We use cookies to provide you with a better experience. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies in accordance with our Cookie Policy.
The Accelerating Livestock Innovations for Sustainability (ALIS) program was developed at Cornell University to expedite the development, approval, and adoption of safe and effective technologies that help farmers optimize their production system while protecting our environment.
The transition period, characterized as the three weeks pre- through
three weeks postpartum, is a critical life event for the dairy cow.
Around calving, cows involuntarily reduce feed intake; however nutrient
demands increase to support fetal growth and milk production.
Enhancing the fat content of lactation diets is a convenient means to raise dietary energy-density and intake, which in turn helps support the heightened energy demands of modern high-producing dairy cows.
A daunting threat to dairy productivity moving forward is climate change. Science has demonstrated that our climate has changed over the past century. Therefore, it is reasonable to expect that our climate will continue to change in the future and the dairy industry will adapt.
Dairy cows transitioning from gestation to lactation are challenged with an increased energy requirement; however, energy intake is insufficient to meet this metabolic demand.
Therefore, transition dairy cattle will experience a period of negative energy balance which promotes the release of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) from adipose tissue.
