Cow health
Drying off well
A two-month rest before calving gives more milk in the next lactation.
3 min read
This guide is general advice, not a diagnosis. If an animal seems sick, call your vet.
Why dry off
The udder needs about 60 days of rest to repair itself before the next calving. Cows milked until calving usually give less milk afterwards.
When
About 60 days before the expected calving date. Maziwa shows a dry-off reminder 223 days after service.
How
- Ask your vet how to dry off your cows and whether to use dry-cow treatment or a teat sealant.
- Reduce dairy meal for a few days before drying off so she makes less milk.
- Check the udder every day for the first two weeks. Heat, pain or swelling means call the vet.
Steaming up
In the last two to three weeks before calving, many farmers slowly increase dairy meal so the cow is ready to milk well. Ask your extension officer how much for your cow.
This guide is general advice, not a diagnosis. If an animal seems sick, call your vet.