Recent research suggests removing the concentrate ration for 7 to 14 days accompanied by once a day milking may be a good way to dry off cows. Cows dried off in this manner developed fewer new mastitis infections than cows which were dried off abruptly without a change of ration. During this time they should be separated from lactating cows and grouped according to early dry period and close-up to calving. This grouping is to facilitate nutritional management. Dry cows should be housed in clean, dry, comfortable loose pens or paddocks.
Exercise is important to maintain normal body functions and muscle tone.
The early dry period comprises the first 4-5 weeks after drying off. During this period attention should be given to mastitis prevention, vitamin supplementation and body condition. Mastitis Prevention Dry cow intramammary antibiotic treatment is necessary to prevent new udder infections in the early dry period. It also eliminates sub-clinical infections persisting from the previous lactation. Selection of an infusion product should be based on your veterinarian's advice as well as the antibiotic sensitivity patterns for known mastitis agents in the herd.