Reducing Infection Risk In Dry Cows Alongside Medication
Dry cows need time to rest and recover from a milking season, but they're still at risk for a variety of health problems that can affect their productivity later. Of these potential issues, perhaps the most common and costly is mastitis, an infection of the teats caused by bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus. The most effective way to prevent mastitis is to administer an antibiotic treatment such as Quartermaster medicine for cows. There are, however, a few more precautions you can take to keep your dry cows healthy.
Administering Medication at the Right Time
Antibiotic injections should take place right after the cow has been milked for the last time of the season. Carefully clean and treat each teat before administering the medicine. If your farm uses teat sealant for additional protection, this is also the time to apply it. This ensures that your cows can go to the barn or pasture armed with the best defense against bacterial infection.
Supplementing Nutrition
Many dairy cows primarily live off of pasturage while dry, but it may be beneficial to supplement their feed with additional vitamins, minerals, and calories. A healthy diet gives cows' immune systems resources to fight off infections before they spread and do damage. Extra feed represents an additional investment in dairy cow welfare, but it may pay off in the long run.
Maintaining a Healthy Environment
Cows are not always the cleanest animals, and their environment often breeds the harmful bacteria that cause mastitis. For cows that spend their dry season on grass, choose a pasture that isn't overly swampy or muddy. Animals housed in barns, meanwhile, should always have clean, dry bedding.
Managing Fly Populations
Flies pose a risk for mastitis in cow populations. These pests seek out sensitive areas to bite and extract blood, and a cow's udders are perfect targets. The wounds that flies leave behind then act as doorways for harmful bacteria, allowing them to establish a foothold in one or more teats. Tracking and managing fly populations around a dairy can significantly lower the chance of cows contracting mastitis and improve overall sanitation.
Monitoring Dry Cow Health
With medicine such as Quartermaster Suspension Pen G Procaine and suitable living conditions, most cows should return to their fresh season rested and without complications. However, there's never a perfect guarantee against mastitis, and the bacteria can spread through contact and handling. Periodically examine dry cows for signs of infection, and isolate those that may have mastitis. This will help contain and treat outbreaks early while limiting the harm to your herd.
For more info on quartermaster medicine for cows, contact a vet near you.