In the first video of our udder health video series, Tommy Heffernan and Helena Madden delve into the rationale behind drying-off cows. The pair also discuss what happens during the dry cow period? What are we trying to achieve? And what are the greatest risks during the drying-off procedure? Finally, Tommy and Helena thrash out what needs to be taken into consideration when deciding to go down the selective dry cow therapy (SDCT) route on your farm.
You can’t manage what you don’t measure, and data is useless unless you can act on it! In the second video of our udder health video series, Tommy and Jack O’Connor look at the data available to farmers and how this information can help farmers make more informed decisions on their farm. They also discuss the value of milk recording, the key times to conduct milk recording throughout the year and accessing your milk recording reports from ICBF. Lastly, what is the key information you need to take from these reports to make decisions ahead of drying off? For help accessing and understanding your reports, talk to your vet. Together you can put a plan in place that suits your farm.
Selective dry cow therapy (SDCT) is very topical at the minute across the dairy industry. In the third video of our udder health video series, Tommy and Helena discuss the motivation behind conducting SDCT, what it means for vets and farmers and some practical tips on how you can start practicing SDCT on your farm. This alternative drying-off procedure is not something you can simply dive into; it comes with risks, and therefore, the correct procedure is key. For help and advice, speak with your local vet.
Fail to prepare, prepare to fail when it comes to drying-off cows. Planning and preparation is essential; particularly when it comes to the cow. In the fourth video of our udder health video series, Tommy and Helena discuss ensuring the cow is the correct BCS, that she is up to date with all her vaccines, her tail is clipped, and her udder is clean from faecal material before drying-off. They also draw attention to the nutritional considerations to take into account pre and post drying off for the best results and why it is so important to choose the correct dry-cow tube which is effective against the pathogens present on your farm. All these steps combined will lead to successful dry period.
In the fifth video of our udder health video series, Tommy and Jack roll their sleeves up and dry off a cow. The pair work through every detail from start to finish on what’s involved in drying off a cow. Hygiene is critical during this process and Tommy outlines some practical tips and tricks you can follow to ensure you get the best results. This one’s not to be missed!
Post drying-off, the first 7 to 14 days is a high-risk period for the cow. In the sixth video of our udder health video series, Tommy and Helena look at some key areas that farmers need to address to minimise the risk of infection during this period. They look at everything from cow-comfort, to nutrition, to cubicle space, to hygiene. No stone is left unturned!
Our udder health video series has been packed with lots of information, tips, tricks, and advice for a successful dry cow period. To make all this easy and accessible to look back on, the guys have summarised each video for you. For more information on udder health or our new teat sealant, Cepralock, talk to your local vet.