Evaluating Teat Skin Condition in Response to Phenoxyethanol as a Post-Milking Teat Disinfectant on Lactating Dairy Cows

Mastitis is a mammary infection caused by the passage of pathogens into the mammary gland. Deteriorations in teat health are shown to be related to this type of infection [1]. Rough or cracked teats allow mastitis pathogens to colonize the udder. Roughness and cracking of the teat is related to hyperkeratosis, the condition of teat end callosity. Rough or cracked teats allow mastitis pathogens to colonize the udder causing hyperkeratotic teat end lesions that are related to increases in the risk of intramammary infections and mastitis [2,3]. Causes that contribute to poor teat condition and hyperkeratosis include: harsh weather conditions, milking machine factors, and poor milking management [4]. In cold and harsh weather environments, teat skin can suffer from deterioration causing teat skin chapping and increased mastitis frequency [5]. A mixture of cold temperatures, weather exposure, and residual milk on teat ends can lead to teat end freezing [6]. In contrast, hot and humid climates increase infection rate, due to high environmental moisture levels [7]. Increases in environmental mastitis-causing pathogens may occur during the hot and moist summer months [8]. Milking management practices can also affect teat health. Poor milking machine maintenance such as uneven pulsation or high vacuum pressure can reduce overall teat health [9]. Following milking, teat discoloration, overall firmness, and ring thickening near teat ends are all issues associated with improper use of teat cup liners in combination with overmilking [9]. Failure to regularly sanitize teat cups and replace milking filters, are major setbacks that may lead to poor teat health [10]. One way to prevent poor teat health and high levels of hyperkeratosis is by using post-milking antiseptic solutions [4]. The inclusion of an emollient can help reduce roughness of the teat end caused by harsh active chemical ingredients with low pH values, such as iodine, used in teat disinfectants [4]. Using these disinfectants along with effective milking management practices could greatly reduce intramammary infection incidence [11]. The objective of this study was to show that a post-dip, containing the active ingredient phenoxyethanol with 5% emollient would not have a different effect on teat end condition, teat skin chapping, teat skin dryness, and teat skin color when compared to a commonly used iodine based teat dip. Phenoxyethanol has some mild hazardous properties when used alone causing some concern, however this Volume 6 Issue 2 2017