A new booklet which pulls together all the vital milestones to a perfect dry period is now available to farmers.
The UK guide to managing the 60 day dry cow period by Intervet Schering Plough Animal Health details the correct routine to recharge a cow during the dry period.
There are several dry period milestones and it is important all areas are covered so the dry period is a successful one, said Westpoint Vet Group's Phil McIntosh, who was involved in putting the booklet together.
"A successful dry period starts in late lactation, looking at body and teat condition. It's important the udder is recharged and for this reason it is the ideal time to treat existing mastitis infections, but it's also crucial to keep existing infections out which can sit and fester while the cow is not being milked."
But it's not just the udder that needs recharging, hoof health and the rumen also need reviving, he said. "The dry period is an excellent opportunity to fix foot problems and let good hoof grow. It's the only period when cows get a real period to rest. Management of the rumen is also important and will underpin how prepared a cow is - both to calve in the right condition and to adapt to the energy demands of the calf and producing milk."
All aspects in the dry period can have an effect on the three main health issues in the dairy industry; mastitis, lameness and fertility. "When you have a problem with one of the big three issues then there is likely something that needs fine tuning in the dry period," added Mr McIntosh.
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