Far-off Dry 60 - 21 days prior to calving

Far-off Dry

The cow transitions from lactating to dry. The dry period is the time between the end of milk removal and the subsequent calving. Dry cows are fed separately from the milking herd. Dry cows require nutrients for body maintenance, fetal growth, and replacing any additional body weight not replaced during Phase 6. Fetal growth is rapid during the last 60 days of gestation.

This is a time of fetal growth, mammary gland involution, and regeneration of rumen papillae.

The feed contains predominantly forage to promote rumen development and has fewer concentrates.

Forage from grazing supplements other forage sources.

  • 45.23 Total (as fed)

Proper feeding during the dry period will increase milk yield in the following lactation and minimize metabolic problems around the time of calving. Nutrient requirements are lower than in lactation and lower cost ingredients can be fed. Medium to low quality hay can supplement the mixed ration to provide rumen fill. Dry matter intake decreases with the end of lactation.

  • 100.00 Total DM (%)

Silage is included in the diet but silage intake should be limited. Triticale silage and grass hay provide most of the forage in this example. There is additional limited forage intake from grazing. If the cow is in good body condition, there is no need to include grain in the diet. Fat supplements are not needed.

The cow transitions to a high fiber diet in the dry period. Grains are not included in the diet or they are included in very small amounts. This is shown by the very low starch concentration in the dry matter. The diet is lower in digestibility and energy density than the diets fed during lactation. Both NDF % and ADF % are increased and the energy concentration (Metabolizable energy) of the diet is decreased compared to lactation diets. The CP requirement is also lower than during lactation. Clean fresh supply of water is critical.