There’s no shortage of opinions when it comes to dry-off — and plenty of myths to go with them. Whether it’s how to slow down milk production at dry-off or which protocols will best set up your cows for the next lactation, some long-held beliefs just don’t hold up to what research tells us today.
With cows milking stronger and longer thanks to improvements in genetics, nutrition and management, it’s more important than ever to take a thoughtful approach to dry-off. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common misconceptions and what you can do instead to protect your herd’s top producers and set them up for success.
Myth #1: All cows should be dried off the same way
A decade ago, it wasn’t unusual to see cows 400 to 500 days in milk (DIM) at dry-off. With improvements in breeding protocols and genetics, cows today are more likely to get bred back quickly and have a standard 305-day lactation. This, along with improvements in nutrition and cow comfort, means many cows are still producing high volumes of milk at dry-off.
These high producers are the queens of the herd — your most productive and profitable genetics. Ensure these cows stay in the herd and have a strong start to their next lactation by giving them a little extra attention at dry-off.
High-producing cows at dry-off are more at risk for udder engorgement, which can lead to increased milk leakage (even when using a teat sealant) and an increased chance of new mastitis cases developing during the dry period. Acidogenic boluses are a tool you can use to address this issue.
By using acidogenic boluses to reduce milk production at dry-off, you can decrease both udder engorgement and milk leakage. In a study, cows given acidogenic boluses at dry-off also had a 22% lower risk for clinical mastitis and a 30% lower risk for removal from the herd by 90 DIM.1
Myth #2: Dropping a milking or making a ration change are the most effective ways to reduce milk production before dry-off
Traditional methods of slowing down cows before dry-off include dropping a milking or making a ration change to one that’s less energy-dense. While these management strategies can be effective, they also have some drawbacks.
Both strategies require additional labor, time and pen space. These step-down methods also leave profit on the table as you gradually reduce milk production in the days and weeks leading up to dry-off.
With acidogenic boluses, you can maximize milk production per stall by keeping cows milking at their normal level of production until the day of dry-off. BOVIKALC® DRY boluses reduce milk production at dry-off for a more comfortable experience without any additional management changes. Cows can maintain their normal milking schedule and diet while putting more milk in the tank.
Research shows the difference in milk production loss for the different dry-off methods:
- Decreasing milking frequency: up to 20% less milk in the 7 days prior to dry-off2
- Decreasing quantity or quality of feed: up to 34% less milk in the 7 days prior to dry-off2
- Use of acidogenic bolus at dry-off: up to 10% less milk3
Myth #3: The dry period is a nonproductive phase; investing in it yields minimal return
The perception of the dry period has been shifting in recent years, with producers, veterinarians and researchers alike better understanding the connection between a successful dry period and a strong start to the next lactation. In response, many producers have focused on improving facilities, cow comfort and heat abatement strategies in their dry cow program.
Still, there’s more to be done when it comes to influencing milk quality during the dry period. There’s a high risk of developing new mastitis cases shortly after dry-off. In fact, about 60% of mastitis cases that occur during a cow’s lactation can be traced back to the dry period.4
A mindset of continual improvement is key to making the most of the dry period. Ask yourself, what else can I do to keep improving? Am I doing what’s always been done, or are there new strategies I can try? Are there any hurdles to address that affect fresh and early-lactation cow health and milk quality?
One way to ensure your dry-off protocols are working is to monitor somatic cell count (SCC) before and after dry-off:
- A high SCC before dry-off and a low SCC at freshening indicate you eliminated any existing infections and prevented a new one from occurring.
- A low SCC before dry-off and a high SCC at freshening indicate a new infection occurred during the dry period, and dry-off protocols may need to be adjusted.
Rethinking common dry-off practices can make a meaningful difference in cow comfort, milk quality and long-term herd performance. By challenging outdated myths and applying proven strategies, you can give your top producers the best chance at a healthy, productive next lactation. Talk to your veterinarian to see how small changes at dry-off can pay off in a big way.
References:
1 Florentino CC, Pena-Mosca F, Ruch M, et al. Randomized clinical trial evaluating the effects of administering acidogenic boluses at dry-off on udder health, milk yield and herd removal. J Dairy Sci 2024;107(6):3899–3915.doi.org/10.3168/jds.2023-23757
2 Tucker CB, Lacy-Hulbert SJ, Webster JR. Effect of milking frequency and feeding level before and after dry-off on dairy cattle behavior and udder characteristics. J Dairy Sci 2009;92(7):3194–3203.
3 Maynou F, Bach A, Terré M, Khan MA. Effects of oral administration of acidogenic boluses at dry-off on performance and behavior of dairy cattle. J Dairy Sci 2018;101(12):11342–11353.
4 Green MJ, Green LE, Medley GF, et al. Influence of dry-period bacterial intramammary infection on clinical mastitis in dairy cows. J Dairy Sci 2002;85(10):2589–2599.
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