Association of Cow Drying off Practices with Milk Yield and Udder Health Outcomes in Peri-Urban Smallholder Dairy Herds

Landing Sonko; Bockline Omedo Bebe; James Ombiro Ondiek

doi:doi:10.11648/j.avs.20241205.11

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Association of Cow Drying off Practices with Milk Yield and Udder Health Outcomes in Peri-Urban Smallholder Dairy Herds

Landing Sonko^*

, Bockline Omedo Bebe

, James Ombiro Ondiek

Published in Animal and Veterinary Sciences (Volume 12, Issue 5)

Received: 30 July 2024 Accepted: 24 August 2024 Published: 11 September 2024

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Abstract

In peri-urban smallholder dairy herds, farmers face challenges in drying off cows due to a lack of evidence-based recommendations. This study examined the associations between cow drying-off practices, mean milk yield at drying off and during early successive lactation, and the odds of mastitis and udder leakage cases in herds around Nakuru city, Kenya. A cross-sectional survey of 232 cows across 172 herds was conducted. Mean milk yield was determined using a general linear model, while the odds ratios for mastitis and udder leakage were estimated using a binary logistic regression model, with drying-off practice, cow breed, and dairy management intensification as explanatory variables. All the three explanatory variables were significantly associated (p<0.05) with mean milk yield at drying off, early successive lactation, and the occurrence of mastitis and udder leakages. Cessation of milking (57.3%) was more common than abrupt cessation (42.7%). Mean milk yield was 2.6 liters/day at drying off and 13.4 liters/day during early successive lactation. Teat sealants were applied to cows producing more than 5 liters/day, while gradual reduction in milking, complete cessation of milking, or dry-cow therapy was used for cows producing less than 3 liters/day. During early successive lactation, cows dried off using teat sealant, salt application, stopping concentrate feeding, or gradual reduction in milking produced more milk (14 liters/day) than those dried off by abrupt cessation or dry-cow therapy (10-12 liters/day).Relative to abrupt cessation, the odds of mastitis and udder leakage were lower (p<0.05) with dry-cow therapy (odds ratio 0.12; 0.12), gradual cessation of milking (odds ratio 0.22; 0.29), or stopping concentrate feeding (odds ratio 0.14; 0.26). The study found that gradual reduction in milking (47%) and abrupt cessation of milking (22%) were the most common drying-off practices. These methods are effective for cows producing less than 3 liters/day at the start of drying off and do not result in milk loss during early successive lactation. However, abrupt cessation of milking is more likely to result in poor udder health outcomes. Though teat sealant was rarely used (3.9%), it proved effective for cows producing more than 5 liters/day, maintaining milk production and udder health during early successive lactation. These findings provide crucial insights for farmers on selecting appropriate drying-off practices to optimize milk yield and udder health.

Published in	Animal and Veterinary Sciences (Volume 12, Issue 5)
DOI	10.11648/j.avs.20241205.11
Page(s)	128-137
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2024. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Smallholders, Dairy Intensification, Milk Production, Cow Welfare, Mastitis, Udder Leakages

References

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[13]	Kashongwe, O. B., Mwangi, L. W., Bebe, B. O., Matofari, J. W., & Huelsebusch, C. (2017). Influence of on-farm feed formulations and hygiene interventions on milk yield and quality in smallholder dairy farms in Kenya. International Journal of Agricultural Extension, 5(2), 11-17.
[14]	Mariama Njie, Bockline Omedo Bebe, Caleb Oburu Orenge. (202). Antimicrobials Use by Smallholder Dairy Farmers in Peri-Urban Area of Nakuru Kenya: Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices. Animal and Veterinary Sciences 2024, Vol. 12, No. 4, pp. 107-118 https://doi.org/10.11648/j.avs.20241204.11
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[18]	Barkema, H. W., von Keyserlingk, M. A., Kastelic, J. P., Lam, T. J., Luby, C., Roy, J. P., & Kelton, D. F. (2015). Invited review: Changes in the dairy industry affecting dairy cattle health and welfare. Journal of Dairy Science, 98(11), 7426-7445. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2015-9377
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[21]	Wanyiri, M. W. (2022). Constraints to Increased Milk Productivity and Coping Mechanisms in Smallholder Farms in Bomet, Nakuru and Nyeri County Milksheds in Kenya (Doctoral dissertation, University of Nairobi).
[22]	Bach, L., Ammann, J., Bruckmaier, R. M., Müller, U., & Umstätter, C. (2022). Drying-off practices on Swiss dairy farms: Status quo and adoption potential of integrating incomplete milking. Journal of dairy science, 105(10), 8342-8353. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2021-21735
[23]	Migose, S. A., van Der Linden, A., Bebe, B. O., de Boer, I. J. M., & Oosting, S. J. (2020). Accuracy of estimates of milk production per lactation from limited test-day and recall data collected at smallholder dairy farms. Livestock Science, 232, 103911. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.livsci.2019.103911
[24]	Vilar, M. J., & Rajala-Schultz, P. J. (2020). Dry-off and dairy cow udder health and welfare: Effects of different milk cessation methods. The Veterinary Journal, 262, 105503. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2020.105503
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[28]	Etifu, M., & Tilahun, M. (2019). Prevalence of bovine mastitis, risk factors, isolation and anti-bio gram of major pathogens in Mid Rift valley, Ethiopia. International Journal of Livestock Production, 10(1), 14-23. https://doi.org/10.5897/IJLP2018.0517

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APA Style

Sonko, L., Bebe, B. O., Ondiek, J. O. (2024). Association of Cow Drying off Practices with Milk Yield and Udder Health Outcomes in Peri-Urban Smallholder Dairy Herds. Animal and Veterinary Sciences, 12(5), 128-137. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.avs.20241205.11

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ACS Style

Sonko, L.; Bebe, B. O.; Ondiek, J. O. Association of Cow Drying off Practices with Milk Yield and Udder Health Outcomes in Peri-Urban Smallholder Dairy Herds. Anim. Vet. Sci. 2024, 12(5), 128-137. doi: 10.11648/j.avs.20241205.11

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AMA Style

Sonko L, Bebe BO, Ondiek JO. Association of Cow Drying off Practices with Milk Yield and Udder Health Outcomes in Peri-Urban Smallholder Dairy Herds. Anim Vet Sci. 2024;12(5):128-137. doi: 10.11648/j.avs.20241205.11

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@article{10.11648/j.avs.20241205.11,
  author = {Landing Sonko and Bockline Omedo Bebe and James Ombiro Ondiek},
  title = {Association of Cow Drying off Practices with Milk Yield and Udder Health Outcomes in Peri-Urban Smallholder Dairy Herds
},
  journal = {Animal and Veterinary Sciences},
  volume = {12},
  number = {5},
  pages = {128-137},
  doi = {10.11648/j.avs.20241205.11},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.avs.20241205.11},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.avs.20241205.11},
  abstract = {In peri-urban smallholder dairy herds, farmers face challenges in drying off cows due to a lack of evidence-based recommendations. This study examined the associations between cow drying-off practices, mean milk yield at drying off and during early successive lactation, and the odds of mastitis and udder leakage cases in herds around Nakuru city, Kenya. A cross-sectional survey of 232 cows across 172 herds was conducted. Mean milk yield was determined using a general linear model, while the odds ratios for mastitis and udder leakage were estimated using a binary logistic regression model, with drying-off practice, cow breed, and dairy management intensification as explanatory variables. All the three explanatory variables were significantly associated (p<0.05) with mean milk yield at drying off, early successive lactation, and the occurrence of mastitis and udder leakages. Cessation of milking (57.3%) was more common than abrupt cessation (42.7%). Mean milk yield was 2.6 liters/day at drying off and 13.4 liters/day during early successive lactation. Teat sealants were applied to cows producing more than 5 liters/day, while gradual reduction in milking, complete cessation of milking, or dry-cow therapy was used for cows producing less than 3 liters/day. During early successive lactation, cows dried off using teat sealant, salt application, stopping concentrate feeding, or gradual reduction in milking produced more milk (14 liters/day) than those dried off by abrupt cessation or dry-cow therapy (10-12 liters/day).Relative to abrupt cessation, the odds of mastitis and udder leakage were lower (p<0.05) with dry-cow therapy (odds ratio 0.12; 0.12), gradual cessation of milking (odds ratio 0.22; 0.29), or stopping concentrate feeding (odds ratio 0.14; 0.26). The study found that gradual reduction in milking (47%) and abrupt cessation of milking (22%) were the most common drying-off practices. These methods are effective for cows producing less than 3 liters/day at the start of drying off and do not result in milk loss during early successive lactation. However, abrupt cessation of milking is more likely to result in poor udder health outcomes. Though teat sealant was rarely used (3.9%), it proved effective for cows producing more than 5 liters/day, maintaining milk production and udder health during early successive lactation. These findings provide crucial insights for farmers on selecting appropriate drying-off practices to optimize milk yield and udder health.
},
 year = {2024}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - Association of Cow Drying off Practices with Milk Yield and Udder Health Outcomes in Peri-Urban Smallholder Dairy Herds

AU  - Landing Sonko
AU  - Bockline Omedo Bebe
AU  - James Ombiro Ondiek
Y1  - 2024/09/11
PY  - 2024
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.avs.20241205.11
DO  - 10.11648/j.avs.20241205.11
T2  - Animal and Veterinary Sciences
JF  - Animal and Veterinary Sciences
JO  - Animal and Veterinary Sciences
SP  - 128
EP  - 137
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2328-5850
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.avs.20241205.11
AB  - In peri-urban smallholder dairy herds, farmers face challenges in drying off cows due to a lack of evidence-based recommendations. This study examined the associations between cow drying-off practices, mean milk yield at drying off and during early successive lactation, and the odds of mastitis and udder leakage cases in herds around Nakuru city, Kenya. A cross-sectional survey of 232 cows across 172 herds was conducted. Mean milk yield was determined using a general linear model, while the odds ratios for mastitis and udder leakage were estimated using a binary logistic regression model, with drying-off practice, cow breed, and dairy management intensification as explanatory variables. All the three explanatory variables were significantly associated (p<0.05) with mean milk yield at drying off, early successive lactation, and the occurrence of mastitis and udder leakages. Cessation of milking (57.3%) was more common than abrupt cessation (42.7%). Mean milk yield was 2.6 liters/day at drying off and 13.4 liters/day during early successive lactation. Teat sealants were applied to cows producing more than 5 liters/day, while gradual reduction in milking, complete cessation of milking, or dry-cow therapy was used for cows producing less than 3 liters/day. During early successive lactation, cows dried off using teat sealant, salt application, stopping concentrate feeding, or gradual reduction in milking produced more milk (14 liters/day) than those dried off by abrupt cessation or dry-cow therapy (10-12 liters/day).Relative to abrupt cessation, the odds of mastitis and udder leakage were lower (p<0.05) with dry-cow therapy (odds ratio 0.12; 0.12), gradual cessation of milking (odds ratio 0.22; 0.29), or stopping concentrate feeding (odds ratio 0.14; 0.26). The study found that gradual reduction in milking (47%) and abrupt cessation of milking (22%) were the most common drying-off practices. These methods are effective for cows producing less than 3 liters/day at the start of drying off and do not result in milk loss during early successive lactation. However, abrupt cessation of milking is more likely to result in poor udder health outcomes. Though teat sealant was rarely used (3.9%), it proved effective for cows producing more than 5 liters/day, maintaining milk production and udder health during early successive lactation. These findings provide crucial insights for farmers on selecting appropriate drying-off practices to optimize milk yield and udder health.

VL  - 12
IS  - 5
ER  -

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Author Information

Landing Sonko

Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Egerton University, Njoro, Kenya; Department of Livestock Services, Ministry of Agriculture, Abuko, The Gambia

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0009-0000-0849-3418
Bockline Omedo Bebe

Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Egerton University, Njoro, Kenya

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0000-0002-3547-0104
James Ombiro Ondiek

Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Egerton University, Njoro, Kenya

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0000-0001-5203-573X

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APA Style

Sonko, L., Bebe, B. O., Ondiek, J. O. (2024). Association of Cow Drying off Practices with Milk Yield and Udder Health Outcomes in Peri-Urban Smallholder Dairy Herds. Animal and Veterinary Sciences, 12(5), 128-137. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.avs.20241205.11

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ACS Style

Sonko, L.; Bebe, B. O.; Ondiek, J. O. Association of Cow Drying off Practices with Milk Yield and Udder Health Outcomes in Peri-Urban Smallholder Dairy Herds. Anim. Vet. Sci. 2024, 12(5), 128-137. doi: 10.11648/j.avs.20241205.11

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AMA Style

Sonko L, Bebe BO, Ondiek JO. Association of Cow Drying off Practices with Milk Yield and Udder Health Outcomes in Peri-Urban Smallholder Dairy Herds. Anim Vet Sci. 2024;12(5):128-137. doi: 10.11648/j.avs.20241205.11

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.avs.20241205.11,
  author = {Landing Sonko and Bockline Omedo Bebe and James Ombiro Ondiek},
  title = {Association of Cow Drying off Practices with Milk Yield and Udder Health Outcomes in Peri-Urban Smallholder Dairy Herds
},
  journal = {Animal and Veterinary Sciences},
  volume = {12},
  number = {5},
  pages = {128-137},
  doi = {10.11648/j.avs.20241205.11},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.avs.20241205.11},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.avs.20241205.11},
  abstract = {In peri-urban smallholder dairy herds, farmers face challenges in drying off cows due to a lack of evidence-based recommendations. This study examined the associations between cow drying-off practices, mean milk yield at drying off and during early successive lactation, and the odds of mastitis and udder leakage cases in herds around Nakuru city, Kenya. A cross-sectional survey of 232 cows across 172 herds was conducted. Mean milk yield was determined using a general linear model, while the odds ratios for mastitis and udder leakage were estimated using a binary logistic regression model, with drying-off practice, cow breed, and dairy management intensification as explanatory variables. All the three explanatory variables were significantly associated (p<0.05) with mean milk yield at drying off, early successive lactation, and the occurrence of mastitis and udder leakages. Cessation of milking (57.3%) was more common than abrupt cessation (42.7%). Mean milk yield was 2.6 liters/day at drying off and 13.4 liters/day during early successive lactation. Teat sealants were applied to cows producing more than 5 liters/day, while gradual reduction in milking, complete cessation of milking, or dry-cow therapy was used for cows producing less than 3 liters/day. During early successive lactation, cows dried off using teat sealant, salt application, stopping concentrate feeding, or gradual reduction in milking produced more milk (14 liters/day) than those dried off by abrupt cessation or dry-cow therapy (10-12 liters/day).Relative to abrupt cessation, the odds of mastitis and udder leakage were lower (p<0.05) with dry-cow therapy (odds ratio 0.12; 0.12), gradual cessation of milking (odds ratio 0.22; 0.29), or stopping concentrate feeding (odds ratio 0.14; 0.26). The study found that gradual reduction in milking (47%) and abrupt cessation of milking (22%) were the most common drying-off practices. These methods are effective for cows producing less than 3 liters/day at the start of drying off and do not result in milk loss during early successive lactation. However, abrupt cessation of milking is more likely to result in poor udder health outcomes. Though teat sealant was rarely used (3.9%), it proved effective for cows producing more than 5 liters/day, maintaining milk production and udder health during early successive lactation. These findings provide crucial insights for farmers on selecting appropriate drying-off practices to optimize milk yield and udder health.
},
 year = {2024}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - Association of Cow Drying off Practices with Milk Yield and Udder Health Outcomes in Peri-Urban Smallholder Dairy Herds

AU  - Landing Sonko
AU  - Bockline Omedo Bebe
AU  - James Ombiro Ondiek
Y1  - 2024/09/11
PY  - 2024
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.avs.20241205.11
DO  - 10.11648/j.avs.20241205.11
T2  - Animal and Veterinary Sciences
JF  - Animal and Veterinary Sciences
JO  - Animal and Veterinary Sciences
SP  - 128
EP  - 137
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2328-5850
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.avs.20241205.11
AB  - In peri-urban smallholder dairy herds, farmers face challenges in drying off cows due to a lack of evidence-based recommendations. This study examined the associations between cow drying-off practices, mean milk yield at drying off and during early successive lactation, and the odds of mastitis and udder leakage cases in herds around Nakuru city, Kenya. A cross-sectional survey of 232 cows across 172 herds was conducted. Mean milk yield was determined using a general linear model, while the odds ratios for mastitis and udder leakage were estimated using a binary logistic regression model, with drying-off practice, cow breed, and dairy management intensification as explanatory variables. All the three explanatory variables were significantly associated (p<0.05) with mean milk yield at drying off, early successive lactation, and the occurrence of mastitis and udder leakages. Cessation of milking (57.3%) was more common than abrupt cessation (42.7%). Mean milk yield was 2.6 liters/day at drying off and 13.4 liters/day during early successive lactation. Teat sealants were applied to cows producing more than 5 liters/day, while gradual reduction in milking, complete cessation of milking, or dry-cow therapy was used for cows producing less than 3 liters/day. During early successive lactation, cows dried off using teat sealant, salt application, stopping concentrate feeding, or gradual reduction in milking produced more milk (14 liters/day) than those dried off by abrupt cessation or dry-cow therapy (10-12 liters/day).Relative to abrupt cessation, the odds of mastitis and udder leakage were lower (p<0.05) with dry-cow therapy (odds ratio 0.12; 0.12), gradual cessation of milking (odds ratio 0.22; 0.29), or stopping concentrate feeding (odds ratio 0.14; 0.26). The study found that gradual reduction in milking (47%) and abrupt cessation of milking (22%) were the most common drying-off practices. These methods are effective for cows producing less than 3 liters/day at the start of drying off and do not result in milk loss during early successive lactation. However, abrupt cessation of milking is more likely to result in poor udder health outcomes. Though teat sealant was rarely used (3.9%), it proved effective for cows producing more than 5 liters/day, maintaining milk production and udder health during early successive lactation. These findings provide crucial insights for farmers on selecting appropriate drying-off practices to optimize milk yield and udder health.

VL  - 12
IS  - 5
ER  -

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