NUTRITIONAL MANAGEMENT OF DRY DAIRY-COWS

The quality of nutritional management of dry dairy cows determines the ir health and productivity in early lactation. Excellent nutritional m anagement of dry dairy cows results in cows calving with good colostru m production, optimum body condition, ruminal tissues and microflora w ell adapted to higher concentrate feeding, minimal depression of blood calcium concentration, minimal suppression of the immune system, and positive energy balance. To accomplish these physiologic goals, produc ers must segregate dry cows into at least two groups. Each group must be fed a diet containing appropriate concentrations of nutrients. The prefresh diet must be introduced at least 3 weeks before the cow's due date. The prefresh cows must be fed the same feed ingredients that th ey will receive after carving. In addition, the diet must be delivered in a manner that ensures accurate feed-ingredient intake.