Effects of Pre-Parturient Iodine Teat Dip Applications on Modulating Aversive Behaviors and Mastitis in Primiparous Cows

摘要

The first few days after calving can be stressful for young dairy cows since they must acclimate to many unfamiliar situations that are required for milking, including novel noises and sensations to their udders. Furthermore, the human–animal relationship is simultaneously jeopardized during this time since cows may display undesirable or dangerous behaviors during milking, such as kicking and stomping. These cows are also at risk for bacterial mammary infections that can be painful and damage tissue. In a controlled experiment, young cows that investigated the milking area and had their teats sanitized weekly for 3 weeks prior to calving were more comfortable during post-calving milking procedures as indicated by reduced kicking and restlessness behaviors. Furthermore, they had fewer mammary infections caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus after calving. Results from this experiment indicate that sanitizing teats and providing opportunities to acclimate to the milking area prior to calving may improve the wellbeing and mammary health of young cows and promote a positive human–animal relationship.