1. Nutrition of parturition cow
Submitted by: Muhammad Nauman
M.Phil Animal nutrition 2nd semsterteer
2. Introduction :-
Nutrition plays a crucial role in the health and productivity of
parturient cows, commonly referred to as cows in the
process of giving birth or those that have recently calved.
Adequate nutrition during this period is essential to support
the cow's physiological changes, ensure a smooth
transition to lactation, and promote the health of both the
cow and the newborn calf. Here are key considerations for
the nutrition of parturient cows.
3. Energy Requirements :-
• Caloric Intake: The energy requirements of a parturient
cow increase significantly as she approaches calving and
enters the lactation period. A well-balanced diet (healthy
diet provides the body with essential nutrition: fluid,
macronutrients such as protein, micronutrients such as
vitamins, and adequate fiber and food energy) that meets
her energy needs is critical.
• Concentrate Feeds: High-energy concentrate feeds, such
as grains and supplemental feeds, can help meet the
increased energy demands during the transition (three
weeks before and after parturition) period.
4. Protein Needs :-
• Protein Quality: Adequate protein is crucial for maintaining
body condition, supporting milk production, and promoting
reproductive health. High-quality protein sources, such as
legumes and protein-rich forages, should be included in the
diet.
• Balanced Ration: Ensure a balanced protein-to-energy
ratio in the diet to meet the specific needs of the parturient
cow.
5. Minerals and Vitamins :-
• Calcium and Phosphorus: The parturient cow requires
increased levels of calcium and phosphorus for proper
bone development in the calf and to prevent conditions like
milk fever.
• Vitamins: Adequate vitamins, particularly vitamin D, are
essential for calcium metabolism. Ensure that the cow has
access to natural sunlight or provide vitamin D supplements
if needed.
6. Fiber and Forage :-
• Forage Quality: High-quality forages, such as legume
hay or good-quality grass hay, should be provided.
Adequate fiber supports rumen function and digestive
health.
• Transition to Concentrates: Gradually transition the
cow from a forage-based diet to concentrate feeds as
she approaches calving to meet the increasing energy
demands.
7. Body Condition Score (BCS) :-
• Monitoring BCS: Regularly monitor the body condition
score of parturient cows. Maintaining an appropriate body
condition is important for reproductive success and overall
health. (BCS 1=Extremely thin, BCS 9= Extremely Fat and
Obese, BCS 5= Good flesh)
• Adjusting Diet: Adjust the diet accordingly to prevent
excessive weight loss or obesity.
8. Post-Calving Nutrition :-
• Postpartum Diet Adjustments: After calving, the
nutritional needs of the cow shift towards supporting
lactation. Adjust the diet to meet the increased energy
requirements for milk production.
• Transition to Full Ration: Gradually transition the cow to a
full lactation diet over the first few weeks post-calving.
9. In late gestation the energy requirements of a mature, 1,200 lb
cow are relatively low (9– 11 lb total digestible nutrients or TDN
per day, 2 lb crude protein per day). As that cow grazes
dormant range or low-quality forages, supplementation of 2–
2.5 lb of a 20– 25 percent crude protein (CP) source would
meet the cow’s maintenance demands at this stage of
production. As a mature cow enters calving and lactation, her
protein and energy requirements increase. A lactating cow at
peak lactation (60– 80 days postpartum) has an energy
demand of 15– 16 lb of TDN per day. There is a shift in the
cow’s first limiting nutrient from protein to energy.
