The dry period — typically 6-8 weeks before calving when dairy cows are not milked — is a critical welfare and management phase that determines transition success and subsequent lactation welfare. The combination of udder involution, teat sealing, and nutritional transition creates specific welfare challenges requiring careful management.
Abrupt cessation of milking ('drying off') causes transient udder engorgement and discomfort as milk production ceases. Cows producing over 15-20 litres/day at dry-off experience more discomfort than those dried off at lower yields. Preparation for dry-off by reducing yield through restricted feeding or milking frequency in the week before drying off reduces engorgement discomfort. Post-dry-off monitoring for clinical mastitis (particularly in the first 2 weeks) is important, as this period has elevated mastitis risk during involution.
Dry cow therapy (antibiotic intramammary tubes at dry-off) treats existing subclinical infections and provides some protection against new infection during the dry period. Internal teat sealants (bismuth subnitrate-based) provide mechanical protection against new infection by occluding the teat canal. Selective dry cow therapy — treating only quarters warranting antibiotic treatment (based on SCC or culture results) and using teat sealants in the remainder — reduces unnecessary antibiotic use while maintaining welfare protection.
The dry period is the final opportunity to correct body condition before calving. Target body condition at dry-off is BCS 2.5-3.0 (scale 1-5). Over-conditioned cows (BCS >3.5) at dry-off have higher rates of fatty liver, ketosis, and metritis after calving — severely compromising transition welfare. Controlled energy diets in the early dry period prevent further fat deposition. Under-conditioned cows (BCS <2.5) need targeted additional feeding but should not be 'steamed up' excessively. Close-up nutrition in the last 3 weeks of pregnancy is critical for transition welfare.
Dry cows require comfortable, clean housing. Adequate space (10m² minimum for dry cows), dry, comfortable lying areas, and good air quality are essential. Mixing dry cows with fresh-calved animals or high-yielding cows disrupts their specific nutritional management and creates social competition stressors. Separate dry cow accommodation enables targeted nutritional management and reduces mixing stress. Close-up cows (last 3 weeks) benefit from the same quality environment as the fresh cow group — this is the transition risk period.
Dry cows are often less intensively monitored than lactating cows — reducing daily observation opportunities. Minimum monitoring includes: regular inspection (at least twice daily) for mastitis signs (swelling, pain, discharge), body condition trajectory, lameness assessment, and any signs of systemic illness. Any dry cow showing signs of disease requires prompt veterinary attention — untreated conditions in dry cows deteriorate rapidly and affect calving welfare.
The final 2-3 weeks before calving represent the highest welfare risk period. Moving to the calving environment ≥3 weeks before expected calving date allows adaptation. Calving area conditions (cleanliness, bedding, space, supervision access) directly determine calving welfare outcomes. Recognising signs of imminent calving — udder development, pelvic ligament relaxation, vulval oedema — enables appropriate supervision timing, ensuring skilled assistance is available promptly when needed.