Reducing antibiotics use
Selective dry cow treatment reduces the preventive use of antibiotics while improving udder health.
Last updated on March 24th, 2023
In collaboration with MSD Animal Health
Why does it matter?
Mastitis is a painful disease for cows and it directly affects milk production. During the drying off period, farmers often use antibiotics as a blanket treatment. They do this to reduce the risk of mastitis after calving during the first part of the lactation period. However, regular treatments with antibiotics can lead to antimicrobial resistance.
How did we solve this?
To reduce blanket antibiotic treatment during the dry off period, we first carefully selected healthy non-infected cows to trial the new approach on. We implemented a new balanced dry off diet and implemented better milking hygiene practices. To create a balanced dry off diet, we reduced the diet protein content from 1,8 kg to 0,9 kg one week before dry off. To improve milking hygiene, we ensured the teat end was wiped with cotton wool soaked in sterilium and a teat seal was applied. We also ensured the cubicles were kept clean and dry.
In the first year, around 30% of cows were dried-off without using antibiotics and the clinical mastitis incidence decreased by approximately 6%.
Opportunities for other farms?
This practice can be adopted by farmers around the world to reduce their use of blanket antibiotic treatment as dry off therapy. This action plan focuses on careful selection, better hygiene and a balanced diet, which can be applied to any farm.
Discover our best practices
We are active all over the world. And focus our energy on supporting farmers who work towards regenerative agriculture. Explore our best practices and learn how we are making a difference.
Learn More