Source: National Farm Animal Care Council Code of Practice for the care and handling of farm animals – Dairy Cattle, Section 4.6
Dry off needs to be done properly to mitigate the potential welfare concerns associated with abrupt cessation of milking (53). Some research suggests that intermittent milking over a five-day period reduces milk leakage and time anticipating milking (53). Lower-producing cows (<15 kg/d) show less engorgement than higher-producing cows (>25 kg/d) after dry off (64). Reducing milk production of higher-producing cows prior to drying off helps prevent painful udder engorgement and reduce the risk of clinical mastitis (65). Decreasing milking frequency to once a day helps to lower milk production rapidly, without causing pain or discomfort (66).
Refer to Section 3 – Feed and Water for general Requirements that also apply during dry off. Refer to Section 6 – Preparations for Transport for information about preparing lactating cows for shipping. Additional guidance on dry-off is provided in Appendix J – Resources for Further Information.
REQUIREMENTSCows must not be dried off by restricting water. |
RECOMMENDED PRACTICES
- dry off cows by gradually (i.e., over at least 5–7 days) reducing milking frequency and shifting to a lower energy and lower protein diet (66)
- offer ad libitum access to a lower energy and lower protein diet throughout the dry-off process (66)
- move end-of-lactation cows out of the lactating herd and into a separate pen or stall, if possible (66).
| 5 | Tail twisting is distinct from gently raising the tail to briefly immobilize an animal. |
| 6 | Improper use of a prod includes repeated use, use on sensitive areas (i.e., udder, belly, face, genitals), use on cattle younger than 3 months of age, or when an animal does not have a clear path to move. |
| 7 | In consultation with a veterinarian refers to a one-time consultation or periodic consultations as part of a veterinarian-client-patient relationship. Use of this term is not intended to imply that a consultation with a veterinarian is needed each time the procedure or treatment is carried out. |
