Farm Animal Welfare

Dairy Cattle Dry Cow Management Welfare

The dry period (6-8 weeks before calving) is critical for dairy cow welfare and future health, requiring targeted management to prevent disease.

Key Facts

Mastitis risk is highest at dry-off and around calving due to immune suppression
Selective dry cow therapy - treating only cows with known infections - reduces unnecessary antibiotic use
Teat sealants protect against new mastitis infections during the dry period
Body condition management during drying off prevents metabolic disease at calving
Sudden dry-off is more stressful than gradual milking cessation for cows with high yields

Welfare Considerations

The dry period sets the foundation for the next lactation and determines cow welfare at calving. Proactive dry cow management - selective therapy, teat sealing, and body condition monitoring - prevents the disease burden that follows poorly managed dry periods.

What You Can Do

Support dairy farms using selective dry cow therapy and teat sealing protocols
Advocate for dry cow welfare standards in dairy certification schemes
Choose dairy from farms demonstrating proactive disease prevention in the dry period