Evaluation of a Experimental Chlorine Dioxide (Base/Activator) Teat Dip on Teat End / Teat Skin Condition and Health

A teat conditioning trial was run for a period of 60 days at the Iowa State University dairy farm under winter conditions, starting Nov 22, 2008 and ending Jan 21, 2009. Objective of this study was to evaluate the teat conditioning properties of an experimental chlorine dioxide teat dip formula (containing sorbitol as the emollient agent) against a currently marketed chlorine dioxide product using a split udder design. Left teats were dipped in the control product (4XLA) and right teats were dipped in the experimental product (372-75-2). Generally, teat condition score was measured every three days for the duration of the study, totaling 18 teat scoring events. Results showed no statistical difference between the two products in both teat skin condition scores. However, statistical differences in teat condition were only observed when time in trial was analyzed and which were associated with climatic changes. On daily average, temperatures below 32o F were observed 90% of the trial period time. The average teat skin condition at the start of the trial was 1.15 for both products and ended at 1.08 (4XLA) and 1.07 (372-75-5). On 10 out of 17 occasions, teat skin score remained relatively unchanged. On 6 other occasions it worsened, reaching a maximum of 1.49 (P\u3c0.01), and in 1 occasion it improved, reaching a low of 1.04 (P\u3c0.01). The teat end condition was 2.23 (4XLA) and 2.14 (372-75-2) at the start of the trial, and ended at 2.88 (4XLA) and 2.74 (372-75-2). In general it was observed that teat end condition remained relatively stable during the first 40 days, and then it worsened until the trial ended (P\u3c0.01). It is concluded that both 4XLA and 372-75-2 had a similar teat conditioning efficacy during the 60d trial period under winter conditions in the USA. There were, however, significant changes in teat condition scores across times and dates, with similar trends across groups and products, signifying that other factors besides teat dips influence teat condition. Changes in teat condition were associated with temperature changes and often worsened (increased scores) with cold temperatures