Ensuring the health and vitality of newborn lambs is paramount for sheep farmers, and proper navel care plays a crucial role in preventing infections during lambing that can lead to severe health issues. Traditionally, iodine lambing solutions have been the go-to choice for navel disinfection, but recent innovations have introduced alternatives like NoBACZ Navel cleansing solution. This article explores the benefits and considerations of having both iodine and NoBACZ Navel solutions on your essential lambing checklist.
Iodine vs. NoBACZ Navel
Iodine has long been the standard for lambing navel disinfection due to its antiseptic properties, effectively reducing the risk of infections when applied promptly after birth. However, its application isn't without challenges. Iodine solutions for lambs can be harsh on both the user's and the lamb's skin, and their effectiveness can diminish if the solution is licked off by the ewe before it dries.
NoBACZ Navel cleansing solution is a newer solution designed to address some of these challenges during lambing season. This provides a coating for targeted areas which contains a unique patented bioresin, as well as metal salts which forms a waterproof barrier that protects against environmental pathogens. This barrier dries within two hours and includes a bitter-tasting additive to deter ewes from licking the treated area, ensuring the solution remains effective. In the largest navel protection study, trials have demonstrated that NoBACZ Navel can reduce lamb mortality by 21% versus iodine, equating to 17 more lambs surviving per 1,000 born.
Best iodine replacement for lambs
NoBACZ's formulation not only disinfects but also provides a protective coating that remains effective even in challenging environmental conditions. The inclusion of a bitter agent reduces the likelihood of ewe interference, a common issue with iodine applications. While the cost per dose of NoBACZ Navel is higher than iodine, the improved survival rates and weight gains in lambs can offset the initial investment.
"It provides greater desiccation (drying out) of the umbilicus than iodine or chlorhexidine (with or without spirit), and 360˚ protection by forming a non-colonizable waterproof barrier – protecting the lamb or calf from the environment. Uniquely, it also contains a bitter agent making it lick-resistant."
NoBACZ
Benefits of NoBACZ Navel cleansing solution
NoBACZ Navel offers several advantages over traditional iodine solutions:
- Enhanced Protection: Forms a waterproof barrier that shields the navel from environmental pathogens, reducing the risk of infections.
- Rapid drying: Dries the navel area far quicker than iodine, minimising the window of vulnerability to infections.
- Reduced maternal interference: Contains a bitter-tasting agent that deters ewes from licking the treated area, ensuring the solution remains effective.
- Improved lamb outcomes: Studies have shown a 21% reduction in lamb mortality and increased weight gain at eight weeks when using NoBACZ Navel compared to iodine.
- Operator-friendly: Less harsh on the skin of those applying the solution, reducing the risk of irritation and discomfort.
Benefits of iodine solution
Despite the emergence of alternatives, iodine solutions continue to offer benefits:
- Proven antiseptic properties: Effectively disinfects the navel area, reducing the risk of bacterial infections when applied correctly.
- Cost-effective: Generally more affordable per dose compared to newer alternatives, making it accessible for many farmers.
- Widespread availability: Traditionally easy to source, though recent shortages have affected supply in some regions.
In conclusion, while iodine solutions have been a staple in lambing healthcare, NoBACZ Navel presents a modern alternative that addresses some of the limitations associated with iodine. Farmers should consider factors such as cost, ease of application, and the specific needs of their flock when choosing the most appropriate navel care solution.