New teat technology
New teat technology
NON-ANTIBIOTIC, bismuth subnitrate teat seals have proven to be an effective alternative to dry cow therapy for preventing new infections.
But, without any antibiotic component, teat seals cannot clear up existing infections, Institute of Animal Health researcher Elizabeth Berry told the conference.
In New Zealand, teat seals lasted for 10 weeks. "This makes them a promising alternative to conventional dry cow therapy for low cell count cows."
She added that current Irish research into using a bacteriocin called lactacin, a natural antimicrobial produced by friendly bacteria, with teat seals also looked promising.
Using lactacin with a teat seal resulted in fewer infections in cows artificially challenged with bacteria in the study and these infections took longer to establish. "However, this technology is a long way from the commercial market," added Ms Berry. *