By Viéhpro Industries Ltd
One of the most overlooked yet critical phases in dairy cow care is the dry period. This is when the cow rests and prepares for the next lactation. Unfortunately, it’s also when most cases of mastitis actually begin. The good news? You can prevent this with Dry Cow Therapy (DCT).
📌 What is Dry Cow Therapy?
Dry Cow Therapy is a preventive treatment given at drying off—around 6–8 weeks before calving. It aims to:
- Treat existing intra-mammary infections
- Protect the udder from new infections during the dry period
This period is crucial because the cow is no longer flushing bacteria out through milk, making her udder more vulnerable—especially during the first week after drying off and the week before calving.
🛑 Important Note: Don’t Stop Milking Abruptly
For better results, milking should not be stopped all at once. Instead, reduce milk production gradually by:
- Withdrawing concentrates
- Introducing more fibrous fodder
This makes the drying off process smoother and less stressful for the cow.
🩺 Dry Cow Therapy Procedure
Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Dry the cow after the morning milking
- Completely milk out the udder
- Disinfect the teats using a teat dip or methylated spirit
- Administer the intramammary dry cow antibiotic using the sterile tube
- Disinfect the teats again after treatment
- Let the cow stand in a clean space for a few minutes to avoid contamination
💡 How to Prevent Infections During the Dry Period
- Keep cows in a clean and dry environment
- Provide nutritionally balanced feed
- Minimize stress (avoid overcrowding, rough handling, and long walks)
- Monitor cows for signs of early infection or injury
📣 Final Word from Viéhpro
The success of your next lactation begins with how well you manage the dry period. Dry Cow Therapy is not optional—it’s essential. It improves udder health, reduces antibiotic use during lactation, and boosts milk production after calving.
Healthy udders, better milk, safer farming.
— Viéhpro Industries Ltd
