Efficacy of premilking and postmilking teat dipping as a control of subclinical mastitis in Egyptian Dairy cattle

In order to compare the efficiency of two common dairy herd processes for reduction of mastitis potential, 30 dairy cows (Holstein-Friesian) divided into three groups (ten cows each): the first was set as a control, the second was processed using premilking teat dipping and the third with postmilking teat dipping. Teat dipping was done using iodophore 0.5 % solution. Results showed the superiority of postmilking teat dipping procedure in most tests. The number of samples tested positive using California mastitis test were two in case of postmilking teat dipping, 5 in case of premilking teat dipping and 10 in the control group. Somatic cell count revealed also that postmilking teat dipping procedure has reduced number of positive samples in comparison to premilking teat dipping procedure. Bacteriological examination of samples revealed also the superiority of postmilking teat dipping than premilking teat dipping. Staphylococcus aureus and coliform organisms counts were reduced about 3 and 2.5 logs in case of postmilking teat dipping against about 1 and 0.5 log in case of premilking teat dipping, respectively. Streptococcus agalactiae has been isolated from 2 samples in the postmilking teat dipping group, 4 samples in the premilking teat dipping group and 6 samples in the control group. Obtained results were scientifically assessed and discussed in comparison to worldwide research reports. Ultimately, obtained results suggested the preferential priority of postmilking teat dipping procedure in controlling of subclinical mastitis in Egyptian dairy herds