A new study has demonstrated the significant benefits of treating lambs’ navels with the revolutionary navel protection solution, NoBACZ Navel.
The largest-ever navel protection study in lambs was carried out by Fiona Lovatt BVSc PhD FHEA DSHP DipECSRHM FRCVS from Flock Health, past president of the Sheep Veterinary Society and RCVS and European-recognised specialist in sheep health and production.
In a randomised control trial that compared iodine with NoBACZ Navel during last year’s lambing season (2023-2024), NoBACZ Navel demonstrated superior protection compared to iodine, with a 21% reduction in mortality (p=0.005).
Moreover, lambs that had NoBACZ Navel applied to the umbilicus and tagging sites were on average 230g heavier than those in the iodine group at eight weeks.
The study was run in 11 UK flocks with 6,840 lambs. During the trial the odd numbered lambs were treated with strong iodine and the even numbered lambs were treated with NoBACZ Navel.
Current practices on the farm were observed, so if the farmer normally dipped the lambs’ umbilicus they dipped with iodine or NoBACZ Navel and if they normally sprayed the umbilicus then they sprayed with iodine or NoBACZ Navel – survival and weights were recorded.
NoBACZ Navel can be used on calves or lambs. It rapidly disinfects and dries the navel in as little as two hours and seals with a coloured, natural resin that forms a long-lasting waterproof barrier to protect against bacteria from the environment.
It can also be used on ears and ear tags. NoBACZ Navel is antibiotic free and consists of a natural polymer and essential metal ions. It can be applied by dipping or spraying and contains a bitter agent that deters cow or ewe interference.
Ms Lovatt said: “Until now, best practice to manage navel ill has been to apply strong iodine to the umbilicus and ear-tagging sites by dipping or spraying to desiccate the umbilicus and disinfect the surface.
“Prophylactic antibiotic use also still occurs on as many as 19% of farms, which is not best practice or good antimicrobial stewardship.
“NoBACZ Navel provides greater desiccation of the umbilicus than iodine and forms a non-colonisable waterproof barrier which protects lambs from the environment.”
Ms Lovatt continued: “The economic and welfare benefits to farmers are clear, with 17 more lambs alive per 1,000 born and an average of 230g extra bodyweight per lamb at eight weeks, which more than justifies the 16p per dose investment in NoBACZ Navel.
“During the trial, I also received fantastic feedback from farmers on its ease of use and long-lasting protection to these vulnerable sites.”
