Dry & Transition Cow Management and Culling Decisions Flashcards
What are the goals of a dry period (6 possible answers)
- maximize mammary gland health
- maximize income from milk
- no negative impacts on fetal development ( no dystocia, low stillbirth rate)
- no reduction of colostrogenesis
- increase productive life of cow
- decrease incidence of metabolic disorders in transition cows
What are the 2 strategies used for beginning drying off procedures?
- discontinue milking
- lengthen milking intervals
How long do dry periods last?
30 to 60 days
What happens physiologically to dairy cows during their dry period?
their old milk-producing cells regress and are replaced by new cells; a calf is also developing
What should cows be treated with after their final milking before going dry?
long-lasting mastitis antibiotic and their teats should be dipped with a barrier-type teat dip
How is feeding a dry cow different from feeding a lactating cow?
dry cows require less dry matter (1/2 their intake during lactation) and so they’re given lower quality, bulky forage
What should the body condition score of a dairy cow be during the dry period?
3.5 (range is 3.25 to 3.75)
DMI is ____ of body weight in dry cows
2%
DMI decreases to ____ of body weight during the last 3 weeks of the dry period due to the estrogen effect and loss in appetite.
1.6%
What does extending the length of the dry period do?
it increases feed & management costs (not recommended)
Cows having no dry period decrease production by what percent?
25%
Why is it suggested that cows may not need a long dry period? (argument for shortening dry periods)
cows have unique mammary tissue remodeling that occurs quicker than other mammals. The alveolar structures remain intact
What are the 2 phases of a dry period?
- cessation of lactogenesis in the mammary gland
- period of colotrogenesis
initiated 3 weeks prepartum; rapid differentiation of secretory epithelium; immunoglobulin production; increased fat, protein and carbohydrates synthesis and secretion
colostrogenesis
Cows 21 days before and after calving
transition cows
Cows 21 days before and after calving
transition cows
What is the main goal of transition cow management?
maximize DMI and prepare the rumen
Drying off to 14-21 days prior to calving
far off or dry cows
14-21 days prior to calving date
close up or prefresh cows
All dairy cows need at least 30 days of a dry period to avoid….
decreased production and poor colostrum quality
What is a way to treat milk fever in transition cows?
give calcium bolus and monitor their cation-anion differentiation ration (Ca:P)
Why is it better to have cows calve in a maternity pen vs out in a pasture
calving out in the pasture results in calves being born in isolated corners of the pasture in unfavorable conditions; other cows can interfere with the calving process or potentially harm the calf.
Maternity pens should have…
a solid, concrete base that’s easy to clean between calvings and is well-bedded
When should cows be placed in maternity pens?
1 week prior to expected calving date
