Feeding programs during the dry period

The dry period

is a phase in the cow’s life cycle that usually lasts from 45 to 60 days before calving and requires significant attention. During this time, the cow is not milked, and her body prepares for the upcoming birth and the next lactation. This is also the period of intensive fetal growth, which places the highest energy demands and physiological adjustments on the animal.

Proper feeding management during this period is critically important for the animal’s health, the birth of a viable calf, and high productivity in the subsequent lactation cycle. The feeding program should consider the physiological needs of the cow, metabolic specifics, changes in diet composition, and body condition control. To fully meet nutritional needs, compound feed, premixes, BMVD, and other supplements are often used, all vital for proper fetal development and the cow’s health.

The dry period is divided into the early dry period (60–21 days before calving) and the late dry or pre-calving period (21–0 days before calving). This division is essential, as feeding at each stage has its own specifics, considering the changing energy, protein, mineral, and vitamin needs of the animal. Different types of compound feed, premixes, and BMVD are used accordingly to address the physiological changes in cows.

The main goals of the dry cow feeding program are:

1. Ensuring optimal physiological condition of the animal.
2. Prevention of metabolic disorders (ketosis, hypocalcemia, acidosis).
3. Ensuring proper fetal development.
4. Formation of high-quality colostrum.
5. Preparation of the udder for lactation.

Effective feeding includes the use of quality forage, compound feed, and specialized supplements for cattle (dairy cows).

Diet during the early dry period

The goal of feeding during this stage is to maintain good health, avoid obesity or weight loss, prevent ketosis, and preserve normal gastrointestinal function. The diet should be balanced and include basic forage as well as supplements like premix and BMVD.

• High fiber content (NDF – neutral detergent fiber not less than 32–35%).
• Moderate energy level (1.2–1.3 MJ per 1 kg of dry matter).
• Crude protein content of 12–14%.
• Limit concentrates and compound feed to 1–2 kg/day.

The diet of cows during the dry period must include the following components: high-quality hay (clover, alfalfa, cereal), silage or corn silage in limited amounts, straw (as a source of structural fiber), compound feed with BMVD, mineral-vitamin supplements, and premixes.

In the pre-calving period, the cow enters the preparation phase for calving and lactation. Nutritional demands increase for energy, protein, vitamins, and minerals. The use of specialized compound feeds, BMVD, and premixes for cattle is a mandatory part of the diet.

The main task for farmers during this period is to support fetal development, prepare the rumen for the transition to the lactation diet, and prevent metabolic disorders after calving. Therefore, the diet must be adjusted to gradually increase compound feed portions (up to 3–4 kg/day), provide sufficient energy (1.4–1.5 MJ/kg DM), protein, limit potassium intake, increase magnesium intake, and introduce anionic salts to prevent hypocalcemia.

During this period, there is also a high demand for vitamins and minerals, so special attention should be given to the following elements: calcium and phosphorus — to prevent milk fever; magnesium — for calcium absorption; selenium and vitamin E — to prevent postpartum diseases; iodine — for fetal thyroid development.

All these substances are included in the premixes and BMVD by VITAGRO NUTRITION, making it easier to formulate the diet.

An indicator of proper feeding is stable or slightly increased body weight. Obesity should be avoided as it increases the risk of difficult calvings and postpartum diseases.

Management and organizational measures are also of great importance, including dividing the herd into groups to precisely dose compound feed and other components. Regular feed quality control, cleanliness and comfort in barns, access to clean water, and adherence to vaccination and deworming plans are also key factors.

A proper dry cow feeding program is the key to successful calving, the birth of a healthy calf, and high milk productivity. It should be based on scientifically justified feeding standards, a systematic approach to management, and continuous monitoring of the animal’s physiological condition. Considering all aspects, including the use of compound feed, premixes, BMVD, and other supplements, helps to avoid most postpartum complications, reduce treatment costs, and improve the economic efficiency of dairy production.