Abstract
The decision to shorten the dry period is dependent on many factors, including milk yield and milk composition during the extra days of milking and into the subsequent lactation, calf survival, incidence of metabolic disorders, reproductive efficiency, and management factors, i.e. facilities and parlor capacity. Shortening the dry period to 30 days may be economically feasible due to only a 5 % loss in milk yield (vs. 60 days dry). However, eliminating the dry period results in a 20-25 % loss in milk yield in the subsequent lactation. Shorter dry periods can facilitate fewer group and diet changes and lead to increased dry matter intake and a more favorable energy balance. These beneficial changes may result in decreased metabolic problems, including reduced liver fat concentrations. Preliminary evidence indicates that reducing dry period length may increase conception rates, which can lead to greater flexibility in breeding programs. However, more replication is needed in field trials to verify potential benefits of short dry periods on reproduction.
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