Teat end hyperkeratosis is associated with increased risk of new intramammary infection. The degree of hyperkeratosis is primarily a machine effect including factors such as vacuum level, unit on time, and attachment time with low milk flow. Hyperkeratosis can be evaluated for roughness and thickness. Neijenhuis has shown a strong correlation between teat end roughness and new IMI. Teat dips with emollient properties have been shown to reduce roughness of teat ends and teat skin but have not been investigated extensively for their ability to influence teat end thickness. This study reports preliminary results of an investigation of three commercial teat dips to assess their effect on teat end hyperkeratosis thickness.
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