Transition Management
What if you could pull a single lever which would increase herd milk production, improve fertility, reduce mastitis incidence and improve immunity? Well, unfortunately it’s never as simple as just pulling a lever, however excellent transition management will go a long way towards making positive increases, just as, if done poorly, it will have far reaching negative implications. Following a carefully designed transition management plan will positively influence the ongoing health, production and fertility of your herd.
The transition period includes the four weeks prior to calving and the four weeks post-calving. This period is arguably the most important in the season for adult dairy cows and it can be challenging to get it right. This period can make or break the season for your cows.
The changes a cow goes through over this short period of time are incredible feats of physiology and impose a huge demand on her resources. This is why many of the seasons losses and disease outbreaks occur in the spring - the herd is up against some serious challengers while often on the back foot in terms of energy balance and mineral status. All the while the clock is ticking towards peak-milk and planned start of mating (PSM).
There may be some clues as to whether there is an opportunity for your herd to benefit from a re-hashed transition plan. The most recognisable is milk fever - more than 3% of the herd requiring treatment for milk fever would be a trigger to review your transition plan. Milk fever has been described as the ‘gateway disease’ because it has well-established flow-on effects on immunity, production and reproduction. For every milk fever case, there are usually around eight cows with sub-clinical milk fever, which has the same implications. Other clues include:
More than 5% of the herd with mastitis within 30 days of calving
More than 5% of the herd with retained membranes (defined as 24+ hours after calving)
More than 3% of the herd requiring calving assistance
More than 15% of the herd treated for endometritis
The occurrence of nervous clinical signs in cows - chewing stones, licking bars, behaving strangely
A transition plan doesn’t have to be costly - working to balance the feeds on-hand usually requires introducing some relatively inexpensive mineral components or blends and, given the far reaching benefits, is a cost effective endeavour. Other management and timing strategies can be game-changers when it comes to a successful transition period - we can identify which of these will work efficiently with your farming system and time resource.
Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us if you would like to talk it through and get a robust transition management plan in place for your farm!
