Implementation and follow-up of selective dry cow therapy (SDCT) programs in New York dairy herds

Abstract

Selective dry cow therapy (SDCT) is a practical method to reduce both costs and antimicrobial use on the dairy without compromising udder health in the following lactation when implemented well in the correct herds. The objective of the project was to implement SDCT programs in commercial dairy farms in New York State and monitor response. Selected farms were enrolled in a formal program that included protocol development, implementation of automation in on-farm software (DairyComp 305), employee training on proper dry-off techniques, and data evaluation to track the milk quality and udder health response to the new protocol.