Though winter is in full swing and a winter management plan for udder health should be in place, revisiting best practices is never out of place. Skin that is flaking and chapping increases risks of infections. Paula Mercadante, DeLaval solution manager for herd health, offers solid udder health reminders in this article, complete with a chart about wind chill effect on teat skin.
Source: Progressive Dairyman, December 27, 2016.
Studies have shown that wind chill matters more than ambient temperature. If the wind chill remains above 0°F (-18°C), frozen teats are unlikely. Between 0°F (-18°C) and -25°F (-32°C), frozen teats are possible. If the wind chill is below -25°F (-32°) and teats are wet, they can freeze in less than one minute.