Dairy NZ

• Check and maintain races to minimise lameness problems
• Vaccinate for rotavirus and leptospirosis
• Train heifers through the milking platform in readiness for calving
• Check there is access to a safe and operational restraint facility at run-offs to ensure urgent veterinary inspections can be carried out if needed
• Make sure stock are checked daily over winter (including at run-offs) to identify animal health issues early (e.g. down cows, slips/abortions)
• Make sure yearling heifers are sufficiently fed through winter, and have a drenching and mineral supplement plan
• Check and prepare calf housing facilities, make sure there is a designated area available for separating sick calves to minimise diseases spreading
• Decide on calf feeding programme and order feed and equipment needed.

Mastitis

• Check weekly for clinical mastitis for the first three weeks after dry-off
• Feel udders, avoid disturbing teat canal unless absolutely necessary. Spray teats after each examination
• Discuss mastitis control methods for the coming season with your vet
• Service the milking machine, replace rubberware where appropriate and book in milking machine test
• Service the teat sprayer.