The dry cow period is a critical stage for udder recovery and mastitis prevention. Understanding this period sets the foundation for herd health.
Video 1
Step 1:
Why is the dry cow period important?
In the first video of our udder health video series, Tommy Heffernan and Helena Madden delve into the rationale behind the drying-off period and how it fits into the overall dry cow phase. The pair also discuss what happens during the dry cow period: What are we trying to achieve? And what are the greatest risks during the drying-off procedure? Finally, Tommy and Helena thrash out what needs to be taken into consideration when deciding to go down the Selective Dry Cow Therapy (SDCT) route on your farm.
The dry cow period isn’t just a pause in milk production — it’s a critical opportunity to reset udder health. By allowing the udder tissue to rest and regenerate, farmers can reduce infection rates and prepare cows for a strong start in the next lactation. This dry period also provides a chance to clear up existing infections using targeted treatments like Selective Dry Cow Therapy (SDCT). Choosing the right cows for SDCT, based on somatic cell count data and previous performance, is essential for success. When managed properly, the dry cow period supports healthier animals, reduces antibiotic use, and boosts long-term productivity on your farm.
ALL STEPS
Step 2: Using data to your advantage
Step 3: SDCT – The must knows
Step 4: Preparing the cow for dry off
Step 5: Drying off a cow
Step 6: Post dry-off attention to detail
Step 7: Summary
