The actual number of cows treated with teat sealant isn't recorded, but its use has grown steadily over the past decade to help reduce mastitis cases.

Dry sealant is a non-antibiotic method to reduce the number of cases of cow mastitis (infection of the udder) that can occur at or near calving. However, the actual number of cows treated with teat sealant is not recorded.

As cows calve mostly outdoors or on organic material, bacteria on the ground or even on their skin can get into the udder and cause infections. To protect cows and also to minimise the use of antibiotics, teat sealants can be inserted into the udder.

Teat sealants form an internal plug that blocks the movement of bacteria into the udder. The process of milking or suckling by a calf dislodges the plug and allows for normal milk flow to occur when it is required. There are no health risks to the calf when it suckles.

Farmers and their advisers/vets make decisions on how many and which cows they will treat and purchase the product from their vets. Teat sealant use has grown steadily over the 10 years+ it has been available in Australia. Traditionally it was only used in mature dairy cows. More recently, heifers (cows that are about to have a calf for the first time) are also being treated due to the successful reduction in cases of mastitis seen with the older animals.

Information on the use of teat sealants in Australian dairy herds can be found at dairyaustralia.com.au