Evaluation of intra- and inter-rater agreement on ultrasound measurements of dairy cow teats by operators with different experience levels

• Published in: Veterinary research communications 2025-02, Vol.49 (1), p.9, Article 9
• Main Authors: Nocera, I., Sala, G., Orsetti, C., Rodriguez-Lopez, J. M., Sgorbini, M., Bonelli, F.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Biomedical and Life Sciences; Cattle; Dairy cattle; Dairying - methods; Female; Life Sciences; Mammary Glands, Animal - diagnostic imaging; Milking; Observer Variation; Reproducibility of Results; Statistical analysis; Teats; Udder; Ultrasonic imaging; Ultrasonography - methods; Ultrasonography - standards; Ultrasonography - veterinary; Ultrasound; Veterinary Medicine/Veterinary Science; Zoology
• ISSN: 0165-7380; 1573-7446; 1573-7446
• DOI: 10.1007/s11259-024-10602-x

Ultrasound is a valuable, non-invasive technique. It allows for detailed examination, precise measurement, and effective monitoring of teats in dairy cows. This study aimed to evaluate the reliability of ultrasound measurements of teats in dairy cows, specifically focusing on intra- and inter-rater agreement between operators with different levels of experience. The study included 51 healthy Holstein cows, with two operators (experienced and inexperienced) performing measurements on ultrasound images obtained before and after milking. The parameters analyzed were teat-canal length (TCL), teat-end width (TEW), teat-wall thickness (TWT), and teat-cistern width (TCW). Differences in teat measurements before and after milking, as well as between operators, were assessed using the Wilcoxon Signed Rank test and the Mann-Whitney U test, respectively. Intra- and inter-rater agreement was calculated using the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC). Statistical significance was set at p