Nutritional and dry period length modifications during dry period management in dairy cow: A review

Abstract

A non-lactating/dry period before calving is necessary to maximize the milk production after parturition. Feeding strategies during dry period affects the milk production after calving. Therefore, improving the energy balance in transition period can reduce the incidence of periparturient disorders and decreases the mobilization of fat and reduces the negative energy balance. During dry period high yields provide an economical reason for modified dry periods and implementing short or omitted dry periods provides a better health conditions in animals. Continuous milking may keep the animal adapted to lactation and diet changes which further reduces the risk of development of periparturient disorders (Ketosis) as well as improve dry matter intake during this transition period. Conventional dry period (60 day) helps to adapt the cow to several acute changes in metabolic and physiologic states and diets. Therefore, there is reason to re-evaluate optimal dry period length and finding the shortest possible dry period that would allow maximum milk production after parturition is necessary.