A study carried out by Fiona Lovatt FRCVS, an RCVS and European-recognised specialist in sheep health and production and past president of the Sheep Veterinary Society has demonstrated the benefits of treating lambs’ navels with navel protection solution, NoBACZ Navel.

The randomised controlled trial¹ was conducted in 11 flocks with 6840 lambs during last year's lambing season (2023-2024), making it the largest ever navel protection study in the UK. 

For the trial, odd numbered lambs were treated with strong iodine and 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.

The study concluded that NoBACZ Navel demonstrated superior protection compared to iodine, with a 21% reduction in mortality (p=0.005).

On top of that, 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.

Fiona 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 farms², 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.

“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.”

www.nobacz.com

References

1. Lovatt, F. (2024). A randomised controlled trial to compare the use of a novel product (NoBACZ Navel) with strong iodine to protect navel and ear tag sites of neonatal lambs (with some additional data on neonatal calves). British Cattle Veterinary Association Congress. October 17- 19, The Celtic Manor Resort, Newport, Wales.
2. Duncan, J & Jackson, L. (2024). Epidemiology, Sources and Routes of Transmission of Streptococcus dysgalactiae bacteria (SDSD) Joint Ill Bacteria. Sheep Veterinary Society Autumn Conference. September 23 – 25 2024, Linden Hall Hotel, Northumberland, England.

PS: Whilst you're here, take a moment to see our latest job opportunities for vets.