At Dairy Farmers of Canada, farmers can download a new fact sheet called “Drying off cull dairy cattle at high production and in emergency situations.” The document was prepared by scientific experts at the Mastitis Network, led by Dr. Trevor DeVries at the University of Guelph, in collaboration with technical advisers, veterinarians and members of the proAction Animal Care Technical Committee.

The fact sheet provides guidance to all dairy farmers on proper dry-off procedures for dairy cattle generally and in emergency situations. Proper dry-off procedures for lactating dairy cows are important to maintain the Canadian dairy industry’s high standards for animal welfare.

Emergency dry-off procedures may be necessary for situations like a farm accident or a rapid and unforeseen interruption in demand for milk requiring a quick reduction in milk production (i.e., early supply chain disruptions that resulted from COVID-19). In all circumstances, applying the procedures enables farmers to ensure they maintain animal health and welfare and comply with the new, revised federal regulations (2020) for dairy cattle transport.

Laminated copies that can be posted in barns will be available soon from proAction Animal Care representatives in each province.

Canadian Dairy Research: For a profitable, innovative and sustainable sector, Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC) invests in research to stimulate productivity, sustainability and profitability on farms and to improve knowledge on milk and dairy products’ health benefits. DFC finances research initiatives that benefit all dairy farmers across Canada and works in collaboration with its members and other sectorial partners to address farmers’ priorities set in the dairy research and knowledge translation, and transfer national strategies. Visit Dairy Farmers of Canada for more information.