Method and system for treatment of bovine mastitis

Abstract

The invention relates to a portable system for treatment of bovine mastitis, the system comprising: a device housing; at least one light source arranged in the device housing, wherein the at least one light source is configured to provide light having at least one wavelength in a range from 700 nm to 1100 nm, and at least one light outlet optically coupled to the at least one light source such that the system provides output light at the at least one light outlet from the at least one light source, wherein the output light at the at least one light outlet has an average power of at least 0.2 W.

Description

[0001] METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR TREATMENT OF BOVINE MASTITIS

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to a method of reducing the number of pathogenic microorganisms of an udder of a bovine by use of a light-treatment apparatus and a painkiller composition for use in such method. The invention also related to a method for setting output parameters of a light-treatment apparatus for treatment of bovine mastitis. The invention also relates to an assembly for the treatment of bovine mastitis.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Bovine mastitis, a persistent inflammatory reaction of the udder tissue due to infectious microorganisms is one of the most common diseases in dairy cattle in the United States and worldwide, which places an economic burden on farmers to effectively fight the disease. For example, in Denmark, there are approximately 567,000 dairy cattle, and approximately 16- 21% of all cows have mastitis at any given time. On average, the treatment and loss of revenue from milk production costs over 500 EUR per cow.

[0006] The cow's udder is divided into four separate mammary glands, each with its own outlet. The milk is formed in small alveolar cells, and through a system of milk ducts the milk is directed to the udder and teat cisterns. Approximately 400-500 litres of blood must pass through the alveoli in the udder tissue in order to produce 1 litre of milk. The flow of blood also ensures that the necessary nutrients for milk production are supplied.

[0007] Microorganisms, such as bacteria (e.g., Streptococci, Staphylococci or Coli bacteria) or e.g., yeast can enter the teat canal of the udder and multiply in the milk producing tissue causing mastitis in the udder. The bacteria may originate from the cow's own skin and mucous membrane or may be environmental bacteria present in e.g., the stalls, fields or the milking machines. Due to the division of the udder, a cow may have one infected mammary gland and three healthy glands.

[0008] Milk from cows suffering from mastitis typically have an increased somatic cell count, however the disease is can also be identified by abnormalities in the udder, such as swelling, heat, redness, hardness, or pain. The cow may also show other signs of infection, such as fever, loss of appetite, or no or low milk production. The primary treatment for mastitis is the use of antibiotics, however due to the rise of resistant microorganisms, the treatment cost and time, the importance of reducing antibiotics in agriculture is a major focus area. From a customer point of view, the customers also expect better animal welfare and less antibiotic use in products (e.g., dairy milk, meat etc.) they consume. The typical length of the antibiotic treatment is 3-5 days, during which the milk of the cow cannot be used. Further, for approximately 7-11 days after the commencement of the antibiotic course, the milk of the affected cow must be discarded. Given that cows provide approx. 35-45 litres of milk per day, the antibiotic treatment and subsequent clearance period of the antibiotic from the system of a bovine results in the loss and waste of approximately 550-1000 litres of milk.

[0009] Therefore, there is a need for new effective treatments that avoid the sole reliance on antibiotics yet deliver an effective, pain-free solution with a quicker recovery time than the current available treatments.

[0010] OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0011] It is an object of embodiments of the invention to provide a new method for reducing the number of pathogenic microorganisms of the udder of a bovine without using traditional antibiotic treatments, or at least to improve the recovery time of bovine from an infection and / or inflammation by reducing the microorganisms in a quick, safe way that does not negatively affect the milk production yield of a bovine.

[0012] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] It has been found by the present inventor(s) that the number of pathogenic microorganisms can be effectively reduced or eliminated on the udder of a bovine by use of a light-treatment apparatus.

[0014] So, in a first aspect the present invention relates to a method of reducing the number of pathogenic microorganisms of an udder of a bovine by use of a light-treatment apparatus, the method comprising a) determining the presence or a degree of infection and / or inflammation by inspection of or sampling from a bovine and / or inspection of a milk sample from the bovine by quantitative or qualitative determination of the infection and / or inflammation using a test or marker, c) determining at least one parameter setting for the light-treatment apparatus, wherein the at least one parameter setting comprises a frequency of pulses of light, an amount of energy in each pulse of the light, an amount of total energy dispatched by the light-treatment apparatus, treatment time, wavelength of light emitted by the light-treatment apparatus, average power output level of light-treatment apparatus, the number of locations at the udder for exposure to light, or any combination thereof, and d) irradiating one or a plurality of locations at the udder by use of a light-treatment apparatus operating in accordance with the at least one determined parameter setting. As an example, the at least one parameter setting comprises a frequency of pulses of light, an amount of energy in each pulse of the light, an amount of total energy dispatched by the lighttreatment apparatus, treatment time, wavelength of light emitted by the light-treatment apparatus, average power output level of light-treatment apparatus, and the number of locations at the udder for exposure to light.

[0015] In a second aspect, the invention relates to a method for setting output parameters of a laser-treatment apparatus for treatment of bovine mastitis, the method comprising a) providing data derived from a bovine to be treated, wherein the data is indicative of the presence or a degree of infection and / or inflammation and selected from inspection data from the bovine and / or inspection data from a milk sample from the bovine, and wherein the inspection data constitutes a quantitative or qualitative indication of the infection obtained using a test or marker, b) said data comprising 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 of: the genus and / or species of observed infectious microorganism(s), antibiotic resistance exhibited by observed microorganism(s), location(s) of infection, severity of infection, and the extent of the infection, c) determining, based on a combined score derived from the data in b), at least one parameter setting for the laser-treatment apparatus, wherein the at least one parameter setting comprises a frequency of pulses of laser light, an amount of energy in each pulse of the laser light, an amount of total energy dispatched by the laser-treatment apparatus, treatment time, wavelength of laser light emitted by the laser, intensity of laser light treatment, and the number of locations at the udder for exposure to laser light.

[0016] In a third aspect, the invention relates to a painkiller composition for use in a method of treating bovine mastitis, the method comprising administering the painkiller composition to a bovine and subsequently carrying out the method of the first aspect.

[0017] In a fourth aspect, the invention relates to a painkiller cream or ointment for use in a method of treating bovine mastitis, the method comprising applying the painkiller cream or ointment to the udder of a cow and subsequently carrying out the method of the first aspect.

[0018] In a fifth aspect, the invention relates to an assembly for the treatment of bovine mastitis, comprising a laser-treatment apparatus and a) a first control means for determining or receiving an indication of the presence or a degree of infection and / or inflammation by inspection of or sampling from a bovine and / or inspection of a milk sample from the bovine by quantitative or qualitative determination of the infection using a test or marker, b) a second control means for determining or receiving an indication of the presence of 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 of the genus or species of infectious microorganism, antibiotic resistance exhibited by the microorganism, the location of the infection, the severity of the infection, and the extent of the infection, c) a third control means determining, based on the output of the first and second control means at least one parameter setting for the laser-treatment apparatus, wherein the at least one parameter setting comprises a frequency of pulses of laser light, an amount of energy in each pulse of the laser light, an amount of total energy dispatched by the laser-treatment apparatus, treatment time, wavelength of laser light emitted by the laser, and intensity of laser light treatment, and the number of locations at the udder for exposure to laser light and d) a fourth control means for controlling the laser-treatment apparatus for irradiating one or a plurality of locations at the udder by use of a lasertreatment apparatus operating in accordance with the at least one determined parameter setting.

[0019] In a sixth aspect, the invention relates to a system, preferably a portable system, for treatment of bovine mastitis, the system comprising: a device housing; at least one light source arranged in the device housing, wherein the at least one light source is configured to provide light having at least one wavelength in a range from 700 nm to 1100 nm, and at least one light outlet optically coupled to the at least one light source such that the system provides output light at the at least one light outlet from the at least one light source, wherein the output light at the at least one light outlet has an average power of at least 0.2 W.

[0020] Generally, it has been observed that a certain minimum average power in a certain wavelength range can efficiently treat or at least alleviate many different types of infections, bacteria, and diseases in bovine udders. Although treatment can be further adapted and optimised by determining a degree or type of infection and / or inflammation by inspection or sampling, at least some degree of treatment can often be provided efficiently without such determination.

[0021] Preferably, the average power of the output light is an average power in time, for example an average power measured in a duration of 1 second, 2 seconds, 5 seconds, of 10 seconds.

[0022] In an embodiment of the invention, the at least one light outlet comprises an aperture, wherein the aperture has a diameter in a range from 1.5 cm to 10 cm, for example from 2 cm to 9 cm, for example from 2.5 cm to 8 cm, such as from 3.0 cm to 7 cm; and / or wherein the aperture has an area in a range from 1.5 cm2to 80 cm2, for example from 3 cm2to 65 cm2, for example from 5 cm2to 50 cm2, such as from 7 cm2to 40 cm2. Large regions on the udder may be infected. Thereby, a correspondingly large aperture may be used to efficiently treat such large regions.

[0023] In an embodiment of the invention, the housing comprises a power source, such as a battery assembly, powering the portable system.

[0024] The power source may, for example, power at least the at least one light source, as well as any electrical components, such as a processing unit, a user interface, a proximity sensor, etc.

[0025] In an embodiment of the invention, the system further comprises a device handle flexibly attached to the device housing, wherein the at least one light outlet is arranged in the device handle.

[0026] Such a device handle allows a user to adjust the at least one light outlet independently of the device housing within the constraints provided by, e.g., a cable assembly between the device handle and the device housing.

[0027] In an embodiment of the invention, the system comprises a cable assembly, wherein the device handle is flexibly attached to the device housing via the cable assembly, wherein the cable assembly comprises a fibre optical cable assembly optically coupling the at least one light source with the at least one light outlet.

[0028] In an embodiment of the invention, the device handle comprises an optical lens assembly configured to optically adapt the output light spatially to the aperture.

[0029] In an embodiment of the invention, the optical lens assembly outcouples the output light from the fibre optical cable assembly.

[0030] In an embodiment of the invention, the optical lens assembly provides the output light as a collimated beam.

[0031] In an embodiment of the invention, the system comprises a proximity sensor configured to detect an object, such as an udder, in proximity of the at least one light outlet, wherein the proximity sensor is communicatively coupled with the at least one light source, wherein the at least one light source requires the proximity sensor to detect the object to provide the output light. The provision of a proximity sensor at the light outlet may reduce the risk of unintentionally emitting light from the system.

[0032] In an embodiment of the invention, the system comprises a trigger switch toggleable between an engaged position and a disengaged position by a user of the system, wherein the trigger switch is communicatively coupled with the at least one light source, wherein the at least one light source requires the trigger switch to be in the engaged position to provide the output light.

[0033] In an embodiment of the invention, the trigger switch is arranged on the device handle.

[0034] In an embodiment of the invention, the cable assembly comprises an electrical cable assembly communicatively coupling any of the proximity sensor and the trigger switch with the at least one light source.

[0035] A trigger switch, preferably on the device handle, allows the user to efficiently provide output light to certain target areas on the udder. Power may be saved by only providing output light when relevant.

[0036] In an embodiment of the invention, the system further comprises a user interface, wherein the average power is configurable via the user interface.

[0037] In an embodiment of the invention, the user interface is located on the device housing.

[0038] In an embodiment of the invention, the average power is configurable in a range from at least 0.2 W to at least 100 W, for example in a range from at least 0.2 W to at most 100 W, for example in a range from at least 0.3 W to at most 50 W, for example in a range from 0.4 W to at most 20 W, for example in a range from 0.5 W to at most 10 W, such as in a range from 0.5 W to at most 5 W.

[0039] In an embodiment of the invention, the average power is at least 0.3 W, for example at least 0.5 W, for example at least 0.7 W, such as at least 1.0 W.

[0040] Although 0.2 W can be enough, generally experience and measurements indicate that more power provides more efficient treatment.

[0041] In an embodiment of the invention, the output light has a spatial peak power density of at most 5 W / cm2, wherein the spatial peak power density is measured as a spatial mean power density in a circular region having an area in a range from 1 mm2to 3 cm2, for example from 2 mm2to 2.5 cm2, for example from 3 mm2to 2.0 cm2, for example from 4 mm2to 1.5 cm2, such as from 5 mm2to 1.0 cm2.

[0042] Preferably, the spatial peak power density of the output light is an average power density in time, for example an average power density measured in a duration of 1 second, 2 seconds, 5 seconds, of 10 seconds.

[0043] Preferably, the spatial peak power density is measured at the spatial peak of the output light, for example at the centre of a gaussian beam. More generally, the spatial peak power density may be measured at the portion of the output light which provides the greatest value of the spatial peak power density (for example, in case of an irregular beam).

[0044] In an embodiment of the invention, the spatial peak power density is at most 4 W / cm2, for example at most 3 W / cm2, for example at most 2 W / cm2, for example at most 1.5 W / cm2, such as at most 1.0 W / cm2.

[0045] By having a certain upper boundary to the peak power density (or peak intensity), the system avoids damaging the udder, which can otherwise occur if the intensity is too great.

[0046] In an embodiment of the invention, the at least one wavelength is in a range from 750 nm to 1050 nm, for example from 800 nm to 1000 nm, such as from 800 nm to 950 nm.

[0047] In an embodiment of the invention, the at least one light source comprises at least a pulsed light source.

[0048] In an embodiment of the invention, light from the pulsed light source in the output light has an average power in a range from 10 mW to 500 mW, for example from 20 mW to 400 mW, for example from 30 mW to 300 mW, such as from 50 mW to 200 mW.

[0049] In an embodiment of the invention, light from the pulsed light source in the output light has a wavelength in a range from 750 nm to 1050 nm, for example from 800 nm to 1000 nm, for example from 850 nm to 950 nm, such as 905 nm.

[0050] In an embodiment of the invention, light from the pulsed light source in the output light has a pulse length in a range from 10 ns to 1000 ns, for example from 20 ns to 800 ns, for example from 30 ns to 600 ns, for example from 40 ns to 500 ns, for example from 50 ns to 400 ns, for example from 60 ns to 300 ns, for example from 70 ns to 200 ns, such as 100 ns. In an embodiment of the invention, light from the pulsed light source in the output light has a pulse frequency in a range from 1 kHz to 30 kHz, for example from 2 kHz to 25 kHz, for example from 3 kHz to 20 kHz, for example from 5 kHz to 15 kHz.

[0051] In an embodiment of the invention, light from the pulsed light source in the output light has a pulse peak power in a range from 10 W to 300 W, for example from 20 W to 250 W, for example from 30 W to 200 W, for example from 50 W to 150 W, such as 100 W.

[0052] In an embodiment of the invention, light from the pulsed light source in the output light has a pulse energy in a range from 1 pJ to 100 pJ, for example in a range from 2 pJ to 80 pJ, for example in a range from 3pJ to 60 pJ, for example in a range from 4pJ to 50 pJ, for example in a range from 5pJ to 40 pJ, for example in a range from 6pJ to 30 pJ, such as in a range from 8pJ to 20 pJ, such as 10 pJ.

[0053] In an embodiment of the invention, the at least one light source comprises a continuous light source, such as a continuous-wave laser or a light-emitting diode assembly, the continuous light source having a duty cycle of at least 10 %, for example at least 30 %, for example at least 50 %, such as 100 %.

[0054] In an embodiment of the invention, light from the continuous light source in the output light has an average power in a range from 0.2 W to 10 W, for example from 0.3 W to 8 W, for example from 0.4 W to 6 W, for example from 0.5 W to 4 W.

[0055] In an embodiment of the invention, light from the continuous light source in the output light has a wavelength in a range from 700 nm to 1050 nm, for example from 720 nm to 1000 nm, for example from 740 nm to 950 nm, for example from 760 nm 850 nm, such as 808 nm.

[0056] Experience and measurements indicate that infrared light as exemplified above generally provides efficient treatment.

[0057] Measurements indicate that a pulsed laser, such as a pulsed laser having a wavelength of 905 nm and a pulse length of 100 ns and an average power in a range from 20 mW to 200 mW appears to provide efficient treatment.

[0058] Further, measurements indicate that a continuous light source having a wavelength of 808 nm and an output power in the range from 0.5 W to 5 W appears to provide efficient treatment. In particular, the combination of these light sources provide efficient treatment. In a seventh aspect, the invention relates to a composition of light components for use in treatment of bovine mastitis, the composition comprising: at least one light component having at least one wavelength in the range from 700 nm to 1100 nm, wherein the composition has an average power of at least 0.2 W.

[0059] In an embodiment of the invention, the average power is at least 0.3 W, for example at least 0.5 W, for example at least 0.7 W, such as at least 1.0 W.

[0060] In an embodiment of the invention, the at least one light component has a spatial peak power density of at most 5 W / cm2, wherein the spatial peak power density is measured as a spatial mean power density in a circular region having an area in a range from 1 mm2 to 3 cm2, for example from 2 mm2 to 2.5 cm2, for example from 3 mm2 to 2.0 cm2, for example from 4 mm2 to 1.5 cm2, such as from 5 mm2 to 1.0 cm2.

[0061] In an embodiment of the invention, the spatial peak power density is at most 4 W / cm2, for example at most 3 W / cm2, for example at most 2 W / cm2, for example at most 1.5 W / cm2, such as at most 1.0 W / cm2.

[0062] In an embodiment of the invention, the at least one light component comprises at least a pulsed light component.

[0063] In an embodiment of the invention, the pulsed light component has an average power in a range from 10 mW to 500 mW, for example from 20 mW to 400 mW, for example from 30 mW to 300 mW, such as from 50 mW to 200 mW.

[0064] In an embodiment of the invention, the pulsed light component has a wavelength in a range from 750 nm to 1050 nm, for example from 800 nm to 1000 nm, for example from 850 nm to 950 nm, such as 905 nm.

[0065] In an embodiment of the invention, light of the pulsed light component has a pulse length in a range from 10 ns to 1000 ns, for example from 20 ns to 800 ns, for example from 30 ns to 600 ns, for example from 40 ns to 500 ns, for example from 50 ns to 400 ns, for example from 60 ns to 300 ns, for example from 70 ns to 200 ns, such as 100 ns.

[0066] In an embodiment of the invention, light of the pulsed light component has a pulse frequency in a range from 1 kHz to 30 kHz, for example from 2 kHz to 25 kHz, for example from 3 kHz to 20 kHz, for example from 5 kHz to 15 kHz. In an embodiment of the invention, light of the pulsed light component has a pulse peak power in a range from 10 W to 300 W, for example from 20 W to 250 W, for example from 30 W to 200 W, for example from 50 W to 150 W, such as 100 W.

[0067] In an embodiment of the invention, light of the pulsed light component has a pulse energy in a range from 1 pJ to 100 pJ, for example in a range from 2 pJ to 80 pJ, for example in a range from 3pJ to 60 pJ, for example in a range from 4pJ to 50 pJ, for example in a range from 5pJ to 40 pJ, for example in a range from 6pJ to 30 pJ, such as in a range from 8pJ to 20 pJ, such as 10 pJ.

[0068] In an embodiment of the invention, the at least one light component comprises a continuous light component, the continuous light component having a duty cycle of at least 10 %, for example at least 30 %, for example at least 50 %, such as 100%.

[0069] In an embodiment of the invention, light of the continuous light component has an average power in a range from 0.2 W to 10 W, for example from 0.3 W to 8 W, for example from 0.4 W to 6 W, for example from 0.5 W to 4 W.

[0070] In an embodiment of the invention, light of the continuous light component has a wavelength in a range from 700 nm to 1050 nm, for example from 720 nm to 1000 nm, for example from 740 nm to 950 nm, for example from 760 nm 850 nm, such as 808 nm.

[0071] In an eighth aspect, the invention relates to a method for treatment of bovine mastitis, the method comprising : providing a system according to the sixth aspect; and illuminating an udder of a bovine, such as a cow, with a composition of light provided as output light of the system. In an embodiment of the invention, said composition is the composition of light according to the seventh aspect.

[0072] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0073] Embodiments of the invention will now be further described by reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0074] Fig. 1 illustrates use of a portable system for treatment of bovine mastitis according to the present invention, and

[0075] Fig. 2 schematically illustrates a portable system according to the present invention. DETAILED DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0076] Definitions

[0077] The term 'reducing the number of pathogenic microorganisms' refers to decreasing the number of bacterial or fungal pathogens, i.e., harmful germs that can lead to infection or to eliminate the colonizing pathogens.

[0078] The term 'light-treatment apparatus' refers to an apparatus or device that emits light. An example of a light-treatment apparatus is a laser-treatment apparatus.

[0079] The term 'laser-treatment apparatus' refers to an apparatus or device that emits light through a process of optical amplification based on the stimulated emission of electromagnetic radiation.

[0080] The term 'frequency of pulses of laser light' refers to number of occurrences of a repeating pulse of a light per unit of time.

[0081] The term 'amount of energy in each pulse of the laser light' refers to the amount of energy conferred by each pulse of the laser light.

[0082] The term 'treatment time' refers to the duration of treatment by the laser-treatment apparatus. The treatment time may refer to the total duration of a treatment, for example, a treatment may be a total of 5 minutes at specific parameter settings of the laser-treatment apparatus. The treatment time, e.g., a 30 second treatment time may additionally be repeated at least 5 times and up to about 50 times. Therefore, a treatment of a duration of e.g., 30 seconds may be repeated e.g., 5 times during a single course of treatment to provide an effective treatment.

[0083] The term 'wavelength of laser light emitted by the laser-treatment apparatus' refers to the distance over which the period wave's shape repeats.

[0084] The term 'power output level of laser-treatment apparatus' refers to power level, such as 25%, 50%, 75% or 100% of the maximum power output level of the laser-treatment apparatus provided that the maximum power output is at around 200 - 1500 mW, such as 200-500 mW, even more preferably at around 500 mW power or around 1200 mW. The term 'visual inspection' refers to inspection of a bovine or the udder of a bovine visually. This may also refer to a suitable apparatus for conducting visual inspections, e.g., a camera and related computer-implemented tools to inspect the cow for the presence of infection.

[0085] The term 'somatosensory inspection' may refer to inspection of a bovine or the udder of a bovine by haptic perception, thermoperception or by observing or recording the pain levels exhibited by the cow. The somatosensory inspection may also refer to a suitable apparatus for conducting the somatosensory inspection, such as a device configured to measure the temperature of a cow.

[0086] The term 'thermal inspection' may specifically refer to measuring the local or global temperature of a bovine. The local temperature refers to the temperature of a specific part of a bovine, such as the udder. The global temperature of a bovine refers to the overall temperature of the bovine. The temperature of the bovine may be in the normal range or may be increased. The increase in temperature may refer to the presence of an infection and / or inflammation. Typically, inflammation indicators include the presence of pain, redness or discolouration from what would be considered as normal; swollenness of an area and increased local temperature.

[0087] The term 'California mastitis test (CMT)' refers to a bovine-side indicator of the somatic cell count of milk. The CMT test operates by disrupting the cell membrane of any cells present in a milk sample, allowing those cells to react with a test reagent, forming a gel. The CMT test can also be used to detect subclinical, i.e., asymptomatic infection of mastitis.

[0088] The term 'mastitis' refers to a persistent, inflammatory reaction of the udder tissue due to infectious microorganism caused by a wide range of pathogenic microorganisms, such as Staphylococcus aureus. Early identification and treatment of clinical is crucial in effectively treating the disease.

[0089] The term 'effective treatment' refers to a treatment which normalises the somatic cell count of a bovine to what is generally considered to be normal levels.

[0090] The term 'somatic cell count' refers to the cell count of somatic cells in a fluid sample, such as in milk. The number of somatic cells increase in response to pathogenic bacteria, thus is an indicator of the presence of pathogenic microorganisms and for example mastitis. Generally, less than 100,000 cells / mL are considered to be 'normal' levels, i.e., the bovine is considered to be uninfected and generally, a somatic cell count of greater than 250,000 cells / mL is an indication of the presence of infection in bovines. Various tests exist, any of which are suitable in present invention to determine the somatic cell count. The term 'bacterium is resistant to treatment with at least one antibiotic' refers to antimicrobial resistance to antibiotics. Resistance in bacteria may arise naturally through genetic mutation of by one species acquiring resistance from another. However, extended use of antimicrobial agents appears to encourage selection for mutations which can render antimicrobials ineffective. For bovine mastitis, typically, narrow-spectrum, long-acting penicillin antibiotics are prescribed, however for resistant, chronic, or widespread infections, the antibiotic treatment alone fails.

[0091] The term 'painkiller composition' refers to an analgesic drug or composition, which provides relief from pain. The painkiller composition may be administered via enteral / gastrointestinal, parenteral or topical routes. Any known painkillers conventionally used to treat pain or inflammation in bovines may be used. A painkiller cream or ointment is a painkiller composition delivered topically to the location of infection.

[0092] The term 'milking robot' refers to an agricultural robot for milking dairy animals, especially dairy cattle. The milking robot may be automatic or semi-automatic and may further comprise computers, herd management software and the like and may be equipped with monitoring systems, such as various sensors, to monitor the health status of bovines. Further, the milking robot may further comprise semi-automatic or automatic cow traffic control (e.g., powered gates, etc.).

[0093] Specific embodiments of the invention

[0094] In an embodiment of the invention according to the first aspect, the inspection is by visual, somatosensory, thermal, or olfactory inspection of the presence or the degree of infection and / or inflammation.

[0095] Typically, bovine exhibit indicators of infection or inflammation, such as pain, redness of the infected area, swollenness and increased local temperature. By assessing the bovine according to conventional indicators of inflammation, the bovine can effectively be isolated from the herd, thereby reducing the number of infections and the bovine may begin treatment as early as possible when discovering the onset of infection.

[0096] The test or marker may be e.g., California mastitis test (CMT), somatic cell count and temperature of a bovine. Any conventional tests may be used to identify the presence or degree of infection from a milk sample of a bovine. Typically, the Grade of infection may be identified as Grade 1, Grade 2 or Grade 3 infection using e.g., the CMT test.

[0097] Grade 1 infection typically refers to a milk sample that is visually slightly altered, such as the milk appears thinner and more resembling the consistency of milk with a higher water content; however, the soft gland of the bovine is unaffected by pain. Typical treatment for Grade 1 infection is to wait and observe, as treatments at this early stage often fails.

[0098] Grade 2 mastitis is typically characterized by a swollen gland and changes in the milk; the bovine is typically affected by pain. There may be a few blobs present in the milk. A typical course of treatment of Grade 2 infections is administration of penicillin and painkillers as a first choice, with monitoring and possibly adjusting the treatment according to subsequent milk test results and resistance examinations.

[0099] Grade 3 infection or mastitis is characterized by the bovine generally displaying visible signs of disease, such as reduced appetite, reduced performance and the milk typically alters in colour, oftentimes appearing yellow in colour similar to the colour of butter. Typically, E. coli or Klebsiella is suspected in Grade 3 infections. If there are many cases of Grade 3 infection on a farm, the focus is typically on the management of the disease by e.g., increasing the energy level with appropriate feed supplements, Vitamin E administration and ensuring appropriate hygiene in the stalls and during milking, i.e., to ensure clean, and dry teats. Some of the bacterial infections may be treated with antibiotics, however some bacterial strains can be treated without antibiotics in the form of supportive therapy, for example by administering antibiotics and fluid therapy by pumping water and electrolytes to the body of the affected bovine.

[0100] The microorganism may be a Gram-negative or Gram-positive bacterium or a fungus such as a yeast. Typically, Gram-negative bacteria are not recommended to be treated with penicillin; for Gram-positive microorganisms, the first line of treatment typically consists of the administration of penicillin. Yeast infections may result from poor hygiene or other environmental factors.

[0101] The bacterium may be resistant to treatment with at least one antibiotic. For example, Streptococcus Faecalis typically responds to broad-spectrum antibiotics poorly and various resistant forms exist that are hard to combat using antibiotics. Streptococcus Uberis, one of the main causes of chronic mastitis in bovines is difficult to treat with antibiotics due to widespread resistance. E. coli in most cases is resistant to antibiotics, therefore treatment is often difficult. The microorganism may be selected from Streptococcus sp., Staphylococcus sp., Escherichia sp., Arcanobacterium sp., Klebsiella sp., Mycoplasma sp., Corynebacterium sp., and yeast.

[0102] More specifically, the microorganism may be Streptococcus Dysgalactia, Coagulase negative staphylococci, Staphylococcus Aureus, Streptococcus faecalis, Streptococcus uberis, Streptococcus agalactia, Escherichia coli, Arcanobacterium pyogenes, Klebsiella oxytoca, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Mycoplasma bovis, Corynebacterium bovis, and yeast. Oftentimes, Arcanobacterium pyogenes is transmitted to the udder by insect bites, such as in particular from biting flies.

[0103] The frequency of pulses of laser light is typically between 200-2500 Hz, preferably between 250-2500 Hz, such as between 300-2400 Hz, such as 400-2300 Hz, such as 500-2200 Hz, such as 600-2100 Hz, such as 700-2000 Hz, such as between 800-2000 Hz at 200-500 mW, preferably at around 500 mW or around 1200 mW.

[0104] The treatment time typically set to at least 20 seconds, preferably at least 25 seconds, more preferably at least 30 seconds, such as 40 seconds, such as 50 seconds, such as 60 seconds, such as 70 seconds, such as 80 seconds, such as 90 seconds and up to 7 minutes.

[0105] The treatment time may be repeated during a single-course treatment for example 3 times, such as 5 times, such as 8 times, such as 10 times, such as 15 times, such as 20 times, such as 25 times, such as 30 times, such as up to 100 times to provide a total treatment time of up to about 20 minutes, such as up to about 25 minutes, such as up to about 30 minutes.

[0106] The power level of laser-treatment apparatus is set to 25% 50%, 75% or 100% of the maximum power output of the laser-treatment apparatus provided that the maximum power output is at around 200-500 mW, even more preferably at 500 mW or around 1200 mW.

[0107] Typical laser-treatment apparatuses that may be suitable are Class 2, Class 3b and Class 4 lasers. The laser-treatment apparatus may preferably provide a continuous waver power of around 25 mW to 1W at a wavelength of about 400 nm to 1000 nm, such as from about 400 nm to about 700 nm, or from about 800 to about 950 nm. Typically, Class 2 lasers provide a maximal allowed continuous wave power of around lmW at a wavelength of between 400- 700 nm (visible spectrum). Class 3b lasers typically provide 5-500 mW maximal allowed continuous wave power at a wavelength of 400-1000 nm or 400-750 nm (visible spectrum). Class 4 lasers typically provide more than 500 mW output power. Preferably, the laser operates at around 200-500 mW, or at around 200-1200 mW at a wavelength of around 800 - 950 nm. When the bacterium is resistant to treatment with at least one antibiotic, the treatment time is at least 40 seconds, such as at least 50 seconds, such as 60 seconds, such as 70 seconds and preferably the treatment time is between 40 seconds and 2 minutes, more preferably between 40 seconds and 6 minutes.

[0108] Resistant microorganisms typically have to be treated by either a longer treatment time or a higher energy in each pulse of the laser light, oftentimes both. The inventors of present application observed a correlation between the resistant microorganisms and the treatment time and / or the amount of energy in each pulse of the light that is to be transmitted to the bovine. Typically, resistant microorganisms require a more substantial therapy to eliminate these microorganisms. Accordingly, chronic, or resistant microorganisms require a higher dose of the treatment.

[0109] In yet another embodiment there is provided a method for setting output parameters of a laser-treatment apparatus for treatment of bovine mastitis according to the second aspect.

[0110] In an embodiment according to the second aspect, the inspection is by visual, somatosensory, thermal or olfactory inspection of the presence or the degree of infection and / or inflammation.

[0111] The test or marker is selected from California mastitis test (CMT), somatic cell count and temperature of a bovine.

[0112] The microorganism may be a Gram-negative or Gram-positive bacterium or a fungus such as a yeast. The bacterium may be resistant to treatment with at least one antibiotic.

[0113] The microorganism may be selected from Streptococcus sp., Staphylococcus sp., Escherichia sp., Arcanobacterium sp., Klebsiella sp., Mycoplasma sp., Corynebacterium sp., and yeast.

[0114] The microorganism may be selected from Streptococcus Dysgalactia, Coagulase negative staphylococci, Staphylococcus Aureus, Streptococcus faecalis, Streptococcus uberis, Streptococcus agalactia, Escherichia coli, Arcanobacterium pyogenes, Kleibsiella oxytoca, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Mycoplasma bovis, Corynebacterium bovis, and yeast.

[0115] The pulse frequency may be set to between 200-2500 Hz, preferably between 250-2500 Hz, such as between 300-2400 Hz, such as 400-2300 Hz, such as 500-2200 Hz, such as 600- 2100 Hz, such as 700-2000 Hz, such as between 800-2000 Hz at 200-1200 mW, preferably at around 500 mW or around 1200 mW. The treatment time may be set to at least 20 seconds, preferably at least 25 seconds, more preferably at least 30 seconds, such as 40 seconds, such as 50 seconds, such as 60 seconds, such as 1 minute, such as 80 seconds, such as 90 seconds and up to 7 minutes.

[0116] The treatment time may be repeated during a single-course treatment for example 3 times, such as 5 times, such as 8 times, such as 10 times, such as 15 times, such as 20 times, such as 25 times, such as 30 times, such as up to 100 times to provide a total treatment time of up to about 20 minutes, such as up to about 25 minutes, such as up to about 30 minutes.

[0117] The power output level of laser-treatment apparatus may be set to 25% 50%, 75% or 100% of the maximum power output of the laser-treatment apparatus provided that the maximum power output is at around 200-1500 mW, even more preferably at around 500 mW or around 1200 mW.

[0118] In an embodiment of the second aspect, when the bacterium is resistant to treatment with at least one antibiotic, the treatment time is at least 40 seconds, such as at least 50 seconds, such as 60 seconds, such as 70 seconds and preferably the treatment time is between 40 seconds and 2 minutes, more preferably between 40 seconds and 6 minutes.

[0119] In another embodiment, a painkiller composition is provided for use in a method of treating bovine mastitis, the method comprising administering the painkiller composition to a bovine and subsequently carrying out the method of the first aspect.

[0120] In another embodiment, a painkiller cream or ointment is provided for use in a method of treating bovine mastitis, the method comprising applying the painkiller cream or ointment to the udder of a cow and subsequently carrying out the method of the first aspect.

[0121] The painkiller composition may be any conventionally used painkiller composition. The painkiller cream or ointment may also be e.g., a warming cream providing pain relief to the bovine.

[0122] The inventors of present invention realised that the laser-treatment apparatus may be provided in an assembly according to the fifth aspect.

[0123] The assembly may comprise a milking robot. Further, the determining may be by at least one sensor. EXAMPLE 1

[0124] Milk from cows is inspected 2-3 times every day. The inspection comprises noting the daily milk production yield (in litres), comparing this value to the expected milk production yield and the produced milk is inspected for the presence of microorganisms by taking a somatic cell count of potential infectious microorganisms.

[0125] Table 1. Summary of registration date and time of various cows with increased cell count

[0126] The presence of mastitis was confirmed in the cows by the CMT test.

[0127] The infection was identified as Grade 1-2-3 infection and the microorganisms identified are summarised in Table 2. Table 2. Microorganisms identified in the cows.

[0128] The output parameters for the apparatus for effective treatment were identified as follows. The apparatus used emitted laser light at a wavelength of 905 nm. The laser power output level of the apparatus was between 125 mW and 900 mW.

[0129] Table 3. Output parameters for effective treatment of the investigated cows.

[0130] *) In respect of cows nos. 5990, 5186, 8141 and 6556, numeric values for Hz, Joule, repeat times and treatment time are subject to tolerances of + / - 30%

[0131] The treatment for cow no. 8059 and 6761 was repeated two times over the course of 3 days, with a day-break in-between the treatments, i.e., the treatments took place on days 1 and 3, with day-2 registered as a non-treatment day; the treatment for cow no. 7500 was repeated 3 times over the course of 6 days with a day-break in-between the treatment days, i.e., the treatments took place on days 1, 3 and 6, with days 2 and 4 registered as non-treatment days. All cows showed a positive response to the treatment with a decrease in somatic cell count after the first treatment, which is tabulated in Table 4 below.

[0132] Table 4. Cell count response to first treatment. Cow no. 6556 had fever; therefore the cell counts fluctuate slightly up and down.

[0133] After the second treatment, all cows showed a significant decrease in the somatic cell count, exhibiting negative growth of all microorganisms identified, see Table 5. Table 5. Cell count response to second treatment

[0134] After finishing the second treatment, all cows are considered to display healthy somatic cell counts, therefore are considered to be cured, cf. Table 6.

[0135] Table 6. Cell counts after finishing the second treatment. On average, 3-5 days after the identification of the infection and the start of the treatment, the cow is declared healthy and may be re-introduced to the herd and may continue to provide milk for e.g., consumption or further food processing. Due to the lack of antibiotic use, the cow recovered quickly and there is no further need to remove the cow from the milk production line.

[0136] Most interestingly and most advantageously, the milk production yield did not reduce significantly. Oftentimes, cow treated with antibiotics will also result in significantly reduced milk production. For example, milk yield from cow no. 7500 shows a steady milk production even during the treatment, see Table 7:

[0137] Table 7. Milk yield vs. expected milk yield of cow no. 7500.

[0138] Fig. 1 illustrates use of a portable system 4 for treatment of bovine mastitis according to the present invention.

[0139] The illustration shows a cow 1 having an udder 2 from an angled rear view. A human user 3 carrying a portable system 4 according to the present disclosure is kneeling behind the cow 1.

[0140] One portion of the system 4, the device housing 5, is releasably attached to the user 3, for example a belt of the user 3, by means of a fastener such as a clip attached to the device housing 5. Another portion of the system 4, the device handle 11, is held in the hand of the user 3. The device housing 5 and the device handle 11 are flexibly connected to each other by a cable assembly 12. The user 3 can use the portable system 4 to treat bovine mastitis on the udder 2 of the cow 3. Output light is provided from the device handle 11 and can thereby easily be directed at an infected portion of the udder 2, even in a on-site setting such as a cow stable.

[0141] Fig. 2 schematically illustrates a portable system 4 according to the present invention. As in the illustration of Fig. 1, the system comprises a device housing 5 and a device handle 11 flexibly connected by a cable assembly 12.

[0142] The first light source 6a and a second light source 6b are located in the device housing 5. The first light source 6a is a pulsed light source in the form of a 905 nm laser having 100 ns pulse length. The second light source 6b is a continuous light source in the form of a 808 nm continuous-wave laser. The wavelengths of these light sources may change with temperature. If relevant, the wavelengths are preferably measured at a temperature of 20°C.

[0143] The light sources 6a, 6b are optically coupled with a light outlet 7 located in the device handle 11 via a fibre optical cable assembly 13 of the cable assembly 12. At the end of the fibre optical cable assembly 13, in the device handle, an optical lens assembly 14 outcouples the light of the light sources 6a, 6b from the fibre optical cable assembly 13 and provides the output light 8 through an aperture 9 at the light outlet 7.

[0144] In the present embodiment, the device handle has a thickness in the propagation direction of the output light 8 which is below 20 cm. Generally, for embodiments of the invention, the thickness of the device handle in the propagation direction of the output light is below 20 cm, for example below 15 cm, for example below 10 cm, for example below 8 cm, such as below 6 cm. This allows the device handle to be easily manoeuvred around the udder of the cow, an allows insertion of the device handle in narrow regions, such as the region between udder and leg of the cow. A thickness as exemplified here may for example be achieved by inserting a mirror redirecting the output light from the fibre optical cable assembly 13 between the termination of the fibre optical cable assembly 13 and the aperture 9 or light outlet 7.

[0145] The device handle 11 further comprises a proximity sensor 15 configured to detect the presence of an udder. The proximity sensor may for example be configured to detect an object or udder within at most 15 cm, for example within at most 10 cm, such as within at most 5 cm. By ensuring that the provision of output light 8 depends on the detection of an object or udder, the risk of unintentional illumination is reduced.

[0146] Additionally, the device handle 11 comprises a trigger switch 16. When the system 4 is not used, the trigger switch is in a disengaged position. In this position, the system 4 does not provide output light 8. A user can toggle the trigger switch 16 from the disengaged position to an engaged position by applying pressure with, e.g., a finger. When the trigger switch 16 is in the engaged position, the system 4 can provide output light 8 in case the proximity sensor 15 also detects an object or udder.

[0147] The trigger switch 16 and the proximity sensor 15 are both communicatively connected with the light sources 6a, 6b via a processing unit 19 facilitated by an electrical cable assembly 17 of the cable assembly 12. This processing unit 19 processes input from the proximity sensor and the trigger switch to determine whether the light sources 6a, 6b are to provide light. The processing unit may also take into account other inputs, for example based on an on / off switch on the device housing 5 (not shown), or based on input or settings provided by a user via a user interface 18. In the present embodiment, the output power of each of the light sources 6a, 6b can be configured via the user interface. Thereby, the power provided in the output light 8 can be adapted based on conditions, for example based on the grade of the infection on the udder.

[0148] The portable system further comprises a power source 10 located in the device housing 5. The power source 10 may for example be provided as one or more batteries. In alternative examples, the system may be powered by a power chord.

[0149] The power source provides electrical power to the components of the system 4, such as the proximity sensor 15, the trigger switch, the light sources 6a, 6b, the processing unit 19, and the user interface 18.

[0150] The system 4 further comprises a fastener 20 which allows the housing to be releasably attached, for example to a belt or another clothing item. In the present example, the fastener is illustrated as a clip. Other fasteners, such as straps, can also be used.

[0151] List of figure references:

[0152] 1 cow

[0153] 2 udder

[0154] 3 user

[0155] 4 portable system

[0156] 5 device housing

[0157] 6 light source

[0158] 7 light outlet

[0159] 8 output light

[0160] 9 aperture

[0161] 10 power source

[0162] 11 device handle 12 cable assembly

[0163] 13 fibre optical cable assembly

[0164] 14 optical lens assembly

[0165] 15 proximity sensor 16 trigger switch

[0166] 17 electrical cable assembly

[0167] 18 user interface

[0168] 19 processing unit

[0169] 20 fastener 21 mirror

Claims

CLAIMS1. A portable system for treatment of bovine mastitis, the system comprising : a device housing; at least one light source arranged in the device housing, wherein the at least one light source is configured to provide light having at least one wavelength in a range from 700 nm to 1100 nm, and at least one light outlet optically coupled to the at least one light source such that the system provides output light at the at least one light outlet from the at least one light source, wherein the output light at the at least one light outlet has an average power of at least 0.2 W.

2. A system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one light outlet comprises an aperture, wherein the aperture has a diameter in a range from 1.5 cm to 10 cm, for example from 2 cm to 9 cm, for example from 2.5 cm to 8 cm, such as from 3.0 cm to 7 cm; and / or wherein the aperture has an area in a range from 1.5 cm2to 80 cm2, for example from 3 cm2to 65 cm2, for example from 5 cm2to 50 cm2, such as from 7 cm2to 40 cm2.

3. A system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the housing comprises a power source, such as a battery assembly, powering the portable system.

4. A system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the system further comprises a device handle flexibly attached to the device housing, wherein the at least one light outlet is arranged in the device handle.

5. A system according claim 4, wherein the system comprises a cable assembly, wherein the device handle is flexibly attached to the device housing via the cable assembly, wherein the cable assembly comprises a fibre optical cable assembly optically coupling the at least one light source with the at least one light outlet.

6. A system according to any of claims 4-5, wherein the device handle comprises an optical lens assembly configured to optically adapt the output light spatially to the aperture.

7. A system according to claim 6, wherein the optical lens assembly outcouples the output light from the fibre optical cable assembly.

8. A system according to any of claims 6-7, wherein the optical lens assembly provides the output light as a collimated beam.

9. A system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the system comprises a proximity sensor configured to detect an object, such as an udder, in proximity of the at least one light outlet, wherein the proximity sensor is communicatively coupled with the at least one light source, wherein the at least one light source requires the proximity sensor to detect the object to provide the output light.

10. A system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the system comprises a trigger switch toggleable between an engaged position and a disengaged position by a user of the system, wherein the trigger switch is communicatively coupled with the at least one light source, wherein the at least one light source requires the trigger switch to be in the engaged position to provide the output light.

11. A system according to claim 10, wherein the trigger switch is arranged on the device handle.

12. A system according to any of claims 9-11, wherein the cable assembly comprises an electrical cable assembly communicatively coupling any of the proximity sensor and the trigger switch with the at least one light source.

13. A system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the system further comprises a user interface, wherein the average power is configurable via the user interface.

14. A system according to claim 13, wherein the user interface is located on the device housing.

15. A system according to any of claims 13-14, wherein the average power is configurable in a range from at least 0.2 W to at least 100 W, for example in a range from at least 0.2 W to at most 100 W, for example in a range from at least 0.3 W to at most 50 W, for example in a range from 0.4 W to at most 20 W, for example in a range from 0.5 W to at most 10 W, such as in a range from 0.5 W to at most 5 W.

16. A system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the average power is at least 0.3 W, for example at least 0.5 W, for example at least 0.7 W, such as at least 1.0 W.

17. A system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the output light has a spatial peak power density of at most 5 W / cm2, wherein the spatial peak power density is measured as a spatial mean power density in a circular region having an area in a range from 1 mm2to 3 cm2, for example from 2 mm2to 2.5 cm2, for example from 3 mm2to 2.0 cm2, for example from 4 mm2to 1.5 cm2, such as from 5 mm2to 1.0 cm2.

18. A system according to claim 17, wherein the spatial peak power density is at most 4 W / cm2, for example at most 3 W / cm2, for example at most 2 W / cm2, for example at most 1.5 W / cm2, such as at most 1.0 W / cm2.

19. A system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one wavelength is in a range from 750 nm to 1050 nm, for example from 800 nm to 1000 nm, such as from 800 nm to 950 nm.

20. A system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one light source comprises at least a pulsed light source.

21. A system according to claim 20, wherein light from the pulsed light source in the output light has an average power in a range from 10 mW to 500 mW, for example from 20 mW to 400 mW, for example from 30 mW to 300 mW, such as from 50 mW to 200 mW.

22. A system according to any of claims 20-21, wherein light from the pulsed light source in the output light has a wavelength in a range from 750 nm to 1050 nm, for example from 800 nm to 1000 nm, for example from 850 nm to 950 nm, such as 905 nm.

23. A system according to any of claims 20-22, wherein light from the pulsed light source in the output light has a pulse length in a range from 10 ns to 1000 ns, for example from 20 ns to 800 ns, for example from 30 ns to 600 ns, for example from 40 ns to 500 ns, for example from 50 ns to 400 ns, for example from 60 ns to 300 ns, for example from 70 ns to 200 ns, such as 100 ns.

24. A system according to any of claims 20-23, wherein light from the pulsed light source in the output light has a pulse frequency in a range from 1 kHz to 30 kHz, for example from 2 kHz to 25 kHz, for example from 3 kHz to 20 kHz, for example from 5 kHz to 15 kHz.

25. A system according to any of claims 20-24, wherein light from the pulsed light source in the output light has a pulse peak power in a range from 10 W to 300 W, for example from 20 W to 250 W, for example from 30 W to 200 W, for example from 50 W to 150 W, such as 100 W.

26. A system according to any of claims 20-25, wherein light from the pulsed light source in the output light has a pulse energy in a range from 1 pJ to 100 pJ, for example in a range from 2 pJ to 80 pJ, for example in a range from 3pJ to 60 pJ, for example in a range from 4pJ to 50 pJ, for example in a range from 5pJ to 40 pJ, for example in a range from 6pJ to 30 pJ, such as in a range from 8pJ to 20 pJ, such as 10 pJ.

27. A system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one light source comprises a continuous light source, such as a continuous-wave laser or a light-emitting diode assembly, the continuous light source having a duty cycle of at least 10 %, for example at least 30 %, for example at least 50 %, such as 100 %.

28. A system according to claim 27, wherein light from the continuous light source in the output light has an average power in a range from 0.2 W to 10 W, for example from 0.3 W to 8 W, for example from 0.4 W to 6 W, for example from 0.5 W to 4 W.

29. A system according to any of claims 27-28, wherein light from the continuous light source in the output light has a wavelength in a range from 700 nm to 1050 nm, for example from 720 nm to 1000 nm, for example from 740 nm to 950 nm, for example from 760 nm 850 nm, such as 808 nm.

30. A composition of light components for use in treatment of bovine mastitis, the composition comprising : at least one light component having at least one wavelength in the range from 700 nm to 1100 nm, wherein the composition has an average power of at least 0.2 W.

31. A composition according to claim 30, wherein the average power is at least 0.3 W, for example at least 0.5 W, for example at least 0.7 W, such as at least 1.0 W.

32. A composition according to any of claims 30-31, wherein the at least one light component has a spatial peak power density of at most 5 W / cm2, wherein the spatial peak power density is measured as a spatial mean power density in a circular region having an area in a rangefrom 1 mm2 to 3 cm2, for example from 2 mm2 to 2.5 cm2, for example from 3 mm2 to 2.0 cm2, for example from 4 mm2 to 1.5 cm2, such as from 5 mm2 to 1.0 cm2.

33. A composition according to any of claims 30-32, wherein the spatial peak power density is at most 4 W / cm2, for example at most 3 W / cm2, for example at most 2 W / cm2, for example at most 1.5 W / cm2, such as at most 1.0 W / cm2.

34. A composition according to any of claims 30-33, wherein the at least one light component comprises at least a pulsed light component.

35. A composition according to claim 34, wherein the pulsed light component has an average power in a range from 10 mW to 500 mW, for example from 20 mW to 400 mW, for example from 30 mW to 300 mW, such as from 50 mW to 200 mW.

36. A composition according to any of claims 34-35, wherein the pulsed light component has a wavelength in a range from 750 nm to 1050 nm, for example from 800 nm to 1000 nm, for example from 850 nm to 950 nm, such as 905 nm.

37. A composition according to any of claims 34-36, wherein light of the pulsed light component has a pulse length in a range from 10 ns to 1000 ns, for example from 20 ns to 800 ns, for example from 30 ns to 600 ns, for example from 40 ns to 500 ns, for example from 50 ns to 400 ns, for example from 60 ns to 300 ns, for example from 70 ns to 200 ns, such as 100 ns.

38. A composition according to any of claims 34-37, wherein light of the pulsed light component has a pulse frequency in a range from 1 kHz to 30 kHz, for example from 2 kHz to 25 kHz, for example from 3 kHz to 20 kHz, for example from 5 kHz to 15 kHz.

39. A composition according to any of claims 34-38, wherein light of the pulsed light component has a pulse peak power in a range from 10 W to 300 W, for example from 20 W to 250 W, for example from 30 W to 200 W, for example from 50 W to 150 W, such as 100 W.

40. A composition according to any of claims 34-39, wherein light of the pulsed light component has a pulse energy in a range from 1 pJ to 100 pJ, for example in a range from 2 pj to 80 pJ, for example in a range from 3pJ to 60 pJ, for example in a range from 4pJ to 50 pJ, for example in a range from 5pJ to 40 pJ, for example in a range from 6pJ to 30 pJ, such as in a range from 8pJ to 20 pJ, such as 10 pJ.

41. A composition according to any of claims 30-40, wherein the at least one light component comprises a continuous light component, the continuous light component having a duty cycle of at least 10 %, for example at least 30 %, for example at least 50 %, such as 100%.

42. A composition according to claim 41, wherein light of the continuous light component has an average power in a range from 0.2 W to 10 W, for example from 0.3 W to 8 W, for example from 0.4 W to 6 W, for example from 0.5 W to 4 W.

43. A composition according to any of claims 41-42, wherein light of the continuous light component has a wavelength in a range from 700 nm to 1050 nm, for example from 720 nm to 1000 nm, for example from 740 nm to 950 nm, for example from 760 nm 850 nm, such as 808 nm.

44. A method for treatment of bovine mastitis, the method comprising providing a system according to any of claims 1-29; and illuminating an udder of a bovine, such as a cow, with a composition of light provided as output light of the system.

45. A method according to claim 44, wherein said composition is the composition of light according to any of claims 30-43.

46. A method of reducing the number of pathogenic microorganisms of an udder of a bovine by use of a light-treatment apparatus, the method comprising a) determining the presence or a degree of infection and / or inflammation by inspection of or sampling from a bovine and / or inspection of a milk sample from the bovine by quantitative or qualitative determination of the infection and / or inflammation using a test or marker, c) determining at least one parameter setting for the light-treatment apparatus, wherein the at least one parameter setting comprises a frequency of pulses of light, an amount of energy in each pulse of the light, an amount of total energy dispatched by the light-treatment apparatus, treatment time, wavelength of light emitted by the light-treatment apparatus, average power output level of light-treatment apparatus, the number of locations at the udder for exposure to light, or any combination thereof, andd) irradiating one or a plurality of locations at the udder by use of a light-treatment apparatus operating in accordance with the at least one determined parameter setting.

47. The method according to claim 46, wherein the light-treatment apparatus is the system according to any of claims 1-29.

48. The method according to any of claims 46-47, wherein the light-treatment apparatus is a laser-treatment apparatus.

49. The method according to any of claims 46-48, further comprising, before step c) : b) determining 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 of the genus and / or species of infectious microorganism, antibiotic resistance exhibited by the microorganism, the location of the infection, the severity of the infection, and the extent of the infection, wherein step c) is based on the determination of step b).

50. The method according to any of claims 46-49, wherein no other treatment is applied to reduce the number of pathogenic microorganisms of the udder of the bovine.

51. The method according to any of claims 46-50, wherein the bovine is not treated with antibiotics in order to reduce the number of pathogenic microorganisms.

52. The method according to any of claims 46-51, wherein the inspection is by visual, somatosensory, thermal or olfactory inspection of the presence or the degree of infection and / or inflammation.

53. The method according to any of claims 46-52, wherein the test or marker is selected from California mastitis test (CMT), somatic cell count and temperature of a bovine.

54. The method according to any of claims 46-53, wherein the microorganism is a Gramnegative or Gram-positive bacterium or a fungus such as a yeast.

55. The method according to any of claims 46-54, wherein the bacterium is resistant to treatment with at least one antibiotic.

56. The method according to any of claims 46-55, wherein the microorganism selected from Streptococcus sp., Staphylococcus sp., Escherichia sp., Arcanobacterium sp., Klebsiella sp., Mycoplasma sp., Corynebacterium sp., and yeast.

57. The method according to any of claims 46-56, wherein the microorganism is selected from Streptococcus Dysgalactia, Coagulase negative staphylococci, Staphylococcus Aureus, Streptococcus faecalis, Streptococcus uberis, Streptococcus agalactia, Escherichia coli, Arcanobacterium pyogenes, Klebsiella oxytoca, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Mycoplasma bovis, Corynebacterium bovis, and yeast.

58. The method according to any of claims 46-57, wherein the frequency of pulses of light is between 200-2500 Hz, preferably between 250-2500 Hz, such as between 300-2400 Hz, such as 400-2300 Hz, such as 500-2200 Hz, such as 600-2100 Hz, such as 700-2000 Hz, such as between 800-2000 Hz at 200-1200 mW, preferably at around 125-500 mW or around 300-1200 mW.

59. The method according to any of claims 46-58, wherein the frequency of pulses is between 200 Hz and 200 kHz and / or wherein the power output is between 0.2 W and 100 W, for example between 0.3 W and 50 W, for example between 0.4 W and 20 W, for example between 0.5 W and 10 W, such as between 0.5 W and 5 W.

60. The method according to any of claims 46-59, wherein the treatment time set to at least 20 seconds, preferably at least 25 seconds, more preferably at least 30 seconds, such as 40 seconds, such as 50 seconds, such as 60 seconds, such as 70 seconds, such as 80 seconds, such as 90 seconds, and wherein the treatment time is set up to 15 minutes, for example up to 12 minutes, for example up to 10 minutes, such as up to 7 minutes.

61. The method according to any of claims 46-60, wherein power output level of the lighttreatment apparatus is set to 25% 50%, 75% or 100% of the maximum power output of the light-treatment apparatus, optionally provided that the maximum power output is at around 200-1500 mW, even more preferably at around 500 mW or around 1200 mW.

62. The method according to any of claims 54-61, wherein when the bacterium is resistant to treatment with at least one antibiotic, the treatment time is at least 40 seconds, such as at least 50 seconds, such as 60 seconds, such as 70 seconds and preferably the treatment time is between 40 seconds and 2 minutes, more preferably between 40 seconds and 6 minutes.

63. The method according to any of claims 54-62, wherein when the bacterium is resistant to treatment with at least one antibiotic, the energy output of the light-treatment apparatus is between 300 and 1000 Joule.

64. A method for setting output parameters of a light-treatment apparatus, such as a lasertreatment apparatus, for treatment of bovine mastitis, the method comprising a) providing data derived from a bovine to be treated, wherein the data is indicative of the presence or a degree of infection and / or inflammation and selected from inspection data from the bovine and / or inspection data from a milk sample from the bovine, and wherein the inspection data constitutes a quantitative or qualitative indication of the infection obtained using a test or marker, b) said data comprising 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 of: the genus and / or species of observed infectious microorganism(s), antibiotic resistance exhibited by observed microorganism(s), location(s) of infection, severity of infection, and the extent of the infection, c) determining, based on a combined score derived from the data in b), at least one parameter setting for the light-treatment apparatus, wherein the at least one parameter setting comprises a frequency of pulses of laser light, an amount of energy in each pulse of the laser light, an amount of total energy dispatched by the light-treatment apparatus, treatment time, wavelength of laser light emitted by the laser, intensity of laser light treatment, the number of locations at the udder for exposure to laser light, or any combination thereof.

65. The method according to claim 64, wherein the inspection is by visual, somatosensory, thermal or olfactory inspection of the presence or the degree of infection and / or inflammation.

66. The method according to any of claims 64-65, wherein the test or marker is selected from California mastitis test (CMT), somatic cell count and temperature of a bovine.

67. The method according to any of claims 64-66, wherein the microorganism is a Gramnegative or Gram-positive bacterium or a fungus such as a yeast.

68. The method according to claim 67, wherein the bacterium is resistant to treatment with at least one antibiotic.

69. The method according to any of claims 64-68, wherein the microorganism selected from Streptococcus sp., Staphylococcus sp., Escherichia sp., Arcanobacterium sp., Klebsiella sp., Mycoplasma sp., Corynebacterium sp., and yeast.

70. The method according to claim 69, wherein the microorganism is selected from Streptococcus Dysgalactia, Coagulase negative staphylococci, Staphylococcus Aureus, Streptococcus faecalis, Streptococcus uberis, Streptococcus agalactia, Escherichia coli, Arcanobacterium pyogenes, Kleibsiella oxytoca, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Mycoplasma bovis, Corynebacterium bovis, and yeast.

71. The method according to any of claims 64-70, wherein the pulse frequency is set to between 200-2500 Hz, preferably between 250-2500 Hz, such as between 300-2400 Hz, such as 400-2300 Hz, such as 500-2200 Hz, such as 600-2100 Hz, such as 700-2000 Hz, such as between 800-2000 Hz at 200-1200 mW, preferably at around 125-500 mW or around 300-1200 mW.

72. The method according to any of claims 64-71, wherein the frequency of pulses is between 200 and 200 Hz at a power output of 125-375 mW or of 300-900 mW.

73. The method according to any of claims 64-72, wherein the treatment time is set to at least 20 seconds, preferably at least 25 seconds, more preferably at least 30 seconds, such as 40 seconds, such as 50 seconds, such as 60 seconds, such as 1 minute, such as 80 seconds, such as 90 seconds and up to 7 minutes.

74. The method according to any of claims 64-73, wherein the power output level of lighttreatment apparatus is set to 25% 50%, 75% or 100% of the maximum power output of the light-treatment apparatus provided that the maximum power output is at around 200-1500 mW, even more preferably at around 500 mW power or around 1200 mW.

75. The method according to any of claims 64-74, wherein when the bacterium is resistant to treatment with at least one antibiotic, the treatment time is at least 40 seconds, such as at least 50 seconds, such as 60 seconds, such as 70 seconds and preferably the treatment time is between 40 seconds and 2 minutes, more preferably between 40 seconds and 6 minutes.

76. The method according to claims 64-75, wherein when the bacterium is resistant to treatment with at least one antibiotic, the energy output of the light-treatment apparatus is between 300 and 1000 Joule.

77. A painkiller composition for use in a method of treating bovine mastitis, the method comprising administering the painkiller composition to a bovine and subsequently carrying out the method of any one of claims 44-63.

78. A painkiller cream or ointment for use in a method of treating bovine mastitis, the method comprising applying the painkiller cream or ointment to the udder of a cow and subsequently carrying out the method of any one of claims 44-63.

79. An assembly for the treatment of bovine mastitis, comprising a light-treatment apparatus, such as a laser-treatment apparatus, and a) a first control means for determining or receiving an indication of the presence or a degree of infection and / or inflammation by inspection of or sampling from a bovine and / or inspection of a milk sample from the bovine by quantitative or qualitative determination of the infection using a test or marker, b) optionally, a second control means for determining or receiving an indication of the presence of 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 of the genus or species of infectious microorganism, antibiotic resistance exhibited by the microorganism, the location of the infection, the severity of the infection, and the extent of the infection, c) a third control means determining, based on the output of the first and / or second control means at least one parameter setting for the light-treatment apparatus, wherein the at least one parameter setting comprises a frequency of pulses of laser light, an amount of energy in each pulse of the laser light, an amount of total energy dispatched by the light-treatment apparatus, treatment time, wavelength of laser light emitted by the laser, and intensity of laser light treatment, the number of locations at the udder for exposure to laser light, or any combination thereof and d) a fourth control means for controlling the light-treatment apparatus for irradiating one or a plurality of locations at the udder by use of a light-treatment apparatus operating in accordance with the at least one determined parameter setting.

80. An assembly according to claim 79, wherein the assembly comprises a milking robot.

81. An assembly according to claims 79-80, wherein the determining of the first control means is by at least one sensor.

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