Overlooking Dry Cows Is Risky Business Jul 07, 2010 By Dr.
Bradley Mills, senior veterinarian, Pfizer Animal Health Dry
cows are often forgotten on a dairy operation. After lactation
and dry treatment, cows frequently move to a remote location or
off the dairy completely until they are closer to calving. But,
even though these cows are out of sight and out of mind,
research shows that dairy producers could benefit by paying more
attention to dry cow care. Researchers at the University of
Wisconsin-Madison found that even with routine dry-off
treatment, about 25% to 30% of dry cows may have quarters that
maintain chronic intramammary infections during the dry period.1
Cows that maintain a chronic infection are four times more
likely to develop clinical mastitis than their uninfected
counterparts. Many cows also develop new infections shortly
after calving. Cows calving with mastitis will produce at least
5% less milk than their healthier counterparts.2 Research also
shows that cows with clinical cases before b