Initial results of trial work indicate that the somatic cell count (SCC) of teat seal-only cows was greater than those cows that received both antibiotic and teat seal.

Teat seal-only cows were 2.9 times more likely to have an SCC reading of greater than 200,000 within the first 120 days of lactation.

However, the majority of cows (at least 80%) in both treatments maintained an SCC of less than 200,000.

The difference between the two groups across lactation was in the order of 26,000 somatic cells. Within the first two weeks of lactation, 5.7% of quarters of cows given teat seal only were infected with bacteria compared with 2.1% of quarters of cows given antibiotic plus teat seal.

All herds have maintained a bulk tank SCC of less than 200,000 cells throughout the study to date (one herd recorded a bulk tank SCC of 243,000 in February 2017), indicating that using teat seal only did not have an effect at herd level.

Teat-sealing

Altering the threshold for selection by assigning cows to teat seal only, which never exceeded 100,000 SCC in the previous lactation, did not affect results.

In those analyses, teat seal-only cows still had higher SCC across lactation and a higher proportion of quarters infected with bacteria than the cows given both teat seal and antibiotic.

If your herd is consistently recording bulk tank SCC of less than 200,000 and you have individual animal milk recording data, but you are nervous about not using antibiotics, speak with your adviser, local vet or CellCheck adviser (www.animalhealthireland.ie) about implementing a plan.

To build confidence, start with a small number of cows this year.

As you grow in confidence with your teat seal-only technique, you will be able to include additional cows in the coming years.

The most important advice when administering teat seal only is to implement strict disinfection of teats. Failure to do so could lead to disastrous consequences for mastitis control.

Conclusion

Results from this study indicate that reduced antimicrobial use is possible in Irish mastitis control programmes.

It is important to remember that antibiotics are a finite resource. They are a privilege we have become accustomed to, but future guaranteed access is not certain.

While antimicrobials continue to be essential in safeguarding the health and welfare of our animals it is important we use them prudently.

The Moorepark quality milk team members are Aideen Kennedy, Sinead McParland, Jim Flynn and Noel Byrne

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