Dry period

Main target in this stage

Prepare the cow for the next lactation

The dry period is a resting time for the cow. It usually lasts 6–8 weeks. During this period, the cow recovers from the previous lactation and prepares her body for calving and milk production again. Good management during the dry period helps reduce health problems around calving, such as milk fever, ketosis and infections. Many cow health problems start around calving, so this period is very important.

Give the udder of the cow the rest it needs

During the dry period, the udder stops producing milk and can repair itself. This helps prevent mastitis and supports good milk production in the next lactation. Clean housing, dry bedding and good hygiene are essential to protect the udder during this time.

Talk to your sales advisor for optimal hygiene tips

How to achieve an easy transition to the next lactation?

A healthy dairy cow is best set-up for an optimal next lactation. Dry cows need balanced feed, not too rich and not too poor. The goal is to keep the cow strong without making her too fat. You prepare the cow for calving with good nutrition that reduces risks like ketosis, milk fever and mineral imbalances. Always provide plenty of clean drinking water.

Check out our dry cows product

Points of attention for optimal calving

Proper feeding keeps cows at a healthy body condition score (BCS) since overweight or underweight cows face more calving and early lactation problems. Carefully monitor the BCS during the dry period and adjust feeding when needed. A healthy cow will calve more easily and start producing milk faster. Check body condition regularly and use the BCS guide.

Check out our BCS guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Key questions in the dry period stage

A well-managed dry period boosts milk production in the next lactation. While a shorter dry period can increase milk yield by reducing non-productive time, it must be carefully managed. Too short a dry period may harm udder health, recovery, and future milk production. Balancing dry period length is key to optimizing both milk production and cow health.

Discuss with your technical advisor the optimal dry period length for your cows

Our feed