Timing of administration of internal teat sealant to dairy heifers.

What is it about?

Some internal teat sealants that are registered in New Zealand have a maiden heifer claim and are administered to maiden heifers prior to calving to prevent environmental mastitis. The registration labels state that internal teat sealants can be administered approximately four weeks prior to the seasonal calving start date. Most heifer internal teat sealant administration is conducted by veterinary clinic staff, who struggle to meet demand over the narrow window. This study explored the efficacy of the internal teat sealant Teatseal when administered over a wider time span.

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Why is it important?

The lack of association between internal teat sealant administration to calving interval and clinical mastitis in the first 30 days of lactation suggests that veterinary clinics may be able to administer internal teat sealants to maiden dairy heifers over a wider time span, thereby relieving work pressure and allowing clinics to better manage seasonal labour.

Perspectives