Feeding the transition dairy cow II. Metabolic disorders seen in this period and prevention through feeding

Abstract

The transition period for dairy cows refers to the time from 3 week before calving to 3 week after calving. In this period, dairy cow imposes dramatic increases in requirement for energy and nutrients. However, due to the decrease in feed intake in this period can not satisfy these demand, and negative energy and nutrient balance may occur. Depending on these conditions, most metabolic disorders and infectious diseases can be seen during this period. There are close connections between the nutrition and these disorders. This review gives detail information on the diseases seen commonly at this period and on the prevention of these disorders through feeding.