ATPase swabbing for hygiene assessment on dairy farms: focus on calf feeding equipment

Maintaining hygienic calf feeding equipment is essential for promoting calf health and reducing the risk of failure of passive transfer (FPT), diarrhoea and respiratory disease. Contamination of feeding vessels with bacteria can compromise colostrum quality and immunoglobulin absorption, leading to poor health outcomes and reduced productivity. While traditional hygiene assessments—such as bacteriology or visual inspection—are useful, they can be limited by subjectivity, cost and delay. This article explores the use of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) luminometry, a rapid hygiene assessment method widely used in medical and food sectors, for evaluating cleanliness in calf feeding equipment on dairy farms. ATP swabbing offers immediate, quantifiable results, enabling early identification of problem areas and verification of cleaning protocols. Methodology for sampling buckets, teats, tube feeders and automated feeding lines is described, alongside a discussion of recommended relative light unit thresholds. A farm-based case study demonstrates the successful implementation of ATP testing in the investigation and resolution of FPT. The evidence base and limitations of ATPase swabbing are reviewed, including variability in sampling methods and swab types. Incorporating ATP testing into farm routines can enhance calf health, inform training and support continuous improvement in hygiene practices.