Drying off always crucial time for cows
Cows will be prepared for next year if it’s done well
Dry off time is a crucial part for all dairy cows.
If done well, cows will be set up to perform their best for the following season.
Who, what, when, why, and how are all important points to think about before dry off is to occur.
■ Who: It is important that you have a team that can administer products correctly. Whether that is booking techs and vets out to do all of the teatsealing and dry cow or ensuring all team members pass a practical assessment (also can be provided by your vet clinic).
■ What: It is important that you take time out of your busy schedule to sit down with your vet to talk about your previous milking season, and the upcoming one. Milk samples and other bulk tests are helpful to bring in during the season to help the vet decide what products will be the most effective for your herd.
■ When: As grass has been growing well this season, it’s important to reduce their feed intake to help with reducing their milk volume. This can be difficult, but the Dairy NZ SmartSAMM provides great tools that can help you get it right. (Dairy NZ, 2009-2012)
■ Why: Herd tests and milk samples throughout the season should be used to work out which cows may need some dry off antibiotics. This can be talked about with your vet at the consult time.
■ How: Some people decide to dry off in smaller batches through the shed. This is depending on your system and how many people you have to help you. As a general rule, 20 cows per person per hour can be dried off. This can be more or less depending on experience.
Small mobs of cows should be brought in so that cows are standing on the yard for no longer than two hours.