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 2 new prototype persistent barrier dry cow teat dips compared to a commercially available dry cow barrier teat dip, with particular interest and comparisons of dip persistency in providing teat end protection, and overall teat end and skin health.

Cows dipped with commercial T-Hexx dip had significantly greater persistency and protection compared to experimental dips A (2323-124-01) and B (2323-125-01). Experimental dips were easy to apply (as was control dip). Problems with experimental dips are they crack, shed, and rip more easily and thus come off. It seems to rub and shred on the teat end also even though dip may remain on the side or barrel of the teat. Believe this has to do with the consistency or thickness of the film and its tensile strength.