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On dairy farms across NI, there will be an increasing number of autumn-calving cows entering the dry period over the next two months in preparation for the next lactation.
Although dry cows are temporarily out of production, these animals are just as important as freshly calved cows and therefore should receive careful attention.
Where management is good during the dry period, problems such as mastitis, ketosis and milk fevers are greatly reduced during the first 100 days of the subsequent lactation.
The first step in getting dry cow management right comes down to preparation, notes Lakeland Dairies farm adviser Niall McCarron.
Outlining advice to suppliers through the co-op’s newsletter, McCarron said drying cows off is a process that should be planned out from start to finish.
Milk recording
This begins with milk recording to establish individual cows with a history of high cell counts and mastitis.
Taking milk samples from these cows for a culture test through the local farm vet will establish which bugs are present in the udder, allowing for a targeted antibiotic treatment programme.
Selective dry cow therapy, where cows with no history of mastitis and low SCC are given teat sealant only, is the preferred option (given concerns about antimicrobial resistance), but should be done in consultation with the vet.
Clipping
Good preparation also includes clipping cow’s tails at least three weeks in advance of drying off. This cuts down faecal matter, and other potential pathogens, coming in contact with the cow’s udder.
When to dry off
A dry period lasting at least 60 days is recommended, thereby giving cows adequate time to repair any tissue damage in the udder.
High-yielding cows should have the diet altered to reduce daily production volumes as they approach the drying off period.
Routine
On the day cows are being dried off, following a set routine is advised as it means all cows get the same level of treatment, and the entire process is not rushed.
Cows to be dried off on a set day should be separated from the herd after the morning milking, with McCarron recommending groups of between 10 and 20 cows treated on any one day.
Parlours should be thoroughly washed down after milking before allowing the separated cows to re-enter for tubing.
Hygiene
As teat sealants/dry cow tubes work by inserting into the teat, good hygiene and the use of sterile equipment is vital.
Farmers should wear clean gloves and disinfect each teat properly. To clean the teat ends, rubbing cotton wool dipped in methylated spirits for a minimum of 10 seconds is recommended.
If the cotton wool is dirty after this process, repeat the cleansing step until the teat is free of contamination.
Failing to properly clean the teat increases the risk of bacteria entering the teat as the sealant is inserted.
Wearing a head torch will greatly improve visibility levels for the operator, which will improve technique.
Post treatment
A well planned drying off period also factors in the management of cows after treatment. Ideally, cows dried off should return to dry fields.
This removes the risk of contamination from cubicle bedding and exposure to bacteria that could result in infection. Where turnout is not practical, cubicles should be kept as clean and dry as possible.
Dry cows should be checked regularly for signs of mastitis until they calve down. Early detection makes treatment much easier to address.
McCarron also recommends withholding milk from all cows after calving for at least eight milkings. This prevents colostrum, or transition milk with possible residues from a dry cow tube, entering the bulk tank. In addition, farmers should check that cows treated with antibiotics have passed the required withdrawal period before milk can enter the bulk tank.
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