Dry cow antibiotics: Farmers often ask me if there a difference between dry cow tubes, as the price varies considerably between products. On page 28 and 29 we discuss that in more detail, but in short yes, there is a difference and to explain that lets take two well known dry cow tubes Cepravin and Bovimast. The active substance in Cepravin dry cow tubes is Cefalonium. This family of drugs is similar in chemical structure to the penicillins and are broad spectrum antibiotics which can kill the majority of bacteria associated with mastitis. These tubes should not be used within 54 days of calving.

Bovimast on the other hand has an active substance called Cloxacillin, again from the penicillin family. It can kill a wide range of bacteria associated with mastitis, but has a lower activity on some bacteria and is inactive against other bacteria. The withdrawal days for Bovimast are 28 days. So this tube could be used if a cow only had a very short dry period.

In summary, there are differences in active substances in tubes and the best advice is to use a tube that will work on the bugs or bacteria in your herd.

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Genomics and sexing: On page 30 and 31 we discuss the developing technology of genomics (analysing DNA) and using a genomic test to identify the best females (cows and heifers) in your herd. The genomic EBI is created by analysing the DNA of the individual animal and combining this with the parental EBI figure to give a more accurate EBI. Some farmers will use this technology (target price is €30 per test) to identify the best heifers in a batch of replacements and use the genomic result to pick the best heifers and sell the rest. In recent years, many farmers have also been sexing pregnancies to see if the heifer is carrying a heifer or a bull. Technology is advancing fast and the information you have available to you is improving. If buying heifers/cows be aware what information might be available – if you don’t ask you might not know.

Housing dry cows: Don’t cut any corners when milking inside. Teat dip after milking as normal. Lime cubicles morning and evening and keep muck off the cubicle beds. I talked to one farmer this week who was putting in a brisket board to keep cows and heifers from mucking on cubicle beds. The advice is to have the brisket board between 1.7m and 1.8m from the back of the cubicle, but it very much depends on what size of cows you have. Some use a strong two inch drainage pipe as a brisket board. If making a change try one bay of the shed first and see how good it works.

Fluke treatment: A farmer asked me this week was it true that Endofluke (Triclabendazole) from Bimeda has been approved by the Irish Medicines Board (IMB) for use in dairy cows. A Triclabendazole product will treat early immature, immature and mature fluke. My understanding is that Bimeda have an application lodged with the IMB, but it is not yet approved. Yesterday, the IMB website issued an advisory note suggesting at the moment Fasinex 240 is the only Triclabendazole product on the market for treating dry cows and it has a 35-day withdrawal period.