Staphylococcus aureus Colonization of Teat Skin as Affected by Postmilking Teat Treatment When Exposed to Cold and Windy Conditions

¹ Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman 99164-6610
² Department of Animal and Veterinary Science, University of Idaho, Idaho Falls 83402

Study 1 was conducted to determine whether postmilking teat treatment with ointment before exposure to cold and wind resulted in better skin health than standard teat treatment. Teat treatments tested were 1% I₂ and 10% glycerin, ointment with 1% chloroxylenol, ointment with .3% 8-hydroxyquinoline sulfate, and no treatment (control). Teats were treated 7 d prior to chapping. A broth culture of Staphylococcus aureus was applied once to teats after chapping was established. Treatments were applied after milking and before sample collection for 11 d following S. aureus application. Milk samples were collected aseptically, teat skin swabbing solutions were collected, and teat condition was scored. Cows were exposed to ambient winter conditions, and a wind velocity of 152.4 m/min was applied to the mammary gland surface for 15 min immediately postmilking. Ointment and control teats had significantly better skin condition than teats treated with I₂ solution. Colonization of S. aureus was greatest on ointment treated teats. Study 2 was conducted to determine whether teat condition of cows receiving postmilking I₂ solution treatments would be improved if teats were blotted dry before exposure to wind and cold ambient conditions. Two mammary quarters of each cow received I₂ solution treatment of study 1, but teats were blotted dry prior to exit from the milking parlor. No treatment was applied to the other teats. Teat condition scores were similar between treatments, but S. aureus colonization was significantly greater on control teats. Results indicate a possible disadvantage to treating teats with ointments after milking, as evidenced by increased S. aureus colonization. The best postmilking teat treatment prior to exposure to cold, windy conditions may be blot-drying teats after disinfectant solution application.

Key Words: mastitis • Staphylococcus aureus • teat chapping • inclement weather

Submitted on September 10, 1993
Accepted on January 27, 1994

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