Mastitis research has shown that 40-50% of intramammary infections (IMI) are contracted during the dry or non-lactating period with the greatest percentages of these occurring during the first and last two weeks of the dry period. The ability to develop and apply external persistent barrier teat dip products (like a liquid bandage) that can persist for these 1 week periods could decrease IMI, thus improving animal health and performance, and product quality and safety. The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare 3 persistent barrier dry cow teat sealant dips with particular interest and comparisons of dip persistency in providing teat end protection, and overall teat end and skin health.

Cows dipped with all dips had significantly greater persistency and protection compared to previous 4 trials (last 2 years). All dips were easy to apply and showed excellent teat health. Films were very consistent and very flexible over time (limited ripping, shredding or flaking). Overall, Dips C and A showed the greatest persistency in the first 5 days post dipping which is a very critical time period, but dip C persisting longer after this.