My cow is in late pregnancy and still milking. People say I should dry her off but I do not know how. What is the correct method?
What is the right way to dry off a dairy cow before calving?
SSuresh Patidar5mo ago · 272 views
4 Answers
🌾Farmer.in Krishi TeamExpert ✓5mo ago
Drying off means stopping milking before calving so the cow can rest, rebuild body condition, and prepare the udder for the next lactation; a dry period of roughly two months before expected calving is commonly recommended. To dry off, gradually reduce milking frequency and cut back on concentrate and green fodder a little to lower milk production, then stop milking. Many vets advise a complete abrupt stop rather than slow incomplete milking, and using a dry cow udder treatment under veterinary guidance to prevent mastitis. Watch the udder for swelling, heat or pain in the first few days, and call a vet if it looks infected. Once dry, feed her well in the last weeks so she calves in good condition.
PPukhraj Patidar5mo ago
I reduce the grain and rich green a few days before, which brings down the milk, then stop milking fully on the vet's advice. Trying to half milk her dragged it out and risked the udder. The dry rest really shows in the next lactation yield.
MMangilal Verma4mo ago
Get your calving date estimate right first, otherwise you may dry her too early or too late. I keep the AI date noted so I know roughly when she is due and can plan the two month rest properly. Watch the udder closely the first week after stopping.
DDevkaran Chouhan4mo ago
Do not starve her to dry her off. The aim is just to lower milk for a few days, not to weaken the cow, because she still needs to feed the growing calf inside. Good feeding in the last weeks of the dry period gave me stronger calves and a smoother calving.