Eluding the Preset Length of Dry Period to Smoothen Transition and Lactation Curve

Abstract

This article analyzes a pragmatic viewpoint to avoid presetting the length of dry period to smoothen transition and lactation curve in commercial dairy cows. Many cows still continue to considerably lactate even after 7 months of gestation. Drying such cows suddenly off imposes intolerable harsh pressures to dairy cows and their adaptive physiology. Preknown dry period length (e.g., 60 days) for the entire herd is not compelling and high-producing cows must be allowed to realize lower production at drying even if dry period has to be shortened to much less than 60 days.

Limit Milk Program for Sustainable Dairy Production

“…The initiative must begin long before cows enter milk production cycles. Effective calf and heifer preparation followed by strategic dry and periparturient cow management are required for an effective limit-milk program to be sustainably exercised [7][8][9][10][11]. Education will be a most critical part of this global program for increasing its accomplishments [12,13].…”