Dry cow

During the [https://www.cargill.co.in/cs/Satellite?c=Page&childpagename=CSF_IN%2FPage%2FCCOM%2FCCOM_GeneralPage%2F1ColumnLayout&cid=1432149912206&pagename=CCOM_Wrapper dry period], changes begin to occur within the mammary gland which correspond to milk synthesis and secretion. This period is important for the rejuvenation of new udder tissue in preparation for lactation. It also provides the cow the opportunity to eliminate mastitis causing pathogens within the udder.

In the early stages of the non-lactating period (between 12 and 24 hours) there is decrease of milk protein and cell survival genes, resulting in a loss of epithelial cells.{{Cite journal |last=Hurley |first=W. L |date=1989 |title=Mammary Gland Function During Involution and the Declining Phase of Lactation |url=https://www.journalofdairyscience.org/article/S0022-0302(89)79276-6/pdf |journal=Journal of Dairy Science |volume=72 |issue=6 |pages=1637–1646 |doi=10.3168/jds.S0022-0302(89)79276-6 |pmid=2668360 |via=Elsevier Science Direct |doi-access=free}} The change in intracellular processes and gene regulation causes a decrease in milk production until all milk production from mammary epithelial cells cease. Concentrations of milk-specific components such as lactose and fat will also decrease as milk production decreases. This stage is followed by a steady state period where the mammary glands remain in a non-lactating state. Preceding parturition, parenchymal tissue within the mammary gland will redevelop, allowing the reconstruction of new udder tissue in preparation for lactation.{{Cite journal|last=Boutinaud. M, Isaka N., Gandemer E., Lamberton P., Wiart S., De Prado A. I., Sordillo L.M., Lollivier V.|date=March 14, 2020|title=Inhibiting prolactin by cabergoline accelerates mammary gland remodeling during the early dry period in dairy cows|journal=Journal of Dairy Science|volume=100|issue=12|pages=9789–9798|doi=10.3168/jds.2017-12783|pmid=28964519|doi-access=free|url=https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01613619/file/Boutinaud%202017_%7B8E701B13-57D0-424B-AF08-EEFAC87D4744%7D.pdf}} This step is important for optimal milk production in dairy cows which undergo consecutive lactations. Nutrient and antibody rich milk, colostrum, will also be produced during the end of this phase.

Proper hygiene and sterilization techniques are essential when the cow is dried off. Veterinarians will often recommend an appropriate drying off protocol and therapy, which can help prevent common infections such as E.coli, Streptococcus spp and mastitis.Leelahapongsathon, K., Piroon, T., Chaisri, W., & Suriyasathaporn, W. (2016). Factors in Dry Period Associated with Intramammary Infection and Subsequent Clinical Mastitis in Early Postpartum Cows. Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences, 29(4), 580–585. {{doi|10.5713/ajas.15.0383}} Cows that are being dried off are often identified and marked to differentiate them from other cows in the herd that are still being milked. During the drying off procedure, gloves are worn and should be changed in between drying off each cow. Once the cows teat is wiped clean and disinfected, a teat sealant will be applied to stop milk production. Teat sealants may be internally or externally administered depending on the chosen protocol. Antibiotics are commonly used within treatments, which will be inserted into the teat before the sealant is applied. Once these treatments are administered, a post-milking teat dip or spray may be applied. The cow should also remain in a clean area for at least 30 minutes, and avoid walking long distances after drying-off. Once the cow is dried off, it is important to monitor the cow's udder condition to check for inflammation and signs of infection.

File:SCF Cow Stalls.JPG

Implementing adequate management during the dry period is crucial for optimal health and production.{{Cite journal|last=Bhutto, A.L., Murray R.D., Woldehiwet, Z.|date=April 2011|title=The effect of dry cow therapy and internal teat-sealant on intra-mammary infections during subsequent lactation|journal=Research in Veterinary Science|volume=90|issue=2|pages=316–320|doi=10.1016/j.rvsc.2010.06.006|pmid=20598329}} Microbial exposure, udder defence mechanisms and environmental factors must all be considered to prevent and control infection rates and incidences. Microbial exposure can be reduced through proper hygiene, such as clean housing and environmental sanitation. Scraping manure from stalls so that the lying area is dry also helps to reduce bacterial load and exposure. Cows kept at pasture are at a higher risk of infection risk due to pathogen exposure and ranging environmental conditions.{{Cite web|url=https://dairy.ahdb.org.uk/media/1669377/AHDB_DryCowManagement_WEB_2018-01-18%20(1).pdf|title=Dry Cow Management A practical guide to effective mastitis control|last=Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board|date=2017|website=Mastitis Control Plan|access-date=}}

Teat sealants, antibiotics and vaccinations are all considered udder defence mechanisms used to prevent infections. These products would be included within the selected dry cow therapy. Long acting antibiotics used during this time work to treat any existing intra-mammary infections while also providing preventing new infections.{{Cite journal|last=Afifi, M., Kabera, F., Stryhn, H., Roy, J. P., Heider, L. C., Godden, S., Montelpare, W., Sanchez, J., & Dufour, S.|date=June 2018|title=Antimicrobial-based dry cow therapy approaches for cure and prevention of intramammary infections: a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis.|journal=Animal Health Research Reviews|volume=19|issue=1|pages=74–78|doi=10.1017/S1466252318000051|pmid=30070621|s2cid=51893938 }} Minimizing stress is important during the dry period as it can negatively impact appetite and immunity. Social stress can be reduced by avoiding large pen or herd changes, so the social hierarchy is not disrupted. Some producers may choose to completely separate dry cows from the rest of the herd to ensure they are not milked. Environmental conditions such as ventilation and temperature should be considered. Managing heat stress can be implemented through the use of shade and water sprinklers. Research has shown that heat stress during this period can compromise the immune system, reduce mammary tissue development and reduce milk production following lactation.{{Cite journal|last=Tao, S. and Dahl G.E.|date=July 2013|title=Invited review: Heat stress effects during late gestation on dry cows and their calves|journal=Journal of Dairy Science|volume=96|issue=7|pages=4079–4093|doi=10.3168/jds.2012-6278|pmid=23664343|doi-access=free}}

File:Milk cows in the Netherlands 02.jpgDairy cows have specific nutritional needs during their dry phase. Separate diets are required for far-off and close-up cows in response to their metabolic changes as cows prepare for parturition. Producers may consult a nutritional advisor to ensure cows are receiving proper nutrients during this time. A far off cows diet should contain less energy and a high fiber content, while close up cows require a more [https://www.cargill.co.in/en/care-90 energy dense diet].{{Cite journal |last=Beever. E |first=David |date=December 2006 |title=The impact of controlled nutrition during the dry period on dairy cow health, fertility and performance |journal=Animal Reproduction Science |volume=96 |issue=3–4 |pages=212–226 |doi=10.1016/j.anireprosci.2006.08.002 |pmid=16949220}} Forages such as corn and grain products may be incorporated within a close up cows diet because of their lower potassium content. Close-up cows may also require these lower potassium levels to prevent milk fever.{{Cite web|url=https://afs.ca.uky.edu/content/dairy-dry-period-an-important-phase-for-a-dairy-cow|title=Dry Period- An Important Phase for a Dairy Cow|last=Bradmueller|first=Anna|date=Nov 26, 2018|website=College of Agriculture, Food and Environment|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200329025752/https://afs.ca.uky.edu/content/dairy-dry-period-an-important-phase-for-a-dairy-cow|archive-date=March 29, 2020|access-date=}} [https://www.dairyherd.com/article/dry-period-important-phase-dairy-cow Alt URL] It is also important for both dry cows to obtain enough protein within their diet for optimal health, milk production and reproduction. Research shows that milk production may be negatively impacted if cows do not acquire enough protein during their dry phase.{{Cite journal|last=Jaurena, G., Moorby J. M|date=2016|title=Lactation and body composition responses to fat and protein supplies during the dry period in under-conditioned dairy cows|journal= Journal of Dairy Science|volume=100|issue=2|pages=1107–1121|doi=10.3168/jds.2016-11012|pmid=27988114|doi-access=free|hdl=2160/44417|hdl-access=free}} If farms are unable to provide separate diets for far-off and close-up cows, producers may choose to manage their diets with a shorter dry period and a negative DCAD (dietary cation-anion difference) ration diet. These diets are acidic and help calcium be reabsorbed within the cows body and reduce the risk of milk fever.{{Cite journal |last=Rezac, D. J., Block, E., Weber, D., Brouk, M. J., & Bradford, B. J. |date=2014 |title=Effects of prepartum dietary cation-anion difference and acidified coproducts on dry matter intake, serum calcium, and performance of dairy cows |journal=Journal of Animal Science |volume=92 |issue=2 |pages=666–675 |doi=10.2527/jas.2013-6317 |pmid=24398835}}

Category:Cows

Category:Milk