Getting your fresh cow management off to the right start in 2025
Risks Higher As To For Thomas O'sullivan Gives Health He Cows The At Are Risk Plications, Tips Reduce His Warns Calved Freshly
As the new year starts, many spring-calving herds are beginning to turn their focus towards calving. Managing freshly calved dairy cows is a critical aspect of dairy farming, directly influencing the health of both the cow and her calf, as well as the overall productivity of the herd.
This period, often referred to as the "transition period," requires close attention to nutrition, health and overall management practices. The cornerstone to managing fresh cows correctly is based on trying to increase their dry matter intake to get sufficient energy to meet their demands post-calving.
Immediately after calving, the cow should be monitored closely for signs of distress or complications, such as retained placenta, milk fever or uterine prolapse. Early intervention is key to preventing long-term health issues.
At this time, a cow’s energy needs to increase daily. Bear in mind that the stress of calving causes her to reduce feed intake, reducing the amount of energy she consumes and resulting in a negative-energy balance.
To reduce the negative energy deficit, aim for an energy-dense diet during the first two to three weeks post-calving. While cows remain indoors, it is important that you have established the best-quality feed in the yard for them. Some will have maize silage, whole crop or beet in the diet, and these ingredients are ideal in early lactation to boost total dry matter intake and energy intake.
The more intake you can achieve on a full indoor diet, the more cows can consume when they eventually head to grass when weather and ground conditions allow. Proper nutrition during the fresh period (the first three to four weeks post-calving) is critical for recovery and the start of lactation. Try to ensure that the diets are balanced in protein, fibre and minerals.
Freshly calved cows are at higher risk for health complications. Regular monitoring can help detect and address issues early. The common issues post-calving are:
- Milk fever (hypocalcaemia): Symptoms include muscle weakness, inability to stand, and cold ears;
- Ketosis: Monitor for reduced appetite and energy;
- Displaced abomasum: Watch for reduced feed intake and bloating.
Proper nutrition and feeding practices can prevent many of these issues. For instance, calcium supplementation in freshly calved cows offers a range of benefits, particularly during the critical postpartum period. This practice supports metabolic health, prevents disorders, and improves overall productivity.
This is vital because, in addition to causing muscle weakness and an inability to stand, clinical hypocalcaemia leads to a higher risk of secondary infections. Adequate calcium is also essential for proper immune cell function.
By ensuring sufficient calcium levels, cows are better equipped to fight off infections such as mastitis and metritis when they do occur. Calcium also helps close the teat end after milking, reducing the risk of high SCC and mastitis, and it is critical for the synthesis and secretion of milk.
Ensuring adequate calcium levels supports early lactation, helping cows reach their peak milk production potential.
There are a number of methods of calcium supplementation.
Oral calcium boluses are easy to administer and provide a quick boost in calcium levels. These are often given immediately after calving and repeated 12 to 24 hours later.
Conclusion Calcium supplementation in the fresh cow group is a proactive measure that significantly enhances cow health and productivity. By preventing hypocalcaemia and supporting critical physiological functions, supplementation contributes to better milk yield, reduced disease incidence, and improved reproductive performance. This investment in early lactation management pays off through healthier cows and increased profitability for the dairy operation.
