A SHIFT from an expensive iodine-based teat dip to a naturally derived, broad-spectrum antimicrobial cleaning agent has saved a Scottish dairy producer money while enhancing cow health and welfare.

James Lawrie, who runs Cuthill Towers in Kinross with his brother David and parents Arthur and Susan, began using EnviroCare Teat from EnviroSystems in May 2024 on their herd of 235 Ayrshire and Red and White cows.

Initially drawn to the product due to its lower cost – nearly half the price of the iodine spray previously used as a pre- and post-dip – James has been impressed by both its effectiveness and the unexpected fly repellent benefit it has brought.

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The herd, which claimed the Ayrshire championship at this year’s Royal Highland Show, has historically dealt with E. coli mastitis, the primary pathogen causing mastitis in their cows, which are producing an impressive 10,000 litres with a 4.22%BF and 3.63%P. Although E. coli mastitis hasn’t been a major issue, since switching to EnviroCare Teat, James has seen a notable reduction in mastitis cases, bringing infection rates down to 18 cases per 100 cows, with somatic cell counts (SCC) averaging just 120,000.

Maintaining strict cleanliness and routine is crucial to keeping mastitis at bay, says James. “Most problems with mastitis come from within the parlour,” he says. “We follow a strict parlour routine, and it’s important that everyone understands what’s involved.”

The routine includes spraying cows with EnviroCare Teat, stripping each quarter, and wiping with reusable cloths – one cloth is used for every two cows before clusters are attached. The cloths are then washed in peracetic acid. After milking, the teats are sprayed again with EnviroCare Teat.

Additionally, the parlour is serviced annually to ensure equipment and vacuum pressures are correct, safeguarding teat health. James also switched to silicone vented liners earlier this year, which has increased milking speed.

Cows with mastitis or high SCC are marked with blue tape on their leg and treated with a strong iodine solution. The units are also sprayed with a 5% peracetic acid solution to prevent the spread of bacteria.

With the farm operating under a liquid milk contract for Muller and supplying Sainsbury’s, maintaining low mastitis and SCCs are essential. To further protect against mastitis-causing micro-organisms, the Lawrie family apply a germicidal powder to the cubicles each afternoon, as their cows are housed year-round.

Health traits are also a key consideration in their breeding decisions, alongside milk yield, conformation, type, proof, and fertility, ensuring a balanced approach to herd management.

In addition to helping reduce mastitis cases, James has found that the citronella in EnviroCare Teat helps repel flies in the parlour. This, he believes, has been key in stopping the flies from agitating the cows and may have also reduced the spread of E. coli bacteria between cows.

“The fly-repelling action has been so effective that we haven’t had to use a fly spot-on product for most of the summer,” says James. “Normally, we would start using a repellent from May and reapply monthly, but this year, after one early treatment in May before we started using EnviroCare Teat, we didn’t need it until recently [mid-October] when fly numbers increased significantly.”

James estimates that EnviroCare Teat has saved him three-four spot-on treatments this season. Combined with the reduced cost compared to iodine, it’s been a significant financial benefit for the business, while improving herd health. With reports of bluetongue circulating as far north as the Scotland-England border in Cumbria, James is grateful for the added protection he believes the repellent action offers. “It gives us peace of mind, knowing it’s providing additional protection. It’s also an excellent product for teat health, so we’ve only seen positive effects since making the switch,” he adds.