Farmers Weekly Interactive recently posted an article titled, “Building Knowledge On Transition Cow Management,” and it offers tips and trips for dairy cow management during the early stages, transition period and once the cow has calved. This is a solid piece that could be beneficial to many dairy producers. Check it out.

The dry period is a critical time for dairy cows and getting the management wrong impacts on the whole lactation, says Gwyn Jones, Wern Vet Surgeons, Ruthin, north Wales.
“The success and productivity of the whole lactation depends on getting the freshly calved cow into production gently and smoothly,” he says.

There are three critical stages: The early period, the transition period and the freshly calved cow. The early dry period is meant to be a break for the dairy cow, a time in which she can rest important organs and tissues. However, she still needs to be actively managed, says Mr Jones.

“Producers should aim to keep dry cows at a body condition score of 2.5-3, while still maintaining high dry matter intakes to avoid displaced abomasums in the subsequent lactation, by feeding a low energy, high fibre diet,” he says.

“Dry cows at all stages – housed or grazed – should have ad-lib access to good quality, palatable straw or hay, and should be eating at least 4kg a day of it when out at grass. All forages must also be of good quality so intakes are maximised.”