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the dry period - Coggle Diagram
the dry period
factors to consider
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dry cow feeding
Main priority for far off dry cows is to maintain (not gain) body condition whilst avoiding mineral deficiencies. Transition cow ration priorities are to maintain intakes, avoid excessive fat mobilisation/NEB and milk fever prevention.
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3 phases
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2) steady state
once involution is complete, milk production ceases and the secretory epithelial cells start to renew
lowest risk period as udder is empty of milk to act as a substrate and the presence of inhibitory substances e.g. lactoferrin prevent bacterial growth
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3) colostrum formation
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pressure builds up, contributing to milk leakage, lactoferrin is diluted by the presence of milk (and inactivated by citrate in milk) and the immune status of the cow begins to decline
exasperated by hormone status, ketosis, high BCSm milk fever, acidosis , stress or nutritional deficiencies
At drying off the cow is milked for the last time; her udder may be infused with a dry cow antibiotic tube and a bismuth subnitrate tube may be applied to provide an internal teat sealant. Dates for drying cows off should be determined using predicted calving dates.