In this video posted by Ger O’Riordan from Inchigeela, Co Cork, milk is seen flowing from the quarter with the missing teat.

While Ger suspects a rodent attack, vet Conor Geraghty from Geraghty and Neary Veterinary Clinic in Mountbellew, Co Galway, told the Irish Farmers Journal that this type of injury could have a variety of causes.

“I have never seen one cut so clean,” said Conor after watching the video, though he added that closer inspection would be necessary to see if there were teeth marks on the edges of the wound. “Maybe she stepped on it herself,” he added – pressure from the hoof could be sufficient to sever the teat.

In his practice, Conor has even seen a cow inflict this injury on herself willingly. “She had an allergic reaction and chewed her teats off,” he said.

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Watch: 24 hours with vet Conor Geraghty