The invention relates to the use of an oral bolus for drying-off cattle, preferably dairy cattle, as well as methods of improving/ facilitating the drying-off of cattle, reducing the milk production in pregnant and/or lactating cattle, decreasing milk accumulation in the udder of cattle, increasing the daily lying time of cattle, inducing a mild and temporary metabolic acidosis in cattle, reducing the dry matter intake (DMI) in cattle and/or reducing urine pH in cattle, preferably dairy cattle, comprising administering to such cattle at least one oral bolus, preferably on the last milking day and/or before dry-off.