Here's Why It's Important to Monitor Transition Rations

A properly formulated transition ration is the cornerstone of the close-up dry-cow program. Jerry Olson, DVM, advises that a good transition ration should:

• Prevent milk fever and subclinical hypocalcemia
  
  
• Minimize negative energy balance
  
  
• Acclimate the rumen to grain
  
  
• Minimize immunosuppression

It's important to manage dry matter intake during the late dry period to prevent negative energy balance after calving and to improve reproductive performance. During this time, the energy requirements of the fetus increase dramatically, and nutrient needs increase due to impending milk production. In this same time period, feed intake can decrease by 30 to 40 percent, or from 2 percent to less than 1.5 percent of body weight per day.

Depressed intake can lead to metabolic problems in the early fresh period. To compensate for decreased feed intake and the demands of milk production, the cow attempts to meet its energy needs by mobilizing her stores of fat and protein. Because the energy coming from the feed does not equal the energy lost to mobilizing her own energy reserves, the cow is in negative energy balance. This increased metabolic pressure on the liver can result in "fatty liver" disease.

To avoid fat mobilization, the ration energy density can be increased by feeding more concentrate in the last two to three weeks before calving, Olson notes.

Transition rations must be carefully formulated to prevent metabolic diseases by providing adequate energy and protein, balanced vitamins and minerals - especially vitamin E and selenium - and dietary cation-anion difference (DCAD).

Transition ration actions

Work with your nutrition consultant and veterinarian to monitor and adjust the ration to meet nutrient requirements in transition cows.