03 November 2022

Practical Demonstrations on How to Dry Off Cows

Don Crowley, Teagasc and member of the Animal Health Ireland (AHI) Cell Check technical working group outlines the steps that you need to take to prepare yourself for drying off cows. Don discusses the various factors that you have to take into consideration when you’re drying off cows

• Always discuss your Dry-Cow Treatment plan with your veterinary practitioner
• Preperation is key:
  • Allow sufficient time
  • Have adequate labour available
  • Have everything ready – gloves, disinfecting wipes, tubes, etc.
• Identify and clearly mark cows before you start drying-off
• Teat ends should be spotless
• DO NOT massage teat sealer – keep it in the teat
• Massage antibiotics up into the quarter
• Ensure the cows environment is clean
• Good records are essential to avoid bulk tank antibiotic residues