Dry cow treatment

The dry period is a critical period in the lactation cycle of a dairy cow as the cow and her udder need time to get in shape for a successful start into the next lactation. The majority of mastitis cases occur in the first 3 months of lactation but over 50% of new intramammary infections originate in the dry period.¹

The risk of infection is not evenly distributed over the dry period. The risk is especially high in the involution phase after dry off and in the transition phase at the end of the dry period. A recent study shows that gram-positive organisms are generally well controlled but gram-negative pathogens increase during the dry period.²

Antibiotic dry cow treatment after the last milking of lactation is an important pillar in an effective mastitis control program and has shown to cure existing intramammary infections and prevent new infections during the dry period. Many farms need a long-acting treatment that is equally effective against gram-positive and gram-negative pathogens.

For further information see www.ubrocare.com

References

1 Bradley AJ, et al. The importance of the nonlactating period in the epidemiology of intramammary infection and strategies for prevention. Vet Clin Food Anim 2004;547-568.
2 Bradley AJ., et al. An investigation of the dynamics of intramammary infections acquired during the dry period on European dairy farms. J Dairy Sci. 2015;98:6029-6047.