Effect of Three Levels of Grain Feeding during the Dry Period on the Incidence of Ketosis, Severity of Udder Edema, and Subsequent Milk Production of Dairy Cows

Abstract

Sixty-three cows of four breeds were fed different levels of grain during the dry period for 2 yr. One member of each trio received no grain during the 8-wk. dry period, a second member received 6 lb. daily, and the third member received 15 lb. daily. Silage was fed according to body weight and hay was fed ad libitum. After calving, all cows were fed grain according to production. No statistical differences in milk, butterfat, or 4% fat-corrected milk production were obtained in the three groups of cows. Correlation coefficients between body condition ratings at calving and 4% fat-corrected milk and butterfat percentage were all very small and nonsignificant. No statistically significant differences in the severity of udder edema in the three groups were noted at calving or at seven days after calving. Udder edema was significantly correlated with milK production but not with body condition at the time of parturition. Two cases of ketosis occurred in the medium- and high-fed groups and one case occurred on the low level. Blood sugar and ketone levels were about the same on the three levels of grain. No differences in birth weights of the normal Holstein calves were obtained. © 1959, American Dairy Science Association. All rights reserved.