Importance of the Dry Period
The dry period is an important time of rest and repair. Often times the importance of the dry period is overlooked. However, proper dry cow management is important to prepare the cow for the next lactation. During the dry period the cow’s immune system is hard at work clearing up subclinical infections, repairing the gut, and ramping up the immune system to prepare for the next lactation. Many disorders such as milk fever, displaced abomasum, retained placenta, uterine infections, low milk production, and mastitis can be prevented by implementing a solid dry cow program.
Body Condition
A high producing dairy cow must have body stores to draw upon during early lactation. It is very important that she be in proper condition at dry off. Using a 1-5 scoring system, the cow should be ranking at a 3.5 body condition score, at dry off. The dry period should be for maintaining body condition. Routinely monitor body condition throughout lactation so that any adjustments in ration energy can be made prior to dry off.
Dry Cow Therapy
Many cows in the herd may have subclinical mastitis infections. Milk may appear normal, but upon culturing mastitis-causing pathogens can be detected in the milk. Dry cow mastitis treatment is an important management tool for preventing mastitis. The purpose of a dry cow mastitis treatment is to get rid of any existing infection, and to prevent any new infections from starting during the dry period.
Housing and Environment
At dry-off cows should be separated from the rest of the lactating herd, and if possible housed in two groups within the dry period. A “far-off” dry group, and a “close-up” group. Ideally these 2 groups are housed separately so they can be fed two separate rations. While the “far-off” ration is designed nutritionally for maintaining, the “close-up” period ramps the digestive system up to take off on the fresh ration, and is often more nutrient dense to account for a lower dry mater intake.
Dry cows should be housed in a pasture or lot that is clean, dry, and will promote reduced bacterial populations. Damp, dirty, muddy stalls or packs will expose the teat to bacteria, promote growth of the fly population, and make the cow more prone to mastitis.
During hot weather shade and other heat abatement practices are also very important. Heat stress decreases immune function, which is very detrimental during this period where the cow’s body should be resting, rebuilding, and preparing to fight off any infection that might be encountered during the next lactation. Not only that, but cows that are exposed to heat stress during the dry period have been shown to have negative effects on the calf, cause the cow to produce less milk, and not be as capable of utilizing body energy stores during early lactation and show increased insulin resistance.
Length of time
Research has shown that a dry period of 50-60 days is the most economical and optimum for milk production, reproduction, and health. Short dry periods put the cow at risk for decreased milk production and metabolic disorders. Long dry periods have no benefit for milk production and reduce profit because of the added expense for maintaining a cow not producing any milk.
Stress
Stress is a typical part of everyday life. Stressful events such as calving, transportation, pen moves, heat stress, and acidosis negatively affect the gut barrier of the animal and allow pathogens to invade. Laminitis, pneumonia, liver abscesses, and inflammation may result from pathogen invasion.
During the dry period it is important to minimize stress so that the cow can utilize this time to rest and repair the gut barrier. A balanced ration is also important for maximizing gut health. Not only are nutrients such as protein, energy, vitamins, and minerals important for the animal, but also consider other additives that support the integrity of the gut lining and support the immune system.
Achieve is a premium direct fed microbial recommended to support optimum rumen function, post rumen integrity, and immune balance of the cow. Achieve draws its unique nutritional properties and immune support from nature and extensive cutting-edge research.
Achieve contains:
- Three strains of live yeast that provide a rich nutrient source for rumen microbes.
- Viable lactobacillus probiotics aid in stabilizing rumen pH and helping to prevent acidosis.
- Bacillus subtilis to produce large quantities of digestive enzymes and compete with pathogenic bacteria.
- Digestive enzymes that stimulate fiber-digestion, stabilize rumen pH, and reduce heat stress.
- Mannan-oligosaccharide (MOS) prevents pathogenic colonization in the GI tract.
- Yucca schidigera modifies ruminal fermentation by altering select microorganism ratios. Resulting in reduction of rumen ammonia and high blood urea levels. Which in turn has been show to improve milk production and conception rates in dairy cattle.
- Immune Positioning System (IPS) a blend of biologically active polysaccharides and poly peptides. IPS nutritionally assists cows in balancing cellular function, reducing gut inflammation, and supporting the immune system.
Program evaluation
Evaluate the effectiveness of your dry cow program by reviewing individual cow DHI Somatic Cell Count (SCC) records at first test after freshening and compare to the last test date in the previous lactation. A lower SCC at first test date suggests that either your dry cow program was effective in reducing any infection present, or that it prevented any new infections during the dry period. A higher SCC at first test date indicates new infection developing during the dry period. If multiple cows exhibit elevated first test SCC then measures should be taken to reevaluate dry cow management. Be sure to work closely with your veterinarian and nutritionist to ensure your dry cows are getting the care they need to set them up for success in lactation.
Written by: Mariah Gull, M.S.