Attention to
fresh cows that had teat sealant at drying off
Many farmers have
recently started using, or increased their use of teat sealants in cows at the
time of drying-off.
This type of
product provides a non-antibiotic approach to protecting cows from environmental
mastitis during the dry period.
They are infused
into the teats after the last milking and stay in the lower part of the teats
throughout the dry period physically preventing bacteria from entering the teat
ends.
Teat sealant
material is visible in the foremilk of all treated quarters after calving and is
removed by sucking calves or manually at milking.
Teat sealants are composed of
bismuth subnitrate, liquid paraffin and aluminium stearate.
Bismuth has the potential to cause black spot blemishes in maturing cheese.
Therefore it
is very important to minimise the levels of residual teat sealant entering the
vat from fresh cows.
Countdown
Downunder suggests the following steps to minimize the risks of residual teat
sealants entering the vat:
1. At the first milking strip each
treated quarter at least 10-12 times
This aims
to remove the bulk of the teat sealant without coming into contact with the milk
lines or rubber ware – remember to wear gloves!
2. Keep milk from fresh cows out of
the vat for at least 8-10 milkings after calving
All cows must have a minimum period of eight milkings (10
milkings for induced cows) before milk is included for pickup. This is to ensure
colostrum and the risk of residues from dry cow treatment products have passed.
3. Use a designated cluster and test
bucket
Teat sealants
can adhere to milk lines and rubberware. Where possible avoid running milk from
treated animals through normal milk lines during the first eight milkings.
4. Check that your cleaning routine is
adequate
Take extra care
to follow label directions on the cleaning products you use. Ensure that the
water temperate and chemical concentration, and volume used is according to the
directions. Change filter socks regularly, especially if there is visible teat
sealant present.
For more information refer to
www.countdown.org.au or phone Countdown Downunder (03)
9620-7283.
Image and caption
At the first
milking, strip each treated quarter at least 10-12 times To minimise residue of
teat sealants entering the vat
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