Good feeding management and shed considerations

Cows that have a smooth transition into lactation and peak yield have less metabolic disorders, remain healthy, produce better quality milk and ultimately are easier to get back in calf. Picture: Valerie O'Sullivan

One really important thing that can't be overemphasised is the transition from the close-up dry cow period into the early lactation stage. 

Cows should remain on their dry cow diet until after they have calved. I have had a few calls from farmers lately looking for help regarding issues of digestive upsets and displaced abomasum in fresh cows and heifers. In all cases, these herds had started to feed all or some of the milker's diet as much as 2 weeks before calving.