Understanding the Transition Period

Prepartum Phase: Key Changes and Challenges

During the prepartum phase, cows experience rapid fetal growth, mammary gland development, colostrum synthesis, and significant endocrine changes. These changes prepare the cow for the increased energy demands after calving. However, cows also face a drastic reduction in dry matter intake (DMI), decreasing by approximately 30% during the last week before calving. This reduction, influenced by factors like body weight, parity, gestation days, body condition score (BCS), health, dietary digestibility, farm management, and climatic conditions, poses a major concern as it leads to negative energy balance (NEB) and negative protein balance (NPB).

Tips for Managing

• Monitor body condition score (BCS) regularly.
• Ensure balanced nutrition to support fetal growth and mammary gland development.
• Minimize stress by maintaining consistent groupings and avoiding overcrowding.

Postpartum Phase: Nutritional and Metabolic Adjustments

After calving, cows' nutritional demands spike due to rapid milk production. The NEB, which begins a few days before calving, becomes more pronounced postpartum and typically lasts until the fifth week after calving. High-producing dairy cows prioritize nutrients for mammary gland function, exacerbating NEB. Consequently, cows mobilize body fat, leading to increased production of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and potential immunosuppression.

Metabolic and Health Implications

Cows in NEB are more prone to body fat mobilization, weight loss, reduced BCS, and fatty liver disease. The mobilization of lipid and protein reserves, particularly adipose tissue, negatively impacts cow performance.

Tips for Monitoring Metabolic Health:

• Keep detailed health records for each cow.
• Conduct regular blood tests to monitor NEFA and BHB levels.

Strategies for Transition Period Management

Adopting effective dietary strategies, such as well-balanced diets, controlled energy diets, and negative DCAD (dietary cation-anion difference) diets, along with proper lot management and climate control, can mitigate the negative effects of the transition period. These practices help maintain DMI, manage NEB, and prevent metabolic disorders.

Key Management Strategies:

• Implement a well-balanced diet tailored to the needs of transitioning cows.
• Control energy intake to prevent excessive body fat mobilization
• Monitor for signs of metabolic disorders such as ketosis and fatty liver
• Maintain optimal environmental conditions to reduce stress.

Immunological Challenges and Disease Management

The transition period also brings immunological challenges, making cows susceptible to metabolic disorders like ketosis, fatty liver, displaced abomasum, and retained placenta. Approximately 75% of dairy cow diseases occur within the first month after calving, leading to significant economic losses. Effective nutritional management and feeding strategies are essential to maximize cow potential and ensure health during this critical period.