Effectiveness of copper sulfate for footbath solutions in dairy cattle

Abstract

The aim of this study was to identify the loss of antiseptic effect of copper sulfate (CuSO4) if associated with the number of cow passing in footbath. A total of 360 Holstein and Simmental cows were milked three times daily in 2x12 herringbone milking parlor. After 360 cows passing from footbath (220x90x15 cm) containing 0%, 2% and 4% CuSO4, the sample was collected for pH and microbiology. The loss of antiseptic effectiveness was considered when pH more than 5. The mean pH at the end of 15 passages of cows was 8.13, 5.00, and 4.20 for 0%, 2% and 4% CuSO4 solutions. pH was greater than 5.0 after 7 passages of 24-cows in 2% CuSO4 concentration and did not exceed 5 even after 15 passages in 4% CuSO4 concentration. Change in color was correlated with pH. Samples were incubated for 24-72 hours for bacterial and fungal growth. E.coli was present at control group of CuSO4 concentrations, whereas fungus was not present. In conclusion, increasing pH due to the number of cow passing indicated the effectiveness of CuSO4 in footbath was lost. Antiseptic effect in 2% CuSO4 solution was lost after 168 cows passing through footbath, whereas antiseptic effect in 4% CuSO4 solution lost after 360 cows passing through footbath.