Natasha Harding

Project title: Exploring Management practices around dry-off and the dry period to assist in the implementation of Selective dry cow therapy

Overview: I studied Veterinary Bioscience at MTU Kerry and have a diverse background in animal health and research. I specialized in equine health while working in an environmental and nutrition laboratory, gaining experience in diagnostic analysis. I have extensive experience in feed and forage nutrition analysis, working with mass spectrometry to identify natural prohibited substances in forage, feed, and supplements. Additionally, I have utilized ICP-OES methods for mineral detection and applied QGIS and ArcGIS for soil profiling. I also worked in a small animal veterinary clinic and in the Irish horse industry at Minella Racing. Although I don’t come from a dairy background, I developed a strong interest in the sector.

My PhD research, "Exploring Management Practices Around Dry-Off and the Dry Period to Assist in the Implementation of Selective Dry Cow Therapy (SDCT)," focuses on evaluating different SCC thresholds and alternative selection criteria, such as on-farm culture and the California Mastitis Test (CMT), to determine cow eligibility for SDCT. The study aims to provide practical, science-based recommendations for farmers to reduce antibiotic use while maintaining udder health. By assessing post-calving outcomes, milk quality, and herd-level trends, the research seeks to optimize dry cow management and align with EU regulations promoting sustainable dairy farming.

Programme area: Animal Bioscience 

Supervisors: Pablo silva Bolona, Catherine McAloon and Conor McAloon

Location: Teagasc Moorepark

Funding source: DAFM