Transition cows are the inflection point of a herd’s performance and profitability. Fresh cows, in the early days of lactation, will paint a picture depicting what the days and months to come might look like. Therefore, it is imperative to address their unique demands, both before and after calving, in order to maximize performance, well-being and overall system profitability.
1. Group cows based on estimated calving date
Grouping according to calving date allows for specific group management and dietary strategies that can be tailored to their nutritional needs and physiological state.
2. Understand nutritional requirements for three weeks pre-calving and first few weeks of lactation
This is the period when cows prepare for the upcoming lactation cycle. Major attention needs to be given to mineral status (especially calcium) and energy balance (minimize depression in dry matter intake) to ensure the cows are meeting their energy and mineral requirements. Proper calcium levels are crucial during labour and milk synthesis, while appropriate assessment of energy balance is important to decrease potential ketosis incidence issues.
3. Manipulate far-off and close-up cow rations to prepare for calving
Dietary changes during the dry period are often taken into consideration as strategies to ensure proper calcium mobilization, maintain acid-base status and to ensure proper mineral utilization upon calving and lactation. One of the most common strategies is reducing the dietary cation-anion difference (DCAD) of the diet. This reduction in DCAD modifies blood pH, promoting proper calcium metabolism to reduce the chances of hypocalcemia and the incidence of milk fever.
4. In the event of low DMI, make every bite count
A drop in dry matter intake (DMI) prior to calving is part of natural behaviour patterns, and a carryover is frequently observed in fresh cows. Ensuring cows meet their energy requirements is key to optimal performance. When DMI might be lower than expected, adjustments in energy density of the diets should be a strategy to guarantee cows are consuming enough energy to meet their requirements.
5. Manage body condition scores (BCS)
Metabolic disorders observed during the transition period can generally be linked to poor management of body condition scores (BCS). Research studies suggest that an ideal BCS at calving should be between 3.0 and 3.5.
- Higher BCS at calving has been associated with increased risk of metabolic disorders and connected to depressed intake. Naturally, cows tend to mobilize their body reserves (body fat) to meet their energy requirement during times of negative energy balance, which are often seen during the transition period. Energy needed for milk production will surpass dietary energy intake during the first few weeks of lactation, triggering mobilization of body reserves.
- Lower BCS at calving may be associated with later reproductive issues and decreased overall performance.
6. Know your herd to better identify signs of clinical disorders and provide early interventions
Daily herd checks and an understanding of farm records are important tools to help ensure your operation is delivering the expected results. Early observation of clinical disorders will need to be properly addressed by your veterinary team. Being aware of early lactation disorders, such as metritis, mastitis and hypocalcemia, and creating a plan of action will ensure greater performance success and well-being standards.
7. Familiarize yourself with the latest research findings that could help the transition period
The feed additive space is filled with companies that focus on specific molecules, programs and products tailored for each age and physiological stage of livestock production. Some have even taken a step further into the newest research, looking at individual microbiomes. In the field of transition cows, a lot of effort has and is being placed on rumen bypass glucose sources, as well as the use of bioactive phytomolecules involved in glucose sparing mechanisms. The end result of both areas is ensuring proper delivery of energy to the mammary gland and driving a successful lactation cycle.
