Dry Cow Basics

Ideally cows don't milk for 6 weeks to 2 months before they have another calf.  During this this time they are fed a lower protein, lower energy, higher fiber diet in order to maintain their body weight but keep them from getting fat.  The fiber keeps the muscles in their rumen (cows have 4 stomachs, this stomach is the one that processes fibers from plants) healthy and strong.  Its basically a maintenance diet, balanced with minerals to grow the calf in the last trimester (gestation is 9 mo) and to get the cow primed and ready to go back into milk for the next lactation.  In our barn we are constantly moving cattle around in order to create dry cow groups to feed.  When a cow has her calf we give her 23% calcium under the skin.  Putting it under the skin allows it to be absorbed slowly into her system and  helps her maintain muscle tone in this transition phase from dry to milking.  Since the uterus is a muscle it assists in the expelling of the placenta and helps eliminate the problems with uterine infections that are created when this doesn't happen.  When a cow freshens, the onset of milk production draws calcium from their system initially.  Providing this extra boost of calcium helps cows balance this draw until their system kicks into gear and they retrieve that calcium from their bone mass.  Just like people, the healthier the start the faster they get back to routine business, which in this case is eating well and making milk : )