The most efficient way to increase profitability of dairy operations is to control costs while maximizing milk production. Recent research has focused on improving genetic potential and increasing feed efficiency.

When describing the incidence of clinical mastitis over a lactation for heifers and cows, there is a noticeable peak: a three- to sixfold increase in risk within the first seven days postpartum. We know many of these infections were acquired or maintained over the dry period.

Dairy cows experience a state of negative energy balance (NEB) during the transition from pregnancy to lactation when the energy demand of milk production cannot be met by feed intake alone. The drop in dry matter intake around the time of calving leads to insufficient amounts of protein intake and available blood sugar needed for the production of milk protein and lactose.