Teatseal FAQ's

How does Teatseal work?

Teatseal provides protection immediately after infusion at dry off by physically plugging the teat canal. It remains in place until removed at calving.

How long does it stay in the teat canal?

Teatseal has been shown to remain in the teat canal for at least 14 weeks post infusion.⁶

What trial work has been conducted (in NZ/ worldwide) to show it works?

There are numerous trials in NZ and overseas that demonstrate the effectiveness of Teatseal used on its own or in combination with antibiotic DCT.^1-12 For more detailed information on these studies please contact Technical Services on 0800 650 277.

How does combination treatment (antibiotic dry cow therapy and Teatseal) compare to long acting antibiotic alone, such as Orbenin^® Enduro or Cepravin^®?

Local and overseas (UK, US, Canada and Australian) studies have shown a reduction of approximately 30-50% in pericalving mastitis by using Teatseal in addition to a long acting antibiotic alone. This approach has been shown to be of particular value in high SCC cows and where a long dry period with high environmental bacterial challenge at calving can be expected. ^1,2,10,11

Does it matter which long acting dry cow antibiotic I use in combination?

Studies have been performed with 2 long acting formulations (Orbenin Enduro and Cepravin) with different active ingredients and comparable results were found.

Can Teatseal help reduce my SCC?

Yes. In a recent study comparing Teatseal and Orbenin Enduro with Orbenin Enduro alone, the Teatseal combination group average SCC was 100,000 cells/mL lower at the first herd test post calving¹¹.

What kind of results can I expect in heifers?

In a formative large scale Waikato study, Teatseal administered to heifers 4 – 6 weeks before calving was shown to reduce Streptococcus uberis infection at calving by 84% and reduce clinical mastitis in the first 2 weeks of lactation by 68%.^4,5

How long before calving can I treat maiden heifers?

Approximately 4 weeks prior to planned start of calving or as recommended by your veterinarian.

How do I administer Teatseal alone/ in combination?

Administration guidelines are available from Pfizer Animal Health or your vet clinic. There are also two demonstration videos on the www.teatseal.co.nz home page.

How does Teatseal get removed after calving?

The majority of Teatseal is either removed by the calf when suckling or stripped out at first milking. Any remaining Teatseal may enter the milk lines during milking so ensure the filter sock is in place.

Are there any problems with calves suckling Teatseal?

Calves ingesting Teatseal do not have any problems. There have been occasional reports of some calves having trouble suckling Teatseal treated cows. Whether this is due to the Teatseal or that he calves had a weak suckle is not known.

Does Teatseal have a withholding period?

Milking withholding period is 8 milkings and meat withholding period is 0 days.

How should I manage a Teatseal treated cow at her 1st milking?

At the 1^st milking after calving, strip each quarter 10-12 times to remove any remaining Teatseal. Stripping should commence at the very top of the teat to ensure all product in the teat canal is removed.

How many cows does one bucket treat?

30. Teatseal comes in 120 syringe buckets. Each cow requires 4 tubes, one for each teat.

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References

Laven, R.A., Lawrence, KE. (2008). Efficacy of blanket treatment of cows and heifers with an internal teat sealant in reducing the risk of mastitis in dairy cattle calving on pasture. NZVJ 56 (4), 171-175.
Newton, H.T., Green, M.J., Benchaoui, H. et al (2008). Comparison of the efficacy of Cloxacillin alone and Cloxacillin combined with an internal teat sealant for dry-cow therapy. Veterinary Record 162, 678-684.
Godden, S., Rapnicki, P., Stewart, S. et al (2003). Effectiveness of an internal teat seal in the prevention of new intramammary infections during the dry and early-lactation periods in dairy cows when used with a dry cow intramammary antibiotic. J.Dairy Sci.86:3899-3911.
Parker, K.I., Compton, C.W.R., Anniss, F.M. et al (2007). Subclinical and clinical mastitis in heifers following the use of a teat sealant precalving. J. Dairy Sci. 90:207-218.
Parker, K.I., Compton, C.W.R., Anniss, F.M. et al (2008). Quarter-level analysis of subclinical and clinical mastitis in primiparous heifers following the use of a teat sealant or an injectable antibiotic, or both, precalving. J.Dairy Sci. 91:169-181.
Woolford, M.W., Williamson, J.H., Day, A.M. (1998). The prophylactic effect of a teat sealer on bovine mastitis during the dry period and the following lactation, NZVJ 46, 12-19.
Williamson, J. (2001). Strategies for protecting the teat at dry off. Proceedings of the National Mastitis Council Annual meeting. 88-94.
Berry, E.A., Hillerton, J.E. (2002). The effect of intramammary Teatseal on new intramammary infections. J.Dairy Sci. 85:2512-2520.
Williamson, J.H.,Woolford, M.W., Day, AM. The prophylactic effect of a dry cow antibiotic against Streptococcus uberis NZVJ (1995) 43, 228-234.
Berry, E.A., Hillerton, J.E. (2007). Effect of an Intramammary Teat Seal and Dry Cow Antibiotic in Relation to Dry Period Length on Postpartum Mastitis. J. Dairy Sci. 90:760-765.
Runciman, D.J., Malmo J and Deighton M. (2010). The use of an internal teat sealant in combination with cloxacillin dry cow therapy for the prevention of clinical and subclinical mastitis in seasonal calving dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 93:4582-4591
Baillargeon, P., Le Blanc, S. (2010). Clinical effects and economic benefit of an internal teat sealant administered at dry-off. NMC Annual Meeting Proceedings, pp282-283.