Intervet has announced a revision to the datasheet for Cephaguard DC, which was launched in March 2005. A reduction in milk withdrawal was finalised at the end of December as a result of reviewing milk residues, and will be introduced to vets over the coming month or so.
The new licence reads:
One day after calving when the dry period is less than five weeks
36 days after treatment when the dry period is 5 weeks (35 days) or less
Already well respected as offering effective broad spectrum therapy in traditional dry periods, the new claim offers choice and flexibility to vets and farmers.
"An increasing number of people are showing an interest in shorter dry periods, mostly as a result of hearing about the health and economic benefits offered," says Louise Radford, marketing manager at Intervet UK Ltd.
Cephaguard DC demonstrates excellent anti-bacterial activity, typical of a fourth generation cephalosporin. It has also been shown to deliver high bacterial cure rates as a result of deep udder tissue penetration. Existing trials also show it has proven efficacy benefits compared to cephalonium, even when using longer dry periods.*
"The Advanced Dry cow Analysis and Management programme that has been launched on the back of this new claim has been developed by a team of vets and nutritionists," she says. "Studies and real-life examples from the USA and UK have been studied to develop an evidence based information package looking at the relationship between short dry cow periods and cow health, such as mastitis, udder health, fertility, nutrition and cell counts."
To find out more, please contact your Intervet account manager or telephone 01908 658685.