If poorly managed, the peripartum period can lead to significant losses: a drop in milk production, health complications, an increase in early culling, metabolic disorders, reduced reproductive performance, etc. Conversely, rigorous management, based on the principles of physiology, nutrition, and animal comfort, optimizes the animals’ productive lifespan, reduces veterinary costs, and improves the overall efficiency of the system.

Dry-off: specific nutritional guidelines to adhere to

Dry-off is an essential period of rest for the mammary gland, allowing for the regeneration of mammary tissues to prepare for the next lactation, as well as preparing the animal for the metabolic stress of calving. It represents an investment in the next lactation, the success of which depends on the quality of management during this phase.

During dry-off, the diet must be adjusted accurately to avoid fluctuations in body condition score and the associated risks (reduced milk production, risk of fatty liver disease, calving difficulties, etc.) and to meet the animals’ nutritional needs. Recommendations for this period are therefore specific, with precise and tailored nutritional criteria, as well as management of specific parameters such as DCAD and the gradual transition to the dairy cow ration.

Optimizing peripartum management to maximize lactation performance without compromising animal welfare.

The dietary transition between dry-off and lactation is a critical stage in the production cycle. A transition that is too abrupt can disrupt the ruminal microbiota, reduce feed intake, and promote the onset of metabolic disorders. To limit these risks, it is essential to introduce a transitional diet during the three weeks preceding calving.

Managing nutritional intake in the peripartum diet

This involves a specific formulation of the peripartum diet with nutrient levels adapted to this particular physiological phase, especially in terms of energy sources and protein, as well as adjusted mineralization and special attention to the dietary anion-cation difference (DCAD). These measures involve limited costs and offer a high return on investment by reducing milk losses, veterinary costs, and early culling.

Rigorous management of the dry-off period and the peripartum period leads to an increase in average production per cow, a reduction in veterinary costs, improved reproduction, and a decrease in the early culling rate. Investments in the peripartum diet through through a transition diet, mineral or energy supplements such as Nutidrench or NégaBaca, and targeted metabolic monitoring can generate a significant return on investment as a result of improved performance. They are a means of building a more stable, profitable, and sustainable system.

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