Dry cow and heifer management is important for reducing calving problems and optimizing productivity. A farmer should select sires known for easy calving, especially for heifers, to avoid difficulties. Heifers are more vulnerable as their birth canals are stretching for the first time. Underfeeding dry cows and heifers does not result in smaller calves but impacts the health and productivity of the mother after calving. Proper feeding, management, and attention in the period before and after calving is crucial for health and performance.

1. Dry Cow And Heifer
Management
PRE-CALVING CARE

2. Care begins with breeding
decisions. A dairy farmer
should know that some breed
of bulls are a higher risk of
calving problems than others.
Yet for any cow,
complications during calving
can pose serious
consequences.

3. A dairy farmer should select sires
for calving ease particularly
where heifers and framed cows
are concerned in order to avoid
calving difficulties.

4. Always note that heifers are
vulnerable to calving
problems because at first
calving, they are still
growing.
In some cases, the calf could
be larger in proportion to its
heifer dam.

5. As the birth canal of
heifer is required to
stretch for the first time,
there is likely to be
• Significant trauma, and
• Tearing of tissues

6. The above can result in:-
• Illness
• Lost productivity, and
• Higher death rates

7. . It also can lead to
paralysis of the hind legs
due to prolonged pressure
of the calf internal nerves.

8. The above can force a
farmer to cull a heifer that
would have served him
very well over time.

9. To reduce the effect of
these risks, a dry cow or
heifer should be prepared
in advance through sound
feeding and management.

10. Feeding and management
programmes for young
calves to avoid or limit the
effects of the above start
with caring for the dam or
mother two months to
calving.

11. A dry cow should be fed a
balanced diet to:-
• Meet the cows nutrients
needs,
• Support the growth of the
fetus,

12. • Prepare the cow to fight
the trauma and energy
drain that accompany
the process of giving
birth,
• To supply adequate
minerals and vitamins to
improve the system of
the dam.

13. So that the cow can fight
disease challenges such
as mastitis infection just
before after calving,

14. • You minimize health
problems such as
preventing retained
placentas.

15. Note that if a heifer or cow is
slightly underfed energy and
protein, the fetus will still
grow to the same size as if she
was fed properly, but she will
sacrifice her own body
reserves or growth to support
the growth of the fetus inside
her.

16. BUT underfed heifer will have
more trouble calving, and older
cows will use their body store of
fat and protein to support the
growth of the fetus inside them
meaning:-

17. Their store (read: reserve of
energy) will not be available
to support milk production
after calving. It is therefore
worth noting that under
feeding dry cows and heifer
does not result in a smaller
calf but instead results in
lower performance of the cow
or heifer after calving.

18. A farmer should always
aim at optimizing
production through sound
feeding and management.

19. Feed the dam well noting
that during this stage, the
calf in the cow grows faster
and yet there is pressure
against the rumen limiting
the room for dry matter
intake.

20. During the four week
transition period, prior to
calving, major changes are
occurring within the cow
•The fetus is growing at a
rapid rate.

21. • The cow's appetites is
decreasing as the increasing
size of the fetus reduces the
room available for the
rumen to fill.
• Additional hormonal and
lactational charges also
suppress the cow appetite.

22. Failure to manage the
supply of nutrients
required for lactation like
energy, calcium and
magnesium can result
sick cows. A dairy farmer
should focus on correct
sire selection.

23. As a dairy farmer give
careful attention to sire
you select for your cows
and particularly heifers.

24. The above will save the
farmer from:-
• Potential loss of genetics
• Potential loss of
productivity

25. Farmers select sires
through:-
· A I, or
· Bulls

26. And as they do that, they
should consider how each bull
ranks for ease of calving.
Always choose sire for calving
ease. It is better for the cow
and the calf. Heifer should be
well managed so they can
calve at 24month of age.

27. That means they should
attain:-
• The right weight, and
• The body for serving at
age 15 months

28. Heavier, well framed heifer
need less calving
assistance. Well grown
heifer also:
• Get in calf easier the first
time

29. • Produce more milk in their first
and subsequent lactations,
• Get back in calf sooner for their
second lactation,
• Stay in the herd longer, and
• Cope better with herd
competition

30. A healthy calf begins with a
healthy cow. As calving time
approaches, the cow due to
calve needs to be watched
closely for complications.
Cows and heifers should be
kept in a clean, dry, grassy lot
or a clean, well bedded pen.