Teat disinfection is an important measure in mastitis management.
In order to fully destroy any bacteria on the teats, it is important to use well engineered teat treatment formulations. The most fundamental part of the ‘teat dip’ formulation is the active substance. This is the part of the formulation which is responsible for killing mastitis causing bacteria. According to European Standards and for complete disinfection of the teat, teat preparations must be effective against the following bacteria: Staphylococcus Aureus, Streptococcus Uberis and Escherichia Coli.
There are various active ingredients used in the teat disinfection industry, these include:
Lactic Acid, Chlorhexidine Gluconate and Iodine. All these substances effectively kill the targeted bacteria which can be found on teats.
FOURTRESS teat dip products are tested against the standard “EN 1656 – Chemical disinfectants and antiseptics – Quantitative suspension test for the evaluation of bactericidal activity of chemical disinfectants and antiseptics used in the veterinary area”.
Lactic Acid
Lactic Acid damages the cell membrane of bacteria, this has two effects:
1. Disrupts metabolic processes, in some part due to damage to the cell wall and partially due to changes in the cells internal pH.
2. Allows other biocides to more easily penetrate the cells interior.
FOURTRESS Lactic Acid based teat dips are also designed to remove the dead epidermis skin layer on the teat. The Lactic Acid exfoliates the skin by destroying the keratin on the teat end to reveal the healthy skin underneath. This ensures any bacteria which is present on the dead skin cells at the end of the teat are removed before/after milking.
Chlorhexidine Gluconate
Chlorhexidine Gluconate (CHG) is an organic compound. CHG is added into formulations to help reduce the bacterial contamination on the teat. CHG has been proven to be one of the most effective active substances for the control of bacterial count on teats. It acts similar to Lactic Acid, destroying cell membranes and disrupting the equilibrium of the cell and its components, meaning it can no longer survive.
Iodine
Iodophor based products can be used in the teat dip industry. The iodophor ‘buries’ itself into the epidermis membrane of the bacteria then iodine is released. The iodine damages the cell proteins which affects the cells ability to maintain homeostasis and causes the cell to die.
