The Art of Dry-Off: Tips for a Successful Transition
The stress of a recent clear TB test has lifted, leaving me with a sense of relief. The worry, for now, is gone for at least another four months. It’s a time of transition on the farm – adjusting to old routines, shorter days, and, of course, cubicle liming. But there’s something strangely enjoyable about this time of year too: the winding down of milkings, the hum of the automatic scraper, and the comforting smell of silage in the air.
Preparing for the Dry Period
With the cows in a hybrid existence between fields and sheds, the dry period is just around the corner. This past week was all about getting organized – ordering our sublime cubicle bedding and booking our final milk recording of the year. This final recording is crucial, as it’s vital to complete it within 30 days of drying off cows to facilitate selective dry cow therapy (SDCT).
The ideal cow should have all recordings in the lactation under the threshold cell count discussed with their vet before drying off. This last recording indicates the current infection level just before drying off.
Animal Health Ireland is hosting Cell-Check drying-off farmer meetings in association with local Teagasc offices. I was honored to be nominated by my advisory office in Midleton to speak at a meeting in Killeagh recently.
Stuart Childs from Teagasc and Donal Corkery from Dairygold also spoke, making for a well-rounded discussion on this important topic. We shared our expertise and a common goal: knowledge transfer for a successful dry period.
Sharing Expertise and Insights
My focus was on interpreting milk recordings and the drying-off procedure. Stuart addressed hygiene during housing, while Donal demonstrated milk sampling techniques, including a California milk test on a high cell count cow.
I emphasized my key takeaway from the Cell Check conference: hygiene at drying off outweighs the importance of somatic cell count (SCC) thresholds.
The afternoon centered around organization. I demonstrated how to access cell count data on ICBF and filter cows eligible for SDCT. Your vet can help with this, and if your cell count is consistently below 200, a funded Cell check “Dry cow consult” with your vet is a fantastic way to gain confidence in using the data.
If your SCC is over 200, the Cell-Check Solutions consult is an option to help lower it in the next lactation. These consultations are available on the AHI website.
Dry-Off Essentials
People know I love shopping, but some purchases are necessities, not wants. My “Dry off essential shopping list” falls squarely into the “need” category.
I soaked them in surgical spirit and use them for cleaning teats. The gold standard dry-off procedure involves a double clean, which is crucial if you’re using sealer only on SDCT cows.
Before any of our male readers raid their other halves’ make-up drawers for dry-off supplies, a polite request is in order. A trip to Penny’s might be a better solution!
A sturdy clipboard and whiteboard markers from the stationary shop are always useful for recording. I also swung by the army supplies store in Midelton for a new rechargeable head torch – my husband seems to “borrow” mine for work quite often!
A farmer astutely pointed out that good lighting is crucial during dry-off, making my new head torch a perfect demonstration tool. Perfectioning the basics makes all the difference – good light, extra help, clean surfaces, and a full belly. Drying off cows “Hangry” is never fun!
A Smooth and Efficient Dry-Off Routine
Planning the morning of dry-off is vital for success. Drafting the SDCT cows first ensures you have the energy for their meticulous hygiene routine.
Drying off sealer-only SDCT cows in a separate batch helps maintain consistency in their routine. Avoid mixing sealer-only with sealer plus antibiotic cows to prevent confusion.
Providing a clean standing area for at least 30 minutes post-drying helps with teat sphincter closure. Afterward, move the cows as far from the parlour as possible.
The Importance of the Dry Period
Dry-off has become a significant focus on dairy farms, and the time and effort invested will pay off with lower SCC in the next lactation. The dry period is the start of a new lactation, not the end of the last. As Jackson Brown Jr once said: “The best preparation for tomorrow is doing your best today.”
Are you ready to optimize your dry-off routine? Contact your local veterinary advisor or visit the Animal Health Ireland website for more information and resources.