It is a hollow tube that has direct access to the calf's circulatory system. Bacteria that enter the circulatory system invade the liver and then are circulated throughout the body. Septicemia or joint illness are common names for the diseases that result from this contamination. Even when pathogens travel only part way up the cord, we may find localized navel infections. The objective of navel dipping is to clean, sanitize and dry the navel cord.
Tincture of iodine is the best product available.
The seven percent iodine concentration is strong enough to kill most pathogens with a short contact time. The tincture of iodine is also an alcohol solution. The alcohol dries out the cord tissue and speeds the rate of closure. If tincture of iodine is unavailable, rubbing alcohol is better than an iodine teat dip. Rubbing alcohol dries the cord quickly, but still isn't as good at bacterial kill as a tincture of iodine solution.