Factors Affecting the Adherence of a Dry Cow Teat Sealant

Abstract

The risk of new intramammary infection (IMI) is dramatically increased during the first week of the dry period.1 Intramammary treatment with a long-acting antibiotic formulation is recommended for all quarters of all cows, in part to control the new IMI in the early dry period. Recently, a dry cow teat sealant has been marketed for protection of the tea tend after dry-off. Efficacy trials have demonstrated a reduction in new IMI caused by environmental Streptococci.2 The sealant should persist on the teat end until the keratin plug has formed in the streak canal. The objective of this project was to study the association between various teat and cow-level variables and the duration of adherence of a dry cow teat sealant.