One of the bigger threats to overall transition cow health is a reduction in dry matter intake while her energy requirements increase to support milk production. Mindy Ward gathered dairy management practices to help improve overall transition cow performance for this article.
The transition cow is milking, producing more milk and not consuming enough calories to cover that . . . We want to help that cow get out of that negative energy time frame as quick as possible.” – Katie Bradley, PhD
Source: Missouri Ruralist, November 30, 2023. Link. The transition period starts 3 weeks before calving and continues for 3 weeks after calving. Larger herds have found it easier to feed transition diets to a group than is typical for smaller herds with tiestall management.
Also see: Search results for: dairy cow transition, AHD Archives. Link.
INSIGHTS: Veterinary teams can use this article to guide producers who call needing help with milk fever, ketosis or retained placentas. A bit of coaching can save cows and help keep them at peak production in future freshening cycles.