Bovine Nutrition and Metabolic Disease 4 - Health and Nutrition

Question 1

DMI in dry cows.

Answer 1

~2% bodyweight (or less).
10-15kg/day.
Physiological factors decrease DMI.
- increased calf size.
- increased BCS decreases appetite.
Management factors decreases DMI:
- reduced feed access.
- palatability.

Question 2

1. Condition score aim for drying off / calving?
2. What if higher than this at calving?
3. What if BCS loss in dry period?

Answer 2

1. 2.5-3.
2. Increased calving difficulties, reduced DMI so reduced yield and increased risk of negative energy balance.
3. Reduced fertility - 60d follicular development through dry period.

Question 3

1. Maintenance energy requirements from drying off to near calving?

Answer 3

1. Drying off - ~(65 + 15) = 80MJ/day.
   Near calving - ~(65 + 45) = 110MJ/day.
   Average approx. 100MJ/day.

Question 4

1. Maintenance protein requirement from drying off to near calving?

Answer 4

1. At drying off ~(300+100) = 400g MP/day.
   Near calving ~(300+190)