Drying off the dairy cow

摘要: Most dairy cows generally have a non-lactating, “dry period” prior to parturition. As the milk production of has increased dramatically during last decades, managed conventionally with 12 13 month-calving interval are dried off (DO) while still producing significant quantities milk. The DO period is probably one most physiologically demanding periods for high-yielding cow, and may negatively affect animal welfare, but few studies been performed in this area. Therefore, general aim present work was investigate how different procedures yield at metabolism udder health cow. Furthermore, effects calving intervals breed were also evaluated. Three included thesis. In first study randomly assigned two feeding treatments. One group fed straw ad libitum, other silage [4 kg dry matter (DM)] daily libitum evaluate metabolic changes DO. second study, DO, (12 15 months) on studied when additional third conducted over 10 000 lactating association between veterinary-treated clinical mastitis (VTCM) from until early lactation overall results thesis show that extensively restrictive protocols negative metabolism. plasma concentration non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) markedly elevated as an effect feeding. NEFA related Feeding only affected rumen environment shown by pH, reduced volatile acids, urea, lower number protozoa. Restrictive cortisol, which indicates load group. addition, high risk VTCM open teat canals period. Swedish Holsteins higher compared Red White cows. conclusion, shows common procedure feed give rise disturbances. However, might be avoided without any apparent if limited amount added yields increase mastitis, alternative ways reduce should considered.