Determination of bacterial contamination of surfaces in lying areas for dairy cows - Comparison of two non-destructive sampling methods concerning practicability, disturbing factors and data reliability

To compare and evaluate the bacterial concentration of surfaces in lying areas for dairy cows it is necessary to etablish a standardized sampling method that is consistently applicable to a variety of lying areas. The objective for the establishment of a standardized sampling method is the need to take samples from lying areas with as well as without bedding. In this study the swab method according to DIN 10113-1 and an adapted gauze method were used and tested for the suitability for sampling on surfaces of lying areas. The gauze method was the more appropriate method because the taking samples could be standardized, the response to methodological factors was more sensitive, the recovery rate of bacteria was higher and the reliability of data was better.

VIVO