Feeding the dry cow to avoid metabolic disease

The nonlactating period should be regarded as a preparatory phase for the next lactation, rather than a rest phase from the preceding one. During the early dry period, a diet should be provided that meets nutrient requirements for energy, protein, calcium, phosphorus, selenium, vitamins, and other minerals. This can usually be accomplished by feeding a blend of roughages with little or no grain and providing a vitamin and mineral supplement. The diet during the late dry period, or transitional stage, should provide increased energy (an additional 3 to 4 Mcal), and a PP preventive regimen can be instituted at this time. Five to six pounds of concentrate containing 200 gm of an ammonium sulfate and chloride mixture and 6 gm of niacin can be added to the diet to aid in the transition to lactation. Feeding of high-calcium, lactating-cow grain mix should be avoided until after parturition. Stress should be minimized at and after parturition, and a quiet maternity area should be available. The normal depression in dry matter intake at parturition should be minimized; feeding high-quality roughages at this time is beneficial. Concentrate consumption should be increased gradually following parturition, and careful attention to the soluble and undegradable protein fractions of the diet is warranted. In group feeding situations, introduction to the energy-dense, high-lactation ration should probably be avoided for the first 10 to 14 days postpartum, until the cow is acclimated to the forage mix. Body overconditioning should be avoided. However, attempts to manipulate body condition during the dry period tend to be unrewarding and counterproductive. Following these guidelines should reduce the incidence of metabolic diseases in high-producing dairy cattle.