Dry Cow Management

What is the far-off dry period?

Approximately 60 to 21 days before calving

What is the close-up period?

The 21 days before calving until freshening

What is the transition period?

From 21 days before calving through 21 days after calving

What dry-period length is generally recommended?

45-60 days

What can happen if the dry period is less than 40 days?

Incomplete involution and regeneration of the mammary gland

What can happen if the dry period exceeds 70 days?

Less milk due to metabolic disorders and less income

What does the handout say about having no dry days?

It is associated with 25-33% less milk

What are the three stages of mammary changes during the dry period?

1. Active involution

2. Steady-state involution

3. Colostrum formation

What are the main goals of the far-off dry period?

• allow mammary recovery

• Adjust or control body weight

• Build immunity

• Provide nutrients for the unborn calf

• Allow feet and legs to recover

• Minimize metabolic disorder risks

• Keep pregnant heifers growing

What activities are listed for the far-off period?

• mammary involution

• Shifting to a lower-energy diet to maintain body weight

• Allowing feet and legs to recover

• Maintaining exercise

• Vaccination for colostrum antibodies and coliform mastitis

What are the main goals of close-up management?

• mammary epithelial regeneration

• Transitioning the diet to lactation

• Controlling energy and blood calcium

• Minimizing increases in NEFA

• Providing adequate cow comfort, space, and feeding area

What does NEFA indicate in the handout?

An increase in non-esterified fatty acids is identified as an indication of weight loss

What are the dry-cow diet targets for energy and protein?

• net energy for lactation (NEL): 18-20 Mcal/day

• Crude protein: 12-14% of dry matter

• Metabolizable protein: more than 1,200 g/day

What starch and forage NDF targets are listed?

Starch: 12-15% of dry matter, with NFC below 26%

Forage NDF: 40-50% of total dry matter, or approximately 4.5-6 kg per head per day

What does the handout say about total ration dry matter?

Total ration dry matter should be below 50%; add water if necessary

What mineral targets are listed for the close-up diet?

• Magnesium at least 0.40%

• Sulfur 0.35-0.40%

• Potassium as low as possible

• DCAD near zero or negative

What calcium targets are listed?

Without anionic supplementation: 0.9-1.2% calcium, approx 125 g

With full anion supplementation: 1.5-2.0%, approx 200 g

What phosphorus and vitamin targets are listed?

• phosphorus 0.35-0.42%

• Vitamin E at least 1,500 IU

• Vitamin D 25,000-30,000 IU

What two methods of drying off are listed?

Abrupt and intermittent

What milk level is listed in the drying-off guidelines?

Below 35 lb

What feeding and water guidance is given when drying off cows?

Reduce feed intake, especially concentrate, but do not limit water intake

What mastitis-prevention steps are listed for drying off?

• long-acting intramammary antibiotic to prevent or treat mastitis

• Teat sealant

• Continued teat dipping

What factors can contribute to immunosuppression around parturition?

• hormonal changes

• Heat

• Lower nutrient intake

• Disease exposure

• Comfort-related factors

Why does the handout highlight mastitis risk around calving?

It notes the highest incidence of mastitis, with edema reducing blood flow and colostrum milk remaining in the udder

What are the 10 steps listed for a successful transition period?

1. Dry matter intake (DMI)

2. Body condition score (BCS)

3. BHB

4. Urine pH

5. Cow activity

6. Hock score

7. Number of cows culled before 60 days in milk (DIM)

8. Fecal score

9. The right diet

10. Dairy efficiency

How does the handout estimate lactation potential from peak milk?

Peak milk x 200

Example: 90 lb peak milk x 200 = 18,000

How does the handout define summit milk?

The average of the two highest monthly yields in the first three months

What persistency rates are listed?

First-lactation cows drop about 6% per month; older cows drop about 9% per month