The dry period for dairy cows is the time when they stop producing milk before calving. During this phase, low-producing cows may naturally cease lactation, while high-producing cows often continue to generate significant milk volume. To ensure proper fetal development and allow the udder tissue to rest, high-yield cows typically require artificial drying off. This process helps the cow recover physically, accumulate nutrients, and reduce the risk of post-calving metabolic disorders, setting a strong foundation for the next lactation cycle.
However, improper drying-off techniques can lead to issues like mastitis or excessive udder swelling, which not only hinder milk production potential but may also result in early culling of high-yielding cows. Therefore, farmers should focus on several key practices during the dry period:
First, determine the appropriate drying-off time. The ideal dry period usually lasts 50–70 days, depending on factors such as the cow’s due date, body condition, and milk yield. Cows that are thin, old, or have difficulty stopping milk may need a longer dry period (60–75 days), whereas those with good body condition and lower milk production can have it shortened to 45–50 days.
Second, adjust feeding and management plans ahead of time. One week after milking stops, gradually reduce water intake and switch from three milkings per day to two. After three days without milking, adjust the feed based on milk output. If the cow is still producing a lot, all fine feeds should be removed. If milk is still above 10 kg, some can be reduced. Avoid increasing concentrate feed, but limit water intake and milk once daily. Increasing exercise can help improve the cow's overall health.
Third, perform the final milking and close the teats. On the day of drying off, inject oil-based antibiotics or dry-milk preparations into the udder after the last milking. A common mixture includes 40 ml of sterilized peanut oil, 3.2 million units of penicillin, and 2 million units of streptomycin, with 10 ml injected into each quarter through the teat.
Fourth, monitor udder changes closely. In the first few days, the udder will swell, then gradually shrink over 7–10 days as milk is reabsorbed. If there is severe swelling, redness, heat, or fever, the drying-off process should be paused, milk expressed, and anti-inflammatory treatment applied. Once inflammation subsides, the process can resume.
Fifth, manage nutrition carefully. For the first 3–7 days of drying off, reduce concentrates and green feeds to help the udder shrink. Two weeks before calving, increase feed to support fetal growth. Provide 1.5–2 kg of full-feed concentrate daily, adjusting based on cow condition. Supplement minerals like bone meal (120–160 g/day) to support fetal development. Gradually increase concentrate by 350–500 g/day starting 20 days before calving, and reduce it as the due date approaches to prevent calving complications.
In addition to feeding, management during the dry period is crucial. Prevent miscarriages by separating pregnant cows from the main herd and providing clean, comfortable housing. Ensure drinking water is warm in winter and cool in summer. Maintain hygiene, and massage the udder daily for 10 days before and after drying off. Encourage moderate exercise to avoid obesity and delivery difficulties. Avoid sudden feed changes, which could reduce dry cow intake.
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