Eight dry cow prevention strategies can help reduce the risk that new intermammary infections will develop post-calving, which, in turn, helps keep milk flowing on the dairy and improves reproductive efficiency.
Dairy cows are most susceptible to new intramammary infections (IMIs) during the dry period.” – Brian Miller, DVM, Merck Animal Health
Source: Progressive Dairy, June 28, 2021. Link. Miller summarizes these strategies:
- Monitor teat-end condition
- Consider an internal teat sealant (ITS)
- Consider blanket or selective dry cow therapy
- Utilize partial tube insertion and clip/flame udders
- Provide adequate eating space
- Reduce teat-end exposure to bacteria
- Provide adequate ventilation and heat abatement
- Consider a core-antigen vaccine
Also see: Brian Miller, DVM, discusses mastitis and negative effects on reproduction, Dairy Progress, You Tube, June 10, 2021. Link.
INSIGHTS: Miller’s article and video are great tools to demonstrate optimizing health in dry cows and the positive results that can result.
Tools from Advanced Animal Diagnostics can help make selective dry cow therapy easier on the farm. Read recent complimentary AHD posts about QScout® MLD and AAD to learn about testing by individual udder quarter and how selective cow therapies support objectives for reducing antibiotic use.
Also see: Search Results for: QScout, AHD. Link.