A rational approach to dry cow therapy. 2. Product selection

THE use of antibiotics in food-producing animals is an increasing area of public concern. In particular, the prophylactic use of antibiotics is coming under scrutiny - and antibiotic dry cow therapy is one such use. The aim of this two-part article is to provide an insight into the most important pathogens during the dry period and the best approaches to minimising their impact, through a rational approach to the prescription of dry cow therapy. Part 1, published in the last issue (November/December 2002, pp 582-587), discussed udder health priorities during the dry period. This article discusses aspects of the design, prescription, use and monitoring of antibiotic dry cow treatments