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The ideal time to teat-seal heifers is six weeks before calving due date. For most February-calving heifers, this means they should be done by now.
The reason for teat-sealing is to prevent infection before calving. The teat seal acts as a physical barrier to bacteria entering the udder.
A lot of the mastitis in early lactation is due to pre-calving infections.
Whether or not you need to teat-seal heifers largely depends on historical incidences of mastitis in first calvers. If you get very few cases of mastitis in first calvers in the first month or six weeks after calving, there will be no benefit from teat sealing.
But in herds where there are high levels of mastitis, (over 10%) there should be an advantage, presuming that the infection is occurring in the pre-calving period.
Research in Moorepark has shown that a lot of the mastitis in early lactation is due to pre-calving infections.
Heifers housed in more challenging conditions are more at risk of infection, eg slats and stand-off pads.
Heifers are more at risk of infection anyway as they bag up over a longer period and often drip milk for longer before calving.
Administration
When administering teat sealer, make sure you do it safely. You need plenty of help around. Many hoof parers are now offering the service with turnover crates.
Make sure the person doing it knows how to do it properly. Hygiene is key, otherwise mastitis rates will be worse.
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