Close-up Dry 21 days

Close-up Dry

The 3 weeks before and after calving comprise the transition period. The cow often begins to transition to a higher energy lactation diet. Just before calving, dry matter intake often decreases. The higher energy diet supports fetal growth and maintains energy intake. The cows should be housed where they can be closely watched. Housing should provide comfort for cows to rest.

The cow is getting ready to calve. Comfortable housing is important for the cow to get rest.

Palatability is important to maintain DM intake. Intake decreases 24 to 48 hours before calving.

Protection from rain, wind and heat is important.

  • 52.48 Total (as fed)

Maintaining long forage in the diet by providing hay or pasture is important for health of the rumen. Maintaining a positive energy balance will avoid metabolic problems as the cow transitions to producing milk. However, a cow that is over-conditioned will be more susceptible to metabolic diseases around the time of parturition.

  • 100.00 Total DM (%)

Forage concentration is still high during this phase. Feedstuffs that will be part of the lactation diet are introduced. Grains can also be added to increase energy density of the feed to meet nutrient requirements with decreased dry matter intake. Addition of grains will also accustom the rumen to grain intake and help maintain dry matter intake when transitioning to a lactation diet after calving. Formulating a ration to decrease incidence of milk fever is important. Calcium is needed to meet the calcium requirements for colostrum and milk production. The cow is getting ready to mobilize body tissue for milk production.

The concentration of crude protein in the diet is increased slightly from the far-off dry period. Formulating a ration to decrease incidence of milk fever is important. This can be accomplished by feeding a low calcium ration prior to parturition or by maintaining a negative dietary cation-anion difference (DCAD). The low Ca diet prior to parturition and the negative DCAD both help the cow maintain blood calcium levels through release of calcium from bone and absorption of calcium from the diet. Clean fresh supply of water is critical to maintain hydration.