Teat protective agent and method for protecting teat of livestock

Abstract

To provide a teat protective agent capable of forming a film having high water resistance.SOLUTION: A teat protective agent according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a water-soluble polymer base material, fumed silica, and a solvent.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a teat protectant and a method for protecting teats in livestock. [Background technology]

[0002] Mastitis is one of the serious diseases affecting dairy cows, affecting approximately 30% of all dairy cows. Mastitis is an infectious disease caused by bacteria and other microorganisms that enter the udder through the teat opening and then colonize and multiply. Mastitis not only reduces milk production and quality, but also prevents milk from being shipped during antibiotic treatment due to drug residues. Furthermore, when symptoms are severe and treatment is difficult, affected cows must be culled, resulting in significant economic losses for dairy farmers. The direct and indirect damages caused by mastitis amount to tens of billions of yen annually in Japan alone.

[0003] As a means of protecting dairy cows' teats from bacteria that cause mastitis, a technology has been proposed that forms a physical barrier such as a membrane on the surface of the teat, making it difficult for bacteria to come into contact with the teat and thereby making it difficult for bacteria to enter the udder through the teat orifice.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a sprayable aqueous antibacterial film-forming composition comprising, in an aqueous base, (a) a film-forming polymer including one or more of latex, arabinoxylan, glucomannan, guar gum, johannistree gum, cellulose, methylcellulose, ethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxymethylcellulose, carboxyethylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, starch, hydroxyethyl starch, gum arabic, curdlan, pullulan, dextran, polysulfonic acid, polyacrylamide, high molecular weight polyacrylate, high molecular weight cross-linked polyacrylate, polyacrylic acid, carbomer, sodium alginate, sodium alginate cross-linked with a calcium salt, xanthan gum, polyvinyl alcohol, and poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone); (b) an antibacterial agent; and (c) a hydrophobically modified ethoxylated urethane as a rheology modifier, and (d) optionally, an antifoaming agent. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-122020 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Because the cow bedding is moist, when the cow lies down on the bedding, the film formed on the surface of the teats may come into contact with water. Therefore, the film formed on the surface of the teats must be water-resistant.

[0007] An object of one aspect of the present invention is to provide a nipple protector that can form a highly water-resistant film. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above problems, a nipple protector according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a water-soluble polymer base material, fumed silica, and a solvent. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, a nipple protecting agent capable of forming a highly water-resistant film can be realized. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] One embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below. In this specification, unless otherwise specified, the expression "A to B" representing a range of numerical values ​​means "A or more and B or less."

[0011] [1. Nipple protectant] A teat protective agent according to one embodiment of the present invention contains a water-soluble polymer base material, fumed silica, and a solvent. This allows the agent to form a highly water-resistant film. The highly water-resistant film protects the teats even when the cow lies down on the bed and the film comes into contact with water, making it possible to prevent the invasion of bacteria and the like.

[0012] According to one aspect of the present invention, the risk of mastitis can be reduced by protecting the teats of dairy cows. Such an effect also contributes to achieving, for example, Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG 2) "Zero Hunger."

[0013] <Water-soluble polymer base material> The nipple protective agent according to one embodiment of the present invention contains a water-soluble polymer as a base material. The water-soluble polymer may be any polymer that is soluble in water, and the degree of solubility in water is not particularly limited.

[0014] The water-soluble polymer may be any known polymer, including, for example, vinyl alcohol polymers such as polyvinyl alcohol and modified polyvinyl alcohol, vinylpyrrolidone polymers, polyethylene glycol, polyethylene oxide, cellulose derivatives (e.g., methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, etc.), polyglycerin (e.g., polyalkanetriols such as diglycerin and triglycerin), polyacrylic acid and its block copolymers (e.g., polyvinyl alcohol-polyacrylic acid block copolymers), carboxyvinyl polymers, and natural polymers such as starch, polysaccharides, and proteins. The water-soluble polymer may be used alone or in combination of two or more. Among these, vinyl alcohol polymers are preferred from the viewpoint of film-forming properties.

[0015] The water-soluble polymer dissolves in water and can be made into a solution without using an organic solvent, which reduces the burden on the environment and adverse effects on living organisms, and a bactericide can be added to the teat protectant as needed. Therefore, the teat protectant according to one aspect of the present invention can more effectively protect the teats of dairy cows from bacteria and the like.

[0016] (Vinyl alcohol polymer) The water-soluble polymer substrate preferably contains a vinyl alcohol polymer. The vinyl alcohol polymer is a saponified vinyl ester polymer containing at least a vinyl ester monomer as a polymerization component. The vinyl alcohol polymer is a polyvinyl alcohol resin (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a "PVA resin" or "PVA").

[0017] The vinyl ester monomer is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include fatty acid vinyl esters [e.g., C vinyl esters such as vinyl formate, vinyl acetate, vinyl propionate, vinyl butyrate, vinyl caprylate, vinyl versatate, and vinyl monochloroacetate]. 1-20 Fatty acid vinyl esters (e.g., C 1-16alkanoic acid vinyl esters); aromatic carboxylic acid vinyl esters [e.g., aromatic carboxylic acid vinyl esters such as vinyl benzoate (e.g., C 7-12 arenecarboxylic acid-vinyl ester), etc., and vinyl acetate is industrially preferred. The vinyl ester monomers may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0018] The vinyl ester polymer may contain a vinyl ester unit, and may contain a unit derived from another monomer (specifically, a monomer copolymerizable with the vinyl ester monomer) as needed. A vinyl ester polymer containing a unit derived from a monomer other than a vinyl ester monomer is also called a modified vinyl alcohol polymer.

[0019] The other monomers are not particularly limited, and examples thereof include unsaturated monomers containing an active carbonyl group [e.g., diacetone acrylamide, etc.], unsaturated monomers containing a carboxyl group [e.g., (meth)acrylic acid, maleic acid, maleic anhydride, fumaric acid, crotonic acid, itaconic acid, undecylenic acid, etc.], unsaturated dibasic acid monoalkyl esters [e.g., monomethyl maleate, monomethyl itaconate, etc.], and unsaturated monomers containing an amide group [e.g., acrylamide, dimethylacrylamide, dimethylaminoethylacrylamide, diethylacrylamide, dimethylaminopropylacrylamide, isopropylacrylamide, N-methylolacrylamide, N-vinyl acrylamide, etc.]. cetoamide, etc.]; vinyl halides [e.g., vinyl chloride, vinyl fluoride, etc.]; unsaturated monomers having a glycidyl group [e.g., allyl glycidyl ether, glycidyl methacrylate, etc.]; lactam group-containing unsaturated monomers {e.g., (i) N-vinylpyrrolidones [e.g., N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone, N-vinyl-alkylpyrrolidone (e.g., N-vinyl-3-propyl-2-pyrrolidone, N-vinyl-5-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, N-vinyl-5-ethyl-2-pyrrolidone, N-vinyl-5,5-dimethyl-2-pyrrolidone, N-vinyl-3,5-dimethyl-2-pyrrolidone, etc. N-vinyl-mono- or di-C 1-4(ii) N-allylpyrrolidones [e.g., N-allyl-2-pyrrolidone, etc.], (iii) N-vinylpiperidones [e.g., N-vinyl-mono- or di-C such as N-vinyl-2-piperidone, N-vinyl-alkylpiperidone (e.g., N-vinyl-6-methyl-2-piperidone, N-vinyl-6-ethyl-2-piperidone, etc.] 1-4 alkylpiperidones), etc.], (iv) N-vinyl caprolactams [for example, N-vinyl-ε-caprolactam, N-vinyl-alkyl caprolactams (for example, N-vinyl-mono- or di-C such as N-vinyl-7-methyl-2-caprolactam, N-vinyl-7-ethyl-2-caprolactam, etc.] 1-4 alkyl caprolactams, etc.)]; alkyl vinyl ethers [e.g., C 1―20 Alkyl vinyl ethers (e.g., methyl vinyl ether, n-propyl vinyl ether, i-propyl vinyl ether, n-butyl vinyl ether, i-butyl vinyl ether, t-butyl vinyl ether, lauryl vinyl ether, dodecyl vinyl ether, stearyl vinyl ether, etc.); nitriles (e.g., acrylonitrile, methacrylonitrile, etc.); hydroxyl group-containing unsaturated monomers (e.g., C 1―20 Monoalkyl allylic alcohols (e.g., allyl alcohol, isopropenyl allylic alcohol, etc.), C 1―20 Dialkylallyl alcohols (e.g., dimethylallyl alcohol), hydroxy C 1―20 alkyl vinyl ethers (e.g., hydroxyethyl vinyl ether, hydroxybutyl vinyl ether, etc.); acetyl group-containing unsaturated monomers [e.g., C 1―20 alkyl allyl acetates (e.g., allyl acetate, dimethyl allyl acetate, isopropenyl allyl acetate, etc.); (meth)acrylic acid esters [e.g., (meth)acrylic acid alkyl esters (e.g., (meth)acrylic acid C such as methyl (meth)acrylate, ethyl (meth)acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, n-butyl acrylate, etc.]; 1-20vinylsilanes [e.g., trimethoxyvinylsilane, tributylvinylsilane, diphenylmethylvinylsilane, etc.]; polyoxyalkylene (meth)acrylates [e.g., polyoxyethylene (meth)acrylate, polyoxypropylene (meth)acrylate, etc.]; polyoxyalkylene (meth)acrylic acid amides [e.g., polyoxyethylene (meth)acrylic acid amide, polyoxypropylene (meth)acrylic acid amide, etc.]; polyoxyalkylene vinyl ethers [e.g., polyoxyethylene vinyl ether, polyoxypropylene vinyl ether, etc.]; polyoxyalkylene alkyl vinyl ethers [e.g., polyoxyethylene allyl ether, polyoxypropylene allyl ether, polyoxyethylene butyl vinyl ether, polyoxypropylene butyl vinyl ether, etc.]; α-olefins [e.g., ethylene, propylene, n-butene, 1-hexene, etc.]; butenes [e.g., 3,4-dihydroxy-1-butene, 3,4-diacyloxy-1-butene, 3-acyloxy-4-hydroxy-1-butene, 4-acyloxy- 3-hydroxy-1-butene, 3,4-diacyloxy-2-methyl-1-butene, etc.); pentenes [e.g., 4,5-dihydroxy-1-pentene, 4,5-diacyloxy-1-pentene, 4,5-dihydroxy-3-methyl-1-pentene, 4,5-diacyloxy-3-methyl-1-pentene, etc.]; hexenes [e.g., 5,6-dihydroxy-1-hexene, 5,6-diacyloxy-1-hexene, etc.]; amine-based unsaturated monomers [e.g., N,N-dimethylallylamine, N-allylpropanol, 3-piperidine acrylate ethyl ester, methylpyridine, 2-vinylpyridine, 4-vinylpyridine, 2-methyl-6-vinylpyridine, 5-ethyl-2-vinylpyridine, 5-butenylpyridine, 4-pentenylpyridine, 2-(4-pyridyl)allyl alcohol, etc.; unsaturated monomers containing quaternary ammonium compounds [e.g., dimethylaminoethyl acrylate methyl chloride quaternary salt, N,N-dimethylaminopropylacrylamide methyl chloride quaternary salt, N,N-dimethylaminopropylacrylamide methylbenzenesulfonic acid quaternary salt, etc.]; aromatic unsaturated monomers [e.g., styrene, etc.];Unsaturated monomers containing a sulfonic acid group [for example, (i) 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid or its alkali metal salt, ammonium salt, or organic amine salt, (ii) 2-acrylamido-1-methylpropanesulfonic acid or its alkali metal salt, ammonium salt, or organic amine salt, (iii) 2-methacrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid or its alkali metal salt, ammonium salt, or organic amine salt, (iv) vinylsulfonic acid or its alkali metal salt, ammonium salt, or organic amine salt, (v) allylsulfonic acid or its alkali metal salt, ammonium salt, or organic amine salt, (vi) methallylsulfonic acid or its alkali metal salt, ammonium salt, or organic amine salt; and (vii) methallylsulfonic acid or its alkali metal salt, ammonium salt, or organic amine salt; and one or more selected from glycerin monoallyl ether, 2,3-diacetoxy-1-allyloxypropane, 2-acetoxy-1-allyloxy-3-hydroxypropane, 3-acetoxy-1-allyloxy-3-hydroxypropane, 3-acetoxy-1-allyloxy-2-hydroxypropane, glycerin monovinyl ether, glycerin monoisopropenyl ether, acryloylmorpholine, vinyl ethylene carbonate, vinyl imidazole, and vinyl carbazole. The other monomers may be used alone or in combination of two or more. The content of the other unsaturated monomer is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, 10 moles or less per 100 moles of the vinyl ester monomer.

[0020] The vinyl alcohol polymer can be prepared by a known method such as saponifying a vinyl ester polymer, which is a polymer of a vinyl ester monomer, such as vinyl acetate.

[0021] The polymerization method for vinyl acetate is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include conventionally known methods such as bulk polymerization, solution polymerization, suspension polymerization, and emulsion polymerization. However, solution polymerization using methanol as a solvent is industrially preferred. Known initiators such as peroxides and azo initiators can be used in the solution polymerization, and the degree of polymerization of the resulting polyvinyl acetate can be adjusted by changing the blending ratio of vinyl acetate to methanol and the polymerization yield. Furthermore, commercially available polyvinyl acetate resins can also be used as raw materials for obtaining vinyl alcohol polymers.

[0022] The polyvinyl acetate thus obtained can be saponified by a conventionally known method using an alkali catalyst or an acid catalyst. Among these, an industrially preferred method is one in which an alkali such as sodium hydroxide is added to a methanol solution of polyvinyl acetate or a mixed solution of polyvinyl acetate in methanol, water, methyl acetate, etc., and the acetyl groups of the polyvinyl acetate are subjected to alcoholysis while stirring and mixing.

[0023] Thereafter, the obtained lumps, gels or particles are pulverized, and the alkali added as necessary is neutralized. Thereafter, the solid matter and the liquid matter are separated, and the solid matter is dried to obtain a vinyl alcohol polymer.

[0024] Modified vinyl ester polymers can be produced, for example, by copolymerizing an aliphatic vinyl ester with an unsaturated monomer having an active carbonyl group and saponifying the resulting copolymer to produce copolymer-modified PVA; or by directly contacting a PVA or modified PVA resin produced by a known method with a compound having an active carbonyl group, such as liquid diketene or diketene gas, to produce a post-modified PVA. From the viewpoints of stability, safety, and workability in the gelation step, copolymer-modified PVA is preferred as the modified vinyl ester polymer.

[0025] The unsaturated monomer having an active carbonyl group is not particularly limited, but for example, diacetone acrylamide is industrially preferred, and the copolymer-modified PVA is preferably diacetone acrylamide-modified PVA.

[0026] In the present invention, for copolymerization of an aliphatic vinyl ester and an unsaturated monomer having an active carbonyl group, other unsaturated monomers copolymerizable with the aliphatic vinyl ester and the unsaturated monomer having an active carbonyl group may be used within a range that does not impair the effects of the present invention.

[0027] From the viewpoint of the water resistance of the membrane, the modified vinyl alcohol polymer is preferably a modified vinyl alcohol polymer having an active carbonyl group, and a known crosslinking agent such as adipic acid dihydrazide can be used in combination as needed.

[0028] The degree of saponification of the vinyl alcohol polymer is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of improving the water resistance of the membrane, the vinyl alcohol polymer preferably has a degree of saponification of 87.0 mol % or more and 100 mol % or less, more preferably 95.0 mol % or more and 99.5 mol % or less, and even more preferably 98.0 mol % or more and 99.3 mol % or less.

[0029] In this specification, the degree of saponification of a vinyl alcohol polymer means the average degree of saponification measured according to the saponification degree measurement method of JIS K6726:1994.

[0030] The degree of polymerization of the vinyl alcohol polymer is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of improving the film strength, it is preferably 300 or more, more preferably 500 or more. From the viewpoint of ease of handling the aqueous solution, it is preferably 5000 or less, more preferably 4000 or less, and the degree of polymerization of the vinyl alcohol polymer is measured according to the polymerization degree measurement method of JIS K6726:1994.

[0031] Examples of vinyl alcohol polymers that can be used include, but are not limited to, commercially available products such as "DF-10," "JF-10," "JC-25," "JM-23," and "JP-24" (all manufactured by Nippon Vinyl Acetate & Poval Co., Ltd.), which are used in the examples described below.

[0032] (Water-soluble polymer base material content) The content of the water-soluble polymer base material in the nipple protective agent according to one embodiment of the present invention is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of improving the drying rate and the film strength after drying, it is preferably 1% by weight or more, more preferably 3% by weight or more, and is preferably 10% by weight or less, more preferably 8% by weight or less.

[0033] <Fumed silica> Fumed silica is also called “dry silica.” Fumed silica can be produced, for example, by vaporizing silicon tetrachloride and hydrolyzing it at high temperature in an oxyhydrogen flame.

[0034] The fumed silica may be any known type of fumed silica used to modify the rheology of resin solutions, etc. Examples of fumed silica include hydrophilic fumed silica and hydrophobic fumed silica. Hydrophobic fumed silica is obtained by subjecting the silanol groups on the surface of hydrophilic fumed silica to a hydrophobic treatment by reacting them with a silylating agent.

[0035] The inclusion of fumed silica in the nipple protective agent according to one embodiment of the present invention results in a nipple protective agent capable of forming a highly water-resistant film. This is presumably because the addition of fumed silica improves the water resistance of the water-soluble polymer coating. Here, "highly water-resistant" means that, in the film water resistance test in the examples described below, the film melts open in water at 40°C for 120 seconds or more, preferably 300 seconds or more, and more preferably 600 seconds or more.

[0036] Fumed silica may be added as a rheology modifier to the nipple protectant according to one aspect of the present invention.

[0037] As the hydrophilic fumed silica, for example, commercially available products such as "Reolosil (registered trademark) QS-102, QS-30, QS-40" (manufactured by Tokuyama Corporation) can be used.

[0038] An example of the hydrophobic fumed silica is the product "Reolosil (registered trademark) DM-20S" (manufactured by Tokuyama Corporation).

[0039] From the viewpoint of compatibility with the base liquid, the fumed silica is preferably hydrophilic fumed silica.

[0040] (Fumed silica content) The amount of fumed silica contained in the nipple protective agent according to one embodiment of the present invention is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of improving the water resistance of the formed film, the nipple protective agent according to one embodiment of the present invention preferably contains 5% or more by weight of fumed silica, and more preferably 10% or more by weight of fumed silica, relative to the weight of the water-soluble polymer base material. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of film strength, the nipple protective agent according to one embodiment of the present invention preferably contains 50% or less by weight of fumed silica, and more preferably 35% or less by weight of fumed silica, relative to the weight of the water-soluble polymer base material.

[0041] <Solvent> The nipple protectant according to one embodiment of the present invention contains a solvent. Examples of the solvent include aqueous solvents such as water and lower alcohols. One type of solvent may be used alone, or two or more types may be used in combination.

[0042] <Thickening polysaccharides> The nipple protective agent according to one embodiment of the present invention preferably further contains a thickening polysaccharide. By including a thickening polysaccharide in the nipple protective agent according to one embodiment of the present invention, the viscosity and thixotropy of the nipple protective agent are improved. Therefore, the thickening polysaccharide may be added as a thickener and rheology modifier to the nipple protective agent according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Examples of thickening polysaccharides include conventionally known thickening polysaccharides used for the purpose of modifying the rheology of resin solutions, etc. Examples of thickening polysaccharides include ionic natural polysaccharides such as xanthan gum, welan gum, rhamsan gum, succinoglucan, pullulan, dextran, tragacanth gum, guar gum, tara gum, locust bean gum, gadi gum, arabinogalactan gum, gum arabic, and quince seed gum. Among these, xanthan gum, welan gum, rhamsan gum, and succinoglucan are preferred.

[0044] (Thickening polysaccharide content) The content of the thickening polysaccharide in the nipple protective agent according to one embodiment of the present invention is not particularly limited and may be, for example, 0.1% by weight or more. From the viewpoint of adjusting the viscosity of the base liquid so as not to increase it too much, the content is preferably 5.00% by weight or less, and more preferably 1.00% by weight or less.

[0045] <Other ingredients> The nipple protector according to one embodiment of the present invention may contain, as necessary, components other than those described above, provided that the effects of the present invention are not impaired. For example, it is preferable that the nipple protector further contains at least one additive selected from the group consisting of a bactericide, an antifoaming agent, and a plasticizer.

[0046] The bactericide is added to the nipple protectant according to one embodiment of the present invention for the purpose of imparting bactericidal properties. In this specification, the term "bactericidal" means killing bacteria or fungi. The type of bactericide is not particularly limited, and can be appropriately selected from conventionally known bactericides commonly used in topical preparations. Examples of bactericides include povidone-iodine, sodium hypochlorite, chlorine dioxide, and benzalkonium chloride. One type of bactericide may be used alone, or two or more types may be used in combination.

[0047] The content of the bactericide in the nipple protector according to one embodiment of the present invention is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of imparting sufficient bactericidal properties to the nipple protector according to one embodiment of the present invention, it is preferable to add the bactericide at a concentration appropriate for each bactericide. For example, when the bactericide is povidone-iodine, the content of povidone-iodine in the nipple protector according to one embodiment of the present invention is 1% by weight or more and 20% by weight or less.

[0048] The antifoaming agent is added to prevent foam formation in the aqueous solution of the nipple protectant according to one embodiment of the present invention or to eliminate any foam that has formed. The antifoaming agent can be one or more selected from known antifoaming agents that have a foam-suppressing or foam-breaking effect, such as mineral-based antifoaming agents, oil-based antifoaming agents, fatty acid ester-based antifoaming agents, alcohol-based antifoaming agents, and silicone-based antifoaming agents.

[0049] The content of the antifoaming agent in the nipple protective agent according to one embodiment of the present invention is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of obtaining an antifoaming effect, it is preferably 0.001% by weight or more, more preferably 0.01% by weight or more, and is preferably 5% by weight or less, more preferably 3% by weight or less.

[0050] The plasticizer is added to the nipple protector according to one embodiment of the present invention to impart flexibility, elasticity, and the like. The inclusion of a plasticizer can prevent the formed film from drying and cracking. The type of plasticizer is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include conventionally known substances added to impart flexibility, elasticity, and the like. Examples of such plasticizers include glycerin, ethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, and sorbitol. One type of plasticizer may be used alone, or two or more types may be used in combination.

[0051] The amount of plasticizer contained in the nipple protective agent according to one embodiment of the present invention is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of imparting flexibility to the film, the nipple protective agent according to one embodiment of the present invention preferably contains 5% or more by weight of plasticizer relative to the weight of the water-soluble polymer base material. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of preventing insufficient drying of the film, the nipple protective agent according to one embodiment of the present invention preferably contains 30% or less by weight of plasticizer relative to the weight of the water-soluble polymer base material.

[0052] <Form and properties of nipple protectants> The nipple protectant according to one aspect of the present invention is preferably an aqueous liquid formulation, which may be in the form of, for example, an aqueous solution or an emulsion.

[0053] The viscosity of the nipple protective agent according to one embodiment of the present invention, which is an aqueous liquid preparation, may be adjusted appropriately to a viscosity suitable for the method of use (e.g., application method). Application methods include, for example, immersion and spraying, with immersion being preferred from the viewpoint of applying a uniform film.

[0054] From the viewpoint of ease of application using a dip coating tool (such as a known dipper), the viscosity at 25°C, as measured with a Brookfield viscometer at a rotor rotation speed of 60 rpm, is preferably 200 mPa·s or more. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of reducing the burden on the user when applying using a dip coating tool (such as a known dipper), the viscosity is preferably 1500 mPa·s or less, and preferably 1000 mPa·s or less. On the other hand, when a spraying method is used, from the viewpoint of ease of spraying, the viscosity is preferably lower, for example, preferably 200 mPa·s or more and 500 mPa·s or less.

[0055] From the viewpoint of reducing dripping, the thixotropy index, calculated from the ratio of the viscosity at 25°C measured with a Brookfield viscometer at a rotor rotation speed of 6 rpm to the viscosity at 25°C measured with a Brookfield viscometer at a rotor rotation speed of 60 rpm (6 rpm viscosity / 60 rpm viscosity), is preferably 3.0 or more, more preferably 3.5 or more. From the viewpoint of ease of application, the thixotropy index is preferably 5.5 or less, more preferably 5.0 or less.

[0056] <Uses of nipple protectants> The teat protectant according to one embodiment of the present invention can be used as a teat protectant for livestock. The type of livestock to which the agent is applied is not particularly limited. Examples include dairy livestock such as cows and goats.

[0057] <When to apply nipple protectants> The timing of application of the nipple protective agent according to one embodiment of the present invention is not particularly limited, but it is more effective to apply it during periods when the risk of developing mastitis is increased, for example, in the case of cows, these periods are after milking, during the first week of the dry period, and during the two weeks before and after calving.

[0058] <Method of manufacturing nipple protectant> The method for producing the nipple protective agent according to one embodiment of the present invention is not particularly limited, and the agent can be produced by stirring and mixing the raw materials using a known stirring mixer. Examples of the stirring mixer include a blade mixer and a planetary mixer.

[0059] [2. How to protect livestock teats] A method for protecting livestock teats according to one aspect of the present invention (hereinafter sometimes abbreviated as "teat protection method") comprises the step of applying a teat protectant according to one aspect of the present invention to a livestock teat to form a film on the outer surface of the teat. The teat protectant according to one aspect of the present invention has already been described, so description will not be repeated here. According to the teat protection method according to one aspect of the present invention, a highly water-resistant film can be formed on the outer surface of the teat, so the teat can be protected even in an environment where the film formed on the surface of the teat comes into contact with water. As a result, the risk of livestock contracting mastitis can be reduced.

[0060] The method for applying the teat protectant according to one embodiment of the present invention to the teats of livestock is not particularly limited. Examples include dipping and spraying. From the viewpoint of applying a film uniformly, the dipping method is preferred.

[0061] As one embodiment of the present invention, a coating method using a known dipping method using a dipper will be described. The dipper is a cup-shaped container, and a commercially available product such as "Non Return DipCup (trademark)" (manufactured by Ambic) can be used.

[0062] The dipper containing the teat protectant according to one embodiment of the present invention is pulled up toward the base of the teat of the livestock, the teat is immersed in the teat protectant in the dipper, and then the dipper is pulled down toward the tip of the teat. The teat protectant applied to the surface of the teat hardens by natural drying, forming a protective film on the outer surface of the teat.

[0063] The time required for curing is, for example, about 30 minutes. From the viewpoint of forming a film of uniform thickness, a shorter curing time is preferable. The curing time can be adjusted by adjusting the amount of liquid applied.

[0064] The thickness of the film obtained by curing the nipple protective agent according to one embodiment of the present invention is preferably 50 μm or more, more preferably 60 μm or more, from the viewpoint of the strength of the obtained film. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of improving the adhesion of the film to the nipple surface, the thickness of the film is preferably 115 μm or less, more preferably 100 μm or less, and even more preferably 90 μm or less. The thickness of the obtained film can be adjusted by adjusting the viscosity of the nipple protective agent according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] As another embodiment of the present invention, a method of application using a spraying method using a known sprayer will be described. The sprayer may be, for example, a commercially available sprayer such as the product name "Upward Teat Sprayer" (manufactured by Coburn). In the case of the spraying method, the nipple protective agent according to one aspect of the present invention can be applied by spraying it onto the surface of the nipple using a sprayer. The nipple protective agent applied to the nipple surface hardens by natural drying, forming a protective film on the outer surface of the nipple. The preferred hardening time and the preferred thickness of the resulting film are the same as those described for the immersion method.

[0066] 〔summary〕 The nipple protective agent according to aspect 1 of the present invention contains a water-soluble polymer base material, fumed silica, and a solvent.

[0067] A nipple protective agent according to a second aspect of the present invention is the same as that according to the first aspect above, wherein the water-soluble polymer base material contains a vinyl alcohol polymer.

[0068] A nipple protective agent according to a third aspect of the present invention is preferably the same as that according to the second aspect above, wherein the vinyl alcohol polymer has a degree of saponification of 87.0 mol % or more and 100 mol % or less.

[0069] The nipple protective agent according to Aspect 4 of the present invention is any one of Aspects 1 to 3 above, and preferably further contains a thickening polysaccharide.

[0070] The nipple protective agent according to aspect 5 of the present invention, in any one of aspects 1 to 4 above, preferably contains the fumed silica in an amount of 5 wt % or more and 50 wt % or less relative to the weight of the water-soluble polymer base material.

[0071] The nipple protectant according to aspect 6 of the present invention, in any one of aspects 1 to 5 above, may further contain at least one additive selected from the group consisting of bactericides, antifoaming agents, and plasticizers.

[0072] In accordance with aspect 7 of the present invention, in any one of aspects 1 to 6 above, the nipple protective agent is an aqueous liquid, and preferably has a viscosity of 200 mPa·s or more and 1500 mPa·s or less at 25°C when measured using a B-type viscometer at a rotor rotation speed of 60 rpm.

[0073] In accordance with aspect 8 of the present invention, in any one of aspects 1 to 7 above, the nipple protective agent is an aqueous liquid, and preferably has a thixotropy index calculated from the ratio of the viscosity at 25°C when measured with a Brookfield viscometer at a rotor rotation speed of 6 rpm to the viscosity at 25°C when measured with a Brookfield viscometer at a rotor rotation speed of 60 rpm (6 rpm viscosity / 60 rpm viscosity) of 3.0 or more and 5.5 or less.

[0074] A method for protecting livestock teats according to a ninth aspect of the present invention includes the step of applying the teat protecting agent according to any one of the above first to eighth aspects to the teats of livestock to form a film on the outer peripheral surface of the teat.

[0075] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in the embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. [Example]

[0076] The effects of the method of the present invention will be specifically explained below with reference to examples and comparative examples, but the present invention is not limited to these.

[0077] [Ingredients for nipple protectants] <Water-soluble polymer base material> Vinyl alcohol polymer A (manufactured by Japan Vinyl Acetate & Poval Co., Ltd., "DF-10", saponification degree 98.5 mol%, modified vinyl alcohol polymer with active carbonyl groups) Vinyl alcohol polymer B (manufactured by Japan Vinyl Acetate & Poval Co., Ltd., "JF-10", saponification degree 98.5 mol%) Vinyl alcohol polymer C (Japan Vinyl Acetate & Poval Co., Ltd., "JP-24", saponification degree 87.0 mol%) Vinyl alcohol polymer D (manufactured by Japan Vinyl Acetate & Poval Co., Ltd., "JM-23", saponification degree 96.0 mol%) Vinyl alcohol polymer E (manufactured by Japan Vinyl Acetate & Poval Co., Ltd., "JC-25", saponification degree 99.2 mol%)

[0078] <Fumed silica> Tokuyama Corporation, "Reoloseal (registered trademark) QS-40", hydrophilic, specific surface area 380±30(m 2 / g)

[0079] <Thickening polysaccharides> Xanthan gum (MP Gokyo Food & Chemical Co., Ltd., "Labor Gum (registered trademark) GS-C")

[0080] <Plasticizer> Glycerin (manufactured by Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd., "Glycerin")

[0081] <Fungicide> Sodium hypochlorite (manufactured by Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd., "Sodium hypochlorite solution") Povidone-iodine (Tronto Research Chemicals, "Povidone-Iodine")

[0082] <Antifoaming agent> Isopropyl alcohol (2-propanol, manufactured by Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.)

[0083] [1. Preparation of nipple protectant] Aqueous solutions of vinyl alcohol polymers A to E were prepared by adding pure water to a vinyl alcohol polymer, heating the mixture with stirring, dissolving the mixture at 90°C for 1 hour, and then cooling to 20°C. An aqueous solution of xanthan gum was prepared by adding pure water to xanthan gum and stirring at room temperature for 30 minutes. Fumed silica, sodium hypochlorite, povidone-iodine, isopropyl alcohol, and water were weighed out according to the formulations shown in Table 2 and mixed at room temperature to prepare aqueous solutions (nipple protectants) of Examples 1 to 7 and Comparative Examples 1 to 4. Note that blanks in the blending amounts in Table 2 indicate that the component was not added.

[0084] [2. Film water resistance test] (Film Preparation) 7.5 g of each of the aqueous solutions of Examples 1 to 7 and Comparative Examples 1 to 4 was cast onto a 10 cm x 10 cm polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film, which was then dried for 3 days in an environment of 20°C and 65% RH to produce the films of Examples 1 to 7 and Comparative Examples 1 to 4, respectively.

[0085] (Test Method) Each film produced was cut into a size of 1 cm x 1 cm, and the center of the resulting film piece was hooked onto a clip and immersed in water at 40°C, and the time until the film fell off the clip (film melt-down time) was measured.

[0086] (Evaluation method) The water resistance of the film was evaluated using a three-level score of 1 to 3 according to the evaluation criteria shown in Table 1. In the evaluation criteria below, a score of "3" represents excellent, a score of "2" represents good, and a score of "1" represents poor. A score of "2" or higher was evaluated as having high water resistance, and a score of "3" or higher was evaluated as having particularly high water resistance.

[0087] [3. Viscosity and thixotropy tests] The aqueous solutions (nipple protecting agents) of Examples 1 to 7 and Comparative Examples 1 to 4 were left to stand for one day in an environment at an ambient temperature of 25°C, and the thixotropy index was calculated from the results of the viscosity measurements.

[0088] <Viscosity> (6rpm viscosity) The viscosity of the aqueous solution was measured using a Brookfield viscometer (manufactured by Toki Sangyo Co., Ltd.) at a rotor rotation speed of 6 rpm and an ambient temperature of 25°C.

[0089] (60rpm viscosity) The viscosity of the aqueous solution was measured using a Brookfield viscometer (manufactured by Toki Sangyo Co., Ltd.) at a rotor rotation speed of 60 rpm and an ambient temperature of 25°C.

[0090] <Thixotropy> The thixotropy index was calculated based on the following formula: Thixotropic index = 6rpm viscosity / 60rpm viscosity

[0091] (Evaluation method) The thixotropy was evaluated using a three-level score of 1 to 3 according to the evaluation criteria shown in Table 1. In the following evaluation criteria, a score of "3" represents excellent, a score of "2" represents good, and a score of "1" represents poor. A score of "2" or higher was evaluated as having thixotropy.

[0092] [Table 1]

[0093] [4. Results] The results are shown in Table 2.

[0094] [Table 2]

[0095] As is clear from the results in Table 2, the teat protective agents of Examples 1 to 7, which are one embodiment of the present invention, have high water resistance when formed into films, so that even if a dairy cow lies down on a wet cow bed, the film formed on the teat surface is not easily dissolved in water. Furthermore, because the solutions of the teat protective agents of Examples 1 to 7 all have high thixotropy, they are less likely to drip when applied by known methods such as immersion, and are therefore easy to handle. [Industrial Applicability]

[0096] The present invention can be used as a teat protectant for livestock.

Claims

1. a water-soluble polymer base material; Fumed silica, A solvent, A nipple protectant containing

2. The water-soluble polymer base material contains a vinyl alcohol polymer. The nipple protectant according to claim 1.

3. The vinyl alcohol polymer has a degree of saponification of 87.0 mol% or more and 100 mol% or less. The nipple protectant according to claim 2.

4. Further containing thickening polysaccharides, The nipple protectant according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The fumed silica is contained in an amount of 5% by weight or more and 50% by weight or less relative to the weight of the water-soluble polymer base material. The nipple protectant according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. Further containing at least one additive selected from the group consisting of a bactericide, an antifoaming agent and a plasticizer; The nipple protectant according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

7. The nipple protectant is an aqueous liquid formulation, The viscosity at 25°C measured using a Brookfield viscometer at a rotor rotation speed of 60 rpm is 200 mPa s or more and 1500 mPa s or less. The nipple protectant according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

8. The nipple protectant is an aqueous liquid formulation, a thixotropy index calculated from the ratio (6 rpm viscosity / 60 rpm viscosity) of the viscosity at 25°C measured by a Brookfield viscometer at a rotor rotation speed of 6 rpm to the viscosity at 25°C measured by a Brookfield viscometer at a rotor rotation speed of 60 rpm, of 3.0 or more and 5.5 or less; The nipple protectant according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

9. A method for protecting teats of livestock, comprising the step of applying the teat protectant according to claim 1 to the teats of livestock to form a film on the outer peripheral surface of the teat.

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