Every dairy farmer has an opinion about how best to “dry off” cows when it is time for them to take a vacation in preparation for having their next calf. And they are probably all correct!

Dairy cows typically produce milk for about 305 days followed by a 60-day dry period during which the cow prepares to give birth again, signaling the beginning of the next lactation. Developing ...

One of the lessons I have learned while dairy farming is to feed a high-fiber, low-energy diet to dry cows before they calve. These dry cow diets typically contain finely chopped golden wheat straw.

Dairy cows are most susceptible to new intramammary infections (IMIs) during the dry period. Cows are at greatest risk two to three weeks after dry-off and two to three weeks prior to calving.

An investment in improving dry cow accommodation is time and money well spent. Not only does every cow on the farm pass through this shed, but it sets a cow up for subsequent lactation ...

A good dry cow management programme is essential if the milking cow is to reach her potential in the next lactation. Gerry Higgins, System Specialist with Richard Keenan and Company outlines the ...

The first place a dairy producer might make improvement is in the dry cow program. Dairy cows acquire most new infections during the dry period. Cows are at peak risk for new infections at dry-off ...

Taking steps to improve dry cow nutrition can significantly reduce incidences of metabolic disease within the herd, improving overall efficiency and profitability if the results of a trial comparing ...