A new teat seal that boasts a significant return on investment is a great opportunity for dairy farmers to re-evaluate their dry cow therapy and mastitis control, according to manufacturer Bimeda.
Boviseal is proven to dramatically reduce mastitis in the 100 days post calving, Bimeda’s head of technical services, Padraig Hyland, said. “Adding competition to the market will encourage farmers to re-assess their dry cow and mastitis strategies.
“The UK launch of Boviseal is a great opportunity for farmers to reassess the damage and cost of mastitis, and the potential savings by the correct use of a seal,” he added. “Boviseal is the number one selling teat seal in the Republic of Ireland, with two-thirds of the Irish dairy cows sealed annually.”
When it comes to dry cow therapy Mr Hyland said the evidence of the value from combined sealing and antibiotic therapy was all too clear. He pointed to a case study at Waterwheel Farm in Donegal, Ireland, that delivered 300 per cent return on investment.
“Combined therapy might sound costly, but two years of monitoring on this farm saw annual mastitis cases fall dramatically, from 26 per cent to nine per cent,” he said.
“Defra figures indicate that mastitis is the most costly disease problem that UK dairy farmers face, with a typical case costing £175. When you compare that against the cost of treatment for the herd, there’s no real counter argument in my opinion.”
Boviseal contains 65 per cent of Bismuth Subnitrate. The effectiveness of teat sealing is well proven, but correct administration is key.
“Teats need to be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected before sealing,” Mr Hyland said. “Then the top of teat below the udder is pinched and seal is infused into the teat canal. It’s important to note that the conventional practice of massaging into the udder after infusion in not employed.”
For details on best application practice, the company has developed a website with a video demonstration for correct infusion. The site has a simple step-by-step guide through the administration process and acts as a reminder to the advice given by their vet.
For more information visit: www.boviseal.co.uk.
