The purpose of this study was to evaluate the teat end
health and skin conditioning performance of an
experimental “no mix” chlorine dioxide teat dip vs. the
commercial dips and best management practices used at the
ISU Dairy using a split udder design. The experimental
chlorine dioxide dip showed similar, excellent teat skin
health and conditioning compared to the herd’s dips and
best management practices. However, average teat end
scores and % rough teats were significantly higher in
chlorine dioxide dipped teats, with this reaction occurring
more on teats that had higher hyperkeratosis at the start.
This localized, prolonged reaction on that subset of animals
and teats should be evaluated and further rectified to assure
similar excellent teat end health compared to industry
standards and best management practices. There were also
marked changes in scores and similar trends across groups
and products signifying that other factors besides teat dips
influence teat health.