Drug – bio-affecting and body treating compositions – Inorganic active ingredient containing – Heavy metal or compound thereof
Reexamination Certificate
1998-11-12
2001-02-06
Pak, John (Department: 1616)
Drug, bio-affecting and body treating compositions
Inorganic active ingredient containing
Heavy metal or compound thereof
C424S641000, C424S438000, C514S494000, C514S557000, C514S635000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06183785
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to the treatment or prevention of mastitis in milk producing animals. Specifically, the invention provides teat dip compositions and methods for application.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
As a result of traditional selective breeding methods, milk production in dairy cows far exceeds the requirements of the newborn calf. Because of udder size, position, and anatomic configuration for rapid removal of large volumes of milk, the mammary glands of dairy cows are especially prone to injury and infection. In particular, mastitis, an infection of the mammary gland, is common in milking dairy cows.
Clinically, mastitis typically produces heat, swelling, tenderness and possible deformation of the udder. Although the milk from a mastitic udder is generally safe for human consumption, a major concern is the cost to producers. Mastitis causes a decrease in the amount and quality of milk produced by the infected cow. With decreased quality, the price obtained for the milk likewise decreases. Certain organisms associated with some mastitis can lead to a cow's death, e.g.,
Escherichia coli.
Mastitis is typically caused by bacteria, such as
Streptococcus agalactiae
and
Staphylococcus aureus
which enter the teat through the teat orifice. These bacteria account for about 90 percent of all udder infections.
Typically after milking, a drop of milk remains on the tip of the teat, which can serve as a nidus for bacterial growth. Also, the teat canal is relaxed or dilated from the vacuum applied by the milking machine. The bacteria can then migrate through the teat orifice and into the internal teat cistern to cause inflammation and blockages.
The mastitis causing bacteria can be spread among cows by contaminated milking units or machines, by cow to cow contact, or can be transferred by milking personnel having contaminated hands. General housing conditions, such as stall size, ventilation, bedding material, and access to pasture are also known to have an impact on mastitis spread.
Systemic and local antibiotic administration is a proven method of mastitis treatment and prevention. Intramammary administration of antibiotics during non-lactating periods, known as dry cow therapy, is an established method for mastitis prevention when a cow is not lactating. For cows that are lactating, teat dips have long been used as a preventative for mastitis. Post milking teat dipping is considered to be the single most important factor in mastitis prevention. Teat dips can function by providing a physical barrier to bacterial entry through the teat orifice. Additionally, bacteria that may be present can be killed by antibacterial ingredients of some teat dips. Typically, the procedure of applying teat dip includes filling a cup or other suitable container with the dip formulation and dipping the teat therein. An aerosol spray generally may include the same or a slightly modified composition of the liquid dip and is sprayed on to the teat. The aerosol spray generally functions in the same manner as dips, with the exception that the aerosol can have a chilling effect on the teat, causing the sphincter muscle and teat orifice to contract, providing a further obstacle to prevent bacterial entry. Sometimes, a teat dip is applied with a pump sprayer.
Known active ingredients for teat dips include chlorine, iodine, in particular an iodophor, and chlorhexidine acetate and chlorhexidine gluconate. Some dip formulations have been developed which combine the desired germicidal or antibacterial properties of the active ingredients with suitable softeners or emollients, such as glycerin.
Although these well known and commercially available teat dips do have a beneficial effect on preventing the spread of mastitis there is a continuing need for improved compositions and systems for treating and preventing mastitis.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to new and improved compositions, systems, and methods for the prevention of mastitis. In another aspect, the present invention relates to a new and improved composition for the reduction of the spread of mastitis.
In one embodiment, the present invention relates to new compositions for application to the teat orifice of a cow for preventing and treatment of mastitis. In one embodiment, the compositions can comprise a combination of chlorhexidine and zinc. Typically, the chlorhexidine is present in the composition at a weight percent of about 0.1% to 4%. In a preferred embodiment, the chlorhexidine is present at a weight percent of about 0.5%. In one embodiment, zinc gluconate is typically present in the composition at a weight percent of about 0.01% to 5%. Other zinc compounds may be used at a level to provide a similar disassociated zinc ion concentration. In a preferred embodiment, zinc gluconate is present at a weight percent at least about 0.5%, typically greater than about 1%, and preferably present at an amount of about 1.0%-1.5%, for example, 1.25%.
In another embodiment, a system for preventing mastitis is presented. The system comprises a composition including a combination of chlorhexidine and zinc and a container for containing the composition therein. The container can be a cup, jar or similar container, or can be a vessel from which the composition can be sprayed.
In yet another embodiment, a containerized product for use in preventing mastitis is presented. A container capable of being pressurized has a disinfectant composition therein, the composition comprising chlorhexidine and zinc. Preferably, the composition is water based and comprises about 0.1% to 4% chlorhexidine, 0.01% to 5% zinc, and an aerosol propellant.
A method for preventing mastitis comprises the steps of preparing a composition comprising a combination of chlorhexidine and zinc, and applying the composition to the teat of a mammal, such as a cow.
The composition can be applied to the teats of a cow by dipping the teats therein. Alternatively, the composition can be sprayed on to the teats, for example, as an aerosol.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Before the present composition and methods of use are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the particular examples, compositions or methods disclosed herein, and that materials and methods may vary somewhat. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting.
The compositions and methods of the present invention are suitable for use with any milk producing mammals including, for example, cattle, sheep, goats, llamas, pigs, etc. Because cattle are one of the most common milk producing animals, the present invention is described with reference to dairy cattle. However, the invention should not be construed as being limited to cattle.
A single lactating dairy cow is capable of producing about 4 to 13 gallons of milk per day. Cows are typically milked at least twice per day to maintain health and milk production. During milking, milk from the udder flows into individual teats. In the teat the milk flows into the teat cistern and then into the teat orifice, where it passes from the teat in a flow controlled by the teat sphincter muscle. Modem milking systems apply a pulsatile vacuum to the teat so that the sphincter muscle is intermittently opened and closed to release the milk. To keep the cows healthy and to maintain good milk production, it is beneficial to take steps to prevent the onset of mastitis. One common preventative is application of a teat dip composition to the teats after milking.
The present invention provides teat dip compositions and methods for application which maintain hygiene and help prevent mammary infections. The compositions of the invention are typically applied to the skin of the teat, in particular to skin surrounding the teat orifice, as either a liquid (teat dip) or a spray, for example, an aerosol or pump. The composition of the present invention includes a zinc compo
Merchant & Gould P.C.
Pak John
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