Production Plus
Production + Dry Cow Protocol
Today’s shorter dry cow periods require better dry cow therapy.
A 30-day dry period is as effective as 60-day dry periods in sustaining subsequent milk production.
Benefits of a shorter dry period include higher milk production, fewer diet and group changes, fewer metabolic disorders, and fewer mammary infections*
Dry cow therapy permits udder tissue to heal before freshening and may reduce the incidence of new infections
Maximize the benefits of a shortened dry period With ToMORROW®/Cefa-Dri® (cephapirin benzathine) and Dry-Clox® (cloxacillin benzathine)
Reduce nutrient intake up to two weeks prior to dry-off
Stop milking completely
At dry-off, treat every quarter of every cow with ToMORROW®/Cefa-Dri® (cephapirin benzathine) which are labeled for dry periods as short as 30 days
Use proper hygiene and Opti-Sert® partial insertion technique
Observe cows closely for two weeks after dry-off to ensure udders are involuting properly
Keep exercise lots, stalls and maternity pens clean and dry and restrict access to ponds and muddy areas
Intramammary Infection Control for Shortened Dry Periods (FDP L0208T)*KC Bachman and ML Schairer, “Bovine Studies on Optimal Length of Dry Periods.” Journal of Dairy Sciences, 2003. Volume 86 (3027-3037)
