Revolutionary product offers greater navel protection than iodine, study shows 

The largest ever navel protection study in lambs has revealed NoBACZ Navel offers superior protection compared with iodine.

There was a 21% reduction in mortality, and lambs that had NoBACZ Navel applied to the navel and tagging sites were on average 230g heavier at eight weeks.

The study was carried out by Fiona Lovatt, of Flock Health Ltd, in 11 flocks with 6,840 lambs during the 2023-24 lambing season. 

During the trial the odd numbered lambs were treated with strong iodine and the even numbered lambs were treated with NoBACZ Navel. 

Current practices on the farm were observed, so if the farmer normally dipped the lambs’ navel they dipped with iodine or NoBACZ Navel and if they normally sprayed the navel then they sprayed with iodine or NoBACZ Navel.  

Survival and weights were recorded.

What is NoBACZ?

NoBACZ Navel can be used on calves or lambs. It rapidly disinfects and dries the navel in as little as two hours and seals with a coloured, natural resin that forms a long-lasting waterproof barrier to protect against bacteria from the environment. 

It can also be used on ears and ear tags. 

NoBACZ Navel is antibiotic free and consists of a natural polymer and essential metal ions. It can be applied by dipping or spraying and contains a bitter agent that deters cow or ewe interference.

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Fiona commented: “Until now, best practice to manage navel ill in lambs has been to apply strong iodine to the navel and ear-tagging sites by dipping or spraying to dry out the navel and disinfect the surface. 

“Prophylactic antibiotic use still occurs on as many as 19% of farms, which is not best practice or good antimicrobial stewardship.

“NoBACZ Navel dries the navel better than iodine and forms a waterproof barrier which protects lambs from the environment.

“There are economic and welfare benefits to farmers, 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.”

Cleaner to use and kinder on our hands

Anna Wilson, a sheep farmer from Nunthorpe in Middlesbrough was involved in the NoBACZ Navel/iodine navel protection and ear tag trial in lambs during the 2023/2024 lambing season. 

She commented: “We found that NoBACZ Navel was effective, easy to apply and quick drying with no problems with ewe interference. 

“The blue colour was handy as we could see what had been covered and there was less wastage. 

“Previously, we’d experienced stained, cracked and painful hands from the iodine, but NoBACZ Navel is a lot cleaner to use and kinder on our hands!

“We would definitely recommend NoBACZ Navel to other farmers due to its financial and welfare benefits.”

NoBACZ Navel was developed and manufactured by NoBACZ Healthcare, the wound protection company spun out from the University of Cambridge. 

For further information on NoBACZ Healthcare and NoBACZ Navel visit www.nobacz.com.

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