Dry period: what is it and how long does it take for cows, preparation and rules

Under the dry period understand the prenatal stage in a pregnant cow. This is the interval from the end of lactation to calving. During this period, the animal does not bring milk, as it bears a cub. In this case, the body prepares for childbirth. In order for the cow to be he althy, 2 months before the birth, she needs to provide a special regime of maintenance. This affects her he alth and subsequent productivity parameters.

What is the dry period in cows

This term refers to the time from the end of lactation to calving. Deadwood is considered the last stage of pregnancy and lasts approximately 2 months. This time is required for the cow to recover in order to accumulate strength for childbirth and feeding the cub.

Dry dead cows can be 45-70 days. The cow needs a special diet. This will help prevent a decline in milk production after calving. Fulfillment of all recommendations for care and nutrition will be the key to high dairy productivity of the farm.

Organization Rules

It is recommended to properly prepare a cow for launch. Each animal has individual characteristics. These include age, body weight, milk yield parameters. This must be clearly considered. You can not abruptly stop the milking of a cow on a specific date. However, it is necessary to gradually reduce the synthesis of milk in the udder. This will help bring the animal to a complete cessation of lactation. At the stage of approaching the launch, it is important to reduce the amount of juicy food that activates lactation. It includes silage, root crops. It is also worth giving up waste.

Dry food is considered the basis of the menu before launch. It can be hay and concentrated mixtures. Such a diet will help reduce the activity of the mammary glands and prepare individuals for launch.

To adapt the animals to the beginning of the dry period, you should do the following:

1. Reduce the number of milkings. At first, it is recommended to switch to a double milking, refusing a lunch one. Then you can leave 1 procedure - in the morning or in the evening. In this case, it is desirable to give out only part of the milk. It is important to do this incompletely in order to avoid swelling of the udder and the development of mastitis. In this mode, a decrease in milk synthesis will begin and the lactation period will end.
2. Use medical methods. To do this, prescribe drugs in the form of a suspension from mastitis. They are introduced into the udder. It is recommended to do this through a syringe. This method is considered harmless. It successfully stops lactation and prevents inflammation in the udder. It is important that the cow does not have any symptoms of mastitis. Therefore, a veterinary examination is required before using this method.

Correct and timely start affects the final stage of fetal development, helps maintain liver he alth and favorably affects the condition of the mammary glands of the cow.

Duration

On average, dry wood lasts 2 months. Moreover, it should be at least 45 days and not more than 75. Reducing the duration of this period provokes disturbances in the growth of the fetus. If the interval is more than 75 days, unreasonable economic losses occur. In high-yielding individuals, dead wood can last 80 days.

Some farmers are trying to increase the profitability of their farm and complete the preparation of cows for dry wood ahead of time. Sometimes they bring this period up to 1 month. This negatively affects the he alth of the animals and reflects badly on the development of the cub.

The cow cannot withstand the increased load. Her body does not have time to have a good rest and stock up on strength before the onset of a new lactation. At the same time, calves are often born weak, there is a death of young animals.

Conscientious farmers don't do that. In normal farms, he althy calves are born that do not require additional nursing. Cows are easy to recover and bring a lot of milk. At the same time, good milk yields are preserved until the next dead wood.

What deviations can there be

There are certain reasons for the increased dry period. This is required for some groups of individuals whose resources need a longer restructuring. Normally, dead wood can increase in young individuals that are preparing for calving for the first time.

This situation is also observed in cows that gave a lot of milk, and then she needed a break.

If the pregnancy stage is delayed, it is not recommended to worry. This is considered a variant of the norm. It is important to consider that the forced reduction of this period is an unfavorable scenario.As a result, there is a risk of insufficient fetal development or difficult delivery. Postpartum complications may also occur.

Often, disturbances in the normal course of the dry period are due to problems in feeding the pet. That is why it is so important to make adjustments to normalize the duration of the period without lactation.

Cow food

Balanced nutrition during the dry season is considered a priority for the cow and calf. Without a normal amount of vitamins, micro and macro elements, the body will not be able to function normally. As a consequence, there is a risk of depletion and stockpiling problems. This will cause problems with calving, lead to inflammation and complications after childbirth.

Cows that had nutritional problems during the dry period show a decrease in milk volume. In this case, full lactation begins much later. A newborn calf will appear sick or malnourished and will have trouble gaining weight.There is also a threat of developing various pathologies.

In the last months of pregnancy, the cow should eat differently than at other times. At this stage, she is advised to give additional vitamins and energy supplements. Complementary foods are recommended to be introduced in stages. This will help to avoid stress.

Prevention of hypokinesis

In order for the calving period to pass easily and not cause complications, it is important to prevent hypokinesis. This term refers to the lack of activity and physical stress on the body. A lack of physical activity causes problems with normal blood circulation, a decrease in appetite, and an increase in the risk of various pathologies during childbirth. At the same time, the animal needs to be provided with walks on the street.

Don't forget the benefits of sunbathing. With their deficiency, there is a risk of a lack of vitamin D, which is very important during this period. Being fully active not only keeps your bones and muscles toned, but also helps you recover from childbirth.

Overfeeding a cow

Many farmers often face overfeeding cows. This problem is often seen with the consumption of concentrates. They are used to increase the intensity of lactation and the amount of milk.

If you are overweight, there is a risk of such problems:

• difficulties with calving;
• permanent inflammation;
• decrease in lactation parameters;
• ketosis;
• disturbances in the endocrine organs.

To avoid these problems, in the second half of pregnancy it is important to monitor the weight of the cow and reduce the amount of concentrates. During the dry period, sharp fluctuations in the body weight of the animal are contraindicated.

What food is forbidden to give

Cows are recommended to be fed quality food with no signs of rot or mold.Do not use leftover food from milking individuals. Frozen foods are recommended to be thawed and immediately given to animals. A cow should not be given cottonseed meal or cake. Under the ban are pulp, potato pulp. Such food can cause abortion or severe weakness of the cubs.

It is recommended to remove s alt from the diet. It is also worth reducing the amount of calcium present in beet greens. There is this substance in red clover and alfalfa. Such restrictions are needed to prevent birth paresis and swelling.

Tips for caring for cows during the dry period

To avoid problems during the dry period, it is important to follow these guidelines:

• reduce stress;
• do not tie the cow and allow her freedom of movement;
• let out for walks for at least 8 hours;
• observe the rules of animal hygiene and periodically irradiate with ultraviolet light;
• clean the premises;
• observe optimal temperature and light parameters.

Proper animal care minimizes the chance of developing secondary ketosis, which can occur immediately after birth. High-quality nutrition during the dry period ensures the he alth of the cow and her future offspring.

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