With the average case of mastitis costing in the region of £250 a cow and an incidence of 40%, the UK dairy industry is facing a bill of about £4.5m a year.
This means it is essential dairy herd managers do everything they can to limit the number of cases in their herds and ensure control methods are implemented effectively, according to Progiene’s Alison Clark. “For more than 50 years post milking teat dipping has been recognised as a key part of the mastitis five-point plan as a central method in preventing new intramammary infections. Many studies have shown it to be a highly effective part of mastitis prevention and control,” she explains. However, post milking teat dipping can be time consuming and to be fully effective requires total teat coverage to prevent pathogens entering the udder via the teat orifice.
What is the aim of post milking teat dipping?
Post milking teat dipping has several aims. The most obvious one is to prevent new infections entering the udder. Additionally, it should moisturise the skin of the teat to help keep teats supple and aid milk let down at milking.
What is the best active ingredient for post milking teat dipping?
For effective protection against mastitis the best option is to use proven and recognised disinfectants.
Which iodine products can be used for teat dipping?
Progiene’s Sprayshield range of iodine teat dips are trusted and effective teat dips able to provide an effective disinfectant to protect cows from mastitis infections and maintain teat health.
Is there a way of using an iodine product as a spray?
Teat dipping can be time consuming and slows the milking routine. Extensive trial work has allowed Progiene to develop Sprayshield Post, a version of its highly effective Uddershield Barrier teat dip which can be sprayed on to teats and still provide the same protective ‘second skin’ benefits as traditional teat dipping.
Can Sprayshield Post be used through all automated teat spraying equipment? The biggest hurdle to overcome was making it possible to pass a viscous liquid through a sprayer. However, this has been done, meaning that the well-recognised skin care benefits of a barrier teat dip are available in a sprayable product.
What does this mean for mastitis control?
The Sprayshield range provides a great opportunity to improve parlour routine and keep mastitis at bay. Sprayable products are quicker and easier to use, but haven’t historically been able to offer the protective benefits of a barrier teat dip. Sprayshield Post forms a second skin on cows’ teats, giving a robust shield against infection.
For Sprayshield stockists, please contact Progiene on 0808 178 1010.
