Nutritional Management of the Prepartum Dairy Cow

Abstract

During the postpartum period, dairy cows are at a high risk to develop metabolic diseases that impair milk production and subsequent reproductive performance. Many of these diseases are the result of improper nutritional management during the dry period. Because dry cows do not contribute to the milk check, many producers ignore these animals, and their nutritional needs are compromised. Veterinarians must convince dairy producers that the dry period is a preparatory phase for the next lactation and that dry cows must be considered an investment for the next lactation. Evaluation of the prepartum cow program should be an important component of any dairy herd health program. Prepartum transition dairy cows should be managed and fed so that at parturition and initiation of lactation, the cow is physiologically prepared to make the necessary adjustments to calcium and energy demands. If a dairy farm experiences an unacceptable level of parturient paresis, retained fetal membranes (RFMs), ketosis, or digestive disorders, changes in prepartum transition nutrition program and management would be prudent.