The dry cow Flashcards
What is the aimed calving index for a dairy cow?
370-400 days
How long is the dry period in dairy cows?
60 day
305-340 days lactation period
When do the majority of health problems occur in the dairy cow?
Around calving
What is the purpose of the dry period in dairy cows?
Enables cows to transition from pregnancy to lactation with minimal issues
Whilst achieving their genetic potential for milk yield
Does late pregnancy cause a cow’s DMI to decrease or increase?
Decrease - calf takes up abdominal space
most cows enter negative energy balance
How does the DMI of a dry cow compare to a lactating cow?
Dry cow’s have a reduced DMI
DMI falls as dry period progresses - late pregnancy
At the start of lactation, cows have a huge demand for energy - especially which molecule?
Glucose
Glucose is the precursor of lactose
What bovine condition is similar to type 2 diabetes in humans?
Fat mobilisation syndrome (FMS)
If a cow is too fat (>3.5 BCS), what can they be predisposed to?
Dystocia Retained foetal membranes Milk fever Poor fertility Ketosis Displaced abomasum Immune suppression
Overfeeding during the dry period causes a major increase in visceral fat. What organs are particularly affected?
Omentum
Mesenteric fat
Peri-renal fat
What are transition periods in cows?
3 wks pre-calving
To 3 wks post-calving
(Transition from dry to lactating)
When undergoing a transition period, are cow’s energy requirements decreased or increased? How much energy do they require?
Increased
110-130MJ/day - compared to 70MJ/day
How do you cause a lactating cow to become dry?
Stop milking
Use dry cow tube/teat sealant (ensure sterile)
How much feed barrier space do dry cows require?
90cm
80cm late pregnancy, 60cm normally
When should a cow be moved to a calving pen?
Early second stage labour
(Not earlier as causes stress)
Or calve in group pen if little disease risk
