Effect of milking frequency and feeding level before and after dry off on dairy cattle behavior and udder characteristics

Abstract

The effects of 2 common dry-off management procedures, feed restriction [8 vs. 16kg of dry matter (DM)/d] and reduced milking frequency (once, 1× vs. twice, 2×/d), on the behavior and udder characteristics of dairy cattle were assessed in late lactation and the early dry period. Milking cows 1× instead of 2× in the week before dry off reduced milk yield (7.0 vs. 8.9 ± 0.95 kg/d for 1× and 2×, respectively), but had little effect on behavior before or after cessation of milking. In comparison, feed restriction reduced milk yield (6.9 vs. 9.1 ± 0.95 kg/d for 8 and 16kg of DM/d, respectively), udder firmness after dry off (7.3 vs. 8.0 ± 0.24 g force for 8 and 16kg of DM/d, respectively), milk leakage (2 d after dry off, 14% of cows offered 8kg of DM/d were leaking milk compared with 42% cows offered 16kg of DM/d), and the likelihood of Streptococcus uberis intramammary infection (nonclinical mastitis; 12.5 vs. 62.5% of groups with at least 1 cow with a new intramammary infection for 8 and 16kg of DM/d, respectively). Despite these benefits, cows offered only 8kg of DM/d spent less time eating (7.3 vs. 8.3 ± 0.28 h/d for 8 and 16kg DM/d, respectively), more time lying (8.8 vs. 7.3 ± 0.24 h/d), and vocalized more before dry off than cows offered 16kg of DM/d (0.8 vs. 0.2 ± 0.15 calls/min for 8 and 16kg of DM/d, respectively). These behavioral changes indicate that this level of feed restriction may cause hunger. Information is needed about alternative dry-off procedures that maintain the health benefits and comfort associated with lower milk yield before dry off but prevent hunger, such as feeding low quality diets ad libitum.