Watch our previous webinar Post-calving recovery Part 2 by clicking through to Vimeo and signing in.
Watch the webinar recording here
Webinar summary: Post-calving recovery – Part 2
This webinar provides a detailed examination of how to improve dairy cow recovery after calving. It focuses on measuring recovery indicators like rumination, eating minutes, rumen fill, and blood metabolites to assess cow health. Additionally, practical management tools such as feeding practices, stress minimisation, and supplementation are discussed to optimise cow recovery and performance post-calving.
In this webinar:
1. Recap of Part 1
- Discusses key recovery indicators: rumination minutes, appetite, rumen fill, and blood metabolites (calcium, magnesium, phosphorus).
- A fully recovered cow should have rumination minutes around 450+, a rumen fill score of 3 or higher, and balanced blood metabolites.
2. Managing cow transition
- Effective transition periods (e.g. 18-21 days) help cows adapt to new feeds and reduce stress on the liver.
- Avoid overfeeding energy to transition cows, as it can stress the liver before it is ready to handle increased fat metabolism after calving.
3. Condition monitoring
- Body condition scoring through different seasons is critical, targeting 4.5-4.7 at dry-off and 4.8-5.2 at calving to avoid rapid condition loss and reproductive issues.
4. Feeding practices
- High-quality fibre improves rumen motility, while targeted protein levels (14-16% crude protein) and proper mineral supplementation enhance recovery.
5. Stress minimisation
- Reducing competition at feed sources and managing group sizes helps lower cow stress, improving their recovery and performance.
6. Supplementation strategies
- Essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and vitamins are vital for cow recovery.
- Specialised products like Calcea and betaine assist with liver function and glucogenesis, supporting faster recovery and reducing condition loss.
For more detailed information, watch the webinar recording.