In sporting terms, drying off is very much like preparing for a big match: training and preparation are important to the outcome of the big game. Likewise, a well planned and executed dry period can have long-lasting effects for the season ahead. Being under-prepared can have knock-on effects for the entire next lactation.

I often feel that due to the huge number of supplements available and marketed to farmers, it can be a very confusing time. There are definitely key areas that need to be focused on. So have a plan.

This time will usually coincide with housing, so maximising cow comfort and limiting stress on cows will have huge benefits. Water availability, feed space, rest, fresh air − do the simple things well and consistently, and you will reap the benefits later.

1. Drying off and mastitis

Careful thought should be put into when you dry off and the length of the dry period. Dry cow therapy should also be planned if you are aiming for blanket therapy or selective therapy. What bugs are on your farm and which dry cow tube is appropriate for your herd? Sit down with your vet/adviser and draw up a plan to ensure you select the right product and observe the correct withdrawals. It is worth considering the use of a sealer also.

2. Energy

The transition period is when so many problems arise in dairy cows, three weeks before and three weeks after calving. It is so important to pay careful attention to this period.

It starts by looking at BCS in cows at drying off and monitoring this right up to calving, and making adjustments as needed up to the point of calving to have the condition score correct. This can be done with the help of a nutritionist paying careful attention to the balance between energy requirements and what the cow is being fed. This can only be done by knowing the energy values of feed, having an idea of daily intakes and balancing the diet of the cows. I use a simple cow-side BHB test, which can determine, along with BCS, whether this needs adjusting.

3. Dosing

Have a dosing strategy and know your risks around fluke, worms, lice and mange. This can be done by using faeces, bloods, milk and previous history on farm. This has potential to be a flukey year so know your risk. Then plan which doses to use; when to allow for a withdrawal period; and make sure that these are licensed in dairy cattle. By doing this type of planning, you might find you use less dosing and certainly use it more strategically.

4. Calcium

Have a plan around Ca control and regulation to prevent hypocalcaemia and milk fever. This can be done by several methods, but should be done in detail where previous issues have arisen. Milk fever should and can be managed before calving begins.

5. Trace elements

Again, by knowing the feed, trace element status along with bloods results for cows (8-10), you can more accurately assess the need to supplement trace elements. The main ones I see issues with are copper, selenium and iodine. There are several claims about balancing others but I think these are the top of my list every time. Due to the fact that these elements often have interactions with things like Su and Mb, it is good to look at each farm separately.

6. Minerals

Dry cows certainly benefit from a quality mineral supplementation in the dry period. However, each herd is different and this should be balanced and formulated to the needs of the farm where possible. There is a whole industry based around this area and I truly believe it has led to huge confusion.

By far the priority in my mind is to focus on 1-5 first. Interestingly, I think the mineral least given and most important is ordinary salt or plain NaCl. There are big advantages in giving this cheap and essential mineral to cows all year round.

Of course this is only skimming the surface of the dry period, and it is about raising awareness of preparation and planning. The team that usually wins is the one that has trained the hardest and practised the most.

A successful dry period should involve seeking advice from advisers, vets and nutritionists, who then work together to get your herd ready for the spring ahead.

By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.

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Dairy know-how - Drying off: Plan to do it properly