Chapped lips and hands aren’t the only things we need to worry about now that we are in the middle of the winter season. Winter weather has a significant impact on teat skin. Cold weather can lead to teats drying, cracking, and chapping, providing more surface area for bacteria to thrive. Preparing for changes in the weather can help promote better teat health and reduce mastitis cases.
Manage the environment
We often talk about keeping cows clean and dry to prevent mastitis, but the environment can also impact teat health in cold temperatures. Teat skin is unique because it has no sweat, oil glands, or hair follicles. These characteristics make teats especially susceptible to cold temperatures. A wet environment increases the likelihood of damaged teats.
Chapping can occur when teats are exposed to air movement and drafts. Prevent cows from being directly exposed to wind as they leave the parlor and avoid rapid cold air movement in their housing area.
To dip or not to dip
Cracking and chapping of teats usually occur at temperatures less than 0° F. Temperatures can also impact which teat dips should and could be used. Teat dips that were being used during other times of the year can be used until temperatures drop below the freezing point. Check teat dip labels for suggested temperature ranges and freezing points. Symptoms of cold weather exposure may not become visible for 2 to 3 days. Avoid using barrier dips during cold spells because these dips tend to have a slower drying time because of the film they create.
At 20° F below zero, teats are at risk of frostbite. Winter dips are designed to be used during when teats could freeze. However, they often cost much more than a regular dip. Because the cold weather can impact the teat skin, high-emollient dips can be beneficial to teat health. Most high-emollient dips consist of at least 50% teat conditioners, which will hydrate and soften teat skin, leading to less chapping. However, these dips can have a slower drying time.
The goal of any teat dipping protocol should be to provide an effective germicide and teat conditioner. What should be avoided is allowing excess dip to freeze at the end of the teat. We are safe from this on most winter days, but dabbing the drop off the teat end will prevent teat end damage on bitterly cold days or cold wind chills.
