Bestelomgeving

Dry period

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Stage 1
Dry period
Stage 2
Kalveren- en ooienopfok
Stage 3
Lactatie
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Main target in this stage
Prepare the cow for the next lactation
The dry period is a resting phase typically lasting 42-60 days, allowing the cow to recover from the previous lactation and prepare for the next one. Proper transition management reduces disease risks as 30-50% of cows face metabolic or infectious issues around calving. A good strategy lowers disease incidence and antibiotic use, cutting costs and workload whilst boosting productivity.

Give the udder of the cow the rest it needs

During the dry period, the udder rests and repairs itself, allowing milk-producing cells to regenerate for the next lactation. Good management during this time improves milk production and helps prevent mastitis. This ensures the cow stays healthy and productive.
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How to achieve an easy transition to the next lactation?

A healthy dairy cow is best set-up for an optimal next lactation. With the right nutrition during the dry period you prepare cows for the metabolic demands of calving and lactation, reducing risks like ketosis, milk fever and mineral imbalances such as calcium or phosphorus deficiencies. Balanced mineral intake is crucial for preventing metabolic and other health issues.
Consult your advisor for the right product (Link to consultant) Check out our dry cows mineral mix (Link to product page)

Points of attention for optimal calving

Proper feeding keeps cows at a healthy body condition score (BCS) since overweight or underweight cows face more calving and early lactation problems. Carefully monitor the BCS during the dry period and adjust energy intake when needed. Avoid a strong negative energy balance to keep the cow strong. Also providing the right minerals keeps your cow and her calf healthy and reduces the risk for uterine infections. Good nutrition supports smooth calving.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Key questions in the dry period stage

A well-managed dry period boosts milk production in the next lactation. While a shorter dry period can increase milk yield by reducing non-productive time, it must be carefully managed. Too short a dry period may harm udder health, recovery, and future milk production, leading to potential health risks and lower yields. Balancing dry period length is key to optimizing both milk production and cow health. 

For the best advice check out the Dry period plan Prelacto

Each phase of the transition period has specific requirements for optimal cow health and productivity. The drying-off phase focuses on gradual milk reduction and udder health. The far-off phase requires balanced nutrition to maintain body condition. The close-up phase involves managing nutrient intake to prepare for calving. The early-fresh phase focuses on supporting cows during the start of lactation with proper feeding and care to ensure a smooth transition. 

Consult your specialist for in depth advice on each sub-phase

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Talk to our dairy experts

Need support to optimize the dry period? Our specialists are here to help you tackle challenges and achieve top performance at every life stage.

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Joost Belt

Dairy cow lifecycle
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Dairy cows go through key life stages: the dry period, the rearing period and the lactation. Proper nutrition and management during each stage are crucial for optimal health, milk production and longevity. A well-managed dry period aids recovery, balanced calf nutrition supports growth and effective care during lactation maximizes milk yield. Good nutrition and management at every stage lead to a productive, healthy herd and improved farm profitability.
Explore the stages in the interactive wheel