Evaluation of TANUVAS veterinary incubation centre (V.I.C.) biofoam as a pre-milking teat sanitizer for mastitis prevention and hygienic milk production in dairy cattle

Introduction

India is the world's largest milk producer, contributing more than one-fourth of global milk production and playing a pivotal role in ensuring nutritional security, rural employment, and economic development. The dairy sector serves as an important source of livelihood for millions of smallholder and marginal farmers. However, the profitability of dairy farming is significantly constrained by infectious diseases, among which mastitis is recognized as one of the most economically devastating disorders. Mastitis adversely affects milk yield, milk quality, reproductive performance, and animal welfare, leading to substantial economic losses due to reduced productivity, treatment expenses, discarded milk, increased labour costs, and premature culling of affected animals.

Bovine mastitis is an inflammatory disease of the mammary gland primarily caused by the invasion of pathogenic microorganisms through the teat canal. More than 150 microbial species have been associated with bovine mastitis, including contagious pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus agalactiae, as well as environmental organisms including Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Streptococcus uberis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and coagulase-negative staphylococci. These pathogens colonize the teat skin and teat canal and gain entry into the mammary gland during or immediately after milking, particularly when hygienic milking practices are inadequate. The resulting intramammary infection compromises udder health and negatively influences both the quantity and microbiological quality of milk. Among the various forms of mastitis, subclinical mastitis is of greater economic importance because infected animals generally do not exhibit visible clinical signs, allowing the disease to remain undetected for prolonged periods. Nevertheless, subclinical infection is characterized by increased somatic cell counts, elevated bacterial load, reduced milk secretion, and deterioration of milk composition. Such milk often exhibits poor physicochemical and microbiological quality, reduced shelf life, and inferior processing characteristics, thereby affecting consumer safety and dairy product quality. Delayed diagnosis and inadequate preventive measures frequently result in persistent infections, increased antimicrobial use, and the emergence of antimicrobialresistant pathogens. Production of clean and hygienic milk has become an essential requirement for ensuring food safety and public health.

Milk contaminated with mastitis-causing microorganisms may act as a vehicle for the transmission of food-borne pathogens and may adversely affect the quality of processed dairy products. Consequently, implementation of effective mastitis prevention strategies has become a priority in modern dairy production systems. Among these strategies, pre-milking teat sanitation is widely recognized as one of the most effective and economical management practices for reducing bacterial contamination of the teat surface before milking. Proper teat preparation substantially lowers the microbial load on teat skin, minimizes bacterial penetration through the teat canal, and consequently reduces the incidence of intramammary infections. Although chemical teat disinfectants are commonly employed for mastitis prevention, their prolonged use may occasionally result in teat irritation, chemical residues, environmental concerns, and increased production costs. These limitations have encouraged the development of biological and ecofriendly alternatives possessing effective antimicrobial activity without compromising teat health. Microbial-based sanitizing formulations have recently gained considerable attention because of their safety, sustainability, ease of application, and compatibility with hygienic milk production practices. To promote clean milk production and sustainable mastitis control, the Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (TANUVAS), through its Veterinary Incubation Centre (V.I.C.), has developed TANUVAS V.I.C. Biofoam, a microbial-based pre-milking teat sanitizing formulation. The Biofoam is designed to produce a stable foam layer that uniformly covers the teat surface, facilitating effective removal and suppression of mastitis-associated microorganisms before milking. The technology aims to improve udder hygiene, reduce the risk of intramammary infections, enhance milk quality, and promote antibiotic stewardship through preventive herd health management. Its ease of application, affordability, and eco-friendly nature make it particularly suitable for adoption by smallholder dairy farmers. Despite the potential advantages of TANUVAS V.I.C. Biofoam, scientific validation under village conditions is essential to assess its practical applicability, farmer acceptance, and impact on milk production and hygienic milk quality. Therefore, the present on-farm demonstration was conducted by the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Kundrakudi, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (TANUVAS) at Mudikandam Village, Sivaganga Block, Sivaganga District, Tamil Nadu, to evaluate the field performance of TANUVAS Veterinary Incubation Centre (V.I.C.) Biofoam as a pre-milking teat sanitizer for improving udder hygiene, preventing mastitis, and promoting hygienic milk production in lactating dairy cattle. The findings of the study are expected to facilitate large-scale dissemination of this technology through extension programmes and contribute to sustainable dairy development and enhanced livelihoods of dairy farmers.

Materials and Methods

Study Area

The present on-farm demonstration was conducted during 2025 by the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Kundrakudi, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (TANUVAS), Sivaganga District, Tamil Nadu, India. The demonstration was carried out at Mudikandam Village, Sivaganga Block, Sivaganga District, Tamil Nadu, where dairy farming is one of the major livelihood activities of rural households. The region experiences a tropical semi-arid climate with an average annual temperature ranging from 24 to 39 °C and an average annual rainfall of approximately 850 mm. The selected village predominantly comprises smallholder dairy farmers maintaining indigenous and crossbred cattle under semi-intensive management systems.

Selection of Farmers and Experimental Animals

A total of 10 progressive dairy farmers were selected through the extension activities of Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Kundrakudi, based on their willingness to participate, regular dairy farming practices, and accessibility for periodic monitoring. A total of 20 apparently healthy lactating crossbred dairy cows in early to mid-lactation were included in the demonstration. Animals exhibiting severe clinical mastitis or other systemic illnesses were excluded from the study. Throughout the demonstration period, all selected animals were maintained under the farmers' routine feeding, housing, breeding, and healthcare management practices to ensure that the observed effects were primarily attributable to the intervention.

Demonstration Material

The technology evaluated in the present study was TANUVAS Veterinary Incubation Centre (V.I.C.) Biofoam, a microbial-based pre-milking teat sanitizing formulation developed by the Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (TANUVAS). The Biofoam kit consisted of the Biofoam formulation, a specially designed foaming (Masti) cup applicator, and the product package. The formulation is intended for application to the teat surface before milking to reduce microbial contamination, improve udder hygiene, and minimize the risk of intramammary infection. The foaming applicator ensured uniform coverage of the teat surface, thereby enhancing contact between the antimicrobial formulation and the teat skin.

Capacity Building and Farmer Training

Prior to commencement of the demonstration, participating dairy farmers underwent a comprehensive training programme organized by KVK, Kundrakudi on clean milk production practices, hygienic milking procedures, mastitis etiology and prevention, proper application of TANUVAS V.I.C. Biofoam, udder and teat hygiene, and safe milk handling practices. The training included classroom sessions, practical demonstrations, and farmer interactions. Educational leaflets and live demonstrations were provided to ensure proper understanding and uniform adoption of the technology under field conditions.

Experimental Procedure

The on-farm demonstration was conducted continuously for 45 days. Before each milking, visible dirt and adhering manure on the udder and teats were removed using clean potable water and the teats were allowed to drain. Approximately 5-10 mL of TANUVAS V.I.C. Biofoam was applied uniformly to each teat using the recommended foaming (Masti) cup applicator. The foam was allowed to remain in contact with the teat surface for approximately 30 seconds to facilitate antimicrobial action. Subsequently, the teats were wiped thoroughly using clean disposable paper towels before hand milking. This procedure was repeated before both morning and evening milking throughout the study period. Farmers were advised to maintain their routine feeding and management practices during the demonstration without introducing any major changes.

Observation Parameters

The effectiveness of TANUVAS V.I.C. Biofoam was evaluated based on changes in average daily milk yield, udder hygiene, teat cleanliness, occurrence of visible mastitis symptoms, and farmer perception regarding ease of application and technology acceptance. Milk yield was recorded daily for each animal before initiation of the demonstration and throughout the intervention period. Farmer feedback on the practicality, convenience, and usefulness of the technology was also documented through structured interactions at the end of the demonstration.

Extension Methodology

The demonstration was implemented using the On-Farm Demonstration (OFD) approach followed by Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Kundrakudi for assessment and dissemination of proven agricultural technologies. Farmers actively participated in technology application, field observations, experience sharing, and interactive discussions. Regular follow-up visits, advisory services, and practical demonstrations were undertaken to improve awareness regarding hygienic milk production, mastitis prevention, and adoption of clean milking practices among dairy farmers.

Microbiological Evaluation

To evaluate the microbiological efficacy of TANUVAS Veterinary Incubation Centre (V.I.C.) Biofoam, teat surface hygiene was assessed by collecting sterile cotton swab samples from the teat surface immediately before Biofoam application and after the recommended contact period. Swabs were transferred aseptically into sterile nutrient broth and processed under standard microbiological laboratory conditions. Samples were cultured on Plate Count Agar for determination of Total Viable Count (TVC), Mannitol Salt Agar for isolation of Staphylococcus spp., MacConkey Agar for coliform bacteria including Escherichia coli and Klebsiella spp., and Edwards Medium or Blood Agar for Streptococcus spp. The inoculated plates were incubated at 37 °C for 24-48 hours, after which bacterial colonies were enumerated as colony-forming units (CFU/cm²). Representative isolates were identified using Gram staining and standard biochemical tests. The reduction in bacterial load following Biofoam application was expressed as percentage reduction in microbial count.

Statistical Analysis

The recorded data were compiled using Microsoft Excel and analysed using SPSS software (Version 25.0). Descriptive statistics were expressed as Mean ± Standard Error (SE). Differences in average daily milk yield before and after application of TANUVAS V.I.C. Biofoam were analysed using the paired Student's t-test, and differences were considered statistically significant at P< 0.05.

Microbiological Evaluation

Microbiological evaluation of teat surface hygiene indicated that regular application of TANUVAS V.I.C. Biofoam contributed to improved microbial hygiene of the teat before milking. The Biofoam produced a stable antimicrobial foam layer that effectively covered the teat surface, facilitating removal of organic debris and reducing the microbial population present on the teat skin. The principal microorganisms associated with bovine mastitis include Staphylococcus aureus, coagulase-negative staphylococci, Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus uberis, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and other environmental coliform bacteria. Reduction of microbial contamination on the teat surface minimizes the opportunity for these organisms to enter the teat canal during milking and thereby decreases the risk of intramammary infection.The observed improvement in teat hygiene following Biofoam application supports the antimicrobial potential of the formulation. The microbial-based Biofoam may therefore contribute to improved raw milk hygiene by reducing bacterial contamination during milking and supporting production of safe and hygienic milk. These observations are in agreement with previous reports that have demonstrated the beneficial effect of pre-milking teat sanitization in reducing teat-surface microbial contamination and improving udder health.

Adoption of Hygienic Milk Production Practices

The demonstration substantially improved farmers' awareness regarding hygienic milk production. Prior to the intervention, most participating farmers relied only on washing the udder with water before milking and were unaware of the importance of pre-milking teat sanitation.Following practical demonstrations conducted by Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Kundrakudi, farmers adopted systematic pre-milking teat preparation, use of clean disposable towels, hygienic milking practices, and routine application of TANUVAS V.I.C. Biofoam. These improved management practices enhanced udder hygiene, promoted production of cleaner milk, and increased farmers' confidence in adopting scientific dairy management practices.

Farmer Acceptability

The technology received excellent acceptance among participating dairy farmers. Farmers appreciated the ease of application, rapid foaming action, minimum labour requirement, and visible improvement in teat cleanliness. Post-demonstration feedback revealed that all participating farmers expressed satisfaction with the technology, while 90% reported improved udder hygiene and 80% perceived an increase in milk yield. Furthermore, 100% of the farmers expressed willingness to continue using TANUVAS V.I.C. Biofoam and recommended the technology to neighbouring dairy farmers, indicating excellent potential for large-scale adoption.

Conclusion

The present on-farm demonstration conducted by Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Kundrakudi, demonstrated that TANUVAS Veterinary Incubation Centre (V.I.C.) Biofoam is an effective pre-milking teat sanitizing technology for improving udder hygiene, reducing microbial contamination of the teat surface, promoting hygienic milk production, and supporting mastitis prevention in dairy cattle. Continuous application of the Biofoam significantly increased the average daily milk yield from 5.8±0.39 L/day to 6.9±0.42 L/day, representing an improvement of 18.97%, while enhancing farmers' awareness and adoption of scientific clean milk production practices. The technology was found to be simple, economical, ecofriendly, and highly acceptable under field conditions. By improving teat hygiene and minimizing microbial contamination during milking, TANUVAS V.I.C. Biofoam has considerable potential to improve milk quality, reduce economic losses associated with mastitis, and enhance the profitability of smallholder dairy farming. Large-scale dissemination through Krishi Vigyan Kendras, TANUVAS extension programmes, and the Department of Animal Husbandry is recommended. Further studies involving larger sample sizes, detailed microbiological evaluation, and comprehensive milk quality assessment are warranted to validate the long-term efficacy of this technology under diverse dairy production systems.

Conflict of Interest

Financial Support

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