deposition into duct, n=5; Group F, deposition on skin, n=2). The ewes in Groups A, B or C developed clinical mastitis 5 h later, whilst the ewes in Group D developed it 2 d later; no control ewe developed clinical mastitis. In ewes with teat lesions, the organism was isolated from secretion samples and the California Mastitis Test became positive 5 h after challenge; neutrophils and lymphocytes were seen in Giemsa-stained secretion films from Group A or B ewes, whilst macrophages, neutrophils and lymphocytes in films from Group C or D ewes; neutrophils were predominating in films from Group E or F ewes. Inside the teats of Group A, B, C or D ewes, folds, hyperaemia and mucosal thickness were seen; histologically, subepithelial leucocytic infiltration was seen. In Group A or B ewes, no evidence of lymphoid tissue at the teat duct-cistern border was found. In Group C or D ewes, intense erosion and ulceration of the teat skin and conspicuous lymphoid tissue at the teat duct-cistern border, were evident; lesions characteristic of haemorrhagic mastitis were in the mammary parenchyma. In control ewes, subepithelial leucocytic infiltration in the teat duct and lymphoid tissue as above, were evident. We postulate that teat lesions can be predisposing factor to mastitis, by adversely affecting defences and speeding the process of infection and making it more severe.

Teat tip reconstruction by supernumerary teat autotransplantation in cattle.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of use of a supernumerary teat as a pedicle graft to repair experimental teat tip damage in cattle. STUDY DESIGN: Experimental study. ANIMALS: Mature, non-gravid hybrid cows with > or =1 supernumerary teat. METHODS: The main teat and adjacent supernumerary teat were examined for patency by ultrasound with a 8 MHz linear array transducer. The tip of the main teat was resected at the junction of cistern and canal. The supernumerary teat was partially resected semi-circumferentially at the cranial aspect of the base to maintain vascular supply and transplanted by end-to-end anastomosis. The pedicle of the supernumerary teat graft was amputated in stages starting at 14 days, again at 16 days and separated at 18 days. Reconstructed teat patency was evaluated at intervals by ultrasonography and confirmed at 50 days by histopathology. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to compare the measurements of luminal diameter between days; significance was set at P<.05. RESULTS: All reconstructed teats were patent. Decreased luminal diameters were detected at 25, 32, 39, and 46 days by ultrasonography. On histopathology, granulation and epithelial (mucosal) proliferation contributed to luminal reduction. CONCLUSIONS: In this experimental model of an acute damage to a teat tip, supernumerary teat grafting was successfully used to restore teat anatomy. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Supernumerary teat pedicle grafting may be considered as a salvage technique for reconstruction of a damaged bovine teat in cows that have an adjacent patent supernumerary teat. Function of the reconstructed teat in a lactating cow remains unknown.

Influence of tooth resection in piglets on welfare and performance.

In six commercial pig farms, we compared the effects of two methods of tooth resection (tooth clipping with pliers and tooth grinding with a rotating grindstone) on teeth themselves, on skin lesions of piglets and of sow udders as well as on litter growth and survival. An intact group was included for control. Treatments were balanced within herds with sows assigned to one of the three experimental treatments. Observations were from 107 sows and their litters (n = 35 or 36 litters/group) at farrowing (day 0) and approximately 8, 15 and 27 days later. Tooth resection was done within 24 h of birth after cross-fostering. Data concerning sows' lesions were analyzed on a farm basis and those concerning piglets' mortality, growth and skin lesions were analyzed on a litter basis. Frequency and severity of udder lesions differed between treatments at farrowing and on day 8; differences depended on the location of the teats (front, median or rear). Litter size and liveweight of piglets on day 0 (11.9+/-0.1 pigs, 1.51+/-0.03 kg) and on day 27 (10.8+/-0.1 pigs, 8.08+/-0.10 kg) were similar in the three groups (mean+/-S.E.M., n = 107). Skin lesions on piglets were more frequent and/or severe in intact than in clipped piglets on days 8 and 27, whereas ground piglets had intermediate results. Because the length of the teeth was similar after clipping and grinding (P > 0.1), tooth shortening itself does not explain the differences between treatments. Overall, tooth resection had very little effect on sow mammary injuries and litter performance. It might reduce skin damage to piglets (especially, when it is performed by clipping) but teeth are severely injured.

Milk flow and udder health in cows after treatment of covered teat injuries via theloresectoscopy: 52 cases (2000-2002).

OBJECTIVE: To determine milk flow, somatic cell counts (SCCs), and the incidence of clinical mastitis in cows that had undergone theloresectoscopy for treatment of teat stenosis caused by mucosal detachment in the region of the streak canal or Fürstenberg's rosette. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 52 cows with teat stenosis that were treated via theloresectoscopy. PROCEDURE: Medical records of eligible cows were reviewed. Additional data regarding milking ease, SCC, development of clinical mastitis of the affected gland, and whether the cow remained in the herd were collected via owner-completed questionnaires. RESULTS: 49 of 52 questionnaires were completed. At referral, teat sinusitis was diagnosed in 29 of 52 cows. Milk flow was normal in 38 of 41 treated teats at discharge and in 24 of 40 during the next lactation. Thirteen of 49 cows were culled during the next lactation because of abnormal udder health. High SCC and teat sinusitis at referral and development of clinical mastitis during the 10-day period after surgery resulted in high SCCs in the remainder of the current lactation. The incidence of clinical mastitis during the remainder of the current and during the next lactation was higher in cows that had teat sinusitis at the time of surgery, compared with those that did not. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Teat stenoses resulting from mucosal lesions in the region of the streak canal or Fürstenberg's rosette may be successfully treated via theloresectoscopy. Inflammation of the teat sinus and gland at the time of surgery may adversely affect udder health.

Procedures and surgeries of the teat.

Injuries to the end of the teat are frequent and frustrating to treat. Treatment of these injuries evolved from being aggressive using teat knives to a more conservative approach employing rest nonreactive teat inserts. The process of milking seems simple, but it involves fine-tuned mechanics. Teat fibrosis, even when small, has a disastrous effect on the production life of an animal. There is no place for error; any surgical intervention should be precise and aim for perfection. Medical imaging techniques and minimally invasive surgery help the surgeon to make the best decision. Finally, more investigation is needed to treat varicose veins to understand the origin and develop better treatment. Teat injuries have drawn more attention more recently. Surgical interventions are better planned, and blind treatment with unsuitable teat knives is avoided. Treatment of superficial of full-thickness teat lacerations does not require a high level of anatomic or surgical knowledge, although basic surgical principles should be applied. Hemostasis, delicate débridgement and tissue handling, and appropriate suture materials and patterns are key to success. Appropriate sedation, anesthesia, and analgesia are essential to achieve this goal and should never be neglected.

Teat endoscopy (theloscopy) for diagnosis and therapy of milk flow disorders in dairy cows.

Teat endoscopy (theloscopy) is a useful technique for diagnosis and therapy of covered teat injuries. Minimal invasive theloscopic surgery may help to restore milk flow, milk yield, and SCC of the affected quarter. Infection with pathogens may not change significantly, however. Cows treated as described may yield as much milk as their herdmates at a slightly increased udder SCC and stay as long in the herd as their herdmates. Theloscopy also may be used for diagnosis and therapy of various other teat disorders.

Spontaneous recanalization of the divided lactiferous duct in the rat.

The objectives of the current study were to test the hypotheses that ductus lactiferous may regenerate after its transection and to develop a reproducible model for future studies. A total of 168 nipples from 14 Wistar female rats were used in this experimental study. This study was conducted in 2 parts. During part 1, the normal anatomy of the lactiferous duct and its histomorphologic features were studied. This group was also used for histologic and morphometric comparison. During part 2, the lactiferous duct was exposed through a vertical incision and was transected by scissors. A small gap was produced by elastic retraction of the surrounding tissue. The authors assessed patency mainly by histologic evaluation. Galactography was performed to collect additional support for the recanalization process. The patency rate of the lactiferous ducts was 66.6%. Luminal narrowing was observed in all specimens. A significant difference did occur in the mean cross-sectional area (P < 0.01) and the wall thickness (P < 0.05) between 2 groups. A computed stereologic image analyzer was used to estimate the mean surface area of a lactiferous duct and the wall thickness.

[Endoscopic, pathologic-anatomic and histologic findings in the bovine teat. 2. Changes in the area of Fürstenberg's rosette]. / Endoskopische, pathologisch-anatomische und histologische Befunde an der Rinderzitze. 2. Veränderungen im Bereich der Fürstenbergschen Rosette.

In the present study endoscopically diagnosed changes of the Fürstenberg's rosette were examined histologically. For this purpose the teats of 200 slaughtered cows were inspected. In 19 cases proliferations in the region of the Fürstenberg's rosette were found. Additionally, tissue samples were taken from the Fürstenberg's rosette of 26 cows which showed milk flow disorders due to stenoses of this part of the teat. Teats of slaughtered cows as well as biopsy specimens were fixed in 5% formaldehyde and embedded in paraffin and in plastic. All specimens were stained according to H.E., Giemsa and Turnbull, respectively. Histologically, the proliferations of the Fürstenberg's rosette consisted of fibrovascular tissue (granulation tissue) covered by keratinized squamous epithelium (teat canal epithelium) in eleven cases. In the other cases double-layered cuboid epithelium (cisternal epithelium) was found additionally. The formation of granulation tissue and deposition of blood pigment was observed exclusively in areas covered by stratified epithelium. Therefore a traumatic lesion of the teat canal was supposed to be the cause of the histological findings. In contrast to several reports in the literature, however, no indications of an inversion of the teat canal epithelium were found. On the basis of these findings, the hitherto assumed idea of pathogenesis of proliferations of the Fürstenberg's rosette was modified and a new pathogenesis pattern was developed.

The effects of reducing the length of canine teeth in sucking pigs by clipping or grinding.

OBJECTIVE: To provide production data that would support or discount current teeth clipping practices in sucking pigs. DESIGN: Intervention study of 207 litters of pigs on a commercial farm. PROCEDURE: Litters were assigned to one of three interventions undertaken at 1 day of age: clipped using hand-operated side cutter pliers, ground using a battery-operated grinder or left intact. The effects of the intervention on weaning weight, preweaning mortality, facial lesions, gum damage and arthritis in litters of pigs were recorded, as was the incidence of udder damage of the sows. Weight gain and facial damage postweaning of pigs within each intervention group were recorded. The cost:benefit of each intervention was determined. RESULTS: Average weaning weight of pigs whose teeth were clipped was higher than of those whose teeth were ground but not of those with intact teeth. Clipping resulted in fewer preweaning deaths than both unclipped and ground litters due to fewer overlays. The incidence and severity of face scarring was higher in unclipped litters than clipped and ground litters. Treatment had no effect on face scars at weaning, udder damage, post-treatment fostering, time of preweaning deaths or postweaning weight gain. There was an additional labour cost of 6 cents per pig with teeth clipping. CONCLUSION: This study supports teeth clipping of sucking pigs because there are welfare, production and financial benefits including reduced facial damage and preweaning mortality.