The transition period (three weeks before to three weeks after calving) is one of those times when cows need a little extra attention. Cows make the transition from a non-lactating pregnant state to a lactating non-pregnant state during transition period.

Several physiological, metabolic, nutritional and immunologic changes occur during this period that impose stress upon the cow. These stressors increase vulnerability to diseases, like ketosis, milk fever, retained placenta, metritis, mastitis, displaced abomasum, fatty liver and lameness.

About 40% to 70% of dairy cows develop fresh cow diseases during the first months of lactation, and the cost of these diseases can range from $102 to $400, depending upon severity, treatment and reduction in milk production. In addition, one fresh cow disease increases the risk of several other diseases; the true cost of disease could be higher than one might think. Fresh cow disease diagnosis and treatment protocols can help with early diagnosis and treatment of fresh cow diseases. These protocols are written guidelines and plans of action providing standards for cow monitoring, disease prevention, identification and treatment for all major conditions common in fresh cows. However, large-scale studies to identify the true benefits of implementing fresh cow protocols and barriers to protocol implementation still need to be done.

The University of Tennessee is conducting a nationwide research study to identify barriers and benefits of implementing fresh cow protocols on U.S. dairy farms. Please take 15 minutes to complete our research survey.  end mark

—University of Tennessee

Advertisement