Why We’re Re‑Evaluating Our Approach to Teat‑Sealing

Last teat‑sealing season in Otorohanga was, at times, eventful for all the wrong reasons. Our teams dealt with significant challenges including frequent contamination, multiple staff injuries, and two near‑serious animal incidents when heifers became tangled in meal bins.

By the end of the season, it was clear that our current approach needed reassessing. As part of that review, the conversation around light standing sedation of heifers during teat‑sealing returned firmly to the table.

Why Consider Standing Sedation for Teat‑Sealing?

1. Health and Safety

Teat‑sealing is one of the most hazardous routine jobs our teams undertake.

• Last season, the Otorohanga clinic recorded 16 health and safety incidents
• In contrast, the Putaruru clinic, which sedates most heifers, recorded just two incidents
• Since introducing sedation three years ago, Putaruru has seen a sustained reduction in staff injuries

Calmer, lightly sedated heifers are less reactive, which reduces the risk of:

• Kicks and crush injuries to staff
• Slips, falls, and near‑miss animal injuries

Improved safety benefits both people and animals.

2. Improved Hygiene

Hygiene is critical during teat‑sealing. Sedated heifers are:

• Less likely to urinate or defecate during the procedure
• Easier to work with efficiently and methodically

This results in:

• Less contamination
• Greater consistency in sealing quality
• A cleaner, faster process overall

3. Staff Morale and Retention

Teat‑sealing is physically demanding and often unpleasant work. Reducing:

• Kicking
• Stress
• Contamination

…has a direct impact on team morale. With recruitment and retention of skilled casual technicians becoming increasingly difficult, improving the day‑to‑day experience of this job matters.

What Are the Potential Barriers?

Risk of Abortion

The sedative proposed for use is Xylazine, which can increase uterine tone in cattle.

However:

• The dose proposed is very low, just enough to take the edge off
• The manufacturer has not investigated any cases of abortion related to teat‑sealing sedation
• At this dose rate, the risk appears very low

This approach aligns with current on‑farm animal welfare and safety practices.

Cost

Sedation will add approximately $2 per heifer.

Much of this cost is expected to be offset by:

• Improved efficiency
• Completing full rows instead of part rows
• Reduced time yarding
• Fewer interruptions managing unsettled animals

Overall, sedation has the potential to save time and reduce indirect costs.

Change Can Be Hard

“It ain’t broke, don’t fix it” is a familiar mindset — and until recently, that may have applied. But after a season involving multiple safety incidents, near‑serious animal injuries, and inconsistencies in job quality, it’s clear our current approach can be improved.

Not long ago, calves were rarely sedated for disbudding. Today, sedation is standard practice, and few would want to go back.

In Summary: A Practical Step Forward

Light standing sedation for heifer teat‑sealing has the potential to:

• Reduce stress for animals, farmers, and staff
• Improve health and safety outcomes
• Increase hygiene and job quality
• Improve staff morale and efficiency
• Do all of this with minimal additional cost or risk

This season, Vetora Waikato plans to trial sedation:

• On farms that presented challenges last season
• With clients keen to explore a calmer, safer approach

If you’d like to discuss whether this option is suitable for your farm, please talk with your Vetora vet.

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