The end of lactation, when cows are dried off, is one of the few times during the seasonal calendar when both farmers and their cattle can take a breather from the daily demands of milking. The dry period is a critical phase in the seasonal cycle of every dairy cow, as it allows time for the mammary tissue required for milk production in the next season to regenerate. This is also an important time for cows to build their natural immunity before the next calf is born.
Milk-producing cells within the udder are continually dying and being replaced while the cow is lactating. During the dry period, the udder rapidly regenerates these cells to build maximum milk-production capacity in anticipation of the next lactation. Allowing sufficient time for these processes to take place will help ensure that your herd is less likely to suffer from mastitis, an inflammation of the mammary gland commonly caused by bacterial infection or physical injury.
A farmer’s decisions at dry-off can influence a herd’s mastitis prevalence for the following six to 12 months. As you know, it is good practice to dry off cows in lighter condition earlier; this is when body-condition scoring is particularly important. This can also be a good time to treat cows using dry-cow therapy or cull cows with a history of mastitis.
Mastitis is an inflammation of the mammary gland caused by infection or trauma, and it can lead to decreased milk production. Contagious mastitis can spread quickly during milking, as milk from an infected quarter can be transferred to the teat skin via dirty gloves, teat-cup liners and the cross-flow of milk between teat cups.
While no milk is being produced during the dry period, the average dry cow may require as little as 10kg of dry matter to maintain body condition. If the cow is in light condition, she may require additional feed. However, overfeeding during this period in the hope of improving body condition may increase the risk of metabolic issues around calving.
To build resilience and strength for a stress-free season, the dry period can be an important time to ensure mineral levels are correctly balanced. Minerals such as selenium, zinc and copper can increase the body’s resistance to udder infections early in the next lactation while also supporting better reproductive outcomes later in the season.
Every farm is different. Herds are dried off at different times, and they have different diets and deficiency risks. By using a custom mineral blend in conjunction with Agvance, farmers can help reduce the likelihood of infections by supporting the specific nutritional needs of their herd during this key period.
Written by Chris Balemi; Managing Director, Agvance Nutrition Limited
