Dry Cow Welfare: Management During the Non-Lactating Period

The dry period between lactations is a critical welfare window for dairy cows that significantly affects health in the subsequent lactation.

Key Facts

The dry period typically lasts 6-8 weeks between lactations in dairy cattle
Dry cow therapy with antibiotic intramammary tubes reduces mastitis in the subsequent lactation
Teat sealants alone are an effective alternative in low-risk cows (selective dry cow therapy)
Body condition management during the dry period prevents transition cow metabolic disease
Housing during the dry period should provide adequate space and social stability

Welfare Considerations

Dry cow welfare encompasses the health management and physical comfort of cows during the non-lactating period. Abrupt cessation of milking at drying off can cause discomfort from udder engorgement; some herds use step-down milking frequency or dietary manipulation to reduce milk yield before drying off. Mastitis risk is highest immediately after drying off and in the week before calving. Selective dry cow therapy based on milk somatic cell count and health history reduces antibiotic use while maintaining welfare. Social group changes at drying off should be minimized to reduce stress. Adequate nutrition but avoidance of overcondition during the dry period prevents metabolic disease around calving.

What You Can Do

Support farms using selective dry cow therapy protocols guided by veterinary assessment
Advocate for dry cow welfare to be a specific focus of dairy farm assurance schemes
Choose dairy products from farms with documented transition and dry cow health management
Back research into optimal dry period management for cow welfare and milk quality