Table 2 Association between teat preparation and disinfection methods and bulk tank total bacterial score (TBS)

Teat preparation spring (Jan-Apr)

Wash only

22

9.88 (19)

0.047

0.8461

Wash and dry with paper towel

5

9.89 (20)

0.095

Wash and dry with common cloth

3

9.88 (19)

0.119

Dry wipe

24

9.91 (20)

0.044

None

46

9.94 (21)

0.032

Teat preparation summer (May-Sep)

Wash only

16

9.85 (19)

0.054

0.7019

Wash and dry with paper towel

2

9.82 (18)

0.152

Wash & dry with common cloth

2

9.86 (19)

0.143

Dry wipe

26

9.93 (20)

0.043

None

54

9.93 (21)

0.029

Teat preparation winter (Oct-Dec)

Wash only

22

9.92 (20)

0.046

0.5008

Wash and dry with paper towel

7

9.84 (19)

0.084

Wash and dry with common cloth

4

9.76 (17)

0.105

Dry wipe

22

9.92 (20)

0.047

None

45

9.94 (21)

0.032

Disinfecting after

Never

22

10.03 (23)

0.045

0.0124

Intermittently

9

9.94 (21)

0.071

Every milking

69

9.87 (19)

0.026