{"id":17376,"date":"2024-10-21T11:41:20","date_gmt":"2024-10-21T11:41:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/herdwatch.com\/en-ie\/?p=17376"},"modified":"2025-05-29T15:02:01","modified_gmt":"2025-05-29T15:02:01","slug":"ensuring-high-milk-quality-during-housing-season-herdwatch-ie","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/herdwatch.com\/en-ie\/ensuring-high-milk-quality-during-housing-season-herdwatch-ie\/","title":{"rendered":"Ensuring High Milk Quality During Housing Season"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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As the housing period for cows draws near and lactation comes to a close, maintaining high milk quality is crucial. As production begins to wane, it\u2019s essential to prioritise quality to maximise milk cheque bonuses and secure favourable pricing. Continue reading to learn more about how you can increase your dairy herds productivity whilst using the Herdwatch App.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nutritional Needs<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

At this stage, cows should be receiving about 16\/17 kg of dry matter (DM) daily. Achieving this through grass and meal alone can be challenging, so incorporating high-quality silage is advisable to boost solids and maintain cow condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Monitoring and Control<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Controlling somatic cell counts (SCC) is vital, as higher SCC can indicate increased infection levels. Constant monitoring is key to ensuring herd health and milk quality. Additionally, issues such as a rise in total bacterial count (TBC) often stem from milking routine shortcomings, like improper machine washing or hygiene lapses during milking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Preventative Measures<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

According to Teagasc, high TBC or thermoduric can often be traced back to inadequate detergent levels in washing systems. Regular checks of these systems are essential to avoid complications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Farmers should also plan their final milk recording of the year and prepare for drying off. Cows with a history of mastitis or consistently high SCC should receive antibiotics at drying off, while healthy cows with low SCC can be treated with a sealant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Monitoring SCC is critical, as a sudden spike can indicate underlying issues that shouldn\u2019t be ignored. Stripping cows before milking can help identify problems early, preventing potential financial losses.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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How can Herdwatch help?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

During the critical housing period, the Herdwatch app can significantly assist farmers by streamlining herd management and enhancing your records on milk quality. With features that allow farmers to easily record and monitor drying-off dates, the ability to view somatic cell counts, and overall milk production, the app provides a comprehensive overview of your dairy herd health from the palm of your hand. This enables farmers to make informed decisions about selective dry cow therapy and antibiotic use, ensuring optimal care for each animal. To read updated regulations on dry cow therapy Click Here<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Recording a Dry Off in Herdwatch<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Medicinal Dry-Off with Tubes\/Sealer<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Build Your Medicine Cabinet:<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Navigate to the home screen and select \u2018Remedy\/Medicine Purchase.\u2019<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Choose from the list, use the search bar, or scan the medicine to add it to your cabinet.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Enter details such as Date of Purchase, Unit of Measure, Quantity Purchased, Supplier, and Treatment Reason.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Select \u2018Save\u2019 to add the tube\/sealer to your cabinet.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Apply to Animals:<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    1. On the home screen, select \u2018Cattle Treatment.\u2019<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    2. Choose \u2018From Remedy Cabinet.\u2019<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    3. Select the tube\/sealer from the cabinet.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    4. Enter Date Administered, Administered by, and dose details.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    5. Ensure Treatment Reason is selected as Dry Off and choose the Dry Off Treatment Type.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    6. This triggers information to go to ICBF; the treatment reason appears overnight, and the treatment type is updated on the first Monday of every month.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    7. Select the animals and \u2018Save.\u2019<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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      Natural Dry-Off<\/u><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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      1. On the home screen, tap the orange plus button (+).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      2. Scroll or search for \u2018Dry Off (Natural).\u2019<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      3. Enter the date and select the animals.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      4. Select \u2018Save.\u2019<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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        Dry-Off Alerts<\/u><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

        Set Watch board Alerts to ensure timely dry-offs<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n