The 2022 Spring calving season is fast approaching, with cattle being brought indoors for the winter months, now is the right time to be planning ahead for the 2022 calving season to ensure a smooth and successful transition. The dry period is important to prepare the udder and to allow mammary cell development and repair, ready for the next lactation. Furthermore, correct management during the dry period can reduce the number of metabolic and reproductive disorders after calving. Pre-calving nutrition planning should ideally start four months before calving actually begins, to ensure that cows are gradually transitioned to the target BCS and to avoid sudden swings in BCS which will have a detrimental effect on the cow and calf. Major changes in the diet should be avoided in the last trimester of pregnancy as this will affect calf vigour, colostrum quality and colostrum quantity, especially if protein and energy is undersupplied.
As well as ensuring cows have sufficient energy and protein for maintenance and pregnancy functions, it is important that cows have optimal vitamin and mineral supply. There are 15 minerals essential for life in ruminant species with a few being required in increased amounts leading up to calving. A low calcium, high magnesium supplement will encourage the dry cow to start to mobilise calcium from her bone stores in preparation for lactation to help prevent milk fever. The feeding of a high magnesium supplement will also support uterine tone and muscle contractions throughout labour.
A successful calving season is also dependent on the supply of several other minerals which are often found deficient in forages. Selenium and vitamin E deficiencies have been linked to retained cleansings and copper is key for fertility after calving has taken place. In addition, given that mastitis and lameness are two of the costliest diseases on farm, zinc supplementation is important for maintaining udder and hoof health. Furthermore, adequate mineral supply in late lactation can improve the quality of colostrum produced by the cow.
Downland’s DRY COW bucket contains a low level of calcium and high magnesium to help reduce the risk of milk fever and ease the calving process. In addition, there is a full complement of essential vitamins and trace elements including good levels of vitamin E and selenium along with protected sources of zinc, copper and selenium to support immune function and to optimise fertility post calving.
Alternatively, if a free access powdered mineral is required, the Downland FA PRECALVER is available in a 25kg pack size. This low calcium, high magnesium supplement will support the cow’s mineral requirements during the dry period. Providing a full specification of vitamins and minerals, with high levels of vitamin E and multiple copper sources to support the cow through the calving period. A number of factors will influence this year’s spring calving success, with nutrition playing a key role in benefitting not just the cow, but the calf too. Given the importance of improving calf output, particularly from a financial perspective, ensuring cows and heifers receive a balanced diet in the run up to calving will not only influence the herd’s success this year, but also in the many years that lie ahead.