Comparing the Use of Systemic Antibiotics with Intramammary Antibiotics in Dry Cow Therapy

Abstract

The non-lactating (dry) period is well known as an important time for both the acquisition and treatment of intramammary infections. Although systemic use of antibiotic has been used in conjuction with intramammary therapy in lactating cattle, intramammary therapy alone has been routinely used for dry cow therapy. Previous studies have suggested that systemic therapy may be beneficial, but most producers rely solely on intramammary dry cow therapy (DCT). It has been suggested that systemic antibiotics possess pharmacokinetics that enable better penetration into the udder tissue and improves the success of DCT. This study was designed to compare the use of an intramammary antibiotic alone or in conjunction with either systemic tylosin (Tylan®, Elanco Animal Health) or oxytetracycline (LA 200®, Pfizer, Inc).