Herd Health

In dairy cows, the transition from gestation to lactation results in a sudden large demand for calcium due to the production and secretion of colostrum and milk.

It requires more than just energy to achieve peak performance and overall health of your milking herd. Vitamins are organic compounds required in small quantities and essential for the maintenance of life.

The National Research Council (NRC) lists requirements for vitamins A, D and E in their seventh revision of “Nutrient Requirements of Dairy Cattle,” published in 2001.

Calving sets off a series of events in a cow’s body that impacts her entire system. One stressor is a significant spike in calcium demand due to the onset of colostrum production.

Fresh cows present one of the biggest opportunities for increased performance on dairy farms. However, fresh cows deal with many stressors and challenges – and if they are not properly set up for success, they will not be able to achieve an optimal level of production.

In our previous article, we discussed altering nutrition and management during overcrowding of lactating cows.