WO2006117019A1

WO2006117019A1 - Preparation and procedure for the treatment of udders

Info

Publication number: WO2006117019A1
Application number: PCT/EP2005/012626
Authority: WO
Inventors: Josef Schulze Mengering; Beate Maassen-Francke; Ralf Wiemann
Original assignee: Westfaliasurge Gmbh
Priority date: 2005-04-29
Filing date: 2005-11-25
Publication date: 2006-11-09
Also published as: DE102005020457A1

Abstract

Preparation and procedure of non-pathogenic sporulating bacteria for the treatment of the udder and/or teat of a lactating mammal.

Description

Preparation and procedure for the treatment of udders

The present invention relates to preparations for the treatment of the udder of a lactating mammal, suitable for reducing the number of pathogenic germs on the udder, on the teat and within the teat canal. Preferably, the preparation for treatment of an udder serves to prevent udder infections, more preferably is suitable for the treatment of an udder to support the treatment of infections of the udder and/or teat.

The present invention can be used for the treatment of various animals, as e.g,. for the treatment of sheep, goats, buffalo, camels, dromedary, yaks, horses, donkeys and other lactating animals.

The invention can be used in conjunction with milking stalls with conventional milking systems, with mechanical milking systems and with semi-automated milking systems. It can also be used in connection with systems, where a semi-automated, fully automated or robotic system is used to prepare and/or to clean of the teats of the animals. It can also be used in systems with a semi-automated or full automated attaching device of the milking cups to the teats of the animals.

At present, milky mammals, e.g. cattle, sheep and goats are nowadays milked by automatic milking techniques. However, the long-term breeding successes tuning the animals to a high milk productivity has led to a high susceptibility for infections of mammary glands, udder and teat. This susceptibility for infections is even raised by the strain put on the teats during milking as well as by environmental factors like wind, rain and sun continuously affecting the teats.

As a result of the continuous strain on the teats the animals often suffer from infections of the udder, described in literature as subclinical or clinical mastitis. Depending on the level of infection of diseased udder sections, a slight up to a drastic increase of somatic cells within the milk is observed. The increase of somatic cells within the milk over the level of a healthy udder (200,000 cells per mL) is undesirable as the quality of the milk is limited for further processing steps, and, in the extreme, the milk undrinkable. A drastic increase of somatic cells within the milk is often accompanied by fever (clinical mastitis), which may even result in the loss of the animal.

A cause for such infections is the immigration of germs pathogenic to the udder like Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus uberis, Streptococcus dysagalactiae, Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus aureus or Enterococcus hirae.

The risk for an infection of the udder is greatest immediately after the milking procedure. During this time, the teat canal is open and accessible, allowing environmental germs to immigrate into the teat canal and cause infections.

State of the art

It is known to reduce the risk for an infection of the udder by treating the teats of milked animals after each milking procedure by applying udder dip preparations or solutions. The treatment is done by dipping or spraying of the teats with a disinfection solution. The disinfection solution reduces the number of germs present on the teat skin within 10 minutes, resulting in a reduction of the risk of an infection via access through the teat canal.

A preparation for the treatment of udders and for the disinfection of dairy cattle, which is used as an aqueous emulsion having increased viscosity, is known to contain 800 to 10.000 ppm iodine in the form of a disinfection iodine complex as the active agent. The disinfection iodine complexes are described as polyglycolether or polyvinylpyrrolidone adducts of iodine.

From WO-A-94/23581, disinfection agents for teats are known, which have a number of advantages: They contain a film-forming compound, namely polyvinylalcohol, a polymeric thickener as well as an antimicrobial non-ionic iodine complex. As the non-ionic iodine complex, adducts of iodine to polyethyleneglycol, polypropyleneglycol or their copolymers are mentioned. A disadvantage of these known preparations for the treatment of teats is that the active substances can be transferred into the milk, especially when they are applied before the milking procedure. EP-A-I 312 371 proposes to use bacteria of the genus Brachybacterium as an antimicrobial agent. Depending on weather conditions, these bacteria have a limited effect as they are viable on the surface of teats only to a limited extent. Especially under very dry, very hot or very cold environmental conditions, bacteria of the genus Brachybacterium quickly die, necessitating a renewed application of the dip preparation for the udder containing these bacteria.

Problem of the invention

The present invention seeks to overcome the disadvantages of preparations and procedures for the treatment of udders and/or teats of lactating mammals, especially of dairy cattle, present in the state of art preparations.

Further, the present invention seeks to provide a preparation suitable for the treatment of infections of the udder, teat and/or mammary glands of lactating mammals, which is characterized by a high stability, i.e. long resident time on the udder, teat and/or mammary gland, so that it preferably needs to be applied at most once a day, more preferably at most every two days arid most preferably at most only once a week or at even longer intervals.

A further problem to the invention is to provide a process for reducing, preferably inhibiting or preventing the growth of pathogenic bacteria on lactating mammals, which in comparison to known processes is preferably less complex and requires less expenditure, while concurrently having no or at least only little impact on the quality of milk.

General description of the invention

The present invention solves the above-mentioned problems by providing a preparation for the treatment of the udder and/or teat of a lactating mammal, which preparation contains nonpathogenic, sporulating bacteria.

The present invention solves the above-mentioned problems also by providing a procedure for applying a preparation for the treatment of the udder and/or teat of a lactating mammal, which preparation contains at least partly non-pathogenic, sporulating bacteria. The preparation may be an aqueous suspension of the non-pathogenic sporulating bacteria, an oil-in-water emulsion or a water-in-oil emulsion, containing a skin care agent. In addition, the preparation may contain thickening agents like PEG, PPG, polyvinylpyrrolidone and further agents known from cosmetics, as well as emulgators, colorants, detergents and/or antimicrobial agents like iodine complexes.

Within the terms of the present invention, pathogenicity of a bacterium is its property to be able to cause disease symptoms in a lactating mammal, especially in dairy cattle. Accordingly, a non-pathogenic bacterium within the terms of the present invention is a bacterium which does not cause disease symptoms in a lactating mammal, preferably in dairy cattle.

Within the terms of the present invention, sporulating bacteria are defined as bacteria which are capable of transformation from their vegetative form into a non- vegetative dormant form, resistant to have environmental conditions like heat, cold and dryness. This non-vegetative stage, also termed spore, can germinate to the vegetative bacteria, able to replicate. It is preferred that the preparation suitable for use on the udder and/or teat of a lactating mammal comprises at least 1 x 10⁶, preferably at least 1 x 10⁷, preferred at least 10 x 10⁸, more preferred at least 1 x 10⁹, most preferably, at least 1 x 10¹⁰ non-pathogenic sporulating bacteria and/or spores of these bacteria per g or per mL of the preparation. Therein, the preparation should comprise the number of bacteria as a sum of bacterial cells and non- vegetative spores. According to a specific embodiment of the preparation according to the invention, the preparation is based on at least 25%, preferably at least 50%, more preferably at least 75% of bacteria in the state of spores, most preferably essentially of spores only, in relation to the sum of vegetative and non-vegetative bacteria.

It is assumed by the inventors that the use of bacteria comprised in the preparations for the treatment of and udder and/or teat of a lactating mammal according to the invention is suitable to cause a long term reduction in the number of pathogenic bacteria because the competition for nutrients on the area treated with the preparation is tipped in favour of the non-pathogenic bacteria contained in the udder treatment composition according to the invention. Accordingly, the bacteria used in the practice of the invention are assumed to consume putative nutrients for pathogenic bacteria, minimizing, preferably eliminating, nutrients available to pathogenic germs. Further, the bacteria contained in the udder treatment preparation according to the invention are assumed to alter the micro-environment on the udder section treated, which preferably are then unfavourable, e.g. unsuitable for pathogenic bacteria.

However, an immediate microbicidal activity the bacteria used in the practice of the invention is currently deemed not to be present.

Detailed description of the invention

Non-pathogenic sporulating bacteria to be comprised in the preparation according to the invention can be selected from the group comprising Bacillus and Clostridium strains, especially from the following bacterial strains:

Bacillus acidocaldarius, Bacillus acidoterrestris, Bacillus acidovorans, Bacillus aeolius, Bacillus agar-exedens, Bacillus agar adhaer ens, Bacillus agarexedens, Bacillus agrestis, Bacillus agri, Bacillus alcalophilus, Bacillus alcalophilus subsp. Halodurans, Bacillus alginolyticus, Bacillus alpinus, Bacillus alvei, Bacillus aminovorans, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus amylolyticus, Bacillus aneurinilyticus, Bacillus apiarius, Bacillus aquimaris, Bacillus arenosi, Bacillus arseniciselenatis, Bacillus arvi, Bacillus atrophaeus, Bacillus azotofixans, Bacillus azotoformans, Bacillus badius, Bacillus barbaricus, Bacillus bataviensis, Bacillus bellus, Bacillus benzoevorans, Bacillus betainovorans, Bacillus borstelensis, Bacillus brevis, Bacillus butyricus, Bacillus caldolyticus, Bacillus caldotenax, Bacillus caldovelox, Bacillus caldoxylolyticus, Bacillus calidolactis, Bacillus capri, Bacillus carotarum, Bacillus centrosporus, Bacillus cereus, Bacillus cereus var. mycoides. Bacillus cereus var. thuringiensis. Bacillus chitinolyticus, Bacillus chondroitinus, Bacillus choshinensis, Bacillus cibi, Bacillus circulans, Bacillus clarkii, Bacillus clausii, Bacillus coagulans, Bacillus cobayae, Bacillus cohnii, Bacillus constellatus, Bacillus curdlanolyticus, Bacillus cycloheptanicus, Bacillus decolor ationis, Bacillus dextrolacticus, Bacillus dipsosauri, Bacillus drentensis, Bacillus ehimensis, Bacillus endophyticus, Bacillus epiphytus, Bacillus farraginis, Bacillus fastidiosus, Bacillus filicolonicus, Bacillus finitimus, Bacillus firmus, Bacillus flavidus, Bacillus flavothermus, Bacillus flexus, Bacillus fordii, Bacillus formosus, Bacillus fortis, Bacillus funiculus, Bacillus fusiformis, Bacillus galactosidilyticus, Bacillus gelatini, Bacillus gibsonii, Bacillus globigii, Bacillus globisporus, Bacillus globisporus subsp. Marinus, Bacillus glucanolyticus, Bacillus gordonae, Bacillus halmapalus, Bacillus haloalkaliphilus, Bacillus halodenitrificans, Bacillus halodurans, Bacillus halophilus, Bacillus hollandicus, Bacillus horikoshii, Bacillus horti, Bacillus humi, Bacillus hwajinpoensis, Bacillus indicus, Bacillus infernos, Bacillus insolitus, Bacillus kaustophilus, Bacillus kobensis, Bacillus lactis niger 2., Bacillus laevolacticus, Bacillus larvae, Bacillus laterosporus, Bacillus lautus, Bacillus lentimorbus, Bacillus lentus, Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus limnophilus, Bacillus loehnisii, Bacillus longisporus, Bacillus longissimus, Bacillus macerans, Bacillus macquariensis, Bacillus macyae, Bacillus marinus, Bacillus marisβavi, Bacillus marismortui, Bacillus maroccanus, Bacillus medusa, Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus megaterium var phosphaticum, Bacillus megaterium/cereus, Bacillus mesentericus, Bacillus migulanus, Bacillus mojavensis, Bacillus muralis, Bacillus musculi, Bacillus mycoides, Bacillus mycoides roseus II, Bacillus naganoensis, Bacillus natto, Bacillus nealsonii, Bacillus neidei, Bacillus niacini, Bacillus nigrificans, Bacillus nitritollens, Bacillus novalis, Bacillus okuhidensis, Bacillus oleronius, Bacillus pabuli, Bacillus pallidus, Bacillus palustris var. gelaticus, Bacillus pantothenticus, Bacillus para-alvei, Bacillus par abrevis, Bacillus pasteurii, Bacillus patagoniensis, Bacillus peoriae, Bacillus polymyxa, Bacillus pseudalcaliphilus, Bacillus pseudofirmus, Bacillus pseudogordonae, Bacillus pseudomycoides, Bacillus psychrodurans, Bacillus psychrophilus, Bacillus psychrosaccharolyticus, Bacillus psychrotolerans, Bacillus pulvifaciens, Bacillus pumilus, Bacillus pycnoticus, Bacillus pycnus, Bacillus racemilacticus, Bacillus reuszeri, Bacillus salexigens, Bacillus saliphilus, Bacillus schlegelii, Bacillus selenitireducens, Bacillus silvestris, Bacillus similibadius, Bacillus simplex, Bacillus siralis, Bacillus smithii, Bacillus soli, Bacillus sonorensis, Bacillus sp., Bacillus sphaericus, Bacillus sphaericus subsp. Fusiformis, Bacillus sporothermodurans, Bacillus stearothermophilus, Bacillus stearothermophilus var. calidolactis, Bacillus subterraneus, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus subtilis var. aterrimus, Bacillus subtilis var. niger, Bacillus subtilis subsp. Niger, Bacillus subtilis subsp. Spizizenii, Bacillus subtilis subsp. Subtilis, Bacillus teres, Bacillus terminalis, Bacillus thermantarcticus, Bacillus thermoacidurans, Bacillus thermoaegiptius, Bacillus thermoaerophilus, Bacillus thermoalcalophilus, Bacillus thermoamylovorans, Bacillus thermocatenulatus, Bacillus thermocloacae, Bacillus thermodenitrificans, Bacillus thermoglucosidasius , Bacillus thermoglucosidius, Bacillus thermoleovorans, Bacillus thermoruber, Bacillus thermosphaericus, Bacillus thermoterrestis, Bacillus thiaminolyticus, Bacillus thuringiensis, Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. aizawai., Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. alesti, Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. canadensis, Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. colmeri, Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. dakota, Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. darmstadiensis, Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. dendrolimus, Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. entomocidus, Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. finitimus, Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. galleriae, Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. indiana, Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis, Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kenyae, Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kumamotoensis, Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki, Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kyushuensis, Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. morrisoni, Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. nigeriae, Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. ostriniae, Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. pakistani, Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. pondicheriensis, Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. shandongiensis, Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. sotto, Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. subtoxicus, Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. thuringiensis, Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. tochigiensis, Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. tohokuensis, Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. tolworthi, Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. toumanoffi, Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. wuhanensis, Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. yunnanensis, Bacillus tusciae, Bacillus validus, Bacillus vallismortis, Bacillus vedderi, Bacillus vesiculiferous, Bacillus vireti, Bacillus viscosus, Bacillus vulcani, Bacillus weihenstephanensis, Bacillus xerothermodurans, Clostridium absonum, Clostridium aceticum, Clostridium acetireducens, Clostridium acetobutylicum, Clostridium acetonigenum, Clostridium acidisoli, Clostridium acidurici, Clostridium aerotolerans, Clostridium akagii, Clostridium aldrichii, Clostridium algidicarnis, Clostridium algidixylanolyticum, Clostridium aminobutyricum, Clostridium aminophilum, Clostridium aminovalericum, Clostridium amygdalinum, Clostridium aurantibutyricum, Clostridium autoethanogenum, Clostridium baratii, Clostridium barkeri, Clostridium bartlettii, Clostridium beijerinckii, Clostridium bifermentans, Clostridium bolteae, Clostridium bowmanii, Clostridium bryantii, Clostridium butylicum, Clostridium butyricum, Clostridium cadaveris, Clostridium caliptrosporum, Clostridium caminithermale, Clostridium caproicum, Clostridium carnis, Clostridium celatum, Clostridium celerecrescens, Clostridium cellobioparum, Clostridium cellulolyticum, Clostridium cellulovorans, Clostridium chartatabidum, Clostridium chauvoei, Clostridium clostridioforme, Clostridium coccoides, Clostridium cochlearium, Clostridium cocleatum, Clostridium colicanis, Clostridium colinum, Clostridium collagenovorans, Clostridium corinoforum, Clostridium cylindrosporum, Clostridium difficile, Clostridium diolis, Clostridium disporicum, Clostridium durum, Clostridium estertheticum subsp. estertheticum, Clostridium estertheticum subsp. laramiense, Clostridium fallax, Clostridium favososporum, Clostridium felsineum, Clostridium fervidus, Clostridium filamentosum, Clostridium fimetarium, Clostridium flavum. Clostridium formicaceticum, Clostridium frigidicarnis, Clostridium frigoris, Clostridium gasigenes, Clostridium ghoni, Clostridium ghonii, Clostridium glycolicum, Clostridium grantii, Clostridium haemolyticum, Clostridium halophilum, Clostridium hastiforme, Clostridium hathewayi, Clostridium herbivorans, Clostridium hiranonis, Clostridium histolyticum, Clostridium homopropionicum, Clostridium hungatei, Clostridium hydroxybenzoicum, Clostridium hylemonae, Clostridium indolis, Clostridium innocuum, Clostridium intestinale, Clostridium irregulare, Clostridium isatidis, Clostridium jejuense, Clostridium kainantoi, Clostridium kluyveri, Clostridium lactatifermentans, Clostridium lactifermentum, Clostridium lacusfryxellense, Clostridium laniganii, Clostridium Laramie, Clostridium laramiense, Clostridium lentocellum, Clostridium lentoputrescens, Clostridium leptum, Clostridium limosum, Clostridium litorale, Clostridium lituseburense, Clostridium ljungdahlii, Clostridium lortetii, Clostridium magnum, Clostridium malenominatum, Clostridium mangenotii, Clostridium mayombei, Clostridium methoxybenzovorans, Clostridium methylpentosum, Clostridium neopropionicum, Clostridium nexile, Clostridium nigrificans, Clostridium novyi, Clostridium oceanicum, Clostridium oncolyticum, Clostridium orbiscindens, Clostridium oroticum, Clostridium oxalicum, Clostridium papyrosolvens, Clostridium paradoxum, Clostridium paraperfringens, Clostridium paraputrificum, Clostridium pascui, Clostridium pasteurianum, Clostridium pectinolyticum, Clostridium peptidivorans, Clostridium perenne, Clostridium perfringens, Clostridium pfennigii, Clostridium plagarum, Clostridium polysaccharolyticum, Clostridium populeti, Clostridium propionicum, Clostridium proteoclasticum, Clostridium proteolyticum, Clostridium psychrophilum, Clostridium puniceum, Clostridium purinilyticum, Clostridium putrefaciens, Clostridium putriβcum, Clostridium quercicolum, Clostridium quinii, Clostridium ramosum, Clostridium rectum, Clostridium roseum, Clostridium rubrum, Clostridium saccharo-butyl-acetonicum-liquefaciens, Clostridium saccharobutylicum, Clostridium saccharolyticum, Clostridium saccharoperbutylacetonicum, Clostridium sardiniense, Clostridium sartagoforme, Clostridium scatologenes, Clostridium scindens, Clostridium septicum, Clostridium sordellii, Clostridium sp., Clostridium sphenoides, Clostridium spiroforme, Clostridium sporogenes, Clostridium sporosphaeroides, Clostridium stercorarium subsp. Leptospartum, Clostridium stercorarium subsp. Stercorarium, Clostridium stercorarium subsp. Thermolacticum, Clostridium sticklandii, Clostridium straminisolvens, Clostridium subterminale, Clostridium symbiosum , Clostridium termitidis, Clostridium tertium, Clostridium tetani, Clostridium tetanomorphum, Clostridium thermaceticum, Clostridium thermautotrophicum, Clostridium thermoalcaliphilum, Clostridium thermoamylolyticum, Clostridium thermobutyricum, Clostridium thermocellum, Clostridium thermohydrosulfuricum, Clostridium thermolacticum, Clostridium thermopalmarium, Clostridium thermosaccharolyticum, Clostridium thermosuccinogenes, Clostridium thermosulfurigenes, Clostridium thiosulfatireducens, Clostridium tunisiense, Clostridium tyrobutyricum, Clostridium uliginosum, Clostridium ultunense, Clostridium uzonii, Clostridium villosum, Clostridium vincentii, Clostridium viride, Clostridium welchii, Clostridium xylanolyticum und Clostridium xylanovorans.

Among these bacterial strains, especially preferred are bacteria selected from the group comprising Bacillus amyloliquefans, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus pumilus and Bacillus megaterium.

Generally, one bacterial strain can be used for the preparation, preferably 2 to 10 strains, more preferably 4 to 6 strains. It is especially preferred to use a mixture of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, e.g. Bacillus and Clostridium strains in combination, but it is also possible to use aerobic bacteria only, e.g. only Bacillus.

Further, it is especially preferred that the non-pathogenic sporulating bacteria are selected such that they do not secrete microbicidal compounds that impair or inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria. Exemplary secreted compounds that would inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria are e.g. bacterial antibiotics.

On the basis of the observation that following the application of non-pathogenic, sporulating bacteria on udders and/or teats of dairy mammals the number of pathogenic germs is reduced, even in the absence of microbicidal compounds, the preparation according to the invention can be essentially free from antibiotic compounds. Therefore, a specific advantage of the preparation according to the invention is present in the absence of antibiotic compounds, e.g. classical antibiotics, which in the long term usually result in the generation of a resistance by pathogens. Accordingly, it is assumed that the development of a resistance against the effects of the preparation according to the invention is very unlikely.

Among the non-pathogenic sporulating bacteria, species are preferred which in milk replicate only at a very limited rate, e.g. which are essentially not replicating, preferably even non- viable in milk. This property of being essentially not replicating in milk can e.g. be determined by a essentially no increase in titer in milk after inoculation. For example, essentially no replication in milk can be determined by inoculating pasteurized milk with 1 x 10⁴ bacteria per mL milk and incubation at 37 ⁰C, resulting in less than 1 x 10⁶, preferably less than 1 x 10⁵ and most preferred less than 5 x 10⁴ bacteria per mL of milk after incubation at 20 °C without agitation or aeration. Further, the properties of being essentially non- replicating in milk can be defined as no increase in titer of inoculated pasteurized milk under cooling conditions of 5 to 10 °C, preferably at 5 °C, inside a storage tank using a common agitation, e.g. stirring at a rate of 10 rpm without aeration.

As additional compounds of the inventive preparation, skin care agents can be contained, which are for example known from udder dip preparations. Especially preferred are skin care agents, selected from the group comprising glycerol, propylenglycol, 18-β-glycyrrhetinic acid from the extract of .

The skin care agents are preferably contained in an amount of 0.1 to 25% by weight, especially preferred in an amount in the range of 0.5 to 28% by weight and most preferred in an amount in the range of 1 to 10% by weight, based on the total weight of the preparation. When the preparation according to the invention primarily comprises spores of the nonpathogenic sporulating bacteria, the proportion of skin care agent in the preparation can amount up to 99.9% by weight, preferably up to 90% by weight, more preferred up to 75% and most preferred up to 50% by weight.

Further, the preparation according to the invention can comprise a carrier agent, especially in the case when the preparation is primarily based on the vegetative form of bacteria. As carrier agents, nutrient media for bacteria can be used, e.g. nutrient media like nutrient broth, meat extract, sugar-based media like fructose infusion, serum infusion, ascites infusion, brain heart infusion and/or highly viscous nutrient media like gelatine. In respect of the precise composition of the aforementioned nutrient media and further nutrients suitable as carrier agent, reference is made to the literature of the art, e.g. Maniatis, "A Laboratory Manual", Cold Spring Harbour Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbour, or "Leitfaden der medizinischen Mikrobiologie", Gustav Fischer Verlag, Stuttgart, as well as to EP-A-I 312 371, which references form part of the present disclosure in respect of the composition of nutrient media. However, one embodiment of the present invention, especially when the preparation predominantly contains spores instead of vegetative pathogenic sporulating bacteria, the preparation does not contain nutrients, at most minimal media components, preferably without a carbon source and without complex nutrients.

The preparation according to the invention preferably has a Brookfield viscosity (DIN 53019) of at least 1.1 mPaxs at a temperature of 25 ⁰C, preferably of at least 10 mPaxs, more preferably at least 100 mPa^χs and most preferred at least 1000 mPa^χs.

A further contribution of the invention to solve the above-mentioned problems is provided by the use of non-pathogenic sporulating bacteria for the production of a preparation suitable for preventing, preferably for treating infectious diseases of the udder and/or teat of a lactating mammal, at least suitable for reducing the number of pathogenic germs on or within the udder and/or teat of a lactating mammal.

Further, the present invention provides a process preventing udder and/or teat infections by external application of a preparation comprising non-pathogenic bacteria to the udder and/or teat.

As a further application of the use of bacteria and the preparation containing such bacteria, the treatment of infections of the claws of dairy animals, especially of dairy cattle, is provided. Further, the reduction of pathogenic germs within the immediate environment of dairy animals is provided by treating machinery and milking equipment as well as stables for dairy animals with a preparation according to the present invention.

For the purpose of reducing the number of pathogenic germs on equipment, stalls and stables, the non-pathogenic sporulating bacteria are preferably used in an aqueous preparation, e.g. suspended in water.

The application of the non-pathogenic sporulating bacteria according to the invention, especially of the preparation containing these bacteria, can be performed by spraying, dipping or otherwise coating of the teat and/or udder of the mammal, of machinery and milking equipment or apparatus as well as of surfaces of a stable, respectively. However, is also possible to apply the bacteria, when they are at least partly present in the form of spores, as a dry composition to the mammal. As a dry preparation, for example freeze-dried minimal medium containing the bacteria can be used as a dust or powder, as described in EP-A-I 312 371. The solid powder can then be brought in the contact with the lactating mammal, e.g. in admixture with formulating agents like starch, magnesia etc, or in admixture with oil-based compositions, e.g. suspended in paraffin oil or other pharmaceutically acceptable carrier substances or formulating agents.

As lactating mammals, dairy cattle, buffalo, goats, sheep, horses and camels are preferred. According to a specific embodiment of the process according to the present invention, the lactating mammal, especially its teats, the udder and/or its claws, especially preferred dairy cattle are also contacted with a disinfection agent. The contacting of the udder and/or teat with a disinfection agent can be performed before or after applying the non-pathogenic sporulating bacteria containing preparation. A reason for the efficacy of the preparation according to the present invention lies in fact that at least part, preferably the majority of bacteria present employed in the practice of the invention are present in the form of spores, offering a higher resistance to disinfection agents than the vegetative state of e.g. pathogenic germs.

Suitable disinfection agents can be selected from known disinfection agents, commonly used for disinfecting the teats of dairy cattle or other body parts of lactating mammals, e.g. the udder and hooves. Preferred disinfection agents can be selected from the group consisting of alcohols, aldehydes, antimicrobial acids, carbonic acid esters, acid amides, phenols, phenol derivatives, diphenols, diphenyl alkanes, derivatives of urea, oxygen producing compounds, nitrogen acetates like nitrogen formal, benzamidines, isothiazolines, phthalimid derivatives, pyridine derivatives, guanidines, chlorohexidines, alkyl amines, alkyl diamines, alkyl triamines, antimicrobial amphotheric compounds, chinolines,l,2-dibromo-2,4-dicyano butane, iodine-2-propynylbutylcarbamate, iodine, iodophors, chlorodioxide, alkaline hypochlorides, peroxides and peracids.

The disinfection agent is preferably selected from the group comprising polyvinylpyrrolidone -iodine, chlorohexidine, derivatives of chlorohexidine, mixtures of lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide and mixtures thereof. According to one embodiment of the process according to the invention, the lactating mammal, preferably the teat of dairy cattle, is first contacted with the disinfection agent and subsequently infected with the non-pathogenic sporulating bacteria and/or its spores. According to an alternative embodiment of the process according to the invention, the lactating mammal, preferably the teat of dairy cattle, is first contacted with the non-pathogenic sporulating bacteria and/or their spores, and subsequently contacted with a disinfection agent.

In case, the non-pathogenic sporulating bacteria are predominantly used in form of spores, or the preparation according to the invention predominantly contains spores of non-pathogenic sporulating bacteria, a disinfection agent can concurrently be applied with or contained in the preparation according to the invention.

Application of non-pathogenic sporulating bacteria according to the invention can be done before or after milking the dairy animal, preferably after milking. For application, it is preferred to use an automatic dipping apparatus, like for example descriped in WO-A- 03/79772, describing a robotic milking apparatus.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention is its use for treating mastitis and/or Mortellaro. In this respect, it is especially preferred to use the preparation in a formulation suitable for application as the udder dip preparation.

Apparatus to be treated with a preparation according to the invention are for example, robot assisted milking apparatus, like described e.g. in the WO-A-03/79772. Such milking apparatus comprise at least to milking stands, arranged on a movable platform. Further apparatus are for example known from the WO-A-04/61436, which apparatus can be used for the determination of the health status of an animal. Further apparatus include especially teat cups, cleaning apparatus for udders and/or teats as well as pre- and post dipping apparatus.

For reduction, preferably for inhibition of the growth of pathogenic bacteria on the surfaces of apparatus used in dairy farming, these apparatus can first be disinfected by using a suitable disinfection agent and/or heat. For disinfection of surfaces, an apparatus as described in WO- A-04/34775 can be used. Subsequently, the surface can be contacted with a preparation comprising the non-pathogenic sporulating bacteria according to the invention. Alternatively, the non-pathogenic sporulating bacteria can be applied to the surfaces prior to applying a disinfection agent, following application of a disinfection agent, or concurrently with a disinfection agent. The simultaneous or posterior use of the non-pathogenic sporulating bacteria in combination with or within a short interval to a disinfection agent is feasible as at least the spore form of the non-pathogenic sporulating bacteria is more resistant to disinfection agents than pathogenic bacteria.

The present invention is now described by way of examples, which are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

Example 1 : Production of preparation containing non-pathogenic sporulating bacteria. In order to provide the non-pathogenic sporulating bacteria to be comprised in the preparation according to the invention, the following bacterial strains were separately cultivated in standard growth medium in a fermenter under aeration, harvested by centrifugation and resuspended in water: Bacillus amyloliquefans, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus pumilus and Bacillus megaterium. From each bacterial batch, equal amounts of cells were taken to provide a final titer of between 1 x 10⁶ and 1 x 10⁸ , especially about 1 x 10⁷ cells per mL of final preparation, of which between 50% and 75%, approximately two thirds, were vegetative cells. The final preparation further can contain an amount of e.g. 10% to 30% per volume glycerol and between 0,5% and 1,5% by weight sodium chloride in an aqueous mixture. Here it contained about 20% glycerol and 1% by weight sodium chloride. Further the preparation can contain some oil or paraffin and also some fat components.

Example 2: Treatment of dairy cattle.

In an advantageous embodiment the teats of cows were moistened by spraying after the end of milking. In a preferred embodiment the spraying is realized automatically after milk flow has stopped. This may be detected by a milk flow sensor that is placed in the milk line. The milk flow can be detected for each teat individually. Applying of the preparation containing nonpathogenic sporulating bacteria or of the dipping agent maybe realized within the teat cup. Therefore a valve is located in the short or long milk tube and this valve blocks any milk flow or any other liquid from passing through the milk line. After closing off the milk line the teat maybe sprayed with the preparation according to example 1 without any risk that this solution might enter the milk tank. For spraying there maybe some spraying nozzles inside or outside the teat cup. For example there may be some spraying nozzles arranged in the upper part of the teat cup near the opening, where the teat enters the teat cup. Spraying nozzles located there spray the liquid on the side of the teat. The liquid will subsequently moisten the whole teat and there will remain a drop a the lowest point, where usually the teat canal is located. Thus a reliable treatment of the teat can be accomplished.

In another embodiment the spraying canals or spraying nozzles are located below the teat in the teat cup and spray the liquid from below on the teat or on the side walls of the liner, so that the teat is also wetted.

In a further embodiment the spraying nozzles are located on the outside of the teat cup, e.g. on the outer side of the liner at the upper part of the teat cup. Then a spraying maybe realized directly before and/or directly after taking off the teat cups, so that the liquid is also sprayed on the side of the teat.

In other embodiments there maybe provided a separate dipping cup that is manually or automatically moved to the teats of the animal. In a preferred embodiment with a milking robot the robot arm is also used for treating of the teats.

In other embodiments there may also be realized a pre-dipping of the teats, if such a procedure complies with local laws.

Application of a preparation containing non-pathogenic sporulating bacteria can take place at each milking time. It may also be carried out in certain time intervals, e.g. each day or every second day or once every week.

In other preferred embodiments the teat is treated or dipped every second or third time with the preparation according to the present invention, while the other times a conventional dipping agent is used. This combines advantages of all dipping methods.

By applying the mixture according to the present invention irritations of the udder and the can be reduced teats were generally reduced when applying the preparation according to the invention regularly. With the present invention the amount of coliform bacteria and also of Staphylococci can be significantly reduced.

With the invention it is possible to get more milk while using less drugs. A preparation according to the present invention can also be applied in certain time intervals to dairy cattle using a foot bath. This can e.g. be accomplished by arranging the hoof bath in a passage way, when the cows enter or leave the milking station. By such measures a prevention and treatment of hoof infections can successfully be accomplished.

Further particulars and advantages of the invention will be elucidated on the basis of the exemplary embodiments described in connection with the drawings, without the subject- matter of the application being restricted to these concrete exemplary embodiments.

Shown in the Figures are:

Fig. 1 a first exemplary embodiment of a teat-cup liner for use with the invention, in a top view, Fig. 2 the teat-cup liner according to Fig. 1 in a section along section line A-A according to Fig. 1,

Fig. 3a on an enlarged scale, a detail X of the head region of the teat-cup liner, Fig. 3b on an enlarged scale, a further detail X of the head region of the teat-cup liner, Fig. 4 a second exemplary embodiment of a teat-cup liner for use with the invention, in a top view,

Fig. 5 a side view of the second exemplary embodiment of the teat-cup liner, Fig. 6 an exemplary embodiment of an attachment for use with the invention, in a side view,

Fig. 7 the attachment in a sectional view along section line A-A according to Figure 6, Fig. 8 the attachment in a top view, Fig. 9 a teat cup for use with the invention in a side view, Fig. 10 the teat cup in a side view, and Fig. 11 the teat cup in a perspective view.

In Figures 1 , 2 and 3 a first exemplary embodiment of a teat cup for use with the invention is represented in highly schematic manner. The teat-cup liner 1 of the teat cup 30 exhibits a head region 2. The housing 31 of the teat cup 30 is not illustrated here in Figures 1, 2 and 3, but is illustrated in Figure 11. The head region 2 of the teat-cup liner 1 is adjoined by a shaft region 3 which merges with an end region 4. The end region 4 is so configured that the latter is capable of being connected to the housing 31 of the teat cup 30.

The end region 4 is of open design in the downward direction, in order to transport away the milk acquired by milking. For the purpose of transporting the milk yield away, the end region 4 is fluidically connected to a milk hose in a milking facility. The end region 4 of the teat-cup liner is adjoined in the teat cup 30 by a valve 40 which here, in this exemplary embodiment, takes the form of a multi-way valve 50 or comprises such a valve. By means of the valve, the milk path is closed if non-pathogenic sporulating bacteria or any other dipping agent is being applied onto the teat, in order to prevent a contamination of the milk acquired by milking.

The head region 2 exhibits an aperture 5, through which a teat of an animal (not represented) is capable of being introduced into the teat cup or into the teat-cup liner. The aperture 5 is bounded by a lip 6. The lip 6 is flexible, so that it presses closely against the surface of a teat. The section of the head region 2 situated opposite the aperture 5 is of double-walled design with an annular groove 7 opening towards the end region 4. An upper end region of the housing 31 of the teat cup 30 projects into the annular groove 7.

In the exemplary embodiment that is represented, the teat cup comprises four different types of exit region 8, 8a, 8b and 8c. The three exit-region types 8a, 8b and 8c each serve for the application of fluid, in particular of disinfectant, dipping agent and/or grooming agent and/or non-pathogenic sporulating bacteria, onto the teat. By virtue of the exit region 8c, the teat cup or even the teat can be rinsed, in order to clean the teat prior to milking or to rinse the teat cup after milking. In other embodiments there maybe located only one exit region 8a or 8b or 8c.

In the exemplary embodiment that is represented, the head region 2 exhibits four exit regions 8 and four exit regions 8a. The exit regions 8 and 8a are each so designed that a fluid, in particular a preparation containing non-pathogenic sporulating bacteria, leaving the exit region 8 or 8a emerges, at least partially, orientated radially inwards. In Figure 2 the fluid emerging from the exit regions 8 is represented schematically by dashed lines 61, and the fluid emerging from the exit regions 8a is represented schematically by dashed lines 62.

The fluid emerges from the exit regions 8 substantially only in one plane; axial components of the direction of flow in the direction in which the teat cup extends are present only to a small degree. The teat in the teat cup is sprayed directly with the preparation. The preparation runs down the teat. By virtue of an appropriate number of exit regions 8 or exit apertures it is ensured that the teat as a whole is reliably wetted. With a view to assisting the distribution of the preparation, the pulsation can be turned on, in order to make the teat-cup liner exert a massaging action on the teat. In this connection a high frequency, such as is otherwise chosen at the start of milking in the course of stimulation, is preferably adjusted. The pulsation vacuum for distributing the dipping agent and/or preparation is likewise chosen to be lower than the pulse vacuum in the course of milking. The pulse vacuum is preferably chosen so that the teat-cup liner rests substantially in close contact with the teat for the entire time and does not lift away, or lifts away only slightly.

The exit regions 8a, on the other hand, are each so designed that a fluid leaving the exit regions 8a emerges not only directed inwards in the radial direction but also directed axially upwards in the direction of the udder. By means of the exit regions 8a, the preparation containing non-pathogenic sporulating bacteria is sprayed onto the teat which is arranged above the teat cup. The preparation will run down the outside of the teat and will collect on the upper side of the teat-cup liner if the teat is still in the teat cup. By virtue of the difference in pressure and by virtue of imperfectly sealed contiguity of the teat-cup liner with the teat, the preparation gets into the interior space and distributes itself on the teat. The distribution can be assisted by a movement of the teat-cup liner, as described in the previous paragraph.

But the preparation containing non-pathogenic sporulating bacteria can also be sprayed with the exit regions 8a precisely when the vacuum is turned off and the removal of the teat cup is being undertaken. Given choice of a suitable time, in the course of removal the teat is sprayed over its entire outer surface, particularly if the preparation is being sprayed at the same time from the interior exit regions 8.

In the example that is represented, the exit regions 8 and 8a are arranged equidistantly from one another, in each instance on an imaginary circumference of the head region. The exit regions 8 and 8a are preferably designed in the form of spray nozzles.

In contrary to the embodiment shown in Fig. 3b the outlet of the exit region 8 may also be directed downwards into the direction of the multi-way valve 50 or line 52 for good milk. When a cleaning is applied via the spraying nozzles of exit region 8 and the teat cup hang downwards after completing of the milking process than an effective cleaning of the whole teat cup can be accomplished by this arrangement of the nozzles of exit region 8.

With a view to supplying the fluid or preparation to the individual exit regions 8 and 8a, ducts 10 are formed in the head region 2. One duct 10 is assigned in each instance to each exit region 8 and 8a. The ducts 10 extend substantially in the axial direction of the head region 2 or of the teat-cup liner, as is evident from Figures 2, 3a and 3b. By virtue of the fact that the exit regions are connected to individual ducts, differing fluids can be supplied to individual or several exit regions 8 and 8a. This makes it possible to spray a preparation containing nonpathogenic sporulating bacteria from one exit region while spraying (before) a conventional dipping agent from another exit region. It is also possible to spray a first preparation before milking and a second preparation or a dipping agent after milking. Or to spray a first preparation in the morning and a second preparation in the evening.

It is especially preferred that a first preparation is used for sane teats or udders and maybe a different preparation is applied to infected udders.

The configuration of the teat-cup liner according to the invention, as represented in Figures 3 a and 3b, shows that the ducts are formed in the head region 2. The exit regions 8 with the associated ducts 10 may also be formed on a separate component which is inserted into the teat-cup liner 1 or into the teat cup 30.

The exit region 8b is provided on the multi-way valve 50, which here is represented only schematically in Fig. 2. Through the supply line 42 a preparation containing non-pathogenic sporulating bacteria or a dipping agent or a grooming agent or a disinfectant can be supplied to the interior space of the teat cup. The rays 63 show schematically how the fluid enters the teat cup. In addition to one or both exit regions 8 and 8a, the exit region 8b may be used in order to bring fluid into contact with a teat. In this connection the same preparation or dipping agent may be output from each of the exit regions 8, 8a and 8b.

Differing liquids or preparations and/or dipping agents may be brought into the interior of the teat cup from the various types of exit region, in order to take account of the differing positions in relation to the teat. In other implementations of the method, a preparation or a dipping agent is applied only from the exit regions 8 or 8a, whereas after applying the preparation and removal of the teat cup have taken place the teat cup is treated by a preparation or by a disinfectant being output from the exit region 8b into the interior space of the teat cup. Then rinsing water can then be conveyed into the teat cup through the exit region 8c.

But it is also possible that a disinfectant for disinfecting the teat cup is firstly conveyed (before attaching the teat cup to the teat) via the supply line 41 of the exit region 8c, and that rinsing water is subsequently conducted through the supply line 41.

There is the possibility of several ducts being connected to at least one supply duct.

In the teat cup, or in the adjoining hose, various sensors may be provided, the sensor signals of which are capable of being transmitted in wireless or wire-bound manner by means of a signal-transmission device 55.

In the current exemplary embodiment a flow sensor 43 is present which serves for determining the flow of milk. Depending on the accuracy of the result of measurement, the milking process as a whole can be controlled. A sensor of temperature and conductivity serves for registering the temperature of the milk and the conductance, in order to ascertain the conductivity of the milk therefrom. Both parameters can be used for an estimation of the health status. In order to avoid dry milking, a milk-flow sensor 43 is provided. A pressure sensor 47 serves for examining the vacuum, the signals of which can be used, for example, in order to detect a teat that has kinked in the milking cup.

A tilt sensor 46, such as is known in the state of the art, serves for monitoring the position of the teat cup 30. As from a certain inclination a warning signal is output, since the teat cup may have fallen off or been knocked off.

By means of a capacitive teat sensor 48 a check is made prior to the start of milking as to whether the teat is in the teat cup; otherwise a signal is output. Moreover, the teat sensor 48 is employed in order to check prior to application of the preparation containing non-pathogenic sporulating bacteria whether the teat is still in the teat cup. Prior to an operation for rinsing or disinfecting the teat cup, the presence of a teat is likewise firstly checked, whereby, however, in these cases a rinsing or an application of a disinfectant does not happen when a teat is present, since, in particular, the disinfectant for the teat cup may not be suitable for direct contact with the teat or has to be provided for this purpose.

In the course of milking, with the multi-way valve 50 the foremilk can be drained away into a line 51 for the foremilk, which leads to a sensor (not represented) for examining the foremilk, for flocks for example. The main milk is drained away into the line 52 for good milk, unless the control system brings about a separation of the milk yield into a line 53 for bad milk. This can happen on the basis of measured data, or alternatively if the animal is, for example, being treated medicinally and the milk has to be discarded. It is also possible that various lines for differing qualities of milk are present, in order to drain away milk of particularly high quality, or having a particularly high solids content, into a special tank.

When the milk path is closed by the valve 40 or 50, a drainage duct 54 can be opened which is in communication with the environment or with a special drain or with the line for bad milk. Residues of the preparation or of dipping agent that have run down in the course of dipping can then drain away unhindered through the drainage duct 54.

Figures 4 and 5 show a second exemplary embodiment of a teat-cup liner for the teat cup for use according to the invention. The teat-cup liner 11 exhibits a head region 12 which merges with a shaft region 13. It also exhibits an end region 5 which is not represented. The basic structure of the teat-cup liner 11 corresponds to the structure of the exemplary embodiment of a teat-cup liner represented in Figures 1, 2 and 3a and 3b.

As is evident from Figure 4 and Figure 5, the head region 12 exhibits four exit regions 14 which are each offset relative to one another by 90 degrees. The exit regions 14 are connected to ducts 15. In the exemplary embodiment that is represented, the ducts 15 are formed on the surface 16 of the head region 12. They may be attached onto the head region 12 by injection moulding. Moreover, interior exit regions 8 may also be provided, which enable a spraying of the teat in the head chamber.

In Figures 6, 7 and 8 an attachment for use with a teat-cup liner or with a teat cup is represented. The attachment 20 exhibits a body 21. The body 21 is of substantially tubular design. It exhibits an inner shell 22 which is capable of being brought into abutment with the surface of a teat cup. To this end, the attachment is pushed over an anterior end section of the teat cup or over the head region of a teat-cup liner. The inner shell 22 of the attachment 20 may exhibit means for positive or frictional connection to a teat-cup liner or to a teat cup. The means are preferably latching means. For the purpose of exchanging the attachment or a teat-cup liner from a teat cup, the connection between the attachment and the teat-cup liner, or between the attachment and the teat cup, is designed to be detachable.

In the region of a front face 24 the attachment 20 exhibits exit regions 25 which are so designed that a fluid, in particular a preparation containing non-pathogenic sporulating bacteria, leaving the exit region 25 emerges, at least partially, in the radial direction and partially in the direction of a longitudinal axis 26 and above the front face 24. The fluid emerging from the exit regions 25 is represented schematically in Figure 7 by the dashed line. The supply of the fluid to the exit regions 25 is effected via ducts 27 which extend substantially in the axial direction of the attachment. In the exemplary embodiment that is represented, the ducts 27 are formed on a wall 23 of the attachment. This is not strictly necessary. There is also the possibility of the ducts being integrated within the wall 23. The attachment 20 is preferably manufactured from an elastic material, in particular from an elastomeric plastic.

A teat cup 30 is represented in Figures 9 to 11. The teat cup 30 exhibits a housing 31. The housing 31 is of substantially cylindrical design. The teat cup furthermore exhibits a teat-cup liner 32 which exhibits a head region 33. The head region 33 is adjoined by a shaft region which projects into the housing 31. A valve 40 or a multi-way valve 50 is provided for the purpose of closing the milk path. The end region of the teat-cup liner communicates with a milk hose which is not represented.

In the exemplary embodiment that is represented, the head region 33 exhibits exit regions 34. The exit regions 34 are formed in such a way that a fluid, in particular a disinfectant or a dipping agent or a preparation containing non-pathogenic sporulating bacteria, leaving the exit region 34 emerges, at least partially, radially inwards and also in the direction of a longitudinal axis and above the head region 33.

The supply of a fluid is effected via ducts 35. The ducts 35 may be connected to hoses which are not represented, through which a fluid is transported from a fluid source to the exit regions. There is also the possibility of a hose being provided which exhibits several conduits. This hose exhibits, for example, a conduit which is capable of being connected to the end region of the teat-cup liner and which serves for transporting the milk. A further conduit may be connected to a pulse-vacuum adapter 36. A further conduit serves for supplying the exit regions with a fluid.

Alternatively, there is also the possibility of supply ducts being formed in the housing itself. Said supply ducts may, for example, be integrated within the wall of the housing.

By virtue of the invention there is the possibility of bringing a fluid into contact with the teat. If, for example, air by way of fluid is brought into contact with the teat during an attachment operation, a drying of the teat is obtained. Prior to milking, the teat of an animal is cleaned. The cleaning liquid remains adhering to the teat, as a result of which said liquid forms a sliding film. As a result of this, the teat cup may migrate upwards during the milking process and press against Fϋrstenberg's venous ring, as a result of which, inter alia, the readiness of the animal for milking may diminish. By virtue of the drying of the teat, the sliding film is eliminated.

In all configurations the exit regions 8a and 8b etc. may be connected to one another or may be separated from one another. Simultaneous or alternating operation is then possible.

Claims

1. Use of non-pathogenic sporulating bacteria for the treatment of the udder and/or teat of a lactating mammal.

2. Use according to claim 1, characterized in that the non-pathogenic sporulating bacteria are predominantly present in the form of spores.

3. Use according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the non-pathogenic sporulating bacteria and/or spores are used at the titer of at least 1 x 10⁶ per mL of applied preparation.

4. Use according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the non-pathogenic sporulating bacteria are selected among the geni Bacillus and Clostridium.

5. Use according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the non-pathogenic sporulating bacteria are selected from the group comprising Bacillus amyloliquefans, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus pumilus and Bacillus megaterium.

6. Use according to one of the preceding claims for the production of a preparation suitable for the prevention and/or treatment of infections of the udder and/or teat of a lactating mammal.

7. Preparation suitable for the prevention and treatment of infections the udder and/or teat of a lactating mammal, characterized by comprising at least one non-pathogenic sporulating bacterium.

8. Preparation according to claim 7, characterized in that the non-pathogenic sporulating bacteria are predominantly present in the form of spores.

9. Preparation according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the non-pathogenic sporulating bacteria and/or spores are used at the titer of at least 1 x 10⁶ per mL.

10. Preparation according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that that the nonpathogenic sporulating bacteria are selected among the geni Bacillus and Clostridium.

11. Preparation according to one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that that the nonpathogenic sporulating bacteria are selected from the group comprising Bacillus amyloliquefans, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus pumilus and Bacillus megaterium.

12. Preparation according to one of claims 7 to 11, characterized in comprising a skin care agent in an aqueous or oily composition.

13. Preparation according to one of claims 7 to 12, characterized in that the preparation further comprises a compound selected from skin moisturizing agents, disinfection agents, thickening agents, skin care agents, antioxidants, and preservatives.

14. Preparation according to one of claims 7 to 12, characterized in that the preparation is essentially in powder form, comprising formulating agents.

15. Process for reducing number of pathogenic germs, inhibiting the growth of infectious germs and/or preventing the growth of the infectious germs on surfaces, characterized by the use of a composition containing non-pathogenic sporulating bacteria.

16. Process according to claim 15, wherein the composition is automatically applied to at least one teat of at least one animal after milking.

17. Process according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the composition is applied from a teat cup.

18. Process according to claim 17, wherein the composition is applied to the head region of the teat cup.

19. Process according to claim 18, wherein the composition is applied from below within the teat cup.

0. Process according to one of claims 15 or 19, wherein the composition is automatically applied to at least one hoof of at least one animal.