Dry Wipe Teats

Description

It is standard practice in many dairies in the US to use a gloved hand or dry paper towel to scrape off dried mud from all teats before attaching the clusters. Dry wiping is effective in removing dry flaky mud from teats but very wet or contaminated teats may need washing and then drying afterwards.

Wrap fingers (paper towel) right around barrel and wipe down in spiral motion before attaching the clusters. If using paper towel - a separate piece is required for each teat to stop transferring bacteria between teats. 

Tips on Getting the Best Results

In Australia dry wiping is generally used strategically - on the visually dirty teats only. 

Pros and Cons

Dry wiping saves some water and is a bit quicker than washing and then drying teats. There will be less cup ‘slip’ and cup ‘crawl’ as the clusters are attached to dry teats. Also may improve milk let down. However dry wiping is not effective in removing large amounts of wet mud or manure. 

Issues in Making it Happen

Labour

Saves time in the work routine.

Animal Health

Sediment and bacterial levels will increase if washing does not remove gross contamination.