The dry cow period – preparation, not rest

Correct management of the dry cow period in preparation for the next season is essential to getting cows back in calf, a leading animal nutritionist claims.

British ruminant nutritionist Dr Cliff Lister told New Zealand dairy farmers at the Dairy Business Conference in Rotorua that cow fertility was dropping one percent each year.

“Research shows that egg viability is determined 35 days prior to conception. To ensure cows get back into calf, the winter period must be managed correctly,” Dr Lister said.

Pre-calving weight, nutrition, and trace element reserves can have a significant impact on conception, delivery, calf health and lactation.

“Cows should be fit and neither thin nor fat at calving with a body condition score of five.”

Dr Lister said that an under-conditioned cow going into pregnancy will struggle to make up the deficit and simply won’t perform.

“At the other end of the spectrum, fat cows eat up to 20 percent less dry matter in late pregnancy and early lactation than fit cows, creating an increased risk of prolonged negative energy balance. Excessive mobilisation of body fat reduces fertility, and in early lactation it increases the risk of fatty liver, ketosis and milk fever.

“Once the cow is at the ideal body condition score - preferably at drying off - forage quality, not quantity, should be reduced to help maintain appetite and healthy rumen activity.”

Maintaining a healthy fibre intake not only keeps rumen bugs happy, but also enables the rumen to spring back after the calf is born, reducing the risk of twisted gut. Straw can aid the farmer to achieve this as it is slowly digested – helping cows to maintain a feeling of fullness and encouraging ongoing microbial activity.

Dr Lister said that trace elements also play a key role in increasing the chance of conception. He said that although many farmers are already aware of the importance of nutrients such as magnesium in the weeks leading up to calving, the practicalities of getting their stock to take up the right levels often proves a challenge.

“For example water supply magnesium uptake in winter is often variable due to other water sources such as puddles being available, and dusting is often difficult and impractical.”

The Crystalyx Dry Cow molasses block from Summit Quinphos provides magnesium and other minerals in the most effective way possible – trickle feeding intake little and often and never overloading to ensure maximum absorption.

“Replenishing trace element reserves pre-calving will also help optimise a cow’s immune response, Dr Lister said.

“Improving immune response means that your cows are better able to withstand a challenge, be it a disease, or simply the stress of birthing and milking.”

Contact your local Summit Quinphos Field Consultant for more information on Crystalyx on 0800 784 674.