Key 100-Day Management Experience for Dairy Cattle Growth and Development
The growth and development of dairy cattle can be roughly divided into four stages: the early lactation period (70 days postpartum), the mid-lactation period (71 to 140 days postpartum), the late lactation period (141 to 305 days postpartum), and the dry period (306 to 363 days postpartum). Among these, the 30 days before calving (the second dry month) and the 70 days after calving (the early lactation period) are the most critical 100 days in dairy cattle feeding and management, and they affect the level of breeding profitability and the health of the dairy cattle. To do a good job in the management of these 100 days, attention should be paid to the following aspects:
1. Controlling the occurrence of perinatal diseases:
1. Ketosis: can cause disorders of overall energy metabolism.
2. Postpartum paralysis: hypocalcemia is the main cause of postpartum paralysis in dairy cattle.
3. Retained placenta: mostly occurs in malnourished cattle; in the feed formulation for pregnant cattle, attention should be paid to the supply of vitamins and minerals, and at the same time attention should be paid to appropriate exercise in late pregnancy.
4. Abomasal displacement: due to the stress of parturition, the blood calcium concentration decreases and muscle tone declines, causing displacement of the fourth stomach. Postpartum paralysis is also a predisposing factor, and pregnancy toxemia caused by endometritis and mastitis can also cause abomasal displacement.
2. Ensuring the rational allocation of feed and nutrients:
1. 30 days before calving: strictly control the amount of concentrate fed to prevent obesity caused by too high a nutritional level during the dry period; 2 weeks before calving, for older, weak, and sick dairy cattle, use calcium borogluconate therapy, with intramuscular injection of vitamin D3, progesterone, etc., to prevent milk fever, retained placenta, and ketosis.
2. 70 days after calving: strictly follow feeding techniques, ensure the rational allocation of feed and nutrients, maintain the normal environment and digestive function of the rumen, and prevent rumen atony and a decrease in milk fat percentage: pay attention to the amount of silage fed to prevent an excessive amount from affecting other nutrients.