During the dry period, the mammary glands are shrivelled and reduced in size, but their resistance power is particularly good. The ideal dry period recommended in cows is 60 days.

Normally drying off is achieved by missing a milking and /or slowly increasing time between milking’s. Temporarily reducing feed and /or water given to cows under drying is also practiced. This stresses the cattle and results in reduction in milk production.

Use of correct intra mammary antibiotics given after the last milking is a very proactive practice to avoid possibility of mastitis in next lactation. The antibiotic gets a better chance to act for a longer time.

In case of a larger herd, it is recommended to undertake a sensitivity test routinely for selecting the right antibiotic for the purpose. The antibiotic must be administered in all teats in full doses.

Armour is used to seal the teats after administration of intra mammary antibiotics. Armour forms a protective film layer over the teat sealing it to maximise effectiveness of the antibiotic and also prevention of external infections during the same period till the teat aperture closes.

Armour film will eventually dry off and fall out on its own over pre period of few days or may be manually removed after a few hours by applying water.