Innovative teat and milking cluster disinfection with plasma (Plasmadip)

In modern dairy herds, bovine mastitis is not only one of the most economically important diseases and causes of pre-mature culling, but mastitis therapy is also the most common reason for the use of antibiotics in milk production. In particular with regards to mechanical milk withdrawal, intramammary infections must be prevented through the use of pre- and post-disinfection measures. Before milking, the skin of the teat tip is cleaned and then disinfected; this is repeated after milking. A number of chemical disinfectants are available for these applications, however they have been criticized because of the irritation and damage they might cause on the udder skin as well as possible residue problems. The aim of this project is the development and practical testing of a new type of teat and milking cluster disinfection technology based on technical plasmas. The development of such a technology serves the prevention of mastitis as well as the prevention of irritation and damage to the teat skin of dairy cows by chemical disinfectants. In addition, such a technology helps to conserve resources and avoid chemical residues in milk and makes work easier and safer for farmers.