Are you ready for better dry-off management? 

Do our #DryBetter check 

One of the most crucial steps in maintaining productivity and a healthy herd is a successful dry period. The dry period is not just a pause in milking; it’s a vital window for cows to recover, rebuild, and prepare for the next lactation. Proper preparation and management during this time can make all the difference. Do you want to improve your dry-off management, while also reducing milk leakage and improving animal well-being due to less udder engorgement? Then AHV’s new, revolutionary StopLac Tablet is the solution for you! 

However, to make StopLac effective, it is important to follow some key steps that help optimizing the dry-off management and also ensure your cows’ health and productivity. Learn why dry-off management matters and how you can prepare for a seamless transition to (and by) using StopLac. 

Why good dry cow management matters 

The dry-off period marks a vital moment in a dairy cow’s lifecycle. During this period, that cow gets a chance to rest, recover, and prepare for her next lactation. Thereby, proper dry-off management can: 

• Maintain udder health: By minimizing the risk of infections and speed up udder involution. 
• Enhance productivity: Ensuring the cow is in optimal metabolic status and condition for her next cycle. 
• Support herd health: By minimizing stress around the dry-off period, which keeps dairy cows in optimal condition. 

A Journey to Better Dry Cow Practices 

The following topics indicate a few of the steps and importance of these steps that you as a farmer might need to take to get your dry-off management ready for StopLac. 

Grouping & Relocation 

When drying off your cows it is important that cows and heifers are separated into groups. As mixed groups can cause stress; higher stress levels are often associated with a higher infection risk. Besides this separation in groups, occupancy is also an important aspect.  

It is advised to maintain occupancy of the dry off pen below 80%, giving each cow space to lie down comfortably and stay stress-free. 

Even though cows have to be moved in order to get them into the dry off pen, it would be best to minimize the number of physical movements to as little as possible. At AHV we strive for a maximum of two movements at dry-off and then zero movements in the week prior to dry off. Lastly the dry pen should be situated away from the milking parlour, at least far enough to minimize the chances of the cows hearing the milking machines. As this sound can stimulate milk leaking and the risk of cross-contamination with lactating cows is further reduced. 

Refining the Dry-Off Protocol 

AHV StopLac is a complementary feed that supports abrupt dry-off. So, after the final milking, four StopLac Tablets should be provided to the cow and the cow should be moved to the dry cow pen. This method will be most effective if is all done within 2 hours after the last milking. This transition to dried off is critical to keep stress low and effectiveness high. 

To ensure a lower risk of infection it is advised to use a teat sealer. Because at AHV we believe that it is best to leave the teats and touch them as little as possible we prefer an external teat sealer for this.  

Balanced feed and fresh water 

After dry-off, the cow’s diet should be adjusted to a good, fitted dry cow ration. It is advised to reduce the amount of concentrate and feed a balanced dry cow ration, rich in minerals. Additionally, the dry cows should have unlimited access to fresh and clean water.  

Ready for StopLac? 

This story of preparation highlights the importance of proper dry-off management. With (most of) these practices in place, and AHV Farm Advisor can help you with creating a dry off protocol specifically designed around your farm and management. Using StopLac for a smooth transition from a lactating to a dry cow.  

Contact an AHV Farm Advisor in your region today. As together, we can create healthier herds and more productive farms.