By Maureen Zorn, Dairy Management Associate

In the past, the dry cow program tended to be low on the producer’s “radar screen”. The dry period was considered a “resting” phase. The cow’s nutrient requirements are lower, she is under less stress and she’s not making money for the farm – right? With this long-standing frame of mind it’s not surprising that dry cow facilities, nutrition, and management are not at the level that they could be in many cases. It is easy to forget that the dry period is really the 3rd trimester of pregnancy.

What research shows: Research at Cornell in the early 1990’s showed a remarkable and dramatic increase in nutrient demand around 190 days into the pregnancy. Energy and protein requirements dictated by the growing calf make a remarkable leap at this point. The quality of protein needed during this final stage of gestation was not commonly known. Up to 55% of fetal energy demand is derived from amino acids in late pregnancy.

This is like burning dollar bills to keep warm, a rather costly venture. If the cow does not get this supply in the diet, she will take it off her muscle mass. This aspect of weight loss is much more severe than the loss of fatty tissues in the dry period. Unfortunately there is no barometer with flashing red lights that tells us dry cows are going to be in trouble. The signs will not show until calving time when intervention is too late.

Following are five areas for consideration to prevent this problem in late gestation dairy cows.

1. Housing and Facilities: Dry cows need adequate space to rest comfortably. On bedded packs, 80 square feet will suffice for each far off dry cow. But, 100 or more square feet will be needed for close up cows. Stalls of any design must be of the dimensions to fit the cows as well as have bedded surfaces that are comfortable to promote use. If your dry cows are housed in an older building, you might consider measuring the neck rail, space between the loops, length of the stall and height of the brisket board.

One very important point, often overlooked, is lunge space. Larger cows may need extra lunge space in order to get up and lie down comfortably.* Uncomfortable stalls will lead to more time spent standing. This mechanically induced laminitis is a common occurrence. Obvious lameness is generally picked up in the fresh cows with little correlation to the true origins.

Regardless of the type of housing used for dry cows; clean, dry bedding is the key to comfort and cleanliness. Dirty cows are at higher risk of mastitis as well as being sources of a host of pathogens newborn calves will “investigate” after they are born. Don’t forget the type of flooring and its condition. Cows must be able to walk around without slipping and falling due to wet, slick surfaces.

2. Water: Access to clean fresh water is extremely important to dry cows. Intake by dry cows can approach 30 gallons per day in the hot weather. The quality of water is as important as the volume of water a cow drinks. Palatability can be affected by hardness and microbial growth (algae and bacteria). Bioavailability of inorganic forms of minerals such as zinc, copper and selenium can be reduced by the presence of iron or sulfur compounds in the water.

Consider having the water tested for hardness, mineral profile and the presence of bacteria if there is any question of quality. Poor water quality may be the cause of breeding and metabolic problems. Cleaning your water tanks out on a regular basis increases drinking appeal and reduces the organic load that is optimum for coliform bacteria growth.

3. Nutrition: Dry cow nutrition research has pointed out the need for consistent and quality rations. High forage diets are ideal if quality is such that close-up cows will eat enough to meet nutrient demands. The goal should be to have no gain or loss of body condition during the dry period. Competition among dry cows and springing heifers creates ration balancing problems particularly in overcrowded and uncomfortable environments.

Immune function can be boosted by getting as close as possible to nutrient requirements including vitamins and minerals. Immune function is an early victim of poor intake. Organic forms of minerals, unaffected by water borne mineral excesses, have proven their worth in many cases. However, it is energy and protein in that order that trumps the importance of trace nutrients.

4. Vaccinations: Vaccination programs are difficult to standardize for the dairy. What to use and when should be determined by the herd veterinarian based on history, diagnostic work, stress load and level of management. Dry cow vaccination programs may be designed for protecting the fresh cow, the calves or both. Vaccinations can have a negative impact, however, on the late gestation animal. Endotoxin loads inherent in gram-negative vaccines can lead to reduced feed intake, early calving and even abortions if too many products are used at one time or in a short interval. Shortened dry periods are problematic in this regard.

As the non-lactating window is reduced, the tendency is to bunch shots closer together or give more at one time. Managers are reluctant to reduce milk production by moving these immunizations into the pre-dry off period or they find the handling of these cows is difficult.

Passive immunity through colostrum can be enhanced by pre-calving vaccination of dams. Not all vaccines will spike colostral antibodies to the same degree. One less discussed aspect of dry cow/springer vaccination is the reduction in the shed of pathogens by seemingly healthy cattle.

We consider disease and underlying pathogen presence to be all or nothing. This is not correct. Many freshening cattle harbor pathogens that have not caused any clinical disease until they are stressed. Prior to showing disease signs these animals will shed large numbers of bacteria and viruses (as well as parasites such as coccidia and Cryptosporidia) into the calving environment. Whether calves are shielded from disease by antibodies or less exposure is a moot point. The outcome is the same.

5. Shorter Dry Periods: Recent research has shed light on the fact that profitability on dairies can be increased through adopting a shorter dry period. This means a reduction from 60 days to 40 or 45 days at least for 2nd lactation and greater cows. One dry group with one ration is the standard approach. A longer lactation can mean more milk and greater income. Not all farm situations favor shorter dry periods. To assess whether or not a herd is a good candidate for a shorter dry period, consider the following:
- Most cows should be in proper body condition and milking well in late lactation
- Herds should have accurate breeding records and a proven breeding program
- Herds should have high enough labor and milking capability to milk late lactation cows

New information: It may seem that dry cow management has become more complicated. This may not be true. We may have been ignorant of the true needs of this group of cattle all these years. It is well established that 90% of adult cattle problems relate to the transition period. Why not focus on the dry period for the best return on your investment. The odds are in your favor.

* For more information on free-stall design, please visit the following site, information provided by Neil Anderson, Dept. of Veterinary Science, OMAFRA
http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/livestock/dairy/facts/info_fsdimen.htm