Efficacy of a Novel Teat Protectant Spray in the Early Detection and Management of Subclinical Mastitis in Crossbred Dairy Cows

Abstract

Subclinical mastitis (SCM) constitutes a pervasive and economically detrimental challenge in the global dairy industry, primarily through its insidious negative impacts on milk yield, milk composition and overall herd health. Timely and accurate detection of subclinical mastitis is therefore a critical prerequisite for implementing effective control measures. During the study period, the objective was to evaluate the efficacy and economic feasibility of an integrated management protocol that combined early on-farm diagnosis with a targeted prophylactic intervention. Over consecutive lactation periods (2023–2024 and 2024–2025), a total of 40 crossbred dairy cows in mid-lactation, identified as positive for SCM (Somatic Cell Count >200,000 cells/mL) using the TANUCHEK SCC on-farm test kit, were enrolled. Each year, animals were systematically allocated into two groups: treatment group (n=10/year) and control group (n=10/year) on the basis of parity and milk yield. The treatment group received a standardized post-milking application of TANUVAS Teat Protect spray, covering all teats, for a continuous six-week period, while the control group received no topical intervention. Key parameters of udder health and productivity were meticulously monitored. Statistical analysis confirmed a significant (p < 0.05) improvement in both metrics for the treatment groups across the study period. During the 2023–2024 cycles, average daily milk yield increased from 6.20 ± 0.15 L/day to 7.06 ± 0.15 L/day, concomitant with a reduction in SCC from 2.35 ± 0.04 × 105 cells/mL to 1.51 ± 0.05 × 105 cells/mL. This positive trend was sustained in the 2024–2025 cycle, with milk yield rising from 6.92 ± 0.07 L/day to 7.36 ± 0.063 L/day and SCC decreasing from 2.50 ± 0.03 × 105 cells/mL to 1.69 ± 0.03 × 105 cells/mL. No significant changes were observed in the control groups. An economic analysis demonstrated the intervention’s viability, yielding favourable benefit-cost ratios (BCR) of 2.32 and 2.57 in the first and second years, respectively, compared to control group BCRs ranging from 2.17 to 2.32. In conclusion, this study provides robust evidence that the strategic integration of the TANUCHEK SCC test for prompt SCM identification with the consistent, post-milking application of Teat Protect spray forms a highly effective and economically advantageous strategy for mitigating subclinical mastitis and enhancing productivity in dairy herds.