Comparison of the bacteriostatic effects of quaternary ammonium compounds and their combinations on a dairy farm environment and the microbial contamination of dairy products

Disinfection is key for controlling microbial contamination and ensuring the safe production of milk and dairy products. In this study, we developed a new disinfection method using quaternary ammonium surfactant N-dodecyl-2-(pyridin-1-yl) acetamide chloride as the main component to form a bactericidal complex with either chlorhexidine acetate or glutaraldehyde, and we evaluated the bactericidal effects, safety, and clinical application value of the compound disinfectants. An in vivo acute oral toxicity assay in mice showed an LD₅₀ > 5000 mg/kg body weight without abnormality in pathological tissue sections. Comparison with commercially available products also showed that they have outstanding bactericidal effects. Clinical trials proved that the compound disinfectants have excellent bactericidal effects on the air and ground of the dairy farm and on the skin of cattle, especially in a dairy farm environment. Our findings confirm that the new compound disinfectants have excellent bactericidal performance and are safe to use as disinfectants to prevent mastitis and contamination of the cattle farm environment.