Screening Tests for New Teat Dips

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Abstract
Increased use of after-milking teat dips resulted in the appearance of many new teat dips and a need for methods of evaluation of efficacy. A method was developed for determining the ability of a disinfectant to kill bacteria [Streptococcus agalactiae] on the [cow] teat ends. Results from several known efficacious products indicated an approximate 95% reduction in bacterial flora. Additional data are presented on some experimental products. This method will provide a measure of effectiveness of a product on teat-skin disinfection. The effect of some changes in the testing procedure on bacterial reduction is demonstrated. Increased times between inoculation and dipping and between dipping and swabbing tended to decrease recoveries on control teats. Saline dips on control teats provided increased recoveries of test organisms.