Routine use of dry cow therapy under investigation

USDA National Animal Health Monitoring Survey data shows more than 80 percent of U.S. dairy herds managers treat 100 percent of their cows’ quarters at the end of dry off. Plus, almost all herds treat a majority of all quarters. This practice is now undergoing a reexamination of the use of antibiotics on dairies with the goal of using them responsibility and only for animals that will benefit from their use.

Source: Dairy Herd Management, August 19, 2016.

UW-Milk Quality promotes an integrated, team-based approach to best manage udder health and milk quality. The new video series The Use of Dry Cow Therapy on Dairy Farms includes four videos:

• Part 1:  Why is dry cow therapy recommended?
• Part 2:  What is a ‘selective dry cow therapy program’?
• Part 3:  What herds may benefit from selective dry cow therapy?
• Part 4:  How should dry cow therapy be administered?

INSIGHTS: Veterinary teams, retail associates and sales reps who dispense, prescribe or sell dry cow treatments will benefit from viewing this series. Selective therapies will become the standards of care. Being familiar with information presented to dairy producers is critical for establishing protocols to help them meet milk quality goals and maintain or increase farm profitability.