The prepartum period of dairy cows is one of the most important phases in a production system, especially in the last 21 days before the calf is born. Using a specific feed/concentrate for this moment reduces the incidence of postpartum diseases and improves the quality of colostrum.
It also improves the production and reproduction indices of these animals by optimizing calcium metabolism, enhancing uterine contractility, and primarily improving feed intake, which positively mitigates the negative nutritional balance characteristic of this period.
The so-called transition period (21 days prepartum and 21 days postpartum) requires careful attention and proper management to ensure the health of both the cow and the calf, as well as the success of the next lactation. Regular veterinary monitoring is essential to identify and treat any problems that may arise during this critical phase.
During this crucial phase, cows need specific care for a smooth transition to the lactation period. Therefore, the importance of a balanced and nutrient-rich diet is highlighted, being a determining factor for successful reproduction and the overall health of the herd.
Alisul is a reference in the animal nutrition industry. The company offers an exclusive line of premium feed called Supra, specially developed to meet the nutritional needs of cows in the prepartum phase.
This line of feed is formulated with high-quality ingredients and specific nutritional balance, providing ideal support for dairy cows during this critical period.
Prepartum phase in dairy cattle: a critical period
The prepartum phase in dairy cattle is a crucial period that demands special attention to ensure reproductive success and herd health. During this stage, significant physiological changes occur that directly impact gestation, fetal development, and preparation for the imminent lactation.
Duration of the prepartum phase
The prepartum phase typically encompasses the last three weeks before calving. This period is also known as the dry period since the cow is not producing milk during this time.
Hormonal changes
The onset of the prepartum phase is marked by significant hormonal changes. Progesterone, which maintained the pregnancy, decreases, while estrogen levels increase, preparing the reproductive system for birth.
Mammary gland development
During the prepartum period, active development of the mammary gland occurs. The mammary glands fill with colostrum, the first milk produced after birth, rich in antibodies essential for the calf’s immunity.
Feeding management
Nutrition during the prepartum phase is crucial. Diet adjustments are common to meet the specific nutritional needs of this phase, ensuring good animal health and adequate colostrum production. Therefore, it’s extremely important to also evaluate the drying-off period of these animals, usually 60 days prepartum, with an expected body condition score between 3.25 – 3.5.
Monitoring clinical signs
Producers should constantly monitor the cow, observing signs such as vulvar swelling, colostrum production, tail joint relaxation, and other indicators that calving is approaching.
Preparation for calving
The calving environment should be prepared, providing a clean, dry, and safe place for the cow to give birth. The producer should be ready to intervene if necessary, calling a veterinarian if complications arise.
Management of the newborn calf
After birth, it is crucial to ensure that the calf receives colostrum within the first hours of life to provide essential immunity and nutrients. Post-calving, the cow is closely monitored to ensure proper recovery, and a gradual return to milk production is established.
Unique challenges for heifers
Despite having a lower frequency of metabolic problems compared to adult cows, heifers face unique challenges during the prepartum phase, as many are going through their first pregnancy. This period is marked by fetal development, mammary gland preparation, and essential metabolic adjustments for the start of milk production. Proper management during this phase is essential to ensure a smooth transition to active reproductive life.
Importance of dry cows in preparation for lactation
Dry cows are in a period without milk production. This interval allows their bodies to recover and prepare for the next lactation cycle. During the prepartum phase, it is crucial to provide balanced nutrition to support fetal development, colostrum production, and facilitate a smooth transition to milk production after calving.
Specific nutrition with Alisul’s Supra line
To address the challenges of this critical phase, Alisul stands out with the Supra line, a premium offering of feed for prepartum dairy cattle. This line is formulated to meet the specific needs of dry and heifer cows, contributing to a smooth calving process, an easy transition to lactation, and the maintenance of reproductive health in the herd.
Maxxi Milk Pré-Parto
Maxxi Milk Pré-Parto feed is a complete, pelleted option formulated specifically for cows and heifers in the prepartum phase. Enriched with anionic salts and free of sodium chloride, this feed offers high doses of Vitamin E and Selenium, which are important for the reproductive tract and function effectively in the antioxidant system.
Its goal is to prepare the cow to reach her maximum potential during lactation, significantly improving postpartum appetite. Additionally, Maxxi Milk Pré-Parto plays a crucial role in preventing issues such as retained placenta, milk fever, and ketosis, providing essential support in the final development of the gestating calf.
Maxxi Milk 40 Tech
Maxxi Milk 40 Tech protein concentrate is an ideal choice for lactating dairy cows, providing a balanced and nutritious formulation. With an impressive 40% crude protein content, this concentrate is enriched with essential elements like ionophore lasalocid, biotin, and chromium, as well as vitamins A, D, and E.
The presence of urea helps meet the specific nutritional needs of cows in production, while the buffered formulation aims to maintain a balanced gastric environment.
Nucleus Leite Pré-Parto
Nucleus Leite Pré-Parto supplement is a vitamin and mineral nucleus designed to be incorporated into prepartum feed formulations or consumed directly, ideally along with silage. This product facilitates the creation of a specific feed that prepares the cow for calving and maximizes her potential during lactation.
Moreover, it plays a crucial role in preventing issues such as retained placenta, hypocalcemia, and ketosis, thereby promoting reproductive health and the well-being of the herd.
Supra Bovinos Concentrado 32
Supra Bovinos Concentrado 32 feed is a careful blend of protein, mineral, vitamin ingredients, and lasalocid sodium, an ionophore known for promoting growth and feed efficiency. This meticulous selection of components aims to meet the balance demands in energy grain mixtures, resulting in feeds of high nutritional value.
The versatility of this formula allows for on-site formulation of specific and complete products characterized by high protein and effective energy levels. With the presence of the feed efficiency-promoting additive, lasalocid sodium, this feed meets the nutritional needs of all herd categories, standing out as a comprehensive option for specific nutritional requirements.
Invest in nutritional excellence with Alisul
By choosing Alisul’s Supra line, producers are guaranteed to provide superior nutrition for their prepartum cows, contributing not only to a smooth transition to lactation but also to the overall health of the herd and the quality of the milk produced.
Click here to learn more about Alisul’s work, the Supra feed line, and product sales points. Provide the best for your dairy cattle during the prepartum phase.
