Purpose-built drying off trailer allows up to six cows to be treated at the same time – enabling a team of four veterinary surgeons and technicians to treat up to 300 cows per day.

 
An innovative on-farm selective dry cow therapy (SDCT) service adopted nationwide in New Zealand is being trialled by a UK vet practice.
Meadows Farm Vets based in Stoke Prior, Worcestershire, has invested in a purpose-built drying off trailer that allows up to six cows to be treated at the same time – enabling a team of four veterinary surgeons and technicians to treat up to 300 cows per day.

Reduce antibiotic use

The practice has teamed up with Norbrook to provide the on-farm service, which, they hope, will significantly lower the rate of mastitis and reduce the use of antibiotics in dairy farming in the UK.
Practice director Richard Aylett said while many dairy farmers had adopted best practice for teat sealants and the responsible use of antimicrobials, many were still anxious.

Ease pressure

Mr Aylett said: “Protocol changes all the time, so it can be difficult to keep up with new drying off procedures. Our service aims to ease the pressure on farmers and treats the whole herd on the same day, with each cow being treated individually.
“Our team is able to treat the cows through selective dry cow therapy, applying teat sealant and advising on the use of antibiotics.”

Tested and proven

He added: “It’s an idea that has been tested and proven in the southern hemisphere, and we hope it gathers pace as a new service for the UK market.”