Inadequate pre-calving feeding during the dry off period can have a drastic impact on calf health and poor colostrum formation, which in turn, can lead to poor calf immunity and ultimately calf mortality.
Poor nutrition through forage and supplementary diet feed, along with the cow’s metabolic status and body condition score (BCS) of the dam, can have an impact on calf health.
The uterine environment experienced by the foetus can also influence its future long-term productivity, fertility and health, according to Teagasc.
Studies show that the nutritional/metabolic status of one generation can impact the health status of the following generation, and is described as the transgenerational metabolic-disease complex.
Calf health
BCS and feeding have to be considered when preparing for the new calving season, as management of the dry cows and heifers can have direct and indirect impacts on calf health later in the season.
The ability to significantly alter colostrum quantity or quality by dietary means is limited once the metabolisable energy, protein and micronutrient requirements of the dairy cow are met.
If these requirements are not met or even exceeded during the dry period, it can lower colostrum quality significantly, as over feeding energy can cause a dilution effect of increasing colostrum quantity.
Overfeeding cows and particularly heifers causing them be calving at over a BCS of 3.5, can result in foetal overweight, which can make calving a lot more difficult.
As well as that, increased calving difficulty will increase the risk of stillbirth.
Having dietary micronutrient imbalances, in particular iodine and calcium can result in perinatal mortality through weak calves and uterine inertia.
Cows with an optimum BCS pre-calving of around 3.25 will have healthier, faster growing calves, which can be credited to the better colostrum quality and calf immunity they received in early life.
On the other hand, calves that are born from nutritionally restricted dry cows have poorer immunity and subsequent health.
The best preparation for the calving season, is to ensure that the dry cows are being supplemented with protein, energy, fat and micronutrients, as it will result in better calf immunity, less calf ill-health and better growth rates.
Farmers need to give their calves the best chance of survival and the best chance of thriving, by ensuring the cow is calving down at a BCS of 3.25.