Using a combination of UFAC products, Dairy farmers can support freshly calved cows during critical periods, ensuring maximum performance and promoting recovery after birth.Whilst certain agricultural animals are known to breed during specific months, typically springtime, dairy cows have multiple reproductive cycles throughout the year.
The first 60 days before and after calving are the most critical periods in the reproduction cycle of a dairy cow and are the highest risk period for several diseases. A recent poll has shown that 78.7%* of UK dairy farmers found the majority of diseases experienced by their herd occurs in the first 60 days post-calving. These illnesses, such as retained fetal membranes (RFM), mastitis and ketosis, can negatively impact the cow’s overall health and performance.Proper dairy cow management is critical, especially in the first 60 days post-calving, to prevent diseases that will impact productivity and overall health.
Transition and Fresh Cows
When talking about fresh cows, it is important to consider transitioning cows first. The term transitioning refers to the process of the cow not producing milk, calving and then producing milk. The transition period is typically 3 to 4 weeks pre and post calving. Feeding particular supplements and vitamins to a transition cow to improve energy requirements is vital in ensuring fresh cows have adequate energy.
Minimising negative energy balance
High-yielding dairy cows typically enter a period of negative energy balance in early lactation. This is due to the milk yield potential increasing, while the ability to consume sufficient food to support this extra milk has not increased at a similar rate.It is recommended that farmers pay close attention to milk records 4-6 weeks after calving. Farmers should be aiming for lactose levels above 4.55%. If they fall below this level, cows could be underperforming, and rations will therefore need to be rebalanced to raise overall energy levels.
It is also essential to manage dry matter intake to minimise negative energy balance in high-performing dairy cows. Fresh cows need diets that promote dry matter intake so the period of negative energy balance they experience after calving is as short as possible. Energy intake can be increased by providing a diet with high quality forages. The particle size of the feed should stimulate rumination, achieve rumen fill, and maintain optimum ruminal pH. It is worth noting that performance in the first week of lactation determines the performance for the next 300 days. Therefore, setting the cow up efficiently in the dry period will help make a good transition at calving and immediately after. To ensure that the transition period goes smoothly, it is important to carry out fresh cow checks and spot potential problems early on.
Fresh cow checks
Pay attention to animals after calving
All cows should be provided with adequate food and water immediately after calving. It is then important to consider several factors, such as;
- Do they appear to be suffering from nerve damage?
- If it’s been a difficult calving, administer pain relief
- Look for signs of haemorrhaging
- Collect colostrum cleanly and as soon as possible
- Check udder for signs of mastitis
- Look for signs of milk fever
- Assess gut health
Identify the fresh cows in your herd
- It is recommended that farmers keep a dedicated group of fresh cows for around 3-4 weeks post-calving so that a close eye can be kept on the fresh cows that are at risk.
Assess the cow’s behaviour post calving
- It is important to keep an eye on the cow’s behaviour post-calving and ensure that she has a good rumen fill and a full udder. These observations will help farmers to pick up on potential issues early.
Test for ketosis
- Some farms ensure that animals are taken aside, and temperatures and ketone tests are carried out on all animals 7 days post-calving. However, this can be time-consuming. Therefore, monitoring your fresh cows and testing any that seem to be showing abnormal behaviours is recommended. If the ketone tests indicate subclinical ketosis, cows should be treated and investigations carried out.
Check uterine health
- Internal uterine checks should be carried out to check for signs of infection in fresh cows. For example, cows with retained fetal membranes (RFM) are at a higher risk of metritis.
For more information, visit www.ufacuk.com
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