Reducing Mastitis in the Dry Period Dairy Insight

Get it right and the dry period will help the udder to rejuvenate, cure itself of any infection and set the foundations for a productive lactation. Get it wrong and you could be inadvertently suppressing yields and increasing chronic infection risk. With a case of mastitis costing £367 per case (according to the Dairy Costings Focus Report 2025), and up to 50% of mastitis cases attributed to management during the dry period, it should be an area of priority on all dairy farms.

This Dairy Insight explores the critical role of the dry period and how managing it effectively can significantly impact herd health. Consider when and where to use medicines and vaccines to reduce associated risks of mastitis, in consultation with your vet.

Issued July 2025

About Kingshay insight publications

Kingshay has been producing bi-monthly publications for dairy farmers since 1991. Publishing on issues critical to the success of a modern dairy farming business.

These briefings include dairy insight, business insight and research insight, they provide dairy farmers, large animal vets, farm consultants and other interested parties with the most vital and timely information in a concise two-page format. The information contained in our insight publications is written and updated by our experts to ensure accuracy and to save you time.

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