Dry cow Management

Interest and research in calf health and management strategies continue to grow in the dairy industry. However, much of this work relates to the calving event itself, or colostrum management and how early calf health affects long-term growth and productivity. Calves are not only a product of genetic selection and early growth, but their experiences as a developing calf.

Dry cow management
Calves are not only a product of genetic selection and early growth, but of their experiences as a developing calf. The last trimester, typically coinciding with the dry period, is the time of greatest growth for the developing calf. However, early gestation represents a time of critical development with greater risk for future effects if this development is compromised.