Vilnus Shield-IO: Porphyrin-Based Film-Forming Post-Milking Dip

The Shield-Line: Film-Forming Post-Milking Protection

The Vilnus Shield line represents the film-forming tier of the AgroLyne post-milking range. Where the F-series products deliver high-concentration iodine with a standard dip format, the Shield products are formulated specifically to produce a durable, flexible film on the teat skin after application, providing extended physical and chemical protection through the full inter-milking interval.

Vilnus Shield-IO combines porphyrin compounds with iodine as the active system. Porphyrins are organic compounds that interact with skin proteins and lipids to anchor the film on the teat surface, extending the residence time of the active ingredients beyond what a standard liquid dip achieves.

How Film-Forming Works in Practice

After unit removal, a film-forming dip is applied to the teat end by dip cup or spray. As the carrier liquid evaporates, the polymer and porphyrin matrix contracts to form a thin, adherent layer. This layer:

• Physically shields the open teat canal orifice as the sphincter closes
• Maintains residual iodine activity at the teat end for the duration of the film
• Reduces evaporative water loss from the teat skin, supporting skin integrity

Film persistence is typically 3 to 8 hours under normal barn conditions, adequate for twice-a-day milking schedules.

Comparing Shield-IO to Other Shield Products

The Shield line includes three variants differentiated by their secondary components:

• Shield-IO — porphyrin + iodine: standard Shield formulation, broad-spectrum coverage
• Vilnus Shield-PP: porphyrin-based without iodine, for operations seeking an iodine-free post-milking option
• Vilnus Shield-Phyto: porphyrin + plant extracts, including natural fly-repellent components useful in warmer climates and summer months

Farms in hot climates or with seasonal fly pressure may find Shield-Phyto particularly useful as a summer post-milking option, switching to Shield-IO or Shield-PP in cooler months when fly pressure is lower.

When to Choose Shield-IO vs F-Series

Vilnus Shield-IO is the preferred post-milking dip when film-forming protection is the primary objective. The Vilnus F50 Active and F-series products deliver higher iodine concentrations in a standard format, suitable for herds where immediate bactericidal activity is the priority and film formation is secondary.

Request a quote for Shield-IO pricing, technical data sheets, and delivery information.