Dry Cow Nutrition - Dairy Flashcards
What is a dry period?
rest period from lactation (~60d) to calving
What is the average calving interval for dairy cows?
13 months
How long does it take for rumen microbes to adapt to a new ration?
When going from high forage to high grain ration, you need 1-3 weeks to transition
If going from high grain to high forage, you don’t need a transition period
T/F: feed intake decreases as a cow nears parturition
True
Identify the two dry cow groups
Far off (first 4-5 weeks)
Close up (last 3-4 weeks)
What do we feed a far off dry cow?
Generally, good quality grass hay or pasture w/ mineral supp.
What do we feed a close-up dry cow?
Increase nutrient concentration
Start transitioning to lactation ration
What is the goal BCS for dairy cows to calve at?
3.5
If they’re too skinny, they’re unlikely to breed back
If they’re too fat, increased metabolic problems post-calving
A farmer comes to you and says they’re having a lot of issues with fresh cow diseases (milk fever, fat cow syndrome, mastitis, etc.)
What part of the farmer’s program would be beneficial to further assess?
The dry cow program!
If they’re having problems as a dry cow (feed refusal/anorexia), they’re likely to have problems as a fresh cow
What is parturient paresis/milk fever?
Hypocalcemia at calving
How can we prevent milk fever?
Low Ca diet in the dry period
Acidic diet in the dry period
What is fat cow syndrome?
Hepatic lipidosis
Associated with a cow that calves in excessive body condition >4/5 or a cow that loses excessive condition in the early lactation period
Water intake is influenced by…
Body weight
Lactation
Ambient temperature
