MXPA00012755A - Hydrophilic polymer blends used to prevent cow skin infections - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention discloses a mammalian teat dip for controlling mastitis, a method for preparing the composition and a method of treatment of mammals. The composition contains a film-forming polymer blend and at least one antimicrobial. The polymer blend contains a solvent-soluble, thermoplastic polyurethane and a hydrophilic poly(N-vinyl lactam). Upon application to mammalian skin, this composition leaves a long-lasting, water-resistant, residual, elastic film which treats and protects mammalian skin from infection.

Description

POLYMERIC PHYSICAL MIXTURES HYDROFILES USED TO PREVENT INFECTIONS IN THE SKIN OF COWS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The effective management and maintenance of numerous dairy cattle and the production of dairy products have been a major agricultural achievement. One of the problems in keeping large livestock is the health of individual animals. A health problem in individual animals of dairy cattle that causes considerable economic problems is mastitis. Often during milking, the skin of the dairy animal is irritated by automatic sorting machines. This irritation, characterized by redness and occasionally broken skin areas, can be a microbial attack site that causes mastitis. Animals that contract mastitis must be removed from service, resulting in loss in milk production. As a result, much attention has been focused on preventing the development of mastitis or treating mastitis in dairy cattle. Dairy farmers face two different types of mastitis infections. Contagious mastitis is spread during the milking process by contact between the animal and the dairy team that can carry a source of a mastitis pathogen. Contagious mastitis is more easily controlled using germicidal covers for post-milking tits. Such germicidal covers kill bacteria that are introduced onto the surface of the animal from the milking machines. The second type of mastitis, environmental mastitis, is caused by contamination of the surface of the animal by materials from the environment of the stable yard, fields, interior of the stable, etc. Such pathogens include E. coli, Streptococcus uberis, Klebsiella and others. Such contamination occurs when the animal moves through its environment. Environmental mastitis is best treated with a barrier film that protects sensitive tissues from contamination. In the treatment and prevention of mastitis, the use in animals of protective coatings, formed from aqueous coating systems, has been an option for many years. A class of coating compositions that are actively anti-microbial and prevent the incidence of infections in the animal by the presence of an active biocide in the coating. Another class of coating materials are simply film barriers formed on the surface of the skin to prevent contact between vulnerable tissues and the environment. Many anti-microbial materials are incompatible with a variety of these polymeric materials or film formers. Recent developments of products provide coatings for tits skin that form film barriers, as well as contain anti-microbial agents.

In the typical operations of a cattle herd, the cattle are taken to a milking station, the udder is washed to remove the barrier film. Any delay in removing the film can substantially reduce productivity and substantially increase the time required to work with a large livestock herd. In addition, the difficulty in removing the film can cause abrasion or injury to the animal, which can promote mastitis. Therefore, it is important that the films are easily removed in less than 15 minutes, preferably in less than 10 minutes, using water or weak cleaning solutions. In the periods between milkings, the animal is released to the environment to graze. While grazing, the animal is exposed to environmental water from dew, mud, rain and ponds. This exposure to water can cause the barrier film to peel off. Among the materials used in film-type or barrier-type tote covers are solubilized liquids, polyvinylpyrrolidone and other vinyl polymers, protein hydrolyzate, natural and synthetic gums, water, ethanol, methanol, isopropanol, soluble polymers, unsaturated fatty oils, cellulose derivatives, lattices of acrylic polymers, etc. The latex provides an effective covering of the skin of the teat that can be combined with an anti-microbial agent (U.S. Patent No. 4,113,854). However, the latex material has the serious disadvantage of not being easily removable when the next milking time arrives. The result can be a partially removed coating, leaving behind particles that are trapped in the filters of the milking line. The difficulties in removal can also result in excessive rubbing of the teat skin, thus leading to irritation. Furthermore, the use of latex can potentially result in milk contamination. On the other hand, the teat covers that are easy to remove, for example polyvinyl alcohol-based teat covers, do not provide adequate water resistance. Such films do not remain in a dairy animal for the duration between milking periods. Due to exposure to water, these films wear out in about 3 to 4 hours. Without an adequate barrier film, the dairy animal is vulnerable to environmental pathogens that will promote mastitis in the herd of cattle. The following disclosures have been identified as part of the technology of the related art. Typical disclosures of post-milking disinfectant tins covers (aimed at destroying any remaining pathogens in the teats after milking) can be found in British Patent 1 144 637 (Kelco Chemicals, Ltd.), published on March 5, 1969; Meave et al., J., Dairy Science, 52: 6696 (1969); Dodd et al., "Mastitis Control", Biennial Reviews (1970), University of Redding, England, National Institute of Research of Dairying, pp. 21-57; Lentsch, United States Patent No. 4,258,056; Lentsch et al., U.S. Patent No. 4,376,787; Yang, United States Patent No. 4,446,153; Marhevka, United States Patent No. 5,017,369; Cantor et al., United States Patent No. 3,728,449; Pankey, "Postmilking Teat Antisepsis", Symposium on Bovine Mastitis, Veterinary Clinics of North America: Large Animal Practice, vol. 6, No. 2, July 1984; Pankey et al., "Efficacy Evaluation of Two New Teat Dip Formulations Under Experimental Challenge," Journal Dairy Science, 68; 462-465 (1985); Philpot et al., "Hygiene in the Prevention of Udder Infections, V. Efficacy of Teat Dips Under Experimental Exposure to Mastitis Pathogens," Journal Dairy Science, 61: 956-963 (1978); Bennett, "Teat Dip as a Component of Coliform Mastitis Control, Dairy and Food Sanitation", vol. 2, No. 3, pp. 110-114 (March 1982); Eberhart et al., "Germicidal Teat Dip in a Herd with Low Prevalence of Streptococcus agalactiae and Staphylococcus aureaus Mastitis", Journal Dairy Science, 66: 1390-1395 (1983). Typical disclosures of protective teat or barrier-type covers can be found in Loosemore et al., U.S. Patent No. 5,641,498; Schmidt et al., U.S. Patent No. 5,503,338; Acres et al., U.S. Patent No. 3,066,071; Krause, United States Patent No. 3,222,252; Philpot et al., Journal Dairy Science, 58: 205-216; Coughman et al., U.S. Patent No. 3,993,777; Pugliese, United States Patent No. 4,049,830; Silver et al., U.S. Patent No. 4,199,564; Dybas et al., U.S. Patent No. 4,311,709; and Andrews et al., United States Patent No. 4,113,854. Still for examples of such materials, see Farnsworth, Journal of American Veterinary Medical Association, 177: 441 (1980) and Farnsworth et al., The Bovine Practitioner, No. 16, pp. 28-29 (1981). Still further, review Canadian Patent No. 1,065,254, and published European Patent Application No. 25,640 (March 25, 1981). There is a substantial need for an anti-microbial and barrier tether cover that can be easily and quickly removed during milking operations while imparting sustained water resistance between milking periods. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is a novel cover composition for a mammalian teat as well as a method of treating the skin of mammals. This film-forming composition exhibits anti-microbial properties against the typical pathogens that cause contagious mastitis and barrier properties that protect the animal from environmental mastitis.

This water-based composition includes a solution of a physical, polymeric, film-forming, water-resistant mixture, and at least one anti-microbial agent. Examples of anti-microbial agents include iodine, chlorhexidine, bronopol and triclosan. When applied to a substrate, this composition leaves a resilient, residual, water-resistant, long-lasting film that treats and protects the skin of mammals against infection. In one formulation, the anti-microbial agent containing iodine is added as an aqueous solution of polyvinyl-pyrrolidone-iodine (PVP-I2). In another formulation, the iodine-containing antimicrobial agent is added as an aqueous solution of iodine and metal iodine salts. In yet another formulation, the iodine-containing anti-microbial agent is added as an aqueous solution of metallic iodine, hydroiodic acid, and a surfactant. The surfactant can vary widely in its degree of ionization, including non-ionization. The anti-microbial agent containing chlorhexidine can be added as an aqueous solution of chlorhexidine salts. The polymeric physical blend, as disclosed by U.S. Patent No. 4,642,267 (Hydromer, Inc.), consists essentially of two polymeric components. A polymeric component is a thermoplastic polyurethane, preformed, soluble in solvent, organic, which has no reactive isocyanate groups. The other polymer component is a hydrophilic poly (N-vinyl lactam). This polymeric physical mixture is capable of withstanding water exposure without a significant loss of the hydrophilic poly (N-vinyl lactam). The polyurethane of the polymeric physical mixture can be derived from an aromatic polyisocyanate and a polyether polyol; or of an aliphatic polyisocyanate and a polyether polyol; or of an aromatic polyisocyanate and a polyester polyol; or of an aliphatic polyisocyanate and a polyester polyol. The poly (N-vinyl lactam) of the polymeric physical mixture is a polyvinylpyrrolidone homopolymer or a water soluble poly (N-vinyl caprolactam) homopolymer. The polymeric physical mixture may contain at least one additional compatible polymer component. The additional polymeric component is a homopolymer or copolymer of at least one monomer selected from the group consisting of alpha-olefin, vinyl chloride, vinylidene chloride, hydroxyethyl methacrylate, acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, vinyl acetate, vinyl alcohol, and vinyl ether . The composition may also contain water-soluble or water-dispersible skin conditioning agents, such as glycerin; glycols; polyols, such as polyethylene glycol; lanolin; aloe vera, and vitamins. The composition may also contain colorants, fragrances and insect repellents. The present invention also provides a method of protecting the tits of mammals from infection. This method includes applying the composition to the mammalian teat and evaporating the solvent portion of the composition to form a water resistant protective film. The present composition, in addition to protecting the animal against contamination and allowing easy removal before milking, provides increased resistance to premature loss. In this way, when an animal is released into the environment, the composition will be resistant to environmental water, remaining in the animal for the period between milkings. Unlike polyvinyl alcohol-based formulations that fade in about three to four hours, the present invention imparts water resistance for up to eight hours. Moreover, when the animal returns to the milking site, the anti-microbial barrier coating can be easily removed in about five minutes using an aqueous wash. The milking can continue without delay and after the milking is finished, the animal can be treated with the aqueous material, forming a new anti-microbial barrier film. Detailed Description The aqueous compositions and the resulting films of this invention provide barrier layers containing anti-microbial agents, which prevent contact between the skin of the animal and microorganisms either from the environment or from other animals. These films provide resistance to prolonged water without compromising the ease of removal necessary to run a productive dairy operation. This invention also discloses a method of protecting the skin of mammalian tits from infection. The novel aqueous composition for soaking mammals tits includes a solution of a polymeric film-forming, water-resistant physical blend, and at least one anti-microbial agent. The composition contains a sufficient amount of the polymer to form a water-resistant film by topical application. The anti-microbial agent is present in the composition in an amount that is sufficient to protect the skin of mammals from infection by typical pathogens that cause contagious and environmental mastitis. When applied to a substrate, this composition forms a resilient, residual, water resistant film. The composition may include 50 to 95% water; 0.01 to 2.0% of a thickener; 0.1 to 20% of a polymeric, film-forming, water-resistant physical mixture; up to 10% of an aqueous acid; up to 10% of an aqueous base and about 0.05 to 5% of an anti-microbial agent. Examples of antimicrobial agents are iodine, chlorhexidine, bronopol and triclosan. The composition may also include 0.05 to 10% of one or more water-soluble or water-dispersible skin conditioning agents. A preferred anti-microbial agent of the invention is an aqueous solution of iodine (AST, Inc.). A formulation of this aqueous solution contains 50 to 99% water, 0.1 to 50% of metallic iodine, and 1 to 50% of iodine salts. Another formulation of this aqueous solution contains 50 to 99% water, 0.1 to 50% metal iodine, 1 to 50% hydroiodic acid, and 1 to 50% of a surfactant. The surfactant may be cationic, anionic, nonionic, or any combination thereof. Iodine can also be added as a polyvinylpyrrolidone-iodine powder (PVP-I2). The aqueous solution formed from the PVP-I2 powder contains 50 to 99% water and 20 to 99% PVP-I2. Another preferred anti-microbial agent of the invention is chlorhexidine. Chlorhexidine can be added as an aqueous solution including 50 to 99% water and 0.1 to 50% chlorhexidine salts. The polymeric physical mixture of the present invention is taught by U.S. Patent No. 4,642,267 (Hydromer, Inc.). It consists essentially of two polymeric components. A polymeric component is a preformed, solvent-soluble, organic thermoplastic polyurethane, which has no reactive isocyanate groups. The other polymer component is a hydrophilic poly (N-vinyl lactam). This polymeric physical mixture is capable of withstanding water exposure without significant loss of the hydrophilic poly (N-vinyl lactam). The polyurethane of the polymeric physical mixture can be derived from an aromatic polyisocyanate and a polyether polyol; or of an aliphatic polyisocyanate and a polyether polyol; or of an aromatic polyisocyanate and a polyester polyol; or of an aliphatic polyisocyanate and a polyester polyol. The poly (N-vinyl lactam) of the polymeric physical mixture is a polyvinylpyrrolidone homopolymer or a water soluble poly (N-vinyl caprolactam) homopolymer. The polymeric physical mixture may contain at least one additional compatible polymer component. The additional polymeric component is a homopolymer or copolymer of at least one monomer selected from the group consisting of alpha-olefin, vinyl chloride, vinylidene chloride, hydroxyethyl methacrylate, acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, vinyl acetate, vinyl alcohol, and vinyl ether . These physical mixtures exhibit intermediate properties between those of the polyurethane component and those of the poly (N-vinyl lactam) component. Physical mixtures that are predominantly made from the hydrophilic poly (N-vinyl lactam) component readily absorb water to become smooth and slippery. The physical mixtures that are predominantly made of the polyurethane component are relatively hard but still wettable. Displaying intermediate properties to those of polyurethane and poly (N-vinyl lactam) enables the dual characteristic of the present invention. Although it is capable of being easily removed, the present invention provides a sustained resistance to water.

The exposure of the claimed compositions to water, even for prolonged periods, does not result in any significant loss of the hydrophilic poly (N-vinyl lactam) component, possibly as a result of the associative forces with the polyurethane component, chain interlacing, or both Whatever is, in fact, the basis for this property, this property contributes to the ability of the composition to remain in dairy cattle in spite of prolonged contact with ambient water. Since polyurethane is a pre-formed polymer that does not have reactive isocyanate groups, it is stable in solution for indefinite periods of time. Accordingly, the polymeric products of the present invention can be easily formed at the point of application as needed, by simply evaporating any solvent (s) with which they may be associated. This versatility makes the products especially suitable for use as coatings. The composition can be applied to the dairy animal in a variety of ways. The material can be sprayed, brushed, smeared, or soaked on susceptible sites. A common mode of application is by means of a dive. The composition is placed in a small container with a shape adapted to the teat. The tit is then soaked in the container filled with the aqueous composition. The composition may contain various viscosity improvers or thickeners. The thickener causes the aqueous compositions to stick to the surface skin of the animal and allows the composition to resist excessive dripping waste. In this way, the composition remains in place until it is dry and the barrier layer is formed. In its preferred embodiment, the viscosity of the composition varies from about 1 to 1.5000 cP. This range of viscosity allows an adequate amount of the composition to remain on the mammalian teat when applied without being too viscous, which would make application by soaking or other methods difficult. Thickeners that can be used in the present invention include natural gums such as xanthan gum (Keltrol TF, Keltrol). After the mammalian tits have been coated with the compositions of this invention, the resulting coating is allowed to dry on a solid adherent film on the tits. Typically, some of the liquid coating material still flows down to the end of the teat, where a plug-like reservoir is formed. This deposit or plug also dries to form an adherent solid. This plug is capable of sealing the teat channel. The protective barrier formed on the skin of the mammal is a resilient, residual film, which is resistant to water, when applied to these skin surfaces. The film is flexible, long-lasting and resists cracking. The film contains the anti-microbial material that kills microorganisms on the surface of the skin. Such antimicrobial action is important because the milking operation can often spread the microorganisms that cause mastitis, which can under certain circumstances cause inflammation and infection in injured or affected skin as a result of contact with the milking machines during the operations of milking Additionally, the barrier film also protects the mammalian skin from organisms that cause mastitis between milkings. The films of this invention are highly resistant to water. They can remain on the mammal for up to eight hours, despite the animal's exposure to environmental water, such as rain, dew, ponds, mud, etc. In contrast, polyvinyl alcohol-based formulations fade in about three or four hours. Surprisingly, despite the highly water-resistant feature of this composition, the film and plug are removable without tedious physical steps. A few minutes of a wash with hot water with a tenuous surfactant are fully effective for the removal of the film. The composition may also contain water-soluble or water-dispersible conditioners or skin moisturizers, which do not degrade the barrier properties. The preferred range of these agents in the composition is from 0.05 to 10%. Examples of these ingredients are glycerin; glycols; polyols, such as polyethylene glycol; lanolin; aloe vera and vitamins, such as E, C and A. These agents serve to help soften and retain moisture on the skin. Agents such as dyes, fragrances and insect repellents (eg citronella) can also be included in the composition. Buffering agents used in this invention include the acid form and the base salt of an organic or inorganic acid in such a ratio to produce a resulting pH value for the finished composition of about 4.0 to 8.0. The following examples are illustrative of the composition of this invention and provide a better way of putting it into practice. Example of the Invention Example 1 To 89.5 g of water were added 0.5 g of xanthan gum (Keltrol TF, Keltrol), with agitation. The solution was mixed until homogeneous. Then, 5.0 g of a hydrophilic, polymeric physical mixture was added, as taught in the US Pat.

United States No. 4,642,267 (Hydromer, Inc.) with agitation, until homogeneous. Next, 5.0 g of an aqueous solution of iodine (AST, Inc.) was added and the solution was well mixed. The solution does not drip when it is emptied onto a plate and held vertically, and films emptied of the resulting solution are elastic and water resistant, which prevents spreading the organisms that cause mastitis. Example 2 To 86.7 g of water was added 1.4 g of citric acid (Fischer Chemical Company), with stirring. Once dissolved, 1.5 g of 6M sodium hydroxide was added to bring the pH to about 6.0. Then, 0.5 g of xanthan gum (Keltrol CGT, Keltrol) was added, with stirring. The solution was mixed until homogeneous. Then 5.0 g of a hydrophilic polymeric physical mixture, as taught by US Pat. No. 4,642,267 (Hydromer, Inc.) with stirring, was added until homogeneous. Next, 5.0 g of an aqueous solution of iodine (AST, Inc.) was added and the solution mixed well. A solution with a pH of about 5.0 does not drip when it is emptied onto a plate and held vertically, and the films emptied from the resulting solution are elastic and water resistant, which prevents spreading the organisms that cause mastitis. Example 3 To 90.4 g of water were added 1.4 g of citric acid (Fischer Chemical Company), with agitation. Once dissolved, 1.5 g of 6M sodium hydroxide was added to bring the pH to about 6.0. Next, 0.1 g of xanthan gum (Keltrol CGT, Keltrol), were added with agitation. The solution was mixed until homogeneous. Then, 5.0 g of a hydrophilic polymeric physical mixture was added, as taught by U.S. Patent No. 4,642,267 (Hydromer, Inc.), with stirring, until homogeneous. Next, 5.0 g of an aqueous solution of iodine (AST, Inc.) was added and the solution was well mixed. A solution with pH of about 5.0 does not drip when sprayed on a plate and held vertically, and films emptied from the resulting solution are elastic and water resistant, which prevents spreading organisms that cause mastitis. Example 4 94.3 g of water were added 0.5 g of xanthan gum (Keltrol CGT, Keltrol), with stirring. The solution was mixed until homogeneous, then 5.0 g of a hydrophilic polymeric physical mixture was added, as taught in U.S. Patent No. 4,642,267 (Hydromer, Inc.) with agitation until homogeneous. Next, 0.2 g of bronopol (Inolex Chemical) was added and the solution was well mixed. The solution does not drip when it is emptied onto a plate and held vertically, and films emptied from the resulting solution are elastic and water resistant, which prevents the spread of organisms that cause mastitis. Example 5 To 91.9 g of water was added 0.1 g of poly (ethylene oxide) (Americhol), with stirring. The solution was mixed until homogeneous, then 5.0 g of a hydrophilic polymeric physical mixture, as taught by U.S. Patent No. 4,642,267 (Hydromer, Inc.), was added with agitation, until homogeneous. Next, 3.0 g of an aqueous solution of chlorhexidine gluconate was added and mixed well. The solution does not drip when sprayed on a plate and held vertically, and films emptied from the resulting solution are elastic and water resistant, which prevents spreading the organisms that cause mastitis. Example 6 To 94.0 g of water were added 0.5 g of xanthan gum (Keltrol CGT, Keltrol), with agitation. The solution was mixed until homogeneous. Then, 5.0 g of a hydrophilic polymeric physical mixture, as taught by U.S. Patent No. 4,642,267 (Hydromer, Inc.), was added with agitation, until homogeneous. Then, 0.5 g of triclosan (Ciba Specialty Chemicals) was added and the solution was mixed until dispersed. The solution does not drip when it is emptied onto a plate and held vertically, and films emptied from the resulting solution are elastic and water resistant, which prevents spreading the organisms that cause mastitis. Example 7 To 86.7 g of water was added 1.4 g of citric acid (Fischer Chemical Company), with stirring. Once dissolved, 1.5 g of 6M sodium hydroxide was added, to bring the pH to about 6.0. Then, 0.5 g of xanthan gum (Keltrol CGT, Keltrol) was added, with stirring. The solution was mixed until homogeneous. Then, 5.0 g of a hydrophilic polymeric physical mixture was added, as taught by U.S. Patent No. 4,462,267 (Hydromer, Inc.), with stirring, until homogeneous. Next, 5.0 g of an aqueous solution of iodine (AST, Inc.) was added, and the solution was well mixed. A solution with a pH of about 5.0 does not drip when it is emptied onto a plate and held vertically, and the films emptied from the resulting solution are elastic and water resistant, which prevents spreading the organisms that cause mastitis. Example 8 To 74.7 g of water was added 1.4 g of citric acid (Fischer Chemical Company), with stirring. Once dissolved, 1.5 g of 6M sodium hydroxide was added, to bring the pH to about 6.0. Then, 0.5 g of xanthan gum (Keltrol CGT, Keltrol) was added, with stirring. The solution was mixed until homogeneous. Then, 5.0 g of a hydrophilic polymeric physical mixture was added, as taught by U.S. Patent No. 4,642,267 (Hydromer, Inc.), with stirring, until homogeneous. Next, 17.0 g of PVP-I2 was added, and the solution was well mixed. A solution with a pH of about 5.0 does not drip when it is emptied onto a plate and held vertically, and the films emptied from the resulting solution are elastic and water resistant, which prevents spreading the organisms that cause mastitis. Example 9 To 86.2 g of water were added 1.4 of citric acid (Fischer Chemical Company), with agitation. Once dissolved, 1.5 g of 6M sodium hydroxide was added, to bring the pH to about 6.0. Then, 0.5 xanthan gum (Keltrol CGT, Keltrol) was added, with stirring. The solution was mixed until homogeneous. Then, 5.0 g of a hydrophilic polymeric physical mixture, as taught by U.S. Patent No. 4,642,267 (Hydromer, Inc.), was added, with stirring, until homogeneous. Next, 5.0 of an aqueous solution of iodine (AST, Inc.) was added, and the solution was well mixed. Finally, 0.5 g of aloe vera was added (Terry Labs) and homogeneity were mixed. A solution with a pH of about 5.0 does not drip when it is emptied onto a plate and held vertically, and films emptied from the resulting solution are elastic and water resistant, which prevents spreading the organisms that cause mastitis. Example 10 To 81.7 g of 1.4 g of citric acid (Fischer Chemical Company) was added, with stirring. Once dissolved, 1.5 g of 6M sodium hydroxide was added, to bring the pH to about 6.0. Then, 0.5 g of xanthan gum (Keltrol CGT, Keltrol) was added, with stirring. The solution was mixed until homogeneous. Then, 5.0 g of a hydrophilic polymeric physical mixture was added, as taught by U.S. Patent No. 4,642,267 (Hydromer, Inc.), with stirring, until homogeneous. Then, 5.0 g of an aqueous solution of iodine (AST, Inc.) was added and the solution was well mixed. Finally, 0.5 g of glycerin (Aldrich Chemical) was added and the solution was mixed until homogeneous. A solution with a pH of about 5.0 does not drip when it is emptied onto a plate and held vertically, and films emptied from the resulting solution are elastic and water resistant, which prevents spreading organisms that cause mastitis. Although the present invention has been described by reference to specific embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes can be made and that equivalents can be substituted without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt to a situation, material or composition of matter, process, step or process steps, or the purpose then present in particular, to the spirit of this invention without departing from its particular teachings.

Claims (22)

1. CLAIMS 1. A composition for soaking mammals tits, comprising: (i) a solution of a polymeric, film-forming physical mixture, comprising a first polymeric component that is a preformed, solvent-soluble, organic thermoplastic polyurethane; which has no reactive isocyanate groups, and a second polymeric component which is a hydrophilic poly (N-vinyl lactam), said physical mixture being able to withstand water exposure without significant loss of said hydrophilic poly (N-vinyl lactam) in a sufficient amount to form a water resistant film upon topical application to mammalian skin; and (ii) at least one anti-microbial agent in an amount sufficient to treat and protect mammalian skin from infection.
2. 2. A composition according to claim 1, wherein said anti-microbial agent is selected from the group consisting of iodine, chlorhexidine, bronopol and triclosan.
3. 3. A composition according to claim 2, wherein said anti-microbial agent is iodine added as an aqueous solution comprising 50 to 99% water and 20 to 99% polyvinylpyrrolidone.
4. A composition according to claim 2, wherein said anti-microbial agent is iodine added as an aqueous solution comprising 50 to 99% water, 0.1 to 50% metallic iodine, and 1 to 50% iodine salts .
5. A composition according to claim 2, wherein said anti-microbial agent is iodine added as an aqueous solution comprising 50 to 99% water, 0.1 to 50% metallic iodine, 1 to 50% hydroiodic acid, and 1 to 50% of a surfactant.
6. 6. A composition according to claim 5, wherein said surfactant is cationic, anionic, nonionic, or combinations thereof.
7. A composition according to claim 2, wherein said anti-microbial agent is chlorhexidine added as an aqueous solution comprising 50 to 99% water and 0.1 to 50% chlorhexidine salts.
8. 8. A composition according to claim 1, wherein said polyurethane is derived from an aromatic polyisocyanate and a polyether polyol.
9. 9. A composition according to claim 1, wherein said polyurethane is derived from an aliphatic polyisocyanate and a polyether polyol.
10. 10. A composition according to claim 1, wherein said polyurethane is derived from an aromatic polyisocyanate and a polyester polyol.
11. 11. A composition according to claim 1, wherein said polyurethane is derived from an aliphatic polyisocyanate and a polyester polyol.
12. 12. A composition according to claim 1, wherein the poly (N-vinyl lactam) is a water soluble polyvinyl pyrrolidone homopolymer.
13. 13. A composition according to claim 1, wherein the poly (N-vinyl lactam) is a poly (N-vinyl caprolactam) homopolymer.
14. 14. A composition according to claim 1, which contains at least one additional polymer component that is compatible therewith.
15. 15. A composition according to claim 14, wherein said additional polymer component is a homopolymer or copolymer of at least one monomer selected from the group consisting of alpha-olefin, vinyl chloride, vinylidene chloride, hydroxyethyl methacrylate, acrylic acid, acid methacrylic, vinyl acetate, vinyl alcohol, and vinyl ether.
16. 16. The composition according to claim 1, further comprising at least one skin conditioning agent.
17. 17. The composition according to the claim 16, wherein the skin conditioning agent is selected from the group consisting of glycerin, glycols, polyols, lanolin, aloe vera, and vitamins.
18. 18. The composition according to claim 1, further comprising at least one colorant.
19. 19. The composition according to claim 1, further including at least one fragrance.
20. 20. The composition according to claim 1, further comprising at least one insect repellent.
21. 21. A method of protecting from tits of mammals infection, comprising: (i) applying to the mammalian teat a composition comprising a solution of a physical polymeric film-forming mixture comprising a first polymeric component that is an organic thermoplastic polyurethane, soluble in solvent, preformed, having no groups isocyanate reagents, and a second polymeric component which is hydrophilic poly (N-vinyl lactam), said physical mixture being able to withstand water exposure without significant loss of said hydrophilic poly (N-vinyl lactam), in an amount sufficient to form a Water resistant film when occurring application to mammalian skin; and an anti-microbial agent in an amount sufficient to treat and protect the mammalian skin from infection; and (ii) evaporating solvent from said solution, whereby a protective, water-resistant film is formed on said mammalian teat.
22. 22. A protective film disposed on a mammalian teat, comprising: (i) a solution of a physical polymeric film-forming mixture, comprising a first polymeric component that is a preformed, solvent-soluble, organic thermoplastic polyurethane; which has no reactive isocyanate groups, and a second polymeric component which is a hydrophilic poly (N-vinyl lactam), said physical mixture being able to withstand water exposure without significant loss of said hydrophilic poly (N-vinyl lactam), in a sufficient amount to form a water-resistant film upon topical application to the skin of mammals; and (ii) an anti-microbial agent in an amount sufficient to treat and protect the skin of mammals from infection.