1. Part of the dry period

Period from the 6th. to 4th week before calving

Lactation during the dry period I

The first dry period  serves the regeneration of the udder tissue and digestive tract.

• Low-energy diet, the requirement for maintenance and growth of the fetus revealed
• Avoiding adiposis through reduced energy. Target is a BCS (body condition score) <3.5.

• Crude fiber, large-volume ration to obtain the capacity of the rumen

The problems of adipose cows:

• Large decrease in feed intake at calving
• Metabolic disorders as a result of the increased fat loss (risk of ketose)
• Greater propensity for dystocia 

Dry period II

Period: the remaining 3 weeks before calving (1.part of the transit phase)

Lactation during dry period part II

This first part of the transit phase is the preparation of the highly pregnant cow to calving and to productive forage.

• Hoof care, vaccinations, and possibly the controlling of endo-and ectoparasites
• Increasing energy density with sufficient structure secures the energy supply of the cow in deteriorating food intake (about 10 days before calving)
• Early offer of components of the later lactation feed  promote the adaptation of rumen microbes
• A high dry matter intake is particularly important because otherwise ketosis may develop before calving
• Additives, such as propylene glycol, glycerol, yeast, protected fats or buffer substances can be used to compensate for deficits and for hepatic discharge
• Milk fever prophylaxis by a Ca-reduced feeding or by feeding acid salts prepare the cows hormone system on the Ca deficiency before lactation (parathyroid hormone). The absorption of Ca and the ability of the Ca-mobilization from the skeleton can be improved.

Calving

Lactation during calving

In the transit phase - especially during the calving - the attention must be drawn on a smooth transition to the new lactation. The short-term break-in of the feed intake at calving can be a risk if the nutrient supply decreases and the rumen contents shrinks.

• Promotion of an early water- and feed intake immediately after calving counteract the risk of displaced abomasum
• Special demands of the cow on trace elements, such as a sudden high Ca demand by the onset of milk secretion must be taken into consideration
• Calcium intakes for milk fever prevention

Start phase

The beginning of lactation

In the transit phase - especially during the start phase - a significant challenge lies in balancing the energy deficit incurred. The feed intake increases after calving slowly, but the demand for energy and nutrients, however strong.

• The diet must be structured for ruminants and needs at the same time a high energy content (watch the risk of acidosis!)
• An improvement of the energy supply after calving by, for example, protected fats lowers the risk of ketosis
  (stress and damage to the liver by the melting of body fat stores)
• Special demands of the cow on trace elements must be taken into consideration.

Major failures in the supply weaken the immune system of the cow and make them susceptible to a variety of diseases wich may prolong the days open and may cause economic losses.

Peak lactation

Process during peak lactation

During the peak lactation a performance-related feeding supports the stamina (persistence)  of the milk yield. The changing energy demands a great deal on the structure of the rations.

• Ensure a steady and high quality food and water intake
• Relationship between energy supply and structure must be observed
• Coordinate the energy and protein supply to promote the milk ingredients and to avoid liver burden
• Optimized supply of nutrients, minerals and active ingredients ensure performance, health and fertility

In late lactation the energy reserves are filled up which were drained through early- and peak lactation. The risk of adiposis and related difficulties may be carried into the following transit phase.

• Herds with high persistence in the milk yield have a less energy demand and the risk of adiposis is less strong
• Low milk yield should be responded with reduced energy density or drying off earlier