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Successful transition from the dry period into lactation is one of the most critical moments in a dairy cow’s lactation. It will have a direct impact on milk production, cow health and reproductive performance during the subsequent lactation.
The importance of condition scoring dry cows The body condition score (BCS) of cows at the different stages of the lactation cycle needs to be monitored. The scale of 1–5 is used — 1 being skin and bone and 5 being over-fat. The three most critical stages to monitor BCS are at drying off (BCS 3), calving (BCS 3–3.25) and breeding (minimum of BCS 2.75). If 90% of the herd is within this range… more
Management for Dry Cow Systems At farm-level, management can be an issue when implementing a correct dry cow system. Seasonal calving and compact calving are ideal, but not without flaws. In a spring calving system, the blueprint is to have 90% of the herd calving in six weeks. The herd goes completely dry around Christmas week and are all going to get around 60 days dry. This does not happen… more
Feeding the dry cow Feeding the dry cow is fundamental to InTouch’s nutrition, and there is on-going research and many different ways of implementing a dry cow diet, all of which should have the same outcome: The cow calves down by herself with no metabolic issues and reaches her peak yield, maintains this and goes back in-calf as quickly… more
Are your minerals going down the drain? Minerals are often overlooked in a dry cow diet in terms of quality and quantity. It’s important to note that the mineral status of our forages can vary significantly. A mineral analysis is the only accurate way to know the mineral status of your forage to allow you to make an informed choice of an appropriate mineral supplement. Mineral labels can be… more
The dry period is fundamental in laying the foundations for the cow to milk to her potential over the lactation.
Dry cow minerals that go to work, not waste. Choosing the correct dry cow minerals is essential for a successful transition from the dry period into lactation, this is one of the most critical moments in a dairy cow’s lactation. It will have a direct impact on milk production, cow health and reproductive performance during the subsequent lactation.
Mark Moloney, InTouch feeding specialist, Alltech Ireland examines the the importance of a successful dry cow programme.
Eddie Phelan, regional manager, southwest, Alltech Ireland discusses 'Mineral nutrition: Getting it right this dry cow period'
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Aislínn Campbell, InTouch feeding specialist, NI Calf management always needs to be a top priority on farms. We cannot afford to make mistakes in this period as deficiencies can be difficult to correct. Calves, and especially replacement stock, are the future milking herd, and issues early in life can have adverse effects further down the line regarding delayed calving age and milk yield.… more
Alltech launches relief effort for Australian farmers Australia Farming Relief Fund will support producers impacted by bushfires
Alltech to reveal results of ninth annual Alltech Global Feed Survey CEO to host live panel discussion with industry leaders for in-depth look at global feed production
We firmly believe agriculture has the greatest potential to shape the future of our planet. We are inspired by the great challenge the world has presented us — to produce enough safe, nutritious food for all, while caring for our animals, and sustaining our land, air and water for future generations. Our natural resources may be finite, but human ingenuity is infinite. Planet of Plenty is a… more
Alltech Ireland and Agri Aware have joined forces to create the AgCredible Academy to elevate Irish agriculture's story by collaborating with prominent Irish agri-influencers who are passionate about agriculture.
​ AgCredible Academy, a joint initiative between Alltech Ireland and Agri Aware. Follow #AgCredible online to keep up to date. Sign up here to receive the AgCredible monthly toolbox:
Early lactation can be a period of stress for the cow, as there are several physiological and nutritional changes during this time. It is also a time when we want to ensure that she has an optimal immune status to maximise fertility. Some cows will have a higher risk of uterine infections due to retained placenta and metritis after calving. Uterine infections and ovarian problems will inevitably… more
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