The problem with this approach is that Staph aureus and other Staph species continue to grow on un-dipped skin and soon they can become a mastitis threat. A nother observation, common during cold weather is the accelerated progression of teat end rings. These are quite common on teat ends of cows but as the weather gets cold it appears that they develop quicker and may be more pronounced than during warmer periods. The degree of ring thickness is not related to mastitis so long as there is no skin damage but the observation of these rings causes people to question the reason for their development. I n regions where winter means wet, muddy conditions the challenge is the exposure of the teat end to increased concentrations of environmental bacteria which increases the risk of environmental mastitis.
Procedures have to be implemented that help reduce the threat.
It obviously forces more attention and time to be paid to corral area maintenance and cleanliness of teats at milking time. The requirement is that teats still have to be clean and dry at milking but extra effort has to be made to assure this. Wet cows often means increased bacteria counts and risk of more mastitis and elevated cell counts. S loppy wet conditions make it tougher to clean and dry teats prior to unit attachment. This is a time when consideration needs to be given to using pre-dips products with elevated levels of free iodine so that maximum bacteria kill can be exerted in a short period.