Successful drying off treatment strategies
An effective drying off strategy is the key to a mastitis-free start
to the next lactation cycle.
The best strategy for your herd this year may be different from last
year. Events during the year and any changes in management of the cows or the
milking process may have affected the level or risk of mastitis in your herd.
You may also wish to consider the role of teat sealants in your herd
at this drying off.
Treatments at drying
off are designed to address two different issues:
Curing on-going mastitis
infections
On-going mastitis
infections that have accumulated during the current lactation can be cured in
many (but not all) cows. About 20% of cows will cure as a result of their own
defence mechanisms. Three to four times more will cure if they receive
appropriate antibiotic Dry Cow Treatment.
Preventing new infections that
may occur during the dry period
Uninfected cows are
at risk of new environmental infections over the dry period in some herds. These
infections are usually seen as mastitis at next calving and in early lactation.
In addition to
curing infections, antibiotic Dry Cow Treatment also has a role in ensuring
proper development of the teat plug to seal and protect the udder, but there is
now also a non-antibiotic teat sealant alternative that can be used in
non-infected cows.
Three basic
drying-off treatment strategies are possible:
(1) Treat the
whole herd with antibiotic Dry Cow Treatment (Blanket strategy)
(2) Treat
only infected cows with antibiotic Dry Cow Treatment (Selective strategy)
(3) Treat
infected cows with antibiotic Dry Cow Treatment, and uninfected cows with teat
sealant (Combination strategy)
There is no simple answer for all farms - most effective plan for
your farm depends on a number of factors, and the bext person to advise you on
this decision is likely to be your regular veterinarian.
Take the time to review your dry off treatment program with your
veterinarian to ensure you will use the most effective approach for your herd.
Image and
caption:
"Dairyfarmers
should review their drying-off treatment strategy with their vet"
Keywords
drying-off, Dry Cow Treatment, teat sealant
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