When on farm and looking at ways to reduce culling rates, the main areas of focus are often fertility, lameness and mastitis.
However, reducing culling rates does not start when a cow is selected for culling. It starts much earlier, and the dry cow period is one of the first opportunities to influence the outcome.
The dry cow ration plays a fundamental role in preparing the cow for her next lactation and can ultimately influence whether she remains a productive member of the herd or becomes another involuntary cull. Every additional lactation she completes spreads her rearing and replacement costs over more milk production and reduces the pressure to rear
or purchase replacements simply to maintain herd numbers.
Maintaining consistent dry matter intake, avoiding excessive body condition and preparing the rumen for the lactation diet are all important. Over conditioned cows are particularly vulnerable to reduced dry matter intake and excessive mobilisation of body fat after calving, increasing the risk of ketosis and fatty liver.
A cow that calves at a good body condition and maintains a strong dry matter intake has a much better opportunity to establish a successful reproductive status. If a cow calves with ketosis and is in negative energy balance, she is under pressure to both reach peak milk yields and regain body condition, which can impact her fertility and the eggs she is producing.
This is where the dry cow ration becomes part of the fertility approach.
The consequences of poor transition management can extend well beyond the first few weeks after calving. Milk fever, ketosis, retained cleansings, metritis and LDAs can all disrupt the start of lactation. These conditions can reduce feed intake, compromise milk production and increase the management demands placed on the cow, with major knock on effects for fertility.
The dry period may only last a few weeks, but its nutritional impact can be felt for the rest of the lactation. This is why selecting the right dry cow diet is crucial for optimal performance in the next lactation.
X-Zelit is a crucial part of dry cow management in some herds, due to its role in preventing milk fever and helping to set the cow up for the next lactation. As shown in the figure below, the speedy recovery of the cow’s own calcium reserves helps prevent milk fever cases and improve productivity in the next lactation.
X-Zelit is available in prilled form to mix with a TMR, or alternatively through our MF Eliminator range, which is a nut fed for the final 14 to 21 days of the dry cow period.
Another form of dry cow diet is the DCAD approach.
Feeding a negative balance, with more anions than cations, during the final three weeks before calving makes the cow’s system slightly acidic.
An important part of this approach is monitoring. Daily urine pH readings must be taken to monitor the balance, with regular adjustments made where necessary.
Monitoring feed intakes is also crucial to ensure the addition of mag flakes does not make the diet too bitter and reduce intakes. Otherwise, reduced energy intake during the dry cow period can lead to some of the issues discussed above.
Ultimately, the dry cow period provides an important opportunity to prepare cows for the next lactation. Getting the diet right, maintaining intakes and managing the transition into lactation can all contribute to fertility and help reduce the risk of cows leaving the herd involuntarily.
For all dry cow rations and advice, please contact your Harpers Nutritionist
