Creating the Physical Environment for Transition Cow Success

Abstract

Field studies of transition cow management using Transition Cow Index™ as the outcome variable have shown that housing constraints are the major risk factors for fresh cow health in freestall dairies today. Key factors to improve fresh cow health are provision of sufficient bunk space so that all transition cows can eat simultaneously; minimizing social stress or the need to establish social rank during the prepartum period; provision of soft, bedded surfaces for standing and resting; and sizing of stalls and packs to facilitate the motions of lying and rising for large, mature cows. Provision of these conditions allows caregivers to screen for fresh cows that need attention in the most effective way.