Preparation and hygiene are the two most important factors when drying off

HERD HEALTH SERIES: Maura Langan, Commercial and Technical Manager (Large Animal) at Norbrook.

Recent regulation changes seek, in part, to address the challenge of antimicrobial resistance in humans and animals. The aim is to ensure we use antibiotics in a responsible manner, use them to treat disease rather than prevent it and restrict the use of some antibiotics in animals to ensure they remain effective for humans. So how will this impact dairy farmers drying off this autumn?

Selective Dry Cow Therapy is now the norm here in Ireland, a greater awareness of the responsible use of antibiotics and recent changes in legislation has made the blanket use of dry cow intramammaries a thing of the past.

At this time of the year, dairy farmers will be taking milk recordings, analysing somatic cell count (SCC) data and consulting with their vets. Together they will be working on a strategy that is unique to their herd. Those decisions will not only result in a decision as to which cows are sealer-only and which receive an antibiotic tube, but what kind of antibiotic.

Drying off is a critical point in the whole lactation cycle, so whatever your vet prescribes, you have responsibility for the two important success-criteria: correct drying off procedure and hygiene.

Make sure you start the process early as one critical step that has proved to improve outcomes is to adjust nutrition to reduce production ahead of drying off, especially in high-yielding cows. Decide ahead of time how you are going to group the selected cows as you dry them off. Choose a manageable number and plan ahead.

It’s essential that technique and hygiene is as good for the last cow in the group as the first, so make sure you have everything you need and have as much help as possible.

As well as teat seal and antibiotic tubes (if using), clean gloves, apron, cotton wool soaked in methylated or surgical spirit are all essential. Have everything to hand including a head torch (fully charged), marker sprays and a bucket for any waste. All help is useful, whether it’s someone you trust to clean the teats, or general help tidying up and passing things. It all helps.

Hygiene is especially important in cows that only receive an internal teat sealant, like Sureseal. These sealers work by mimicking the natural plug that forms in the teat canal at drying off to prevent infection ascending into the udder.It is of paramount importance that technique and hygiene are are of very high standards to avoid introducing any infection into the teat and udder. Pinch the top of the teat before applying the sealer into the clean teat canal. Do not massage into the udder and use a teat dip or spray on every teat. Wash hands and change gloves between cows. Allow the cow to stand for up to two hours if possible so that they aren’t lying down immediately after infusion.

Which brings me to one of the most important factors in a successful drying off, time. It’s a stressful time of year so make sure you aren’t rushing. You have one shot at this, and the herd’s subsequent lactation depends on its success.

Visit www.norbrook.com for more information.