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