Key points of nutrition regulation during the dry period of dairy cows
Nutritional regulation during the dry period (usually 60 days before calving) is crucial to the health of the cow, the development of the calf, and the milk production performance in the next lactation period. The following are the key points of nutritional regulation during the dry period:
1. Nutritional regulation goals during the dry period
Restoration of body condition: to achieve the ideal body condition score (BCS 3.0-3.5, 5-point system) of dairy cows, and avoid being too fat or too thin.
Fetal development: to meet the nutritional needs of calves growing rapidly in late pregnancy.
Mammary gland repair: to provide opportunities for mammary gland tissue to repair and renew.
Metabolic preparation: to prevent postpartum metabolic diseases (such as ketosis, fatty liver, hypocalcemia, etc.).
2. Key nutritional indicators
Energy
Early stage (1st to 40th day of dry milk): limit energy, mainly for maintenance (NEL 1.25-1.35 Mcal/kg DM), avoid obesity.
Late stage (21 days before delivery, i.e. perinatal period): appropriately increase energy (NEL 1.55-1.65 Mcal/kg DM), gradually transition to lactation requirements, but avoid acidosis caused by high starch diet.
01
Protein
Crude protein (CP): 12-13% in the early stage, 14-15% in the late stage (improve nitrogen reserves).
Rumen bypass protein (RUP): 35-40% of CP, supporting fetal growth and maternal needs.
02
Minerals and vitamins
Calcium: limit calcium intake (<0.5% DM) to prevent postpartum hypocalcemia; anionic salts can be used in the perinatal period (DCAD negative balance).
Phosphorus: 0.25-0.35% DM.
Vitamin D/E/β-carotene: Enhance immunity and calcium metabolism (such as vitamin E 1000-1500 IU/day).
Selenium: 0.3 ppm, reduce the risk of retained placenta.
03
Fiber and carbohydrates
Neutral detergent fiber (NDF): ≥35%, to ensure rumen health.
Non-fiber carbohydrates (NFC): <35% in the early stage, can be increased to 40% in the later stage (but starch content needs to be monitored).
04
3. Diet composition recommendations
Roughage
High-quality hay (such as alfalfa and oat grass) accounts for 50-60% of the dry matter in the diet, providing effective fiber.
Concentrate supplementation
Control the proportion of grains (corn, barley, etc.), and gradually increase it during the peripartum period (but starch does not exceed 25%).
Additives
Anionic salts (such as ammonium chloride, magnesium sulfate) adjust DCAD to -100 to -150 mEq/kg DM.
Yeast culture (improve rumen function).
Choline (protect the liver and prevent fatty liver).
4. Precautions
Body condition management
Adjust body condition in the early stage of dry milk, limit energy for overfat cows, and supplement high-quality protein for over-thin cows.
01
Transition period (peripartum period)
Gradually increase concentrate 21 days before delivery (increase 0.2-0.3kg per day) to promote rumen adaptation.
02
Monitor metabolic indicators
Regularly test blood calcium and β-hydroxybutyric acid (BHB) to prevent ketosis and hypocalcemia.
03
Drinking water and hygiene
ensure clean drinking water and avoid moldy feed.
04
V. Common Problems and Countermeasures
Postpartum hypocalcemia: Low calcium in the diet + anionic salts to stimulate the secretion of parathyroid hormone.
Fatty liver: Control excess energy and supplement choline (15-20g/day).
Retained placenta: Ensure adequate selenium, vitamin E and β-carotene.
Postpartum hypocalcemia
Low calcium in the diet + anionic salts to stimulate the secretion of parathyroid hormone.
Fatty liver
Control excess energy and supplement choline (15-20g/day).
Retained placenta
Ensure adequate selenium, vitamin E and β-carotene.
Recommended formula and usage of CJ dry period compound premix feed C655:
Usage: Mix evenly with other feed ingredients in the following proportions before use
|
Feeding stage |
Corn% |
Soybean meal% |
DDGS% |
Bran% |
CJ premix% |
|
Dry cow |
35 |
21 |
20 |
19 |
5 |
Note: It is recommended that the premix rate for 1.5% of the total mixed ration (dry matter 88%). It is recommended that the concentrate supplement rate for 30% of the total mixed ration (dry matter 88%).
