Teat Dip Research Articles

Effect of milking routines and hygiene practices and evolution along the market value chain on raw camel milk quality in Tunisia

This study investigated the effect of on-farm practices on milk production, chemical and microbiological quality and on Somatic Cell Count (SCC) as well as the evolution of milk quality along the camel dairy value chain in southern Tunisia. A survey of 12 periurban dairy camel farms showed that the use of machine milking is limited (16.7%). The milking hygiene practices need to be improved with only 25% of farmers practiced teat dipping and washed the material with hot water and detergents. In addition, 75% of farmers milked their animals in bedding area. Conservation and marketing conditions for raw camel milk were mediocre. Analysis of on-farm milk quality showed that use of machine milking was related to increased milk production but also caused an increase in the microbial load. Quality assessment at different stages of the production chain showed that the chemical composition of milk was conserved, whereas the physical and microbiological quality was altered. At production, the load in Mesophilic Total Aerobic Flores (MTAF) was low with 17.4 × 104 cfu/mL, compared to bulk and point of sale milk, which had a significantly higher load (21.2 × 105 cfu/mL and 61.2 × 105 cfu/mL, respectively). The acceptability threshold of Acidity, MTAF, Total Coliforms and S. aureus prevalence were exceeded in all samples purchased from points of sale. Therefore, improvements in milking hygiene, milk storage, and transport conditions are essential in order to guarantee the quality of camel’s milk to meet the needs of the consumer. Highlights The use of machine milking for dromedary camels in Southern Tunisia is limited and most she camels are milked by hand with suckling of the calf. Milking routine affect significantly the bacterial load of camel milk. Sanitation problems and keeping the cold chain are the biggest challenge in the dairy camel sector.

The effects of novel electrical teat dipping on some mastitis parameters in dairy herds.

Electrical teat dipping (ETD) is a novel, patented method developed by the authors to control mastitis in dairy cows. Here we evaluate the efficacy of ETD in reducing the incidence of clinical mastitis and bulk tank milk somatic cell count (BTMSCC) on three dairy farms over 6 months. ETD was applied for morning and evening milking on three farms, while conventional teat dipping (CTD) was applied on the other three farms. The number of animals and quarters with clinical mastitis and monthly BTMSCC measurements were recorded. We found that the incidence of clinical mastitis was lower on farms using ETD than those using CTD. However, the BTMSCC did not significantly change throughout the study. Based on these findings, we conclude that ETD effectively reduces mastitis rates on dairy farms.

Traditional Milking Hygiene Practices and their Effect on Raw Milk Quality of Rural Small-Scale Dairy Farmers in Kwa-Hlabisa, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

This study examines the impact of traditional hygienic milking practices employed by rural small-scale dairy farmers on the quality of raw milk. While advancements in technology have revolutionized hygienic milk production methods for both small- and large-scale farmers, rural small-scale milk producers, particularly in countries like Zimbabwe, continue to rely heavily on hand milking as their primary method of milk harvesting. To investigate this issue, a convergent parallel mixed research approach was utilized, involving face-to-face interviews with 53 selected rural small-scale dairy farmers using a structured questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive, frequency, chi-square, and cross-tabulation analyses. The findings revealed that participants aged 50 and above constituted the majority (58.5%) and were more likely to report low income. Additionally, households with 8 to 11 members (38%) and those with no formal education (18.9%) were also more likely to report low income. Several parameters were identified as significantly affecting milk quality (p < 0.05), including hand washing after milking, back leg tying, washing of milking utensils, use of towels, teat dipping, milking when sick, covering of milk, mixing of fresh and old milk, and lack of milk pasteurization before consumption. The study concludes that traditional hygiene practices contribute to milk contamination by rural small-scale dairy farmers, compromising the quality of raw milk. To support these farmers, interventions such as the provision of a dairy extension officer, practical workshops, incentives, entrepreneurial skills training, and farmer-to-farmer visits are recommended.

A novel approach in the prevention of mastitis: electrical teat dipping.

Teat dipping is widely used in dairy cattle, especially to protect against contagious mastitis. Here we determine the effect of the device called 'Electrical Teat Dipping' (ETD), which was developed by combining teat dipping application and electrical field stimulation technique on teats. For this purpose, the front teats of 100 Holstein breed milking cows were evaluated in two groups, with ETD being applied once to the left front teat of these cows, and conventional teat dipping (CTD) being applied once to the right front teat, both after milking. Ultrasonographic measurements of the teats were made before milking and after teat dipping. We found that the width of the teat canal (1.88 ± 0.07 mm) in the teat using ETD was narrower after the application compared to those with CTD (2.28 ± 0.05 mm). Based on our findings, we conclude that the effects of ETD on the teat are very positive and can potentially be used as a new approach in the preventative control of mastitis in cows.

Predisposing risk factors to milk quality and safety in smallholder dairy enterprises in Kenya

The unhygienic milk handling practices along the value chain predispose it to microbial and chemical contamination. This study aimed to investigate the on-farm practices related to animal health management and milk handling predisposing risk factors to milk quality and safety in Githunguri. A cross-sectional survey using a pre-tested questionnaire was administered to randomly selected smallholder dairy farmers (n= 457). Most farmers have enhanced standard measures for clean and safe milk production. However, a portion of them do not adhere to recommended practices such as screening workers for zoonotic diseases (82.8%), striping of milk for mastitis test (47.1%), teat dipping after milking (68%), feeding mouldy feeds to animals (35.2%) and observe withdrawal period after drugs administration (23.3%). The use of untreated water for sanitation and plastic containers for milk storage poses a threat to the quality and safety of milk. Furthermore, variations of farmers' demographic characteristics on milk collection routes influenced hygienic milk handling practices (p

The use of teat disinfectants and milking machine cleaning products in commercial Holstein-Friesian farms.

The aim of our study was to survey and analyze the use of pre- and post-milking teat disinfectants and milking machine cleaning products in large commercial Holstein-Friesian farms. A total of 43 Hungarian dairy farms with 31,430 cows with an average herd size of 731 cows were surveyed in 2014 by using a questionnaire via personal interviews. In the statistical analysis, we used ANOVA models and Tukey's multiple comparison method. Furthermore, seven in-depth individual interviews were conducted with farm managers. The results showed that 83.7% of the farms used different pre-milking disinfection methods (65.1% teat dips) and all of them applied post-milking disinfection. In the herds, chlorhexidine (42.9%) and other chlorine (21.4%) compounds were the most widely used active ingredients in the pre-milking disinfection, while iodine in the post-milking disinfection (53.8%). Lactic acid was ranked second in both disinfections (25.0 vs. 41.0%). In post-milking teat disinfection, the use of iodine and lactic acid combined with other active ingredients showed a significant relationship with SCC (p = 0.0454; p = 0.0113). In the milking machine cleaning process, the most frequently used active ingredients were sodium hypochlorite (80.0%) and sodium hydroxide (60.0%) as caustic detergents, while phosphoric acid (81.3%) as an acidic product. A significant relationship was found between the use of phosphoric acid combined with nitric acid, and the use of a combination of phosphoric acid, nitric acid, and organic acid and SCC (p = 0.0483; p = 0.0477). For farm decision-makers, the most decisive factor in the procurement of teat disinfectants was the active ingredient (3.4 on a scale of 1 to 10 where 1 was the most important), while regarding milking machine cleaning products the price (3.2).

Effectiveness of Intramammary Antibiotics, Internal Teat Sealants, or Both at Dry-Off in Dairy Cows: Milk Production and Somatic Cell Count Outcomes.

Simple SummaryA block randomized trial was conducted in California dairies to evaluate the effect of different treatments at dry-off on the subsequent lactation’s milk production and somatic cell count (SCC). Greater milk production was observed in cows treated with antibiotics and teat sealants at dry-off in comparison to controls, while there was no significant difference in the milk produced by cows that received either antibiotic or teat sealant in comparison to the untreated cows. Different dry cow treatments were associated with a reduction in ln SCC during the first 150 DIM, with the greatest reduction associated with both antibiotic and teat sealant in comparison to controls. Dairies with high SCC may benefit from treating cows at dry-off with AB, TS, or both.Mastitis is the greatest disease challenge for dairy producers, with substantial economic impacts due to lost milk production. Amongst the approaches implemented to control and prevent mastitis on dairies are vaccination, pre- and post-milking teat dips, and treatments at dry-off including intramammary antibiotics and teat sealants. The objectives of our study were to evaluate the effect of different treatments at dry-off on the subsequent lactation’s milk production and somatic cell count (SCC). A single-blinded controlled block randomized clinical trial was conducted between December 2016 and August 2018 on eight herds from four of the top ten milk-producing counties in California: Tulare, Kings, Stanislaus, and San Joaquin. The trial was repeated with cows enrolled during the winter and summer seasons to account for seasonal variability. Eligible cows were treated at dry-off with either intramammary antibiotics (AB), internal teat sealant (TS), AB + TS, or did not receive any treatment (control), and were followed through 150 days in milk (DIM) post-calving. The milk production and SCC data were extracted from monthly test day milk records (Dairy Comp 305, Valley Ag Software, Tulare, CA, USA). Two-piece spline linear mixed models were used to model the milk production (kg) and natural logarithm-transformed SCC. After accounting for parity, breed, season, and dry period duration, the milk model showed a significant increase in milk production (1.84 kg/day) in cows treated with AB + TS at dry-off in comparison to controls. There was no significant difference in the milk produced by cows that received either AB or TS (0.12 kg/day, and 0.67 kg/day, respectively) in comparison to the untreated cows. Different dry cow treatments were associated with a significant reduction in ln SCC during the first 150 DIM. The greatest reduction was associated with using AB + TS, followed by AB, and finally TS in comparison to controls. Dairies with high SCC may benefit from treating cows at dry-off with AB, TS, or both.

Characterization and spoilage potential of Bacillus cereus isolated from farm environment and raw milk.

Bacillus cereus sensu lato (B. cereus sl) is important spoilage bacteria causing milk structure and flavor changes and is ubiquitous in the environment. This study addresses the biodiversity, toxicity, and proteolytic activity of B. cereus sl from 82 environmental samples and 18 raw bovine milk samples from a dairy farm in the region of Tianjin. In sum, 47 B. cereus sl isolates were characterized through biochemical tests, 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and panC gene analysis. Fourteen sequence types (STs) of B. cereus sl were found in raw bovine milk samples, and five new STs (ST2749, ST2750, ST2751, ST2752, and ST2753) were identified in this study. ST1150 was the dominant ST, associated with fecal, air, drinking water, teat skin, teat cup, and teat dip cup. The results of toxin gene analyses showed that 12.77% and 8.51% of isolates carried hblACD and nheABC operons, respectively. In addition, the detection rate of emetic cesB gene was 21.28%. B. cereus sl demonstrated high spoilage potentials even at 7°C, which has the proteolytic activity of 14.32 ± 1.96 μmol of glycine equivalents per ml. Proteolytic activities were significantly (p < 0.05) decreased after the heat treatment. The residual activity of protease produced at 7°C was significantly higher than that produced at 25°C and 37°C after treatment at 121°C for 10 s and 135°C for 5 s (p < 0.01). Together, the results provide insights into the characteristics of B. cereus sl from farm environment and raw bovine milk and revealed that B. cereus sl contamination should also be monitored in raw milk for ultra-high temperature (UHT) products. This knowledge illustrates that strict cleaning management should be implemented to control B. cereus sl and assure high-quality milk products.

Cross-sectional study of cow comfort and management factors associated with subclinical mastitis in smallholder dairy farms in Kenya

A number of environmental and contagious factors have been associated with subclinical mastitis (SCM), which is a common and costly problem for smallholder dairy farmers (SDF). We conducted a cross-sectional study on 118 cows in their first two months post-calving on 109 SDF in Kenya. The study objective was to investigate the relationships among various cow and farm management parameters and SCM specific to SDF. The stall floor comfort level was assessed through knee impact and wetness tests, and cleanliness on the leg and udder were also scored. Various mastitis prevention measures were also assessed (e.g., milking protocols, and use of teat dip and dry cow therapy). Individual quarter SCM was assessed on each cow using California Mastitis Test (CMT). Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were fit to determine management factors associated with cow-level SCM. Farm-level, cow-level and quarter-level prevalence of SCM was 45.9% (50/109), 43.2% (51/118) and 21.9 % (103/471), respectively. The proportion of stalls scored as dirty was 33.1% while 49.1% of cows had dirty legs. Only 10.1% of farms were using either disinfectant teat dip or dry cow therapy (or both) to prevent mastitis. Low parity and poor stall hygiene were significantly associated with occurrence of SCM. At high daily milk yield, the probability of having SCM was higher in cows housed in a shed with a dirty versus clean alleyway, with no significant difference at low daily milk yield. From the study findings, we concluded that certain cow characteristics and comfort measures were associated with SCM and need to be incorporated in education plans for farmers in SDF.

Clinico-biochemical and therapeutic management of mammitis in buffaloes

Nine graded Murrah buffaloes age between 3 to 6 years old were presented to Veterinary College Hospital, Bidar with the history of recent calving, swelling and reddening of one or two teats. On clinical examination revealed normal body temperature, pain on palpation of one or two teats with subsequent thickening and funnel formation were both in teat canal and gland cistern. Haematological examination revealed mild neutrophilia, marked absolute eosinophilia and lymphopenia. Biochemical examination revealed increased total protein, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Concentration of C - reactive protein and decreased Serum Calcium, Serum Phosphorus. Milk examination of affected animals did not reveal any positive for California Mastitis Test and culture examination. Affected animals were treated with budesonide (200 mcg) aerosol spray along with antihistamines (Chlorpheneramine maleate) 0.3 mg/kg B.wt. Intramuscularly, Antiseptic (Iodine-based teat dip) and Antioxidant (Vit.E and Selenium) 10ml, intramuscularly for 3 consecutive days. It was found that steroid (Budesonide 200 mcg fixed dose), antihistaminic, Iodine based dip application and Vit. E and Selenium were found effective in initial stages to minimise inflammation without any adverse effects.

Efficacy of bacteriocin-based formula for reducing staphylococci, streptococci, and total bacterial counts on teat skin of dairy cows

The use of teat dips is one of the most effective strategies to control mastitis by preventing new intramammary infections. Reducing bacterial load on teat skin helps control the spread of pathogens and spoilage and improves the quality of milk. The objective of this study was to evaluate the reduction of bacterial populations through the application of bacteriocin-based teat formulas. Teats of 12 Holstein cows received 2 different concentrations of bactofencin A, nisin, and reuterin alone or in combination, as well as iodine (positive control) and saline (negative control). Teat swabs were collected before and after application of teat formulas and analyzed for staphylococci, streptococci, and total bacteria counts. There were no differences for staphylococci, streptococci, and total bacterial counts for samples collected before application throughout the entire experiment. Reuterin-low and reuterin-high treatments reduced total bacterial count by 0.47 and 0.36 logs, respectively, whereas bactofencin A had no effect on any tested bacterial groups. Nisin-low treatment reduced staphylococci, streptococci, and total bacterial counts by 0.47, 0.30 and 0.50 logs, respectively. Nisin-high treatment resulted in 0.50, 0.50, and 0.47 log reduction for staphylococci, streptococci, and total bacterial counts. The bacteriocin consortium showed the highest reduction rates with 0.91, 0.54, and 0.90 log reductions obtained for staphylococci, streptococci, and total bacteria counts, respectively, for the low-concentration consortium. Similarly, the high-concentration consortium showed reduction rates with 0.95, 0.60, and 0.82 log reductions obtained for staphylococci, streptococci, and total bacteria counts, respectively. Thus, nisin and the bacteriocin consortium showed the most promise as a teat disinfectant by reducing staphylococci, streptococci, and total bacteria counts.

Popularisation of Clean Milk Production Practices through Farm Field School Approach

Small and marginal farmers of India contribute 80 per cent milk production. Quality milk production needs to be accomplished in smallholder dairy production system by adopting mastitis prevention measures through promotion of clean milk production (CMP) practices and techniques. In this milieu, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Namakkal conducted a farm field school (FFS) on CMP at Samayasangali village of Pallipalayam taluka of Namakkal district. Farm school was conducted for twenty five women on fortnight interval focused on clean milk production practices along with scientific dairy farm management. The impact assessment was carried out with well-structured pre tested interview schedule and found that cent percent participant farm women were aware of clean milk production practices taught and more than half (60%) of them adopted regular teat dip for udder wash, cleaning of hands and utensils before milking and a small percentage (3%) of them adopted fortnightly usage of CMT kit for assessing subclinical mastitis.

Milking Hygiene and Handling Practices among Smallholder Dairy Farmers in Zanzibar

The livestock farming especially dairy industry is among the important components of the livestock sector in Zanzibar in terms source of animal protein, income, and employment. The present study was meant to investigate milking hygiene and handling practices among smallholder dairy farmers in Zanzibar. Cross-sectional study was conducted whereby a structured questionnaire was addressed to 359 dairy cattle farmers. The assessment of milking hygiene and handling practices among smallholder dairy farmers on were analyzed and then judged based on the selected indicators of good dairy farming practices of FAO and International Dairy Federation (IDF) and IDF, (FAO, 2011) and Zanzibar Food and Drug Board standard. The results revealed low milking hygiene and good handling practices. In addition, based on the Zanzibar Food and Drug Board’ standards, farmers comply lowly with milk quality standards and food safety regulations. It was also found that farmers, traders and processors practised milking hygiene and handling measures like hand washing, udder and utensils cleaning milking boiling and packaging. However, key un-hygiene practices include the use of plastic containers, untreated water, and lack of teat dipping. It is recommended that, for safe and quality milk availability, farmers must be equipped with knowledge and skills on good milking hygiene and handling practices. There is a need to improve farmers’ knowledge and implement hygienic milking practices in the milk production process to meet required milk quality and food safety standards. In addition, awareness creation on the importance of good milking and handling practices will create behavioural change and lead to an improvement in milk quality in Zanzibar.

Salvinia auriculata: chemical profile and biological activity against Staphylococcus aureus isolated from bovine mastitis.

The aquatic plant Salvinia auriculata has been shown to possess promising properties for the treatment of Staphylococcus aureus bovine mastitis. The disease affects cattle health and compromises dairy cattle productivity, resulting in reduced milk production and higher mortality rates. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity, antibiofilm activity, and toxicity of S. auriculata root extracts using bovine mammary epithelial cells (MAC-T); determine the chemical composition of the most active extract; and develop an S. auriculata antiseptic solution for pre- and post-milking teat disinfection. Plants were collected during the four seasons of the year. The most active hexane extract was subjected to bioguided fractionation, which resulted in the isolation of six known compounds, stigmast-22-ene-3,6-dione, stigmasterol, friedelinol, β-sitosterol, octadecyl alcohol, and octadecanoic acid. The antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities of the most active extract and isolated compounds were determined against nine S. aureus strains isolated from cows with mastitis. The efficacy of the S. auriculata teat dip formulation was tested using an excised teat model (ex vivo), and promising results were obtained. The S. auriculata extract formulation proved to be as effective as commercial antimicrobials in reducing log counts in excised teats.

Application of Plantaricin as an Antimicrobial Substrate in the Milking Process to Maintain Milk Quality in Smallholder Dairy Farm

Pathogenic bacterial contamination found in fresh cow's milk can be caused by poor milking management. This traditional milking process allows the milk to be contaminated from bacteria and dirt. Dyeing dairy cows using a commercial antiseptic is a common measure that can be done to prevent mastitis. Nipple immersion can be done after milking using synthetic antiseptic agents such as povidone iodine and chlorine. However, the use of synthetic antiseptics can actually cause a slight irritation and allergic effect and leave a residue. Therefore, it is hoped that the use of natural-based antiseptics can replace synthetic antiseptics. One of the natural based antiseptics that can be used is bacteriocin. This research aimed to analyze the application of the plantaricin IIA-1A5 as a substitute for synthetic antibacterial for teat dipping before milking namely microbiological tests, physicochemical tests, and pH measurements. The study was conducted using a randomized block design (RBD) with three replications. The treatment design consisted of control (without immersion), plantaricin 0.0074%, and povidone iodine 0.2%. Results showed application of plantaricin IIA-1A5 as teat dipping before milking can reduce the Total Plate Count, &lt;em&gt;Escherichia coli&lt;/em&gt;, and &lt;em&gt;Staphylococcus aureus&lt;/em&gt; population. The use of plantaricin IIA-1A5 as teat dipping did not change pH value and physicochemical quality (fat, SNF, lactose, and protein), which is below the Indonesian National Standard (SNI) about fresh milk. This ability is comparable to the iodine group, a synthetic antibacterial widely used by smallholder breeders in Indonesia. It is concluded that plantaricin IIA-1A5 can be used as a substitute for synthetic antibacterial (iodine group) for teat dipping before milking.

PREVALENCE OF SUBCLINICAL MASTITIS, ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS AND ANTIBIOTIC SENSITIVITY OF ESCHERICHIA COLI AND STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS IN CATTLE IN MULTAN, PAKISTAN

Mastitis is the most widespread and economically important disease of dairy sector worldwide. The present research was, therefore intended to establish the prevalence of mastitis in and around the Multan district. A total of 100 dairy cows were randomly sampled during the period from July 2018 to October 2018 from different local dairy farms at Multan. After screening with California Mastitis Test, milk samples from mastitic animals were cultured and subjected to microbiological examination.The overall prevalence of subclinical mastitis in cows was 38% and quarter-wise prevalence of subclinical mastitis was 36.20%.. Mastitis in front left quarters was 34.40%, right front quarters 31.60%, while left rare quarters 41% and right rear quarters 38%. Bacteria Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Corynebacterium, Enterococci, Salmonella, Bacillus, Klebsiella, and Pseudomonas were isolated from infected samples. Staphylococcus aureus was the top-ranking isolated bacteria followed by Strept. Agalactiae and E. coli. The lack of proper milking techniques and no teat dipping were the most significantly associated risk factors. In the current study, E. coli isolates were sensitive to Gentamycine, Streptomycin, Chlororamphenicol and Kanamycin while resistant to Vancomycin and Penicillin. Similarly, S. aureus was extremely susceptible to Chloramphenicol, Vancomycin and Kanamycin but resistant to Tetracycline and Penicillin. It was concluded that subclinical mastitis was widely prevalent in Multan city. This study will help the farmers to adopt effective measures to control mastitis regarding the risk factors.

Plantaricin characteristics for teat dipping in milking cow treatment

Fresh milk is perishable food, especially due to the microbial activity in it. Milk that contains lots of water and nutrients is indeed suitable for growth. Milking process allows the milk contamination from bacteria and impurities. Bacteriocin produced by lactic acid bacteria (LAB) has been known to display antimicrobial properties against some Gram-positive and negative bacteria. Therefore, bacteriocins can be used as biopreservative on both raw and processed foods. Lactobacillus plantarum is a bacteriocin-producing lactic acid bacterium known as plantaricin. Plantaricin IIA-1A5 has been previously isolated from Indonesian BAL of L. plantarum IIA-1A5. Because of this reason in this research, the characteristics are highlighted plantaricin IIA-1A5 in fresh cow’s milk as antibacterial in the milking process. Lactoscan is used to analyze fat, Solid Non Fat (SNF), and protein in fresh milk. The results showed that the lactoscan results and microbiological characteristics of fresh milk have met SNI 3141.1 2011.

Effects of Pre-Parturient Iodine Teat Dip Applications on Modulating Aversive Behaviors and Mastitis in Primiparous Cows.

Simple SummaryThe first few days after calving can be stressful for young dairy cows since they must acclimate to many unfamiliar situations that are required for milking, including novel noises and sensations to their udders. Furthermore, the human–animal relationship is simultaneously jeopardized during this time since cows may display undesirable or dangerous behaviors during milking, such as kicking and stomping. These cows are also at risk for bacterial mammary infections that can be painful and damage tissue. In a controlled experiment, young cows that investigated the milking area and had their teats sanitized weekly for 3 weeks prior to calving were more comfortable during post-calving milking procedures as indicated by reduced kicking and restlessness behaviors. Furthermore, they had fewer mammary infections caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus after calving. Results from this experiment indicate that sanitizing teats and providing opportunities to acclimate to the milking area prior to calving may improve the wellbeing and mammary health of young cows and promote a positive human–animal relationship.Heifers and their human handlers are at risk for decreased welfare during the early lactation period. This experiment investigated pre-parturient teat dipping and parlor acclimation to reduce mastitis and aversive behaviors in early lactation heifers. Three weeks prior to calving, heifers were randomly assigned to receive either: (1) a weekly 1.0% iodine-based teat dip in the parlor (trained; n = 37) or (2) no treatment (control; n = 30). For the first 3 days of lactation, heifers were milked twice daily, and treatment-blinded handlers assessed behaviors and clinical mastitis. Aseptic quarter milk samples were collected within 36 h of calving and analyzed for pathogens. Control heifers had (OR ± SE) 2.2 ± 0.6 times greater (p < 0.01) odds of kicking during milking. Trained heifers had (OR ± SE) 1.7 ± 0.4 times greater (p = 0.02) odds of being very calm during milking, while control heifers had 2.2 ± 0.8 and 3.8 ± 2.1 times greater (p < 0.04) odds of being restless and very restless or hostile during milking, respectively. Quarters of control heifers had (OR ± SE) 5.4 ± 3.4 greater (p < 0.01) odds of intramammary Staphylococcus aureus infection, yet clinical mastitis was similar among treatments. The results indicate that teat dipping in the parlor weekly for 3 weeks before calving may alleviate some aversive milking behaviors and protect against early lactation S. aureus intramammary infections.

Evaluation of a povidone-iodine and chitosan-based barrier teat dip in the prevention of mastitis in dairy cows

Postmilking teat dip is an important tool used to prevent mastitis in the modern dairy industry. In this study, we evaluated the in vitro and in vivo efficacies of a barrier teat dip containing povidone-iodine and chitosan for the prevention of mastitis. In experiment 1, we evaluated the antibacterial effects of chitosans with different molecular weights against six mastitis-causing bacteria based on the minimal inhibitory concentration test. The results showed that 50 kDa chitosan had the maximum antibacterial activity compared with 5, 150 and 350 kDa chitosans. In experiment 2, the inhibition zone test indicated that the barrier teat dip with 4.0% povidone-iodine and 1.0% chitosan had higher (P<0.05) in vitro antibacterial efficacy against most tested mastitis-causing bacteria than the barrier teat dip with 4.0% povidone-iodine and no chitosan. In experiments 3 and 4, we evaluated the efficacies of two postmilking teat dips, 1) a barrier teat dip containing 1.0% chitosan and 4.0% povidone-iodine and 2) a conventional nonbarrier product containing 10% povidone-iodine in a field trial at two commercial dairy herds (1 and 2). A 56-d split-udder experiment (experiment 3) was conducted using 47 lactating Chinese Holstein cows in herd 1. Both left teats were immersed in barrier postmilking dip, and both right teats were dipped with nonbarrier postmilking dip. During a 56-d split-herd experiment (experiment 4), a total of 139 lactating Chinese Holstein cows from herd 2 were allocated to two groups: 1) all teats of 67 cows were dipped in the nonbarrier teat dip, and 2) all teats of 72 cows were dipped in the barrier teat dip. Milk samples were collected and analyzed for somatic cell count (SCC), fat content, protein content, and fat-to-protein ratio prior to the start of sampling (0 d), and at 28 and 56 d after initiation. Bacteriological analysis was only performed on milk samples with SCC≥200 000 cells mL−1. In experiment 3, no differences (P>0.05) in SCC, somatic cell score (SCS) or other milk quality indicators were observed between nonbarrier and barrier teat dip treatment teats throughout the experiment. At the end of experiment 4, compared with nonbarrier teat dip group, a reduction (P<0.05) of 29% was observed for subclinical mastitis infection prevalence in the barrier teat dip group. In the barrier teat dip group, the subclinical mastitis infection prevalence on 56 d was lower (P<0.05) than 0 d. No differences (P>0.05) in milk qualities or clinical mastitis incidence were detected between groups. Bacteriological analysis demonstrated that the barrier product containing povidone-iodine and chitosan reduced the subclinical mastitis infection prevalence induced by mastitis pathogens. This effect was mainly due to the reductions in Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia fergusonii infections. Overall, the data indicated that a barrier teat dip containing 4% povidone-iodine and 1% chitosan was more effective than 10% povidone-iodine in preventing subclinical mastitis.

Assessment of milking hygiene awareness and practices among the dairy farmers in Baghabarighat milk shed areas of Bangladesh

Background: Many milk-borne epidemics of human diseases have been reported due to contamination of milk by dairy workers’ spoiled hands, unsanitary utensils, flies and polluted water supplies. In addition, most milk-borne zoonoses are mostly acquired through consumption of infected milk and milk products. Information on milking hygiene practices and knowledge of farmers’ remains scarce in Bangladesh. We aimed to evaluate the milk hygiene awareness and practices among the dairy farmers in Baghabarighat milk shed areas of Sirajgonj and Pabna district in Bangladesh. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out including 270 randomly selected small holder dairy farmers during October 2018 to March 2019. Data on milk hygiene practices and general handling of milk were collected by face to face interview and direct observation using a questionnaire. Results: We observed that all respondents practiced manual milking with a frequency of twice per day. About 60% respondents did not wash their hands before milking and others wash their hands only with water. Mostly tube well water was used for washing utensils. About 67.0% respondents didn’t wash udder before milking and all of them used oil as lubricant. Around 67% and 33.3% dairy farmers had access to pipe water and tube well water supply to their barn, respectively. None of the farmers practiced post milking teat dipping and used towel for wiping udder after washing. Most of the farmers (97%) provided feed to animal before, during and after milking. None of the farmers stored milk in cool room and 78.2% farmers delivered milk within 1-2 hours to milk collector. About 89% respondents delivered drug treated milk to collector. Conclusion: The hygienic practices are far below standard level among the dairy farmers in the study areas. Thus, there are risk of bovine mastitis and milk-borne zoonoses by consuming contaminated milk. Farmers’ education on milking hygiene practices and handling of milk to create awareness is needed.