Successful transition cow management is a key component of on farm performance and profitability. By not managing this period correctly we invite metabolic issues and poor performance, which adds extra costs and increases workload.

Fig.1 illustrates the key areas of change for a cow from one lactation to the next. Arguably the 30 days leading up to drying off could be included as we prepare the cow for drying off.

A successful transition involves reducing metabolic issues, controlling diet energy (<9.5ME), maintaining crude protein (13-14.5%), balancing minerals and vitamins and maximising dry matter intake (DMI) (700kg = 12kg DMI+).

Fig.2

Contact Wes at wesleyhabershon@fcgagric.com or your local FCG office for advice on rationing your dry cows.