Evaluation of a 1% iodophor postmilking teat sanitizer.

A natural exposure field trial a with positive control was conducted to evaluate bacteriological efficacy and teat conditioning qualities of an experimental postmilking teat dip. An experimental 1% iodine postmilking teat sanitizer with a 10% emollient system was compared with a 1% iodine plus 10% glycerin teat sanitizer. Efficacy of the two sanitizers was equivalent for all new IMI, major pathogens, and environmental pathogens. The products were not equivalent for efficacy against coliforms and coagulase-negative staphylococci. Fewer coliform IMI were diagnosed in the control group than in the treatment group. Differences were determined for efficacy against coagulase-negative staphylococci in favor of the treatment product. The products were equivalent for all clinical mastitis, including previously existing IMI that became clinical. The products were not equivalent for all or new clinical IMI with major pathogens, all environmental pathogens, or coliforms. Fewer infections were diagnosed in the control group than in the treatment group. Teat end and teat skin conditions improved with the use of the triple emollient, postmilking teat sanitizer under the winter conditions experienced during this field trial.

Winter evaluation of a postmilking powdered teat dip.

A powdered teat dip designed for winter usage was evaluated for bacteriological efficacy and teat conditioning qualities. A positive control, natural exposure field trial was conducted for 3 mo on 509 lactating cows. Two sets of cows, primiparous and multiparous, were used. The trial compared efficacy of a powdered teat dip with a teat dip of 1% iodine plus 10% glycerin. Bacteriological efficacy among primiparous cows was equivalent for all major mastitis pathogens, environmental pathogens, and streptococci other than Streptococcus agalactiae. Efficacy was not equivalent against coagulase-negative staphylococci and all mastitis pathogens. Results suggested that the positive control product was more efficacious. Among multiparous cows, efficacy was equivalent against environmental mastitis pathogens and bacteriologically negative, clinical mastitis. The products were not equivalent against Staphylococcus aureus, coagulase-negative staphylococci, or all major mastitis pathogens, once again suggesting that the positive control product was more efficacious. Data indicated that germicidal activity of the powdered dip was not sufficient to reduce the incidence of new IMI caused by contagious or minor pathogens normally associated with teat skin. Application of a powdered postmilking teat dip during 3 winter mo in Idaho resulted in improved teat end condition among primiparous and multiparous dairy cows. Teat skin condition improved among primiparous but not among multiparous cows.

Personnel management in dairy practice. The office staff and technicians.

Beginning or expanding the use of nonprofessional personnel in dairy practice can increase practice output. This may occur by freeing professional time or by increasing the services provided by the practice. Careful consideration must be given to recruiting and hiring practices, to ensure that the person most qualified for the position is the one hired. Sound training will get new employees off to a productive start immediately. Delegation, communication, and compensation all help to keep employees motivated and satisfied.