Body condition scores need to be closely monitored

When the cow has been successfully dried off, there is a tendency to allow her to fly under the radar until she calves. However, I would argue that a cow should be monitored very closely all throughout the dry period to ensure that she calves down successfully and milks to her maximum potential next year.

÷It is well worth walking through the dry cow shed daily. All cows should have their udders observed for any signs of mastitis. Cows can get lame too during the dry period which, if undetect- ed, can lead to loss of body condition and reduce the success of treatment. ÷Cubicle beds should be cleaned at least once a day and lime applied.

÷I regularly hear farmers asking how many cubicles they can “get away with” for a certain number of cows. If this question is being asked, then there is already a problem. Cows will spend up to 15 hrs per day lying down. Ideally then, there needs to be a minimum of one cubicle space per cow.

÷Body condition score (BCS) should be closely monitored. Seek advise on how to accurately assess BCS. It is a skill that you can get very good at very quickly with the right guidance. Over conditioned cows should be separated for special treatment, as should under conditioned cows. Adequate feed space per cow is essential, not only to manage body condition correctly but also to ensure that each cow is receiving the correct quantity of pre-calving mineral.

÷Group pens close to calving should only be used if they can be kept very clean and dry. ÷Calving pens should be cleaned and disinfected now. Spring is only around the corner.The dry cow may not be producing anything now, but, she will be again very soon.

TEAT SEALING HEIFERS

Many farmers are now using a teat sealer in heifers to try to prevent mastitis developing, particularly around calving time.

Teat sealing heifers is a task that should be done to the highest standard hygienically. Remember, a heifer has a natural seal at the teat end already. Putting in a sealer will break this seal so, even if a speck of dirt is introduced, it can have disastrous consequences.

In my opinion, the only proper (and safe) way to seal heifers is to use a turn over crate.

It is impossible to hold a heifer still enough in a crush or parlour to put four sealers in.

The risk of introducing infection far outweighs the minimal cost of hiring a turnover crate for a few hours.