Overall production problems can usually be traced back to a cow’s dry/transition period. Virginia A. Ishler says it is helpful to know if that is really the issue before solving the problem. She shares information from the DHIA 202 summary report to help determine if a problem is occurring related to transition.
Source: Dairy Herd Management, June 8, 2020. Link. If two out of the three criteria are found in the high-risk category, then there is enough evidence to investigate the transition period further. This would include checking the following:
- body condition score at dry off and at post fresh
- ration compliance with the formulated diet
- adequate bunk space greater than 30 inches per cow
You can only manage what you know to measure”