DRY-OFF GOALS

• Cure existing sub-clinical mastitis infections
• Prevent new mastitis infections through dry-period and next calving

HERD MANAGEMENT TIPS TO CURE INFECTIONS

• Sort tags and marking systems before dry-off
• Identify infected cows with herd test or RMT (Rapid Mastitis Test) — work with your vet to decide how to treat mastitis in these cows
• Dry cows off when making 5 – 20 L / day
• Change diet (follow vet or consultant advice) to ‘shut cows down’ if heavy-milking
• Keep cows away from the milking shed after dry-off for at least 7 days

HERD MANAGEMENT TIPS TO PREVENT NEW INFECTIONS

• Dry-off during fine weather
• Check for clinical mastitis — don’t dry off cows if they have clinical mastitis
• Keep teat ends clean around drying off
  • Dry-off before cows go onto wet / muddy paddocks
  • Avoid hosing sheds / yards with cows nearby
• Consider staff training — get your vet involved
• Manage workload
  • Antibiotic OR Sealant (1 tube per quarter): 25 cows/person/hour
  • Antibiotic & Sealant: 15 cows/person/hour
• Stand cows on clean paddock with feed for 30 mins after dry-off

MANAGEMENT TIPS FOR CLINICAL CASES THAT ARISE DURING THE DRY PERIOD

• Consult your vet if the cow is sick (“black mastitis” can kill)
• Treat all dry period mastitis following vet advice
• Do not repeat dry cow therapy

REFERENCES

1. DairyNZ SmartSAMM. (2020). Drying off TechNote 16. Dry off abruptly taking steps to reduce yield. www.dairynz.co.nz
2. DairyNZ SmartSAMM. (2020). Drying off TechNote 14. Decide dry cow management strategy. www.dairynz.co.nz

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