The art of drying off
Date: 12 Jan 2026
Preparing for drying off requires careful management of the cow's diet to switch off milk production while maintaining health and condition and minimising mastitis. Older cows producing over 12 litres of milk per day are at greater risk of mastitis at dry-off, so reducing milk volumes prior to drying-off is important. Yet keeping good rumen fill and intakes are important for cows to gain BCS over the dry period. Below is a timeline guide to assist in preparing cows for drying off.
One week before drying off:
For cows producing more than 12 litres per day (1 kgMS), steps should be taken to reduce production to less than 12 litres.
- Gradually remove all protein concentrates (e.g. PKE, DDG, canola meal) at least one week before drying off
- Remove energy concentrates (e.g. meal, kibbled maize)
- Increase fibre intake, such as by feeding silage or low-quality pasture, to slow nutrient absorption while keeping cows feeling full
- Remove lime flour and salt from the diet
- It is not necessary to change the milking frequency.
Three days before drying off:
- Feed low-quality pasture
- Continue to high fibre intake to keep rumen fill by feeding poor quality silage or hay
- Ensure water is continuously available
- It is not necessary to change the milking frequency.
Day of drying off:
- Avoid drying off in bad weather
- Dry off in small groups
- Allocate clean paddocks away from the cow shed
- Ensure water is continuously available.
One to three days after drying off:
- Offer poorer quality pasture and silage to maintain rumen fill
- Avoid transport for 10–14 days post-dry off
- Monitor daily for mastitis without bringing cows back into the shed
- Continue to ensure water is available.
One week after drying off:
- From four days after drying off, start introducing winter feed, ensuring sufficient protein, energy and fibre for condition gain and rumen fill
- Bring cows back into the cow shed from 10 days after drying off to check for mastitis and teat spray.
For advice specific to your farm, contact your veterinarian.
Dr Ilyse Jennens - Branch Manager, BVSc (Dist.) MANZCVS Medicine of Dairy Cattle
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