For this herd, the opportunity wasn’t solving a visible problem, it was uncovering unnecessary cost. By using individual cow data to guide dry-off decisions, they reduced treatment, maintained herd performance and captured additional value.

From drought to animal drug labeling, a selective dry cow therapy survey and WIC program benefits, this Weekly Digest covers a variety of news affecting dairy producers this week.

Two invited reviews providing an overview on the mechanisms that contribute to the iodine concentration of milk and dairy products and associated impacts of selective dry cow therapy on udder health, milk production, economics, antimicrobial use and antimicrobial resistance.

Mastitis can spell disaster for dairy farmers. This potentially fatal mammary gland infection is the most common disease in dairy cattle in the U.S. and worldwide. But a treatment – dry cow therapy – has proven to be effective.