Effects of Premilking and Postmilking Teat Disinfectants on Teat Skin Condition

¹ Field Disease Investigation Unit and Department of Animal Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman 99164
² Department of Animal Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman 99164
³ Field Disease Investigation Unit, Washington State University, Pullman 99164

An incomplete block split-plot design with repeated measures was used to test the effects of eight combinations of premilking and postmilking teat disinfectants on teat skin and teat end condition over a 6-wk period. These combinations included iodine, sodium chlorite, lactic acid, and orthophosphoric acid. Visual assessments of teat skin and teat ends were made on the teats of 101 cows. Teat skin thickness, teat end thickness, and transepidermal water loss were assessed for the teats of 50 cows. The interaction of predip and postdip had no effect on teat condition. Postdip had a significant effect on transepidermal water loss, visual teat skin condition, and visual teat end condition. The 1% iodine postdip was associated with the poorest teat skin condition.

Key Words: predip • postdip • teat chapping

Submitted on October 14, 1997
Accepted on March 13, 1998