Recently, there has been much progress in the area of premilking teat dipping. Studies show that predipping can control environmental mastitis and the practice is being widely used by dairy producers. The National Mastitis Council Teat Dip Residue Task Force was formed to address the question of milk residue from both pre- and post-teat dipping. Of particular concern to the committee is drainage of excess teat dip, when used prior to milking, into the milking unit.

Predipping does not necessarily mean that teat dip residue will be in the milk. When done properly, predipping can be of great importance to herd health while minimizing the risk of contaminating milk with teat dip residue.

Here are some tips for predipping:

1. Use only a teat dip which is listed with the Food and Drug Administration and has predipping instructions on the label. Information about a product can be obtained from the manufacturer.

2. Follow proper application procedures:

a) Preclean teats as necessary.
b) Forestrip (may be done before or after applying teat dip).
c) Apply teat dip. Allow for manufacturers contact time.
d) Dry teats with single service paper towels.
e) Attach milking unit.

Milking predipped teats that have been properly dried has many benefits:

* Reduces the possibility of residues in milk from surface drainage of excess teat dip.
* Sanitizes the teat prior to milking.
* Reduces environmental mastitis.
* Minimizes liner slippage.

Proper drying of the teats is essential in maintaining the safety of our milk supply.

National Mastitis Council, February 1988