REDUCING ANTIBIOTIC USAGE: ALTERNATIVE PRACTICES FOR DRY COW ANTIBIOTIC THERAPY AND A PROGRAM TO GARNER PRODUCERS� PERCEPTIONS AND ADOPTION

Our long-term goal is to use practical and scientifically tested approaches to improve production and health of dairy cattle, thereby reducing the usage of antibiotics. Our overall objectives are to 1) determine the effect of alterative dry-off management practices on stress, inflammation, immunity, and IMI occurrence of dairy cows in order to replace BDCT on dairy herds, and 2) develop an Extension program to share current knowledge in mastitis control, judicious antibiotic usage and research findings with dairy producers, veterinarians and industry practitioners.