Last week, we introduced an important topic, that is the cow’s first line of defense against pathogens causing mastitis1. We discussed the important roles of teat, teat canal and mammary epithelial tissue: each element plays a relevant part in preventing bacteria from causing infections.
We also left open the “story” about the role of the teat sphincter in tackling infections. Today, we will cover this topic and find solutions to protect in case of need.
What is the teat sphincter?
The teat tissue contains bundles of muscle, arranged longitudinally and circularly. Around the teat duct, the bundles of circular muscle are organised to form the teat sphincter. This structure controls the opening and closing of the teat duct.
Basically, it helps avoid milk leakage between milkings. Milk is held by the teat cistern just before it leaves the teat.
The closing of the teat sphincter takes time: 20-30 minutes at least are required for complete closing. In this range of time, the cow is more susceptible to bacteria invasion at the udder level; thus, it is important that animals do not lay down after milking in this time interval.
During milking, the opening of the duct depends on the pressure difference across it, the liner, but also on the elasticity of the tissue surrouding the teat duct and the contractile forces of the smooth muscle. One key aspect in this process is the effect of the sphincter muscle tone on the milk flow rate, in addition to tissue elasticity and other aspects (liner positioning, muscle relaxation and contraction).
Therefore, the integrity and elasticity of the teat sphincter and the tissue around it play essential roles both in preventing bacteria from entering the teat canal and for efficient milking.
Mechanical stress, environmental changes, the use of aggressive substances such as those used for teat dipping, other types of stress affecting the animal (such as hyperkeratosis) can also have an impact on the elasticity and integrity of the teat sphincter.
The teat sphincter can benefit from the usa of OZOLEA-MAST when it is weakened and results in a loss of elasticity. This effect is linked to how OZOLEA-MAST works.
OZOLEA-MAST consists of an intra-mammary applicator with a single ingredient: a pure vegetable oil, bio-engineered with exclusive OZOLEA technology. The bioengineering process modifies some of the oil’s fatty acid chains, thereby allowing the product, once in contact with the inner wall of the teat canal, to form a physical film barrier with two main functions:
- create an uncomfortable environment for bacteria, thus slowing down the aggressiveness of possible bacterial attacks;
- reserve a respite for the tissue from exposure to the external environment and from bacterial attack, allowing it to proceed with the natural regeneration process.
The mammary tissue, when intact, is able to defend itself properly from further possible aggressions. To ensure the best protection and to optimize the regeneration of the tissue, the application must be repeated after each milking for four days.
The particular bio-engineering process of OZOLEA-MAST guarantees that the oil is not absorbed or metabolized and does not cause pharmacological effects. Between one milking and the next, the applied oil comes out naturally from the teat sphincter, preventing further bacteria from rising and allowing the natural regeneration of the sphincter and, therefore, the recovery of its natural elasticity. Since it is completely harmless for the cow, it can be used promptly at the very first signs of udder tissue imbalance.
For dairy farmers from non-US countries, please e-mail us: info@ozolea.it
1 Mammary epithelial tissue integrity is vital to autonomous defense mechanism.
https://www.ozolea.it/mammary-epithelial-tissue-integrity-is-vital-to-autonomous-defense-mechanism/
