As our understanding of antibiotic resistance deepens, new practices are being implemented to reduce unnecessary antibiotic use on dairy farms. One such practice is Selective Dry Cow Therapy (SDCT), a strategic shift from the traditional approach of blanket dry cow therapy (BDCT). This article will explore what SDCT is, the potential benefits and pitfalls, and how good dairy record-keeping can ensure its success.
The dry period – the time when a dairy cow is not producing milk before her next calving – is a critical phase for her health and productivity in the next lactation cycle. Traditionally, all cows are given an antibiotic treatment at the end of lactation under BDCT to treat existing infections and prevent new ones, particularly mastitis.
However, with SDCT, this one-size-fits-all approach is replaced with a more targeted one. Only cows with a known or suspected udder infection at drying off are treated with antibiotics. Cows deemed healthy, or with low infection risk, don't receive antibiotics. Instead, a teat sealant should be used to physically prevent bacteria from entering the udder.
SDCT is gaining traction in the dairy industry for good reasons, offering numerous advantages, but it also presents challenges that require careful consideration and management. Here, we delve deeper into these benefits and potential obstacles.
While the benefits are substantial, implementing SDCT isn't without hurdles. These challenges mainly revolve around disease management and the initial setup of the new practice.
While the benefits of SDCT are clear and significant, the challenges underscore the need for careful planning and management when transitioning to this approach. A successful shift towards SDCT calls for a deep understanding of the farm's individual herd health dynamics, stringent record-keeping, effective collaboration with veterinary professionals, and robust farm management practices.
Effective record-keeping plays a pivotal role in successful SDCT. The key question every dairy farmer needs to consider is, "Which cows should I treat?" Here is where the DHI-Plus herd management software proves invaluable.
Research has shown that it's beneficial to consider treatment for all cows meeting three critical criteria:
By employing DHI-Plus, you can generate a report that aids in identifying the cows that meet these criteria. This software assists in determining which cows are most likely to benefit from antibiotic treatment at the end of their lactation period, helping dairy farmers make informed decisions based on individual cow health and productivity records.
But how do you use DHI-Plus to create such a report? We've got you covered. Visit our Selective Dry Cow Therapy webpage for a detailed video guide on how to create a selective dry cow treatment report using DHI-Plus. This tool not only helps with making the correct decision on which cows to treat but also highlights when it's time to dry them off, making it an essential component of your herd management toolkit.
In essence, DHI-Plus provides a powerful, data-driven solution to enable the successful implementation of SDCT, contributing positively to both herd health and sustainable dairy farming practices. By combining diligent record-keeping with such technology, dairy farmers are better equipped to navigate the challenges of SDCT and fully reap its benefits.
Success in SDCT doesn't just mean fewer antibiotics used; it also means maintaining, if not improving, the overall health and productivity of the herd. This success looks like a well-managed herd with low incidences of mastitis, effective use of antibiotics only when necessary, and overall lower costs associated with disease treatment.
Success also means keeping up with evolving regulations and societal expectations regarding antibiotic use in food production. As consumers become more aware of these issues, dairy farmers implementing SDCT and reducing antibiotic use can position themselves as proactive, responsible providers, adding value to their products in the marketplace.
Selective Dry Cow Therapy represents a significant shift in dairy farming towards more sustainable and responsible practices. Through careful implementation and rigorous record-keeping, dairy farmers can reap the benefits of SDCT, contributing positively to the health of their herd, their business, and the wider community.
Note: This article was originally published in 2018 and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness to provide the most current insights into Selective Dry Cow Therapy and its role in modern dairy farming.