The dry period — when dairy cows cease lactation before calving — is critical for udder health, metabolic preparation, and welfare; evidence-based dry period management protects cow welfare.
Dry period management has significant welfare implications through its effects on udder comfort at drying-off, disease prevention during the dry period, and preparation for the metabolically demanding transition period after calving. The discomfort of udder engorgement during abrupt cessation of milking can be reduced through gradual drying-off protocols that allow progressive milk production decline. Dry cow therapy decisions — whether to treat all cows or selectively based on mastitis risk — balance welfare benefit against antibiotic stewardship.