The transition period, whether in autumn or spring, is the single most stressful period a cow will experience each year. Having a solid plan in place to ensure your mob has transitioned well will pay dividends throughout the season in milk production, reproduction, immunity and animal health.
Supporting your autumn-calvers throughout the transition period
The transition period begins approximately three weeks pre-calving and ends approximately three weeks post-calving, cows require mineral support throughout this time. Like humans, cows during this period are experiencing rapid hormone changes and their bodies need to be prepared to mobilise key minerals and the huge amounts of energy required for birth and lactation.
A well-transitioned cow will hit peak production easily, stay healthy, and is more likely to get back in-calf and maintain the pregnancy.
Minerals for metabolism in the pre-calving transition period
We want to power up the metabolism, so taking a close look at the diet planned in the first half of transition (three weeks pre-calving) is important. She must be receiving at least the minimum levels of calcium, phosphorus, and salt, as well as maintaining magnesium and trace element levels. Be aware – potassium levels should be as low as possible, but New Zealand grasses are typically high in potassium (and low in magnesium).
DCAD and autumn transition
The total Dietary Cation Anion Difference (DCAD) and its effect on blood pH determines the body’s ability to release and utilise minerals during this time.
The total DCAD is controlled by the level of potassium in the diet, which in turn directly relates to how much pasture is being fed vs low DCAD feeds ie. maize silage, low potassium crops, grain-based feeds etc. A good anionic salt blend maintains essential minerals but in forms that lower blood and urine pH – the lower blood pH particularly supports the body’s ability to absorb more calcium and phosphorus. When dosed correctly, anionic (negative DCAD) salts are a good way of decreasing the majority of issues faced during the pre- and post-calving transition periods.
Don’t drop the ball post-calving
Once a cow has been successfully transitioned pre-calving there is an increased demand for calcium and phosphorus during the initial post-calving period. If this demand isn’t met, she will experience increased risk of clinical or (more commonly) subclinical metabolic disease.
After calving, we switch to alkaline salts (positive DCAD) mineral forms. As well as supplying calcium and magnesium, these alkaline salts help to stabilise the rumen and increase appetite for high energy diets in early lactation.
Putting more effort into transitioning your herd well leading up to calving and during the early lactation recovery period is well worth the investment. Successfully transitioning period your cows will ensure they are set up to use energy more efficiently throughout the entire lactation, and this typically leads to higher production throughout the season, less immune-related issues, and higher pregnancy success rates.
Visit agvance.co.nz, talk to your local vet, or Agvance consultant to get your autumn transition plan sorted today.