Field study on protocols for evaluation of teat skin conditions

Different protocols to evaluate teat skin status under field conditions based on scoring and on the measurement of pH and hydration of teat skin were evaluated. After determination of the teat score for all eligible animals in a commercial dairy herd, 50 of them were chosen, based on their pre-trial average teat score, and separated in two groups. Two different post-dipping products with the same amount of disinfectant, but with a different concentration of emollient were applied. All four teats were assessed with the corneometer and pH probes. A digital picture of each teat skin and teat orifice was taken with a digital camera. Hydration and pH data were analysed by ANOVA with repeated-measurement factors, while teat skin and apex score patterns, were assessed by the means of Mann-Whitney test; between- and within-group changes were assessed by the mean of Mantel-Haenzel chi-square statistic. Data showed that teat skin pH and hydration could be assessed under field conditions and they were influenced by teat conditioning. The approach based on evaluating odds for scores, stratified for sampling and for treatment, was found to be a sensitive and informative way to compare the changes between and within treatment groups.