In this article, we tell you all about the importance of high dry matter intake during dry period and what to look out for.
The dry period should not just be seen as a resting phase for the cow. It is a crucial period during which the basis is laid for the next lactation. Yet in practice, we see that this phase does not always go well. Which can lead to major consequences. Examples include uterine infections, fatty liver and ketosis. All these 'transition diseases' ultimately cost peak milk and thus milk production throughout lactation. To prevent this, a dry matter ration with a high dry matter intake is essential. This requires a careful approach.
The dry matter ration
Why does a dry matter ration look so different from a lactating ration? It is because the cow is no longer being milked. That seems like a very simple explanation. But nothing could be further from the truth. Because the cow is no longer milked, calcium is no longer extracted. Also, the energy demand is a lot less than when the cow is milked. The combination of factors makes determining a good and consistent dry matter ration challenging.
What should I pay attention to?
In any case, what you should pay attention to is that the rumen is well-filled every day. You do this by not feeding too rich, but not too poor either. At the same time, you must ensure that enough kilos of dry matter is fed. Our customers achieve a dry matter intake of at least 14 kilograms per cow per day. So we take this as the minimum. Just before calving, dry matter intake drops drastically. The trick is to limit this drop in intake as much as possible. Every kilo she continues to eat extra before calving, she will also eat extra after calving. A high feed intake in the dry period is essential for a healthy start to lactation.
We recommend a VEM of 800 to 850 per kilogram of dry matter for dry matter rations. In addition, the cow needs about 2 kilograms of crude protein per day. What is also very important is to maintain a negative cation-anion difference. This is to keep the calcium metabolism active throughout the dry period. This way, the cow has enough calcium available around calving, and we prevent problems like milk fever and afterbirth problems. This way, she can also start up more easily after calving, the milk can build up faster and the uterus cleans up flawlessly.
Cows like unity and their habits. They do not like changes. Therefore, make sure they get the same feed every day. Even small changes can cause big effects. The better you can regulate this, the better things will go.
Want to know more or make an appointment with our specialists to see how this can be optimised for your business? Contact us without obligation.
