Evaluation of Novel Glycolic Acid Barrier Teat Dips Post Milking Compared to a Commercial Control Barrier Dip on Teat Health and Condition during Winter

Abstract

<p>This trial was designed to compare the teat conditioning properties of 4 experimental glycolic acid teat dip formulas over a period of 4-8 weeks, against a chlorine dioxide commercial formula. An 8 week trial was conducted at the ISU dairy to evaluate the teat conditioning efficacy of experimental formulas vs. Vanquish Barrier under winter conditions. Teat skin and teat end roughness was scored at each teat every 3d. Initially, 4 experimental formulas were tested for 3 weeks in trial. After that, 2 of those formulas were selected for continuation of the 8 week study period. Results showed that teat skin was maintained at the optimum level for the experimental and control product. Teat end condition tended to improve over time, but there were no significant differences between the experimental formulas 508-054-1 and 508-054-3 vs. Vanquish Barrier. Consumption of test formulas was also monitored and 508-054-3 consumed 45% more than Vanquish Barrier while the consumption of 508- 054-1 was similar to that of its control. It was concluded that both 508-054-1 and 508-054-3 provided efficacious teat conditioning effects on teats over the 8 week winter trial period.</p>