[Mountainwoman]

Hi I am just wondering what people's thoughts are on putting dry cow tubes in when  the calf is weaned. I have done it once but been ok other times without doing it. I was advised when I  started with cows never to have a dry cow in August due to the high risk of mastitis so I have usually weaned in late autumn or winter, just a few months before they are due to calve again.  The cow I am just drying off now had her calf in January and she actually hasn't bagged up too much without him so she was probably not making much milk anymore. Her calf was  definitely still suckling though as well as  another calf who had adopted her . ( foster calf feeds from both cows !!)
They are inside now but just came in yesterday  so on lovely clean straw beds.  Opinions and advice gratefully received.

[farmvet]

Generally I dont advise dry cow tubes for beef cows at this time of year unless she has had a grumbling mastitis problem this lactation. Even in dairy herds there is pressure to use them only on target animals rather than blanket cover everything with antibiotics. Teat sealants are an alternative but rarely necessary in beef cows. Just keep a close eye on her bag for a few weeks, but i wouldnt expect any problem with her having been calved so long.

[Mountainwoman]

thank you Farmvet. I'll just leave her alone  then as she's not had any problems. Udder is still nice and soft 2 days without calves so I think she'll dry off without any problem.