Drying a dairy cow is an important process in animal husbandry, as it enables the preparation of the cow’s body for the final stage of pregnancy, fetal development and new lactation. The ideal moment for drying is at the end of the seventh month of pregnancy, which allows the cow to recover the condition damaged during lactation or improper nutrition. Although this process is often challenging for livestock farmers, proper preparation and adherence to expert advice can make the process significantly easier.
A key aspect of successful drying is proper food preparation. Before the actual drying, it is necessary to deny the cow concentrated and green feed that stimulates milk production, such as corn, barley, oats and soybeans, while hay is recommended as the only meal. The hay does not have to be of high quality, but it must not be spoiled or contaminated with molds. Water must be available in sufficient quantity.
Dairy cows and the risk of mastitis
Before drying, it is necessary to ensure that the cow does not have mastitis. This is checked with a mastitis test, and in case of the presence of the disease, it is necessary to cure the affected quarters of the udder first. On the day of drying, special drying injectors are used and applied to each quarter of the udder after the last milking, usually in the evening.
The next day after the injection, the cow is no longer milked, even if the udder is swollen and engorged. This period is crucial, because it allows the mammary gland to stop secreting milk. On the third day, the udder should become limp, without redness or heat, indicating successful drying. This method can be applied even to cows that give up to 50 liters of milk per day.
For successful drying, it is important to keep records of the condition of the cow, adjust the diet gradually over at least seven days, and separate the dried cows from the others in the barn. It is recommended that drying lasts as short as possible, and that antibiotics are used preventively in order to reduce the risk of infections. During this period, the cow is fed as if it gives 4-6 liters of milk per day, which ensures its recovery and preparation for the next lactation.
Source: Farmer
Source: boljazemlja.com
