Matching the Teat Dip to the Challenge

The challenge is mastitis control in our dairy farms, at both clinical and subclinical levels. This is the battle between minimising the levels of bacteria that the teat is exposed to and maximising the immunity of the cow. The milking routine is one area where we can focus on subclinical mastitis.

Factors such as the type of mastitis, stage in lactation – freshly calved or nearer dry off, the time of year, whether cows are housed or not, harshness of weather conditions, all have a big influence on mastitis control in herds.

When examining mastitis pay careful attention to teat condition. Look for clues of teat damage and ways to alleviate, repair or maintain healthy teat skin.

Teat dips are put in 3 categories based on viscosity or in simple terms the thickness of the layer of disinfectant applied.

  • Pre/post fast acting foams/ sprays are the thinnest layer of dip available.
  • Film forming post sprays create a thicker layer on the teat skin.
  • Barrier dips for post teat dipping are the thickest layer. You should almost be
    able to see it at the next milking.
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The 3V’s of Teat Spray Application

Volume | Visual | Viscosity

  • 1

    VOLUME ensure the correct amount of teat spray is being used per cow by spraying or dipping. 10mls/cow/milking for dip and 15mls/cow/milking

  • 2

    Visual is it covering all the teat skin

  • 3

    Viscosity there are different levels of coverage/thickness that suit different mastitis issues and different times of the year.

Remember teat dip on its own won’t solve a mastitis problem but is a huge aid in reducing risk. Speak to your Dairy Hygiene advisors to allow them to try and “match the teat dip to the challenge on your farm”

The 3V’s of Teat Spray Application

Volume | Visual | Viscosity

  • 1

    VOLUME ensure the correct amount of teat spray is being used per cow by spraying or dipping. 10mls/cow/milking for dip and 15mls/cow/milking

  • 2

    Visual is it covering all the teat skin

  • 3

    Viscosity there are different levels of coverage/thickness that suit different mastitis issues and different times of the year.

Remember teat dip on its own won’t solve a mastitis problem but is a huge aid in reducing risk. Speak to your Dairy Hygiene advisors to allow them to try and “match the teat dip to the challenge on your farm”

Pre Milking

  • 1
    Ideally, forestrip all cows. Foremilk stripping is the single most effective way to detect clinical mastitis, but it must be done in a hygienic manner. Routine foremilk stripping of cows also helps to provide a stimulus for milk letdown. To reduce the risk of contamination, milkers should avoid getting milk on their gloves when foremilk stripping.
  • 2
    Ideally, clusters should only be attached to clean and dry teats. Cluster dipping is recognised as a highly effective method of reducing cross-contamination in the parlour. To ensure teats are clean and the risk of infection is reduced, teats should be cleaned by applying a pre-milking teat disinfectant (dip or spray) and then wiping the teat clean and dry with a single-use paper towel – one towel per cow. NEVER use communal cloths or wipes. Disposable disinfectant wipes have become popular means of cleaning and disinfecting the teats before milking; they dry quickly through evaporation and are used once per cow to limit cross-contamination from cow to cow, and because the milkers’ hands are in contact with them, they can contribute to keeping gloves clean and disinfected.
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Pre And Post Milking Advice

PRE MILKING INSTRUCTIONS

  • 1

    Ensure udders and teats are clean. Check teats for signs of damage or infection and take appropriate action.

  • 2

    Dip: 2/3rds fill a clean teat cup with DairyLac SA and immerse each teat in turn, ensuring full coverage for at least 30 seconds.

  • 3

    Foam: 2/3rds fill a clean foaming teat cup with DairyLac SA and perform foam action, covering each teat in turn, ensuring full coverage for at least 30 seconds.

  • 4

    Spray: Spray teats with 15ml product to ensure full coverage Dry the teats with a clean paper towel to remove excess liquid.

Post Milking

  • 1
    Spray/dip teats with teat disinfectant immediately after removing the cluster, before the teat canal sphincter begins to close and before any bacteria can colonise and multiply.
  • 2
    Spray teat disinfectant upwards from beneath the teats and not from the side. Do not spray cows’ teats as they exit the parlour.
  • 3
    Dipping can give better teat coverage than spraying but takes more time. Dip cups must be cleaned out between milkings as they can become contaminated with bedding materials and faecal matter from the cows, potentially affecting the teat disinfectant’s efficacy.

POST MILKING INSTRUCTIONS

  • 1
    Ensure udders and teats are clean. Check teats for signs of damage or infection and take appropriate action.
  • 2

    Spray: Spray teats with 15ml of product to ensure full coverage. Dry the teats with a clean paper towel to remove excess liquid.

  • 3

    Post application; Manage stock to stay on feet for 30 – 60 minutes.

Summary

  • Hygienic Pre and Post milking routines
  • Use of clean gloves
  • Cleaning and disinfecting of contaminated clusters
  • Disposal or cleaning of contaminated gloves
  • Identification and separation of cows infected with mastitis
  • Correct use of effective teat care products

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