9 Steps to Using an Internal Teat Sealant

The use of an internal teat sealant is an important part of a dry cow therapy program. It’s equally as important to ensure the product is properly inserted and removed for optimal protection. The following nine-step program was developed by Zoetis for use with Orbeseal, an internal teat sealant, based on the research and development that went into this product.

Application

Step 1: Clean and dry teats. If teats are not clean, carefully wash and dry them prior to disinfection.

Step 2: Using an alcohol pad, clean the end of the teat to remove any contaminated skin, dirt or manure. Repeat until the pad remains clean.

Step 3: Disinfect the far teats before the near teats to avoid accidental contamination of previously disinfected teats.

Step 4: Insert the Orbeseal syringe nozzle into the teat canal. Grasp the base of the teat near the udder attachment with two fingers pressed firmly together and slowly inject all contents. Use one complete syringe per quarter. Do not massage as the product must remain in the teat canal to be effective.

Step 5: Insert the product into the nearest teats first to minimize contamination of teats that have not been treated.

Step 6: After inserting the product, mark the cow so other employees can tell she has been dried off. Then dip each teat with a quality teat dip.

Removal

As important as it is to properly apply the product, it is equally as important to properly remove the product when the cow freshens. Here are the removal steps.

Step 1: Grab the top of the teat where it meets the udder and work all the way down to the teat end. Don’t grab the middle of the teat, squeeze and work down. This will only clear the bottom half of the teat. Strip the entire quarter by starting at the top and working all the way down.

Step 2: Strip aggressively—10 to 12 times per quarter—for the first four days post-freshening. This helps ensure you’re removing the plug and all Orbeseal particles. Do not remove the product by action of the milking machine.

Step 3: Milk into a bucket for the first three to four days post-freshening. This will help to remove any remaining product particles.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email