Dairy Technical
Summer mastitis is usually seen in dry cows and heifers during the summer months from late June to mid-September, it is caused by a combination of bacteria.
Dairy
With herds starting to dry off some of the milking herd already, it won't be long until the milking season comes fully to a close.
Proper planning ahead of drying off dairy cows for the winter is an essential part in keeping on top of somatic cell count (SCC) AHI says.
As we come to the end of the milking season, attention is turning to getting cows ready for the calving period and the next milking season.
On the day, four key pillars surrounding the dry period were discussed. These were: management; minerals; body condition; and nutrition.
Dairy farmers are being reminded of the importance of the dry cow period - especially when it comes to management and nutrition.
Farming in Cullohill, Co. Laois, Pat and Pauraic Spencer - a father-and-son team - milk a herd of approximately 53 British Friesian cows.
Drying off cows properly at the end of their lactation is an important process that allows the cow to heal and prepare for her next lactation.
Dairy farmers are being reminded of the important role of dry cow management, in particular nutrition, when securing herd health.
Thomas Dwan and his parents Eddie and Ann were winners of the NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards in 2014
