The Dry Cow

Question 1

What is the typical dry period for dairy cows + lactating period?

Answer 1

• 60 days
• 305 - 340 day lactation period

Question 2

Roughly what does a cow with 50Kg of milk secrete?

Answer 2

• 2kg of fat
• 1.6kg of protein
• 2.5 kg of lactose
• 65g of calcium
• 50g of phosphorus
• 8g of magnesium

DAILY

Question 3

What is the aim for dry period management?

Answer 3

• Enable cows to transition from pregnancy to lactation with minimal issues whilst achieving their genetic potential for milk yield

Question 4

What happens regarding DMI as the dry period progresses?

Answer 4

• DMI falls until day of calving where DMI = 1-4kg

Question 5

Why is there a huge demand for glucose in the lactating cow?

Answer 5

• Glucose = precursor of lactose

Question 6

What is the problems of obesity in dairy cows?

Answer 6

• Fat mobilisation syndrome (FMS) in early lactation
• Decreased DMI in dry period
• Decreased DMI in early lactation - reduced milk yield + weight loss

Question 7

How does obesity link to type 2 diabetes?

Answer 7

• Dry cows overfed = excess energy stored in viscera + liver
• Fat accumulates in liver = compromised liver function
• Increased NEFAs
• Reduced response to insulin = increased insulin production
• Increased inflammatory responses in liver - proinflammatory cytokines from adipose tissue

Question 8

What does a BCS of >3.5 predispose?

Answer 8

• increased dystocia, RFMs, increased risk of milk fever
• greater weight loss and poorer fertility
• ketosis, displaced abomasum and greater immune suppression

Question 9

What does a BCS <2.5 predispose?

Answer 9

• increased risk of RFMs, poorer fertility, increased
  lameness* and reduced production

Question 10

What should you feed in the early dry period?

Answer 10

• DMI = 10-14kg
• Energy requirements = 90-100MJ
• M/D = 7.5-8.5MJ/day
• High fibre
  = Grass silage + straw (4-5kg straw)

Question 11

What should be fed in the late dry period - transition diet?

Answer 11

• DMI declining
• Need 110-130MJ/day
• M/D = 9.5-10MJ/ ME/Kg DM
• Crude protein = 13-15%
  = silage + straw + concentrate
• dry cow mineral = high Mg + low Ca

Question 12

Why is wheat straw better for feeding cows during the dry period?

Answer 12

• Coarser

Question 13

What is dry cow management?

Answer 13

• Stop milking
• Teat sealant / dry cow tube
• Move to dry cow group
• Comfortable housing - loose yard
• Adequate feed barrier (90cm/cow)

Question 14

What are aims for nutrition with dry cows?

Answer 14

• Mammary regeneration
• Rumen development - large + muscular, big healthy papillae, suitable bugs for post calving diet
• Avoid getting fat - will depress appetite (CS2.5-3.0)
• Stable groups