In this article, we will tell you about the different reasons cows have to leave a dairy farm and what options are available to you as a dairy farmer.
When does a cow have to leave the farm?
It is socially and financially beneficial to keep a productive cow on the farm as long as possible. After all, the more milk a cow produces during her lifetime, the lower the rearing costs per litre are. Sooner or later, the cow will be replaced anyway. But when will this be? And more importantly, do you have any influence on this as a farmer?
Reasons for replacement
We see a clear pattern in the lactation phase. Peaks can be seen at the beginning (0-60 days) and at the end of the lactation. Cows produce plenty of milk during the first 60 days. From an economic point of view, it is not interesting to replace her during this period.
What are the most common reasons why cows have to leave the farm in the first 60 days? Claw problems, fertility problems, mastitis and other immunity problems are often the cause. The question to ask in this context: is this the real reason for them to be replaced? Or is there an underlying reason?
Ultimately, it can often be traced back to two core causes: disturbances in energy or calcium metabolism. Claw problems are often given as the cause because the cow is walking lame and has started to perform less. We just have to ask how this lameness arose. In many cases, ketosis is what is going on here. When cows are in a state of ketosis, body fat is converted into glucogenic energy. The cow gets this body fat from everywhere in her body. Also, from the fat pads in the claw that normally provide cushioning. Cushioning is reduced, and claw problems are then seen as a reason for discharge. But the underlying problem here is obviously ketosis.
The same applies to fertility. Cows disposed of at the end of lactation often have nice meat on them. In many cases, the farmer determines the time of disposal here. But what is the reason here? Is she no longer productive enough? And what is the cause of this? Often ketosis or a dysfunctional energy balance is the cause. Energy is very decisive for milk production and reproduction.
Calcium metabolism
The second root cause of the discharge is calcium metabolism. Calcium is an important factor in muscle contraction. For example, in uterine clean-up and in closing the teat canal. Therefore, calcium is important for the reproduction and prevention of mastitis. Two commonly seen reasons for replacement.
If you want to enjoy an extra year with your cows, it is important to take a critical look at the reason for discharge. Often this can be traced back to ketosis or milk fever. The transition period is a crucial period when these problems can be prevented. The fight against ketosis and milk fever starts with the right dry period. This should focus on high dry matter intake and keeping calcium metabolism active. If you can get this right, you will be able to keep your cows on the farm for at least a year longer.
We would be happy to advise you on an effective approach to ketosis in cows. Want to know more about our concepts or make an appointment with our specialists to see if we can support your farm in this? Contact us without obligation.
