Dry cow management is one of the most challenging aspects of dairy farming. High yielding cows can dry off at more than 30 litres, considered a good peak yield thirty years ago. They need time to rest and to repair their digestive and mammary systems. It is also a time when feet and mobility issues can be addressed. Finally, cows need to be prepared for the rigours of calving and the huge hormonal, mineral and nutritional ch
anges that occur at calving.
Getting the dry period right will help toward easier calvings, stronger calves, minimise weight loss in early lactation, improve peak yields and persistency and can even influence fertility. Getting it wrong can lead to many health issues such as milk fevers, DA’s, metritis etc. All of these things will affect profitability and can eat into
dairy farming’s most limiting factors, YOUR TIME.
I find that farmers are now putting a lot of effort into this period in recognition of how important it is. Observing the animals regularly and a clean calving area are basic essentials for success.