Dry-Off Sulfur Compounds to Reduce Mastitis in Dairy Cows

Solution Overview

Problem

Current dry-off methods in dairy cows, such as abrupt and gradual milking and feeding, lead to increased risk of mastitis, discomfort, and stress due to udder pressure and milk leakage, with existing treatments like antibiotics having limitations.

Innovation Solution

The use of compounds like di-n-propyl disulfide and related sulfides for reducing lactation, administered before or at dry-off, to prevent intramammary infections, inflammation, and stress, potentially combined with prolactin inhibitors or antibiotics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If abrupt dry-off is performed to stop milk production quickly, then productivity is improved, but the risk of mastitis and intramammary infections increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeed of stopping milk productionVSAvoidrisk of mastitis

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by administering compounds (such as di-n-propyl disulfide, di-methyl disulfide, or other sulfides/sulfones) before the abrupt dry-off to pre-condition the mammary gland. These compounds are given 1-7 days prior to dry-off to reduce milk production gradually and prevent the harmful effects of sudden cessation, thereby resolving the contradiction between quick productivity improvement and reliability maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses chemical compounds (sulfides, sulfones, disulfides) as intermediaries between the abrupt dry-off process and the mammary gland. These intermediary substances mediate the transition by binding to prolactin or interfering with milk synthesis pathways, allowing the abrupt dry-off to occur without the harmful side effects of uncontrolled milk accumulation and teat canal opening.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If gradual milking reduction is used to decrease milk production, then the risk of mastitis is reduced, but the dry-off period is prolonged and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverisk of mastitisVSAvoidduration of dry-off period

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by administering compounds (such as di-n-propyl disulfide, di-methyl disulfide, or other sulfides/sulfones) before the abrupt dry-off to pre-condition the mammary gland. These compounds are given 1-7 days prior to dry-off to reduce milk production gradually and prevent the harmful effects of sudden cessation, thereby resolving the contradiction between quick productivity improvement and reliability maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies dynamics by using compounds that can be administered in varying doses and at different time points before dry-off. The treatment protocol can be adjusted dynamically based on the cow's milk production level, allowing optimization of both the speed of dry-off and the reduction of mastitis risk, thus balancing productivity and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If antibiotics are administered to prevent intramammary infections, then reliability is improved, but harmful factors increase due to antibiotic resistance and residual effects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection against intramammary infectionsVSAvoidantibiotic resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses chemical compounds (sulfides, sulfones, disulfides) as intermediaries between the abrupt dry-off process and the mammary gland. These intermediary substances mediate the transition by binding to prolactin or interfering with milk synthesis pathways, allowing the abrupt dry-off to occur without the harmful side effects of uncontrolled milk accumulation and teat canal opening.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs short-acting chemical compounds (such as di-n-propyl disulfide, di-methyl disulfide) that are metabolized and eliminated quickly from the system. These disposable-like treatments provide temporary protection during the critical dry-off period without creating long-term resistance issues, replacing the need for persistent antibiotic use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentUS20260083687A1Compounds for reducing lactation and improving health

Publication Date: 2026.03.26 AHV INT BV

AI summary

Preferred compounds include di-n-propyl disulfide, di-methyl disulfide, di-ethyl disulfide, di-isopropyl disulfide, di-n-butyl-disulfide, di-benzyl disulfide, di-ethyl sulfide, di-n-propyl sulfide, di-isopropyl sulfide, di-n-butyl sulfide, di-phenyl sulfide, di-benzyl sulfide, di-n-propyl trisulfide, di-n-propyl sulfone, di-benzyl thiosulfinate, di-benzyl thiosulfonate, di-isopropyl thiosulfonate, di-n-propyl thiosulfonate (PTSO), and di-n-propyl thiosulfinate (PTS).