Transition period and its sustainable management in dairy cows
Cows who are unable to make the transition to lactation are susceptible to a variety of issues that arise shortly after calving. Reduced milk production, immunodepression, and impaired reproductive function are additional effects during the early lactation phase. A few weeks prior to parturition, dry matter intake (DMI) begins to decline, reaching its lowest point at calving. Since the udder does not need to produce milk during the dry period, there is a decreased need for calories and protein. As the lactation phase progresses, dairy cows typically need about twice as much energy for milk production as for upkeep. Through the mobilization of adipose reserves, cattle can make up for feeding energy shortfalls. Numerous health issues have been linked to the decline of fat-soluble antioxidant vitamins, including retinol, α-tocopherol, and β-carotene, during parturition. The cows who were conditioned at BCS-3 had better feed intake and peak milk supply, while the ideal body condition score for a dry cow is 3.0-3.25. By secreting lymphokines and antibodies that aid in the elimination of pathogens, lymphocytes contribute significantly to the defence of the mammary gland. Dry cow therapy involves giving cows a long-acting antibiotic medication at the conclusion of lactation, either with or without a teat sealant. Keywords: , , ,
Publication Details
- Journal
- Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
- Published
- 2025-06-28
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15763378
- Primary Topic
- Reproductive Physiology in Livestock
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00