The paper code cannot be redeemed when browsing in private/incognito mode. Please go to a normal browser window and enter the code there
This content is copyright protected!
However, if you would like to share the information in this article, you may use the headline, summary and link below:
Title: Refresh your drying off technique for optimum results
Research has clearly demonstrated the link between infection during the dry cow period and subsequent clinical mastitis and elevated somatic cell counts (SCC) in early lactation.
The reader loyalty code gives you full access to the site from when you enter it until the following Wednesday at 9pm. Find your unique code on the back page of Irish Country Living every week.
CODE ACCEPTED
You have full access to farmersjournal.ie on this browser until 9pm next Wednesday. Thank you for buying the paper and using the code.
CODE NOT VALID
Please try again or contact us.
For assistance, call 01 4199525
or email subs@farmersjournal.ie
If would like to speak to a member of our team, please call us on 01-4199525
Reset password
Please enter your email address and we will send you a link to reset your password
If would like to speak to a member of our team, please call us on 01-4199525
Link sent to your email address
We have sent an email to your address.
Please click on the link in this email to reset
your password. If you can't find it in your inbox,
please check your spam folder. If you can't
find the email, please call us on 01-4199525.
Email address not recognised
There is no subscription associated with this email
address. To read our subscriber-only content.
please subscribe or use the reader loyalty code.
If would like to speak to a member of our team, please call us on 01-4199525
You have no more free articles this month
We hope you've enjoyed your 6 free articles. To continue reading, sign in to your account, use the code or subscribe for just €1 to get unlimited access for 30 days.
This content is available to digital subscribers and loyalty code users only. Sign in to your account, use the code or subscribe for just €1 to get unlimited access for 30 days.
This content is available to digital subscribers and loyalty code users only. Sign in to your account, use the code or subscribe for just €1 to get unlimited access for 30 days.
Refresh your drying off technique for optimum results
Research has clearly demonstrated the link between infection during the dry cow period and subsequent clinical mastitis and elevated somatic cell counts (SCC) in early lactation.
SPONSORED
Drying off cows using the “best practice" technique means that the treated cows are less at risk of post-infusion infection and you can expect the best possible results from your antibiotic dry cow tube and teat sealant. Strict attention to hygiene is required.
As the dry period is such a critical time, frequently reviewing how you dry off is useful to ensure your technique is as effective as it can be. The hygiene required at drying-off is similar to the hygiene levels required prior to a surgical procedure.
Initial preparation
Drying off cows is a two person job and cannot be done in a rush. Ensure help is available and take your time to do the job as well as possible. On average, two people can dry off up to 50 cows in two hours.
Drying off should be performed in a clean and safe environment at a separate time to milking. If drying off in the parlour, it must be washed down beforehand. Drying off should be treated as a separate task, with no concurrent tasks such as foot trimming or tail clipping being performed.
All materials needed should be prepared in advance ready for dry off.
Suggested materials for the gold standard approach include Boviseal, antibiotic tubes (if required), pre- and post-dip, cotton wool swabs and surgical or methylated spirits, as well as plenty of clean disposable gloves, paper towels and tail tape or marker spray. Ideally, the cotton wool swabs should be prepared prior to the task and placed in a clean, covered tub of surgical or methylated spirits.
Process
The operator must wear clean gloves. If gloves become dirty during the procedure, they will need to be changed.
Keep syringes clean while preparing the teats and DO NOT immerse syringes in water. Dip teats in a rapid-acting pre-dip, leave for 30 seconds and then wipe each teat completely dry with separate disposable paper towels.
Ensure gloves are clean prior to disinfection and start with the teats furthest away from you. Thoroughly disinfect the teat end with cotton wool soaked in methylated or surgical spirits. Repeat until the teat wipe comes away visually clean.
It is easier to clean, prepare and tube one teat at a time.
If using Antibiotic Dry Cow Therapy (ADCT) in combination with Boviseal, insert the antibiotic tube first and massage into the udder.
When inserting Boviseal, firmly grasp the teat at the base of the udder and slowly inject the contents. Some may leak out of small teats.
Be careful not to touch the nozzle of the syringe. Use one complete syringe per quarter. Do not massage Boviseal into the udder. Boviseal must remain in the teat canal.
Apply a post-milking disinfectant to cover more than 90% of each teat.
Mark each treated cow and keep her away from the milk supply. Treated animals should stand for 30 minutes to allow the teats to close.
In summary, for a successful dry period and optimum results, you must have a plan and a team in place and it is crucial to prepare in advance!
Drying off cows using the “best practice" technique means that the treated cows are less at risk of post-infusion infection and you can expect the best possible results from your antibiotic dry cow tube and teat sealant. Strict attention to hygiene is required.
As the dry period is such a critical time, frequently reviewing how you dry off is useful to ensure your technique is as effective as it can be. The hygiene required at drying-off is similar to the hygiene levels required prior to a surgical procedure.
Initial preparation
Drying off cows is a two person job and cannot be done in a rush. Ensure help is available and take your time to do the job as well as possible. On average, two people can dry off up to 50 cows in two hours.
Drying off should be performed in a clean and safe environment at a separate time to milking. If drying off in the parlour, it must be washed down beforehand. Drying off should be treated as a separate task, with no concurrent tasks such as foot trimming or tail clipping being performed.
All materials needed should be prepared in advance ready for dry off.
Suggested materials for the gold standard approach include Boviseal, antibiotic tubes (if required), pre- and post-dip, cotton wool swabs and surgical or methylated spirits, as well as plenty of clean disposable gloves, paper towels and tail tape or marker spray. Ideally, the cotton wool swabs should be prepared prior to the task and placed in a clean, covered tub of surgical or methylated spirits.
Process
The operator must wear clean gloves. If gloves become dirty during the procedure, they will need to be changed.
Keep syringes clean while preparing the teats and DO NOT immerse syringes in water. Dip teats in a rapid-acting pre-dip, leave for 30 seconds and then wipe each teat completely dry with separate disposable paper towels.
Ensure gloves are clean prior to disinfection and start with the teats furthest away from you. Thoroughly disinfect the teat end with cotton wool soaked in methylated or surgical spirits. Repeat until the teat wipe comes away visually clean.
It is easier to clean, prepare and tube one teat at a time.
If using Antibiotic Dry Cow Therapy (ADCT) in combination with Boviseal, insert the antibiotic tube first and massage into the udder.
When inserting Boviseal, firmly grasp the teat at the base of the udder and slowly inject the contents. Some may leak out of small teats.
Be careful not to touch the nozzle of the syringe. Use one complete syringe per quarter. Do not massage Boviseal into the udder. Boviseal must remain in the teat canal.
Apply a post-milking disinfectant to cover more than 90% of each teat.
Mark each treated cow and keep her away from the milk supply. Treated animals should stand for 30 minutes to allow the teats to close.
In summary, for a successful dry period and optimum results, you must have a plan and a team in place and it is crucial to prepare in advance!
There is less silage on farms now since the previous meeting of the fodder committee 10 days ago, Teagasc said in its presentation to the latest meeting, which took place on Tuesday.
Aidan Brennan reports from the Teagasc dairy conference workshop on SCC, where Don Crowley and Pablo Silva Bolona gave their views on having a low SCC in the first 100 days.
“Having half your heifer calves born by 3 February,” was Michael’s response when asked what the best thing was about having used sexed sorted semen for the first time last year.
Scabigard vaccine, manufactured by Zoetis Animal Health, is currently being dispensed to veterinary practitioners and should be available to purchase next week.
Save to a collection
Recent collections
This article has already been saved
This article has been saved
Create a collection
Subscriber only
This content is available to digital subscribers only. Sign in to your account or subscribe for just €1 to get unlimited access for 30 days.SIGN INSUBSCRIBE FOR €1