Cows are particularly susceptible to new infections in the first week of the dry period before their teats have sealed. These infections must be identified and treated so that they do not persist and create problems after calving. Cows should be closely observed during the last week of their lactation and in the first two weeks of their dry period.
Guideline 18 and Technote 18 provide practical and technical information on:
- Observing cows daily in the paddock for swollen quarters
- Checking swollen quarters manually
- Stripping secretion from only suspect quarters to check for mastitis
- Running all cows through the farm dairy for a manual check of the udder every 14 days (if possible)
- Treating clinical quarters by stripping out completely and using a lactation antibiotic.
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Guideline 18
Check udders after dry off
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Technote 18
Check udders after dry off
