Dairy

Evaluation of Dripping and Drying Characteristics, Teat Coverage Persistency, and Teat Health for Two New Prototype and One Commercial Dry Period Persistent Barrier Teat Dips

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Abstract

Mastitis research has shown that 40-50% of intramammary infections (IMI) are contracted during the dry or non-lactating period with the greatest percentages of these occurring during the first and last two weeks of the dry period. The ability to develop and apply external persistent barrier teat dip products (like a liquid bandage) that can persist for these 1 week periods could decrease IMI, thus improving animal health and performance, and product quality and safety. The specific aim of this study was to evaluate teat dip characteristics (drip amounts and times, drying times, effects on teat health) and adherence times of two novel fast drying prototype dry cow barrier teat dip products compared to a commercial product.

Dipping with the new fast drying dips (FG and FP) compared to T-Hexx Blue (commercial dip Hydromer, Inc.) resulted in similar excellent teat end and skin health, reduced drip amounts, dripping times, and drying times (~ 50%) (FG slightly better than FP); but both fast drying dips showed decreased persistency in teat coverage with FG being lowest persistency and FP intermediate between FG and Blue.

Some other important observations to consider is that drying times were significant less when dip was applied to teats compared to test tubes with Blue being ~ 2-4 min. Also, when animals bumped or kicked while dipping, significantly more dip is wasted than what drips off teats. These 2 points, in conjunction with the above points on persistency, should be highly considered when deciding to alter or put new dips into the marketplace.

Keywords: ASL R2525

How to Cite:

Peters, J., Juarez, J. & Timms, L. L., (2010) “Evaluation of Dripping and Drying Characteristics, Teat Coverage Persistency, and Teat Health for Two New Prototype and One Commercial Dry Period Persistent Barrier Teat Dips”, Iowa State University Animal Industry Report 7(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/ans_air-180814-1005