Dry cow feeding - A clinicians view-point

Traditionally dry cow management has been a 'rest period'. Modem dairy cows benefit from more active management during this period. Calving at the correct condition score (2.5 - 3.0) will maximise feed intake and milk yield and limit weight loss. The target condition score should be set at drying off as weight loss in late-gestation cows is difficult to achieve in practice. Due to the low dry matter intakes in late pregnancy, ration quality and energy density should be increased in the last 10-14 days to meet requirements with an increase in starch and sugar intakes and a fall in fibre (NDF) content. Protein intakes should be kept below 160 g/kg DM. High intakes of bypass protein (DUP) have been shown to increase milk yield and milk protein. Dry cow diets should be formulated to be low in calcium to prevent milk fever and the concentrations of magnesium, sodium, potassium, chloride and sulphur monitored as they can interact with calcium metabolism.