WO2018208210A1

WO2018208210A1 - Cleaner and disinfectant for teat cleaning cup

Info

Publication number: WO2018208210A1
Application number: PCT/SE2018/050466
Authority: WO
Inventors: Amanda Elizabeth FALTYNOWSKI; Marianna Barbosa GENTILINI; Thomas Charles HEMLING; Nicoleta Camelia TRAISTARU
Original assignee: Delaval Holding Ab
Priority date: 2017-05-08
Filing date: 2018-05-04
Publication date: 2018-11-15

Abstract

Cleaning compositions and methods of using the same in the preparation of bovine teats for milking and also in the prevention of the buildup of soils within a teat cleaning cup are provided. The cleaning compositions generally comprise formic acid, at least one C2-C10 carboxylic acid, and one or more anionic surfactants, such as an a-olefin sulfonate. The cleaning compositions are fast-acting making them well suited for use with automated milking systems that utilize short-duration washing cycles of each individual bovine teat.

Description

CLEANER AND DISINFECTANT FOR TEAT CLEANING CUP

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention is generally directed toward compositions and methods for cleaning bovine teats, and teat cleaning and preparation cups used in dairy milking operations, especially teat cleaning cups used with automatic milking systems or other robotic teat cleaning systems.

Description of the Prior Art

In some countries, milking robots, also referred to as an automatic milking system (AMS), have, in part, replaced the use of traditional milking equipment. One such AMS is DeLaval's Voluntary Milking System (VMS™). Another AMS is DeLaval's automated milking robot (AMR). The DeLaval VMS™ Milk Station is fully automated and mimics traditional milking equipment by cleaning and disinfecting the teats before milking, milking the cows per quarter, and disinfecting the teats after milking. Automated teat cleaning could be also done with a teat preparation / cleaning cup similar to that used on the VMS and AMR, but manually or semi-automatically, or automatically moved for teat to teat for cleaning. Furthermore, additional teat preparation, cleaning and sanitation designs exist in AMSs, including but not limited to teat scrubbers, teat brushes, and teat spray systems. AMSs are complex machines providing a complete software design with different options on milking and cleaning compared to traditional milking equipment.

In traditional milking operations, the cow walks into the milking parlor and has its teats sprayed or dipped with a cleaning/disinfecting solution. The cow's teats may be contaminated with dirt, manure or bedding material, among other possible contaminants. The pre-milking solution typically is allowed to contact the teats for approximately 30 seconds and then wiped with a towel. Following teat cleaning and/or disinfection, the milking clusters are attached and the cow is milked. Milking procedures are regulated by each country. In Europe, for example, there are countries that require the pre-milking cleaning to utilize only water, while others permit use of detergent solutions for cleaning. Still further, some countries require cleaning and sanitizing products to be used before milking the cow. After milking, the teats are treated with a post-dip (disinfectant solution) and the cow is released from the parlor. After all animals are milked, the milking machine is set up to run a cleaning and sanitizing step for the whole equipment. Cleaning and sanitizing of the milking equipment is a procedure commonly performed around the globe. Local variations regarding chemicals allowed for use and the frequency in which the machine is cleaned are observed within each country.

AMS routines may include the automated preparation of the bovine teats before milking with the following optional steps: cleaning the teats with a detergent solution and/or water, forestripping, and drying the teats. One example of automated cleaning of the teats is accomplished by inserting the teat into a cleaning cup and contacting the teat with the detergent solution and/or water. The cup itself is then cleaned and readied for use with the next cow. After teat preparation, the cows are milked and the teats then are exposed to a post milking teat disinfectant before releasing the cow from the milk station. The milk station is then cleaned according to specific regional requirements or by following manufacturer recommendations.

The time allotted in most AMSs for pre-cleaning the cow teats and cleaning the preparation /cleaning cup is generally less than 15 seconds, which makes the job very challenging. In some instances, cleaning with water alone, regardless of water temperature, is inadequate, as over time bacteria and soil may accumulate within the preparation /cleaning cup and potentially forming a biofilm. If microorganisms, and in particular a biofilm, are present within the preparation / cleaning cup, cleaning and disinfecting of the cup is very difficult. In these instances, the cup can become a source of bacterial contamination. Additionally, compared with human intervention on pre-milking teat preparation, the AMS does not assess the soil load present on teats, and therefore does not adapt the teat preparation for higher or lower soil loads. Thus, there is a need in the art for a composition and method for cleaning the preparation / cleaning cup and cow teat under these difficult conditions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention address this need by providing compositions and methods useful for both cleaning of the bovine teats in preparation for milking and/or for cleaning the teat preparation / cleaning cup during the pre-milking routine. In certain embodiments of the present invention, compositions and methods are provided that exhibit enhanced cleaning efficacy as compared with conventional cleaning agents.

In one embodiment, cleaning compositions are provided that comprise at least two C1-

C10 carboxylic acids and one or more surfactants.

In another embodiment, the cleaning compositions comprise formic acid and one or more C2-C10 carboxylic acids, and one or more surfactant.

In still another embodiment, the cleaning compositions comprise at least two C1-C10 carboxylic acids and one or more anionic surfactants. In yet another embodiment, the cleaning compositions comprise formic acid, one or more C2-C10 carboxylic acids, and one or more anionic surfactants.

The present invention also provides for methods of cleaning bovine teats comprising applying to one or more bovine teats an aqueous cleaning composition as described herein.

The present invention further provides compositions for use in reducing the microbial load on the teats of a bovine comprising an aqueous cleaning composition as described herein.

The present invention also provides methods of preventing or reducing the buildup of soils within a teat preparation / cleaning cup of a robotic milking system, in which the teat preparation / cleaning cup is configured to receive a bovine teat within the cup and apply a cleaning composition to the bovine teat. The methods of preventing the buildup of soils within the teat preparation/ cleaning cup comprise dispensing into the interior of the teat preparation / cleaning cup an aqueous cleaning composition as described herein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a teat cleaning / teat preparation cup.

Figures 2A-D are photographs of VMS teat cleaning cups treated with control compositions (Figs. 2A and 2B) and with a cleaning composition according to the present invention (Figs. 2C and 2D);

Fig.3 is an example of a scoring chart used for determining teat cleanliness;

Fig. 4 is a diagram depicting teat barrel conditions that may be present in lactating cows; Fig. 5A is a photograph depicting a new VMS teat cleaning cup;

Figs. 5B and C are photographs depicting VMS teat cleaning cups cleaned with a control composition;

Figs. 5D and E are photographs depicting VMS teat cleaning cups cleaned with a cleaning composition according to the present invention;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Certain robotic milking systems, such as the DeLaval VMS™ Milk Station, use separate teat preparation / cleaning cups (TCCs) to wash the teats individually prior to milking. The cleaning protocol followed varies from region to region. In some parts of the world, teats are cleaned typically with a warm water stream only. In other parts of the world, depending on local regulation, the teats are treated with a sanitizing solution formed by introducing a concentrated cleaning composition into the warm water stream. Robotic milking systems often use a multipurpose robotic arm having an integrated spraying nozzle and a robotic gripper to apply a specially designed teat cleaning cup to an individual teat of a cow that is about to be milked. Optionally, prior to cleaning of the individual teats, a teat sanitizer product can be sprayed on all teats. Common sanitizer compositions include iodine based products typically with at least 0.2% iodine. Other common sanitizer compositions contain active ingredients such as chlorohexidine gluconate, organic acids or hydrogen peroxide. The milking system uses cow identification and a cow pre-positioning function to deliver motion guidance to the robotic arm to deliver the intended solution to the teats.

Figure 1 illustrates an embodiment of a teat cleaning cup (100). The teat cleaning cup comprises an inner body (170) and an exterior part (120), enclosing the inner body, and a drainage means (150) for draining used cleaning liquid from the teat cleaning cup (100).

The inner body (170) is forming a centraLcavity (180) configured to enclose a teat of an animal. A set of apertures (175) in the inner body (170) are extending into the central cavity. Thereby, cleaning liquid may be injected into the central cavity (180) of the inner body (170) via the set of apertures (175), thereby cleaning the teat with the cleaning liquid.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, the standard washing procedure comprises the robotic arm moving the teat preparation / cleaning cup from the storage location to the first teat to be cleaned. The teat is inserted in the teat preparation / cleaning cup and a solution of water and cleaning composition is loaded into the cup. In certain embodiments, approximately 0.4 L of cleaning solution per teat is used and is supplied to the teat cleaning cup. After the washing step, any residual cleaning solution, and optional pre-spray sanitizer, is swept by airflow to be collected into a recovery vessel mounted on the robotic milking system.

A vacuum, with air pulses, is applied in the teat preparation / cleaning cup to fore-strip the teat. The arm is lowered slowly to remove the cleaning cup and dry the teat by airflow (atmospheric pressure) from the attachment top periphery downwards toward the vacuum source removing the remaining droplets of cleaning solution into the recovery vessel and drying the teat surfaces. The washing sequence is repeated for the other teats of the cow, with fresh cleaning solution. Using this sequence, all milking teats are cleaned, fore-stripped, dried, and then ready to be milked. The teat preparation / cleaning cup is retracted and stored upside down to drain, outside of the cow positioning stall and farthest from the rear of the stall. The teat preparation / cleaning cup is rinsed, e.g. with water, after the cow is released.

The entire teat preparation / cleaning cup and connected system is a clean-in-place (CIP) system and is sanitized in the same fashion and the same time as the milking equipment of the robotic milking system in a separate circulation loop. The robotic milking system can be configured for cleaning and/or sanitizing.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, there are different cleaning program options on either a per milking station or a per cow basis. Table 1 describes each cleaning program in detail. In this example, the software allows a general teat cleaning time set up regardless of which animal is present at the milking station. It also has the option to program teat cleaning for certain animal, or group of animals, to be either shorter or longer in duration based on the need. This programmable flexibility also includes the ability to perform repeated cleaning of the same animal prior to initiation of the milking step.

Table 1 : Options for Teat Cleaning Set Up

In certain embodiments of the present invention, the cleaning compositions comprise at least two C1-C10 carboxylic acids and one or more surfactants. In preferred embodiments, the cleaning composition comprises formic acid, at least one C2-C10 carboxylic acid, and one or more anionic surfactants. The cleaning compositions may be provided as a concentrate that is diluted with water to form a use solution prior to using it in cleaning, or as a ready to use formulation.

In certain embodiments, where the composition is provided as a concentrate, formic acid may be present at a level of between about 2% to about 35% by weight, between about 4% to about 30% by weight, or between about 6% to about 25% by weight. In certain embodiments, where the composition is provided as a use solution formed from dilution of a concentrate, formic acid may be present at a level of between about 0.05% to about 5% by weight, between about 0.1 % to about 2.5% by weight, or between about 0.2% to about 1.25% by weight.

Compositions according to the present invention also comprise one or more C2-C10 carboxylic acids. In certain preferred embodiments, the one or more carboxylic acids comprise C2-C6 carboxylic acids. The carboxylic acids may be saturated or unsaturated, and contain a single carboxylic acid functional group or a plurality of carboxylic acid functional groups, such as two or three. In particular embodiments, the one or more carboxylic acids are selected from the group consisting of acetic acid, lactic acid, citric acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, glycolic acid, gluconic acid, glutaric acid, adipic acid, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, tartaric acid, pyruvic acid, fumaric acid, sorbic acid, maleic acid, and malic acid. If a longer alkyi chain fatty acids are desired, exemplary C8-C10 carboxylic acids that may be used with the present invention include caprylic acid, pelargonic acid, and capric acid. In certain embodiments, where the composition is provided as a concentrate, the one or more C2-C10 carboxylic acids may be present at a level of between about 2% to about 35% by weight, between about 4% to about 30% by weight, or between about 6% to about 25% by weight. In certain embodiments, where the composition is provided as a use solution formed from dilution of a concentrate, the one or more C2-C10 carboxylic acids may be present at a level of between about 0.05% to about 5% by weight, between about 0.1 % to about 2.5% by weight, or between about 0.2% to about 1.25% by weight.

Carboxylic acids comprise a significant portion of the cleaning compositions according to the present invention. In certain embodiments, where the composition is provided as a concentrate, the total carboxylic acid concentration is between about 4% to about 70% by weight, between about 8% to about 60% by weight, or between about 12 to about 50% by weight. In certain embodiments, where the composition is provided as a use solution formed from dilution of a concentrate, the total carboxylic acid concentration is between about 0.1 % to about 10%, between about 0.2% to 5%, or between about 0.45% to about 2.5%.

In addition to the carboxylic acids discussed above, mineral acids causing minimal irritation of the skin may be incorporated into the present compositions to aid in cleaning. Examples of suitable mineral acids include sulfuric acid, sulfurous acid, sulfamic acid, hydrochloric acid, phosphoric acid, and phosphorous acid. Acids such as methane sulfonic acid may also be used.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, the cleaning compositions also comprise one or more anionic surfactants. In particular embodiments, the one or more anionic surfactants may be selected from the group consisting of alkyi sulfates, such as sodium lauryl sulfate; alkenyl sulfates; alkyi or alkenyl aryl sulfates; alkyi or alkenyl aryl sulfonates; alkyi sulfonates, such as sodium octane sulfonate; and alkenyl sulfonates. In still other embodiments, the one or more anionic surfactants may be selected from the group consisting of alkyi sulfonic acids, an alkyi sulfonate salts, a linear alkyi benzene sulfonic acids, a linear alkyi benzene sulfonates, an alkyla-sulfomethyl ester, a-olefin sulfonates, alcohol ether sulfates, alkylsulfo succinates, dialkylsulfo succinates, or alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, amine and ammonium salts thereof. Specific examples of anionic surfactants suitable for use with the present invention include linear C10-C16 alkylbenzene sulfonic acid, linear C10-C16 alkylbenzene sulfonates or alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, amine and ammonium salts thereof, e.g., sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate, sodium C8-C18 a-olefin sulfonates (e.g., sodium C12-C18 a-olefin sulfonate and C14-C16 a-olefin sulfonate), sodium methyl a- sulfomethyl ester, disodium methyl a-sulfo fatty acid salts, sodium laureth sulfate and dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate. In the composition of the present invention the anionic surfactant may be present as either the salt or acid form depending on the pH of the composition. In certain embodiments, where the composition is provided as a concentrate, the one or more anionic surfactants may be present at a level of between about 3% to about 60% by weight, between about 5% to about 55% by weight, or between about 20% to about 50% by weight. In certain embodiments, where the composition is provided in ready-to-use form or is a use solution formed from dilution of a concentrate, the one or more anionic surfactants may be present at a level of between about 0.1 % to about 5% by weight, between about 0.25% to about 2.5% by weight, or between about 0.5% to about 1 % by weight.

Certain embodiments according to the present invention may further comprise an additional surfactant separate from the aforementioned one or more anionic surfactants. In particular embodiments, this further surfactant comprises a nonionic surfactant. Exemplary nonionic surfactants include alkyl polyglucosides, alkyl ethoxylated alcohols, alkyl propoxylated alcohols, ethoxylated-propoxylated alcohols, sorbitan, sorbitan esters, and alkanol amides. Additional specific exemplary nonionic surfactants include C8-C16 alkyl polyglucosides with a degree of polymerization ranging from 1 to 3, e.g., C8-C10 alkyl polyglucoside with a degree of polymerization of 1.5 (Glucopon® 200), C8-C16 alkyl polyglucoside with a degree of polymerization of 1.45 (Glucopon® 425), C12-C16 alkyl polyglucoside with a degree of polymerization of 1.6 (Glucopon® 625), and polyethoxylated polyoxypropylene block copolymers (poloxamers) including by way of example the Pluronic® poloxamers commercialized by BASF Chemical Co. In particular embodiments, the nonionic surfactant comprises a primary alcohol ethoxylate, such as Neodol® 91-6, which is based on a C9-C1 1 alcohol with an average of approximately 6 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol, or C9-C11 pareth-8, which has an average of about 8 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol. In certain embodiments, where the composition is provided as a concentrate, the additional surfactant may be present at a level of between about 0.5% to about 20% by weight, between about 1 % to about 15% by weight, or between about 2% to about 10% by weight. In certain embodiments, where the composition is provided in ready-to-use form or is a use solution formed from dilution of a concentrate, the additional surfactant may be present at a level of between about 0.01 % to about 5% by weight, between about 0.05% to about 2.5% by weight, or between about 0.1 % to about 1 % by weight.

Compositions according to the present invention may optionally comprises one or more members selected from the group consisting of pH adjusting agents, wetting agent, foaming agents, dyes, viscosity control agents, preservatives, skin conditioners, coupling agents, and solvents. pH Adjusting Agents

It will be appreciated that compositions according to the present invention comprise at least two carboxylic acids, with one being formic acid. The presence of those acids will affect the pH of the composition. The pH of the composition may, however, be adjusted by the addition of acidic, basic or buffering agents. Suitable acids for use as pH adjusting agents may include, for example, sulfuric acid, sulfurous acid, sulfamic acid, hydrochloric acid, phosphoric acid, phosphorous acid, glycolic acid, benzoic acid, malic acid, oxalic acid, tartaric acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, valeric acid, and the like. The pH may be raised, or made more alkaline, by addition of an alkaline agent such as sodium hydroxide, ammonium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, monosodium acid diphosphonate or combinations thereof. Wetting Agents

Wetting agents may be included in the disclosed formulations. Typical wetting agents are used to wet the surface of application, thereby reducing surface tension so that the product can easily contact the surface. The wetting agents of the formulation increase overall detergency of the formula, solubilize or emulsify organic ingredients that otherwise would not dissolve or emulsify, and facilitate soil removal from any surface.

Suitably effective wetting agents may include anionic, nonionic, zwitterionic and amphoteric surfactants. Wetting agents and surfactants suitable for use in the disclosed formulations can be high foaming, low foaming and non-foaming. Suitable anionic surfactants include alkyi sulfonic acids, alkyi sulfonate salts, linear alkyi benzene sulfonic acids, linear alkyi benzene sulfonates, alkyi a-sulfomethyl esters, a-olefin sulfonates, alcohol ether sulfate, alkyi sulfates, alkylsulfo succinates, dialkylsulfo succinates, or alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, amine and ammonium salts thereof. Specific examples are linear C10-C16 alkylbenzene sulfonic acids, linear C10-C16 alkylbenzene sulfonates or alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, amine and ammonium salts thereof, e.g., sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate, sodium C14-C16 α-olefin sulfonate, sodium methyl α-sulfomethyl ester, and disodium methyl α-sulfo fatty acid salts. Suitable nonionic surfactants include alkyl polyglucosides, alkyl ethoxylated alcohols, alkyl propoxylated alcohols, ethoxylated-propoxylated alcohols, sorbitan, sorbitan esters, and alkanol amides. Specific examples include C8-C16 alkyl polyglucosides with a degree of polymerization ranging from 1 to 3, e.g., C8-C10 alkyl polyglucosides with a degree of polymerization of 1.5 (Glucopon® 200), C8-C16 alkyl polyglucosides with a degree of polymerization of 1.45 (Glucopon® 425), C12-C16 alkyl polyglucosides with a degree of polymerization of 1.6 (Glucopon® 625), and polyethoxylated polyoxypropylene block copolymers (poloxamers) including by way of example the Pluronic® poloxamers commercialized by BASF Chemical Co. Exemplary amphoteric surfactants include alkyl betaines and alkyl amphoacetates. Suitable betaines include cocoamidopropyl betaine, and suitable amphoacetates include sodium cocoamphoacetate, sodium lauroamphoacetate and sodium cocoamphodiacetate.

Foaming Agents

The cleaning compositions may further comprise a foaming agent. A foaming agent aerates a liquid composition to produce a foam that may increase surface area of the composition and improve adherence with the surface to be treated (e.g. a teat of an animal). Typically, a high foaming surfactant such as sodium lauryl sulfate, dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid, sodium alkylaryl polyether sulfate, sodium lauryl ether sulfate, sodium decyl sulfate, cocamine oxide, C12-C14 whole coconut amido betaines can be used to generate a stable foam. The foam is produced when agitation in the form of a compressed gas is mixed with the solution either by bubbling the gas into the solution or spraying the solution or solution-gas mixture through spray equipment. Suitable gases include but are not limited to nitrogen, air, carbon dioxide and mixtures thereof. Foam can also be generated by the other mechanical means that mix atmospheric air with the composition.

Dyes

One or more dyes may be included in the composition. Color on an animal's teat may serve as a visual indicator that a particular animal has been treated. To preclude any problems with possible contamination of milk, only food grade dyes should be used. Food grade dyes are designated by the prefix FD&C (Food Drug and Cosmetic) or E, in the case of European dyes. There are many FD&C dyes available, such as FD&C Red #40, FD&C Yellow #6, FD&C Yellow #5, FD&C Green #3, FD&C Blue #1 , FD&C Orange #4 and combinations thereof. Available European food dyes codes include E100, E101 , E102, E104, E106, E 07, E1 10, E120, E122, E123, E124, E127, E128, E129, E131 , E132, E133, E141 , E142, E150, E151 , E154, E155, E160, E161 , E162, and mixtures thereof.

Viscosity Modifying Agents

Solution viscosity may be thinned by the addition of water or co-solvent; however, the compositions, especially gel forms, may benefit from the use of a viscosity modifying agent in an amount generally ranging from 0.1 % to about 10% by weight of the concentrated composition. Viscosity of the concentrated composition preferably ranges from 1 cPs to 10000 cPs at ambient temperature. The viscosity referred to throughout this application is Brookfield viscosity measured in cPs by a Brookfield LV viscometer at ambient temperature (25° C) with a spindle #2 @ 3 to 30 rpm. In various embodiments, a thickener may be added to achieve a viscosity range of from 50 cPs to 10000 cPs, or from 1000 cPs to 4000 cPs.

Viscosity modifying agents include plant gum materials such as guar gum; starch and starch derivatives, for example, hydroxyethyl starch or cross-linked starch; microbial polysaccharides, for example, xanthan gum or seaweed polysaccharides, such as sodium alginate, carrageenan, curdlan, pullulan or dextran; whey; gelatin; chitosan; chitosan derivatives; polysulfonic acids and their salts; polyacrylamide; and glycerol. Cellulosic thickeners may be used including hemicellulose, for example arabinoxylanes and glucomannanes; cellulose and derivatives thereof, for example methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose or carboxymethyl cellulose.

Preservatives

Preservatives may also be added to the compositions. For example, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and its alkali salts act as chelating agents to bind metal ions that would otherwise facilitate metalloenzyme reactions that produce energy for bacterial cell replication. Other traditional preservatives may be used, for example, paraban, methyl paraban, ethyl paraban, glutaraldehyde, etc. Preservatives such as an alcohol can also be added. The alcohol, in certain embodiments, may be benzyl alcohol, a low molecular weight alcohol having a carbon number less than five, and combinations thereof.

Skin Conditioning Agents

Compositions according to the present invention may optional comprise skin conditioning agents. Skin conditioning agents may provide extra protection for human or animal skin prior to or subsequent to being exposed to adverse conditions. For example, skin conditioning agents may include moisturizers, such as glycerin, sorbitol, propylene glycol, Laneth-5 to 100, lanolin alcohol, D-panthenol, polyethylene glycol (PEG) 200-10,000, polyethylene glycol esters, acyl lactylates, polyquarternium-7, glycerol cocoate/laurate, PEG- 7 glycerol cocoate, stearic acid, hydrolyzed silk peptide, silk protein, guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride, alkyl poly glucoside/glyceryl laurate, shea butter and coco butter; sunscreen agents, such as titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, octyl methoxycinnamate (OMC), 4-methylbenzylidene camphor (4-MBC), avobenzone, oxybenzone and homosalate; and itch-relief or numbing agents, such as aloe vera, calamine, mint, menthol, camphor, antihistamines, corticosteroids, benzocaine and paroxamine HCI. Coupling Agents

In some embodiments, the cleaning compositions may contain a coupling agent that facilitates dissolution of one or more components, e.g., surfactants or fatty acids that would otherwise be insoluble or only sparingly soluble in the solvent. Coupling agents generally contain short chained (C2-C6) moieties linked to bulky hydrophilic groups, such as hydroxyl and/or sulfonate groups. Exemplary coupling agents include aryl sulfonates such as sodium naphthalene sulfonate, sodium octane sulfonate, sodium xylene sulfonate, and ammonium octane sulfonate, as well as some phosphate esters.

Solvents

The preferred solvent for the present composition is water. However, one skilled in the art will recognize that solvents or co-solvents other than water may be used to serve the same purpose. In some embodiments, a concentrated composition may contain at least about 5% by weight water and preferably at least about 10% by weight water based on the total weight of the composition. Propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, glycerin and alcohols can also be used as solvents either alone or in combination with water.

Compositions according to the present compositions are generally acidic, and in certain embodiments, have a pH less than about 5, less than about 3.5, or less than about 3. In certain embodiments where the compositions are formulated as concentrates, the pH may be between about 0.1 to about 5, between about 1 to about 4, between about 1.25 to about 3.5, or between about 1.5 to about 3. In certain embodiments where the compositions are formulated as ready-to-use formulations or diluted from concentrates to form use solutions, the pH may be between about 1 to about 5, between about 1.5 to about 4, between about 1.5 to about 3.5, or between about 2 to about 3. Generally, however, the pH may be adjusted to any value that is desired in the intended environment of use by the addition of acid, base or buffer. In certain embodiments, compositions according to the present invention exhibit excellent physical stability at the time of making, after extended storage periods, after low temperature exposure, and/or in the presence of organic soils. By "physical stability" it is meant that the composition remains a substantially homogenous solution and does not phase separate, e.g., produce precipitates or a separate layer of organic liquid. In particular embodiments, the compositions remain physically stable for storage periods of at least 3 months, at least 6 months, or at least one year at 25°C. Certain embodiments also exhibit these stability characteristics when stored for these periods at 10°C. In certain other embodiments, particularly when the cleaning composition is formulated as a ready-to-use solution or a use dilution, the compositions remain physically stable upon exposure to a temperature of 10°C for 24 hours, or in the presence of 3 g/L bovine albumin solution. In still other embodiments, the compositions, particularly concentrate formulations, are formulated to exhibit excellent freeze-thaw stability, even through multiple freeze-thaw cycles. In particular embodiments, the compositions are capable of being frozen (preferably, maintained as a frozen solid for at least 24 hours) and then thawed into the liquid state and remain substantially homogeneous (i.e., no discernable phase separation). Even after a total of two, three, four or more such freeze-thaw cycles, the thawed composition may comprise a substantially homogeneous solution.

As noted above, compositions according to the present invention may be initially formulated as a concentrate and diluted with water to form a use solution. In certain embodiments, use solutions may be formulated by mixing one part of a concentrate formulation made in accordance with the present invention with between about 1 to about 100 parts water, between about 20 to about 75 parts water, or between about 30 to about 60 parts water. Thus, in certain embodiments, the use solutions are predominantly aqueous comprising greater than 90% by weight water, greater than 95% by weight water, or greater than 98% by weight water. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the concentrated is diluted so as to form a use solution comprising 0.1 % to 5% by volume, 0.2% to 2.5% by volume, or 0.4% to 1 % by volume of the concentrate. In certain use solutions, the total acid present is from 0.01 % to 1 % by weight, from 0.05% to 0.5% by weight, or from 0.09-0.25% by weight. In certain use solutions, the total surfactant present is from 0.01 % to 1 % by weight, from 0.05% to 0.5% by weight, or from 0.1 % to 0.3% by weight. In certain use solutions, the pH of the use solution is from 1.5 to 5, from 2.5 to 4, or from 3 to 3.5. Table 2 summarizes certain exemplary concentrates and use dilutions in accordance with the present invention in terms of broad, intermediate and narrow ranges for levels (wt. %) of certain components thereof. It is understood that these compositions are exemplary only and should not be taken as limiting the overall scope of the present invention.

Table 2

Cleaning

The cleaning compositions may be administered to the animal as a liquid, a spray, a foam, or any other acceptable topical form. As certain embodiments of the present invention employ a robotic milking system to apply the cleaning composition by way of a teat preparation / cleaning cup. Moreover, while application with a teat cleaning cup of a robotic milking system is a preferred use of the cleaning composition, it is within the scope of the present invention for the cleaning compositions described herein to be applied to bovine teats manually, or through use of conventional, non-robotic milking equipment.

When using a robotic milking system, a bovine teat is inserted into a teat cleaning cup carried by the system's robotic arm. Cleaning solution may be preloaded into the cup, loaded simultaneously with insertion of the teat into, or loaded subsequent to insertion of the teat into the cup. In certain embodiments, the teat cleaning cup contains from 0.2 to 0.6 L, or approximately 0.4 L of the cleaning composition.

The teat may be washed according to any of the protocols described above. However, in preferred embodiments, the step of applying the aqueous cleaning composition to the teat is conducted for a maximum time of 30 seconds per teat per cleaning cycle. In certain embodiments, the step of applying the aqueous cleaning composition is conducted for 2 to 30 second, for 3 to 15 seconds, or for 4 to 10 seconds.

The washing step using the cleaning solution according to the present invention is effective in removing soils from the animal's teats. In certain embodiments, greater than 70%, greater than 80%, greater than 90%, or substantially 100% of the surface of the animal's teat is free from soils as determined by visual inspection as further described in the Examples. In certain embodiments, the washing step utilizing the cleaning compositions according to the present invention effectively operates to decontaminate bovine teats through removal of various soils such as dirt, manure, feed, bedding material and grass, but also reduces bacteria levels on the animal's teat, thereby preventing contamination of the milking cups and milk during milking of the cow.

The present invention also provides methods of preventing the buildup of soils within the teat cleaning cup, especially a teat preparation / cleaning cup of an automatic (robotic) milking system. As soils and bacteria are washed from the cow's teat, these materials are picked up by the cleaning solution contained within the teat cleaning cup. Even though the cup is rinsed and turned over to drain in between cows, dissolved or suspended matter within the cleaning composition may cling to the walls of the teat cleaning cup, and over time, develop into a film. Situations such as these can present conditions that are quite favorable to bacterial growth thereby making cleaning and sanitization of the teats more difficult. Therefore, certain embodiments of the present invention provide for methods of preventing the buildup of this foreign material through application within the teat cleaning cup a cleaning composition formulated as described above. The application of the cleaning composition can be accomplished through dispensing of the cleaning composition into the interior of the teat preparation / cleaning cup during normal teat washing operations. However, it is also within the scope of the present invention to utilize the cleaning composition in a separate cycle designed specifically for rinsing or washing of the teat preparation / cleaning up.

EXAMPLES

The following examples set forth exemplary cleaning compositions and cleaning trials in which both bovine teats and teat preparation / cleaning cups of an automated milking system were cleaned. It is to be understood, however, that these examples are provided by way of illustration and nothing therein should be taken as a limitation upon the overall scope of the invention.

The cleaning compositions tested during the cleaning trials are listed in Table 3. These compositions are formulated as concentrates that are then diluted for the cleaning operations. Table 3: Cleaning Compositions

In order to test the cleaning efficacy of these compositions in cleaning bovine teats and teat preparation / cleaning cups of automated milking systems, the following trials were performed on commercial dairy farms operating DeLaval VMS units.

Example 1

The data presented corresponds to a field trial on a dairy farm located in Wisconsin, U.S.A., which milked between 200-225 cows using 4 VMS units. The average milking per animal was 2.3 milking per cow per day. The VMS teat cleaning set up was medium cleaning, and no additional set up per animal was used. The trial ran for 10 weeks, which comprised a 2-week adaptation period and 8 weeks of trial. Before the trial started, the teat preparation / cleaning cups were replaced with brand new ones to allow for objective evaluation.

Composition 1 was tested versus an existing product that the farm had been using for cleaning the teat preparation / cleaning cup and the teats. The control product HEXO-PREP (HOP), a mild chlorhexidine gluconate-based udderwash available from Universal (DeLaval Inc.). The HOP and composition 1 concentrates were diluted at 0.6 % v/v.

The purpose of the trial was to check the ability of composition 1 to clean the teats before milking, without doing damage to teat skin and keeping teat cleaning cup clean. On commercial farms, lactating cows have manure, soil, bedding material (sand, saw dust, straws) and other material attached to their teats. Based on farm management, animal health, and other factors, the teats can vary from clean to very dirty having a dry layer comprising the aforementioned materials. The pre-milking routine is designed to clean the teats so as to ensure an appropriate milk quality is maintained. If there is significant foreign material left on the teat after the pre-milking cleaning, the bacteria count in the raw milk will be increased.

The following parameters were evaluated during this trial:

1. VMS teat cleaning cup cleanliness

2. Teat cleanliness after exposure to the teat preparation / cleaning cup

VMS teat preparation / cleaning cup cleaning evaluation

Before the trial started, the teat cleaning cups were replaced with brand new ones to allow objective evaluating. The VMS teat cleaning cups were inspected for cleanliness at each inspection date by technical service person. Figures 2A-D are photographs of the teat cleaning cups during these inspections. The results of the trials indicated that teat cleaning cup (TCC) cleaning utilizing composition 1 (Figs. 2C and D) was better than the HOP control (Figs. 2A and B). The inside of the cup cleaned with composition 1 was shiny and looked like new. Cleaning with the control product (HOP) was lower than with composition 1 , showing soil build up inside the cup after six weeks.

Teat cleaning

The scoring of teat cleaning efficacy via the teat preparation / cleaning cup was determined visually according to the chart illustrated in Fig. 3. A score of 1 indicated that the teat was completely clean, no visible dirt. A score of 2 indicated that the teat was clean, approximately 10-20% of the teat area being dirty. A score of 3 indicated that the teat was dirty, with approximately 20-50% of the teat area being dirty. A score of 4 indicated that the teat was very dirty, with greater than 50% of the teat area being dirty. Scoring of all teats of animals enrolled in the trial was done. Statistical analysis was done for the composition 1 and HOP cleaning compositions.

Teat cleanliness was scored before and after cleaning with the teat cleaning cup. The data collected was analyzed using Multiple Regression statistical analysis using PROC GENMOD of SAS® 9.4 software. The statistical difference is relevant if p<0.05. On trial start day (day 0), p=0.047 indicating a statistical difference in cleanliness score between HOP and composition 1. On day 14, p=0.847, indicating the lack of a statistical difference in teat cleanliness between the two groups. On day 34, p=0.066, indicating that there is no significant difference in cleanliness between the two groups. At the end of the 8 week study, 93% of the teats in composition 1 groups and 88% of the teats in HOP groups had a score of 1 after the cleaning. While the cleaning compositions must effectively clean the teats, they must do so without undue adverse side effects. For example, an adverse side effect may be dry and cracked skin if the cleaning composition is too aggressive. The teat barrels were visually evaluated biweekly and scored according to the diagram of Fig. 4. A score of 1 indicated that the skin was smooth and supple and free from scales, cracks or chapping. A score of 2 indicated that there was slight drying of the skin with superficial flaking. A score of 3 indicated more severe drying with early cracks present. The skin cracks do not have severe red fissures at the base. A score of 4 indicated that more teat skin is chapped with pronounced cracks present. Redness, indicating inflammation, is present. There could also be some scabbing, and healing lesions may be present. A score of 5 indicated severe skin damage with deep chaps and open ulcerative lesions or scabs. Teat skin conditioning was evaluated and no adverse reaction was recorded for Composition 1 and HOP.

Of the cows enrolled in the trial, only the cows scored three times were considered for statistical analysis. Overall no difference was found between the groups during the trial period (p=0.129) proving that there was no adverse effect on cows teats cleaned with the Composition 1. The dilution of composition 1 at 0.6% v/v has a pH of 3.0-3.5. Both an acidic pH and the presence of surfactants can be skin irritants. This particular combination of acids and surfactants in composition 1 was proven to not be irritating and effectively clean the teats. Example 2

The data presented corresponds to a field trial comparing the cleaning and condition of teats after using composition 2. The commercial product HEXO-PREP (HOP) cleaner was used as a control. The dairy farm had 165-200 cows. Both composition 2 and HOP were tested at a dilution of 0.6% v/v. Teat preparation / cleaning cup cleaning, teat conditioning, and teat end scores followed the same protocol as described in Example 1 , above.

Teat preparation / cleaning Cup Cleaning - Visual evaluation

Figure 5A illustrates a brand new VMS teat preparation / cleaning cup that is clean and shiny. Figures 5B-E show the cups after 6 weeks of use with the HOP and composition 2. Figures 5B and C depict VMS teat preparation / cleaning cups cleaned with HOP. Dirt build up in the cup is apparent. Figures 5D and E depict cups cleaned with composition 2, both of which are clean on the inside of the cup.

Claims

1 . A method of cleaning bovine teats comprising:

applying to one or more bovine teats an aqueous cleaning composition comprising formic acid, one or more C2-C10 carboxylic acids, and one or more anionic surfactants.

2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the aqueous cleaning composition comprises from 0.05% to 5% by weight of the formic acid.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the aqueous cleaning composition comprises from 0.05% to 5% by weight of the one or more C2-C10 carboxylic acids.

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the aqueous cleaning composition comprises from 0.1 % to 5% by weight of the one or more anionic surfactants.

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the aqueous cleaning composition further comprises up to 5% by weight one or more anionic surfactants.

6. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the method comprises preparing the aqueous cleaning composition by diluting a concentrate composition comprising 2% to 35% by weight of the formic acid, 2% to 35% by weight of the one or more C2 to C10 carboxylic acids, and 3% to 60% by weight of the one or more anionic surfactants, the resulting aqueous cleaning composition comprising from 0.1 to 5% by volume of the concentrate composition.

7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method is carried out using an automatic milking system or robotic teat cleaning system.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the method comprises inserting one of the bovine teats into a teat preparation / cleaning cup and applying the aqueous cleaning composition to the teat while inserted into the cup.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the step of applying the aqueous cleaning composition to the teat is conducted for a maximum time of 30 seconds per teat per cleaning cycle.

10. An aqueous cleaning composition for use in decontaminating the teats of a bovine comprising formic acid, one or more C2-C10 carboxylic acids, and one or more anionic surfactants.

1 1. The composition according to claim 10, wherein the composition comprises from 0.05% to 5% by weight of formic acid.

12. The composition according to claim 10 or 1 1 , wherein the composition comprises from 0.05% to 5% by weight of the one or more C2-C10 carboxylic acids.

13. The composition according to any one of the claims 10 to 12, wherein the composition comprises from 0.1 % to 5% by weight of the one or more anionic surfactants.

14. The composition according to any one of the claims 10 to 13, wherein the one or more C2-C10 carboxylic acids are selected from the group consisting of acetic acid, lactic acid, citric acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, glycolic acid, gluconic acid, glutaric acid, adipic acid, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, tartaric acid, pyruvic acid, fumaric acid, sorbic acid, maleic acid, malic acid, caprylic acid, perlagonic acid, and capric acid.

15. The composition according to any one of the claims 10 to 14, wherein the one or more anionic surfactants comprise an a-olefin sulfonate.

16. The composition according to claim 15, wherein the a-olefin sulfonate surfactant is a sodium C8-C18 α-olefin sulfonate.

17. The composition according to any one of the claims 10 to 16, wherein the composition has a pH of less than 5.

18. The composition according to any one of the claims 10 to 17, wherein the composition further comprises a non-ionic surfactant.

19. The composition according to claim 18, wherein the non-ionic surfactant comprises an alcohol ethoxylate.

20. The composition according to any one of the claims 10 to 19, wherein the composition further comprises one or more members selected from the group consisting of pH adjusting agents, wetting agent, foaming agents, dyes, viscosity control agents, preservatives, skin conditioners, coupling agents, and solvents.

21. The composition according to any one of the claims 10 to 20, wherein the one or more anionic surfactants comprises at least two anionic surfactants.

22. The composition according to claim 21 , wherein at least one of the anionic surfactants comprises an a-olefin sulfonate, the a-olefin sulfonate comprising at least

50% by weight of the total weight of the anionic surfactants.

23. A method of preventing the buildup of soils within a teat cleaning cup of an automatic milking system, the teat cleaning cup being configured to receive a bovine teat within the cup and apply a cleaning composition to the bovine teat, the method comprising;

dispensing into the interior of the teat cleaning cup an aqueous cleaning composition comprising formic acid, one or more C2-C10 carboxylic acids, and one or more anionic surfactants.

24. The method according to claim 23, wherein the aqueous cleaning composition comprises from 0.05% to 5% by weight of the formic acid.

25. The method according to claim 23 or 24, wherein the aqueous cleaning composition comprises from 0.05% to 5% by weight of the one or more C2-C10 carboxylic acids.

26. The method according to any one of the claims 23 to 25, wherein the aqueous cleaning composition comprises from 0.1 % to 5% by weight of the one or more anionic surfactants.

27. The method according to any one of the claims 23 to 26, wherein the aqueous cleaning composition further comprises up to 5% by weight one or more anionic surfactants.

28. The method according to any one of the claims 23 to 27, wherein the method comprises preparing the aqueous cleaning composition by diluting a concentrate composition comprising 2% to 35% by weight of the formic acid, 2% to 35% by weight of the one or more C2 to C10 carboxylic acids, and 3% to 60% by weight of the one or more anionic surfactants, the resulting aqueous cleaning composition comprising from 0.1 to 5% by volume of the concentrate composition.

29. The method according to any one of the claims 23 to 28, wherein the method comprises filling the teat cleaning up with from 0.2 to 0.6 L of the aqueous cleaning composition.