In this article, we tell you all about a negative energy balance in cows and how best to deal with it.
How does a negative energy balance occur?
In the first few weeks after calving, an energy shortfall or “negative energy balance” is inevitable with a “standard” starter ration, and so are the consequences.
Every dairy farmer knows the concept of a negative energy balance. In the first few weeks of lactation, fresh cows use much more energy than they are able to absorb.
The result? They lose their condition and become susceptible to calving diseases such as ketosis, milk fever and fertility problems. This is a source of unnecessary aggravation and costs on almost every farm.
The challenge is how can we get fresh cows to absorb more energy? Because feed intake and rumen capacity are limited, a rumen-proof solution is needed: a supplement to the start-up ration in the form of rumen-resistant glucose. This provides easily absorbable energy at intestinal level.
Better fertility
The extra glucose also has a direct influence on the hormonal balance. Glucose stimulates the formation of the hormone IGF, which is important for egg cell development. Adding this to the ration also ensures a smoother first heat and better fertility rates.
We will be happy to advise you on an effective approach to a negative energy balance. Want to know more about our concepts or to contact our specialists to see if this is the solution for your farm? Feel free to contact us.
