Feeds, Ration Formulation | Dry Period Rations in Cattle

Abstract

At the end of a lactation cycle, high-producing dairy cows require a dry period, where milk production is halted, to prepare the mammary gland and rumen for the next lactation. Traditionally, nonlactating (dry) cows were considered inactive; they were largely unmanaged and their nutritional requirements were poorly characterized. However, it is now clear that preparations for a successful lactation begin during, or even before, the preceding dry period. This article will focus on recent advances in the understanding of dry cow nutrition and management techniques used to maximize milk production. For the purposes of this article, dry cows will be considered in two groups: cows recently dried off (far-off dry cows) and those within 2–3 weeks of calving (close-up or transition cows).