“We are seeing the top herds being managed with 30-60 day dry periods with 45 days an optimum number. By forcing dry-off, late lactation intake of high-energy diets during low production days is avoided. This practice staves off adding extra weight for the upcoming dry period.”    Dr. Ryan Pralle

Consistent dry matter intake, optimal nutrition through the pre- and post-calving interval, and utilizing the latest research in feed additives can result in added profitability for your herd. A body condition score between 3.0 and 3.5 will assist transition cows through the stress of calving and get them off to a successful start.

Body condition scoring dairy cattle is an important management tool for dairy farmers to use to promote reproductive goals and to avoid metabolic diseases such as ketosis and fatty liver.

The transition period from the dry period to lactation is a vulnerable time for the dairy cow because she experiences several physiological, metabolic, and behavioural challenges. 

When evaluating feed costs on any dairy operation, there are three main areas of focus: the lactating herd, the heifer program and the dry cow period. While many producers have moved to some variation of a low-energy, high-fibre diet with straw or coarse hay and corn silage, within that there are many different nutritional strategies employed to target specific transition challenges on-farm.