Factors Affecting Lactoferrin Concentration at Drying Off and Infection Status at Calving in Dairy Cows on an Intermittent Milking Schedule Prior to Drying Off

During the dry period of the dairy cow there is a rapid increase in natural protective factors. This occurs once the volume of milk accumulated in the udder begins to decrease. Cows are most susceptible to new intramammary infections (IMI) during the early dry period and in the weeks immediately prior to parturition.

An intermittent milking schedule at the end of lactation reduces milk yield prior to drying off. A reduced milk volume quickens time to teat closure. Longer teat closure times are associated with a greater prevalence of IMI at calving. Our objective was to determine whether an intermittent milking schedule increased lactoferrin concentrations prior to drying off, and whether reducing the milk yield was associated with the prevalence of IMI at calving. Results indicated that an intermittent milking schedule successfully increased lactoferrin concentrations. A reduced milk yield at drying off was not associated with infection status at calving.