The withdrawal period is the timespan following a treatment during which the milk or meat of an animal must not enter the food chain. It varies by medicinal product and must be recorded in the treatment journal. This applies equally to sheep, goats, and cattle – for dairy cows and dairy sheep the milk withdrawal period is especially important. Failure to observe it risks residues in food products, with the corresponding legal consequences.
Why the withdrawal period matters
Veterinary medicines can leave residues in milk and meat. The withdrawal period ensures those residues have been eliminated before the product is used. For sheep, goat, and cattle keepers this means: after a treatment you need to know exactly from which date milk and meat are again fit for sale.
Where do I find the correct period?
The withdrawal period is stated on the package leaflet or given by the veterinarian. In the case of off-label use (use in a species outside the approved indication), specific minimum periods apply. A reference for withdrawal periods is available from, for example, the Veterinary Pharmacopoeia.
Common sources of error
- The period is not recorded at all.
- The milk and meat withdrawal periods are mixed up.
- For group treatments, no record is kept of which animals are affected.
Automatic documentation instead of manual calculation
Tracking the withdrawal period by hand in a calendar quickly leads to confusion. A better approach is a system that automatically calculates the end of the withdrawal period from the medicine used and flags the affected animals.
In Herdy, the withdrawal period is tracked automatically when a treatment is recorded. You can see at any time which animals are still under restriction – and your treatment journal stays complete and audit-ready.
Manage treatments and withdrawal periods with Herdy – try it free →