In the weeks leading up to calving and the early postpartum period, various behavioral, metabolic and physiological challenges are imposed on the dairy cow.

Milking with single-box automated (robotic) milking systems (AMS) has revolutionized the way we can manage and milk dairy cows. Adoption of this technology continues at an exponential rate here in North America.

Optimizing the health and production of dairy cows is largely achieved by ensuring cows maintain sufficient nutrient intakes to meet their requirements.

Proper management of dairy cows during the transition period is critically important for both the productivity and profitability of any dairy herd. Nutrition, housing and management during this period all have a direct influence on the health, production and reproduction of cows in the subsequent lactations.

We all know feed consumption by dairy cows is critical for maintaining a high level of production. Given that, it is not surprising dairy producers put a lot of time and energy into making sure they have high-quality feedstuffs put together into rations for their cows.

If we look at the dairy industry, there are numerous approaches to calf rearing. While there is no one single, current-day approach that is best, there is one optimal way to rear calves we can learn much from. That optimal way of rearing calves is to leave the calf with her dam. This is the way the calf was designed to be raised and nurtured.

Replacement heifer feeding programs must be designed to allow heifers to be bred efficiently, calve out by 24 months old and produce to their maximum potential. To achieve this, heifers must be fed to grow at a high rate while not becoming overconditioned, as well as to remain healthy. The costs of replacement dairy heifer rearing are second only to the feed costs of lactating cows, representing 15 to 20 percent of total farm operational expenses. Of these costs, feed represents the greatest expense in heifer-rearing costs.

Replacement heifer feeding programs must be designed to allow heifers to be bred efficiently, calve out by 24 months old and produce to their maximum potential. To achieve this,heifers must be fed to grow at a high rate while not becoming overconditioned, as well as to remain healthy.