"White Towel Test" Checks for Teat Dip
Coverage
Provides Immediate Feedback to Milkers
The key to effective
use of teat disinfectants as a mastitis control tool is consistent and
complete teat coverage at every milking.
The "white towel test" is an excellent easy way to provide immediate
feedback to milkers about the effectiveness of their teat dipping:
-
Immediately after the milker has dipped the teats, wrap a clean towel around base of the teat while blotting the teat dip from the entire teat.
-
Open the towel and display the teat dip pattern.
If
the pattern shows incomplete coverage, training should be implemented
to show the milkers the proper procedures which will result in the bottom
two-thirds of the teat completely covered with disinfectant.