Drying off is a critical process in dairy farming that involves the cessation of milk secretion in the cow’s udder. This process typically takes 4 to 10 days and is essential for preparing the cow for the next lactation cycle.

Sep 11, 2010 · Jantijn Swinkels and Rinse Jan Boersma, of Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health look at the dry cow period step by step, emphasising events and opportunities to maximise the next lactation. Mr Swinkels says that dried off cows should have a body condition score within a range of 2.5-3.

May 15, 2020 · Drying cows off early can be part of a comprehensive plan to temporarily reduce milk production while maintaining cow numbers. Work with your nutritionist and veterinarian to develop dry-off and feeding strategies that do not affect the long-term health of the cows or productivity of the herd.

Dec 28, 2019 · As a mammal, a cow produces milk in response to giving birth to a baby to provide nourishment. We harvest the milk not consumed by the calf, but eventually the cow needs a rest period so her body and udder can rejuvenate before having another baby the next year. This is known as her dry period.

Optimising body condition score, reducing milk yield, calculating optimum dry period length and reviewing dry cow feeding are four key considerations when drying off cows. Find out how to prepare your cattle at this crucial time.

This article will describe drying-off best practices that are scientifically based. Experienced livestock producers often successfully use methods that depart greatly from the practices described here.

Jan 7, 2025 · When preparing for a dry period, begin with accurate breeding records so that a calving date can be predicted and a date can be set for drying off. With a 12- to 13-month calving interval, a dry period of 45 to 65 days is recommended.

Feb 2, 2023 · Drying off cows gives lactating cows a rest from producing milk, keeping cases of mastitis under control and ensuring animal wellbeing. It is the stage where a cow rests, repairs and prepares for calving in the spring.

Oct 28, 2024 · Cows should be dried off as soon as their production reaches 9L or less/day and farmers should cease milking cows producing 12L or less/day at the drying-off date.

Animals should be dry for around 60 days. If animals have prolonged dry periods, they run the risk of becoming obese, experiencing obesity-related diseases and having difficulty in calving.