Dairy

Development and Evaluation of Experimental Chlorine Technology Pre and Post Milking Teat Dips on Teat End and Teat Skin Condition and Health

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Abstract

Objectives were to evaluate pre and post teat dip formulations using a novel chlorine disinfectant technology (ECAlogix™ System) and their effect on teat health and integrity. There were 2 trials with 2 pens (10 and 11) in both trials. Trial 1 (2 wk) was designed to evaluate maximal chlorine concentrations; trial 2 (3 wk) assessed emollient levels. Pen 11 (48 cows) was pre-dipped in a half udder design and all teats post dipped with herd commercial product (lactic acid barrier post- dip). Trial 1 compared 500 and 1000 ppm chlorine pre-dips. Trial 2 compared 1000 ppm predips with different emollient levels. In trials 1 and 2, Pen 10 (24 cows) was pre-dipped with commercial herd product (hydrogen peroxide predip) and post dipped in a half udder design. Trial one compared 1000 and 2000 ppm chlorine post dips. Trial 2 compared 2000 ppm post dips with different emollient levels. Teat skin (1=normal, 2=slightly dry; 3 = chapped) and teat end (1-1.5 = normal; 2-3= smooth ring; 3.5-4 = rough ring; 4.5-5 very rough ring) scoring was performed twice per week. Mixed procedure of SAS with repeated measured (mixed model with quarter within cow as a repeated measure) were used to analyze average teat skin score (TSS), average teat end scores (TES), and % rough teats, with p < 0.05 considered significant. Prior to trial initiation, all pens had similar TSS (1.08; 3 - 16% scoring 2), with pen 10 having slightly lower TES and % rough teats (2; 50%) compared to pen 11 (2.5; 60%). Trial 1 showed no overall change in TSS, TES, and % rough teat ends for pen 11 (prototype pre dips) with no differences between 500 and 1000 ppm chlorine pre-dips in Pen 11. Pen 10 (prototype post dips) showed significant improvements in TSS (1.01, < 1% score 2), TES (1.7), and % rough teat ends (30%), with no differences between 1000 and 2000 ppm chlorine post dips. Trial 2 showed similar results to trial 1 (improved teat integrity with prototype chlorine post dips) with no additional benefits seen to extra emollient addition to either pre or post chlorine dips. No adverse effects were seen at any chlorine concentration. Chlorine technology afforded very good pre and post dips but must be tested against commercial products before commercialization.

Keywords: Animal Science

How to Cite:

Smith, E. & Timms, L. L., (2014) “Development and Evaluation of Experimental Chlorine Technology Pre and Post Milking Teat Dips on Teat End and Teat Skin Condition and Health”, Iowa State University Animal Industry Report 11(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/ans_air-180814-1169