Looking after summer calvers

摘要

John Shaw, a vet with Somerset-based Wilkins and Partners, considers some of the aspects that have to be considered when drying off cows and getting them ready to calf. Drying off is a useful time in the management of dairy cows, particularly with respect to udder health Dry cow therapy (DOT) is vital to maintain a low somatic cell count (SCO) in the herd. Dry cows off suddenly and infuse the udders with the appropriate antibiotic after careful cleaning of the teats with spirit. Dip the teats in disinfectant and allow to dry Further sealing can be achieved with porous tape or dipping in flexible collodion, which forms a plastic skin on the surface of the teat Cows giving more than 15 litres per day need a dry diet (straw) to prevent overstocking ofthe udder.