Farm Animal Welfare

Cattle Welfare and Dry Cow Management

Management of dairy cows during the dry period significantly affects welfare around calving and during the subsequent lactation. Good dry cow management prevents suffering.

Key Facts

The dry period typically lasts 6-8 weeks before the next calving
Dry cow therapy with intramammary antibiotics prevents new mastitis infections
Teat sealants alone can replace antibiotics in herds with low mastitis incidence
Body condition management during the dry period prevents over-conditioning and ketosis
Social management during drying-off prevents aggression in group-housed cows

Welfare Considerations

Dry cow management quality directly affects welfare around calving and in early lactation. Good management prevents mastitis, metabolic disease, and social conflict that cause significant welfare harm.

What You Can Do

Support dairy farms with comprehensive dry cow management protocols
Choose dairy from farms with selective dry cow therapy programmes
Advocate for dry cow welfare monitoring in dairy certification schemes
Learn about dry cow management and its welfare implications