Managing the transition period in high-producing dairy cows is critical to maintaining udder health, comfort and production efficiency. Recent advancements in dry-off strategies, such as the use of oral acidogenic boluses, offer innovative ways to tackle challenges such as elevated milk production, intramammary infections and clinical mastitis. This article discusses the findings of a randomized clinical trial in the Upper Midwest examining the effects of acidogenic boluses at dry-off on udder health, cow comfort and farm profitability.
Enhancing udder health and reducing mastitis risks
Previous studies in Europe have demonstrated that administering acidogenic boluses at dry-off effectively decreases milk production, reduces feed intake, lowers urine pH and alleviates udder pressure while encouraging cows to lie down for longer periods. While these findings were promising, the experiments were not designed to evaluate the effects of this strategy on udder health in subsequent lactations. Recognizing the economic importance of udder health, our team focused on exploring how acidogenic boluses impact this critical outcome, aiming to provide insights that translate directly into tangible financial benefits for dairy producers.
Across 901 cows from three dairy farms in Minnesota, those receiving boluses showed no differences in intramammary infection dynamics – the presence or absence of intramammary infections at dry-off or at calving – or milk yield compared to cows that did not receive acidogenic boluses. However, cows receiving acidogenic boluses exhibited improved udder health. Specifically, treated cows had a lower linear somatic cell count (LSCC) in the first two months postpartum, a 9.1% lower prevalence of high LSCC (LSCC greater than or equal to 4) in the first 30 days in milk, and reduced risks of clinical mastitis and herd removal in the subsequent lactation (Figure 1). These findings support the use of acidogenic boluses as an effective dry-off management tool to enhance udder health and reduce health-related risks without compromising production.
Improving cow comfort and behavior at dry-off
Excess milk production at dry-off, a common occurrence these days, can lead to discomfort and stress due to increased udder pressure without the relief provided by milking. Because acidogenic boluses have been shown to reduce milk production postadministration, we also measured activity and rumination behavior in a subset of cows within our randomized clinical trial. Results revealed that cows receiving boluses were 17 minutes less active daily during the first two weeks post-dry-off compared to cows that did not receive the boluses. The most significant reduction occurred on the second day after dry-off (33 minutes per day). These results suggest an improved lying time, a key indicator of cow comfort.
Additionally, while a temporary decrease in rumination time was observed on the day following bolus administration, no lasting negative effects on rumination occurred in the subsequent days. Given that rumination behavior is often used as a marker of cow health – since it tends to decrease when cows are sick or becoming sick – these findings suggest that the boluses likely help alleviate udder pressure, as indicated by the reduced activity, without compromising overall health.
Economic analysis: Is it worth the investment?
The final piece of our investigation was to measure how these results would translate into economic values. Using a partial budget analysis to evaluate the costs and benefits of incorporating boluses into dry-off management, we set off to determine the economic impact of this alternative management strategy compared to the status quo. Data from 867 cows enrolled in our randomized clinical trial was used for analysis, and the data showed that, in our study population, the use of acidogenic boluses at dry-off yielded a positive net profit change of over $34,000, with variation across herds influenced by factors such as mastitis incidence and cow breed. The economic benefit varied across herds, with the herd with the poorest udder health metrics showing the greatest return on investment.
Practical implications for dairy producers
Implementing acidogenic boluses at dry-off offers multiple benefits for producers aiming to enhance cow comfort, health and farm profitability. By reducing udder pressure and mastitis risks while maintaining production levels, boluses help bridge the gap between animal welfare and economic sustainability.
However, producers should consider the following:
- Training and labor: Proper administration requires minimal additional labor but should be factored into daily workflows.
- Cost-benefit variability: Farms with higher mastitis prevalence or larger herds may see greater returns on investment.
Conclusion
Oral acidogenic boluses at dry-off provide a novel approach to addressing key challenges in dry-off management. Research indicates that they can enhance cow comfort, improve udder health in the next lactation and offer measurable economic benefits, contributing to sustainable dairy farming practices. For producers aiming to balance animal welfare and productivity, this strategy represents a practical option supported by evidence-based outcomes.
References omitted but are available upon request by sending an email to an editor.
