Optimising the post-freshening period for dairy cows

The transition period, 21 days before through 21 days after calving, is a challenging time for the dairy cow. In this period, extra attention should be given to nutrient requirements and feed intake, and this goes beyond the need for calcium supplementation. During the transition period, many cows experience insufficient overall nutrient reserves for recovery heading into the demands of lactation. This is due to depressed feed intake pre-freshening, fluids lost during freshening and ration chan