Brian Reidy: Remember, no one can feed a dry cow for free

At the current milk price, if cows are in good condition, keep them milking, writes independent ruminant nutritionist Brian Reidy

A long dry period is unnecessary, unwise, and very costly writes ruminant nutritionist Brian Reidy.

A long dry period is unnecessary, unwise, and very costly. Milk solids and milk yield, along with grass supply, silage quality, and body condition, should determine the nutrition management required at this time of year. 

This should involve a cost-effective, balanced diet that supplies ingredients which are deficient in autumn grass; it should have a high energy content and effective fibre to provide structure in the rumen; and the aim must be to complement the grass available.