Reproduction management is a critical portion of optimizing profitability on dairy farms. The success and failure of a reproduction management program is a function of the interaction between basic biology and applied management; the former largely influenced by the latter. A critical management area that drives reproductive biology is transition cow management.

Transition cow management interrelates to reproductive biology in several areas, however, none more important than via the manner in which transition cow management influences energy balance. Negative energy balance impacts both follicular and luteal ovarian function; problems associated with energy balance are manifested in delayed days to first service and sub-optimal pregnancy rates.

Some areas of note to optimizing transition cow performance include avoiding overcrowding. On farm measurements show that transition cows need at least 20% more feedbunk space than lactating cows, or else dry matter intake will be compromised. Another area to focus on is managing to reduce the degree of fat (triglyceride) storage in the liver. Reducing liver fat infiltration can lead to significant improvements in animal health and productivity in early lactation, both keys to optimizing intake and energy balance. Some new tools such as Reashure(tm) rumen-stable choline can lead to significant
improvements in liver fat metabolism. 

Key points of the presentation include: 

• Manage reproductive biology and performance by focusing on
  transition cow management. 
• Focus on areas that improve energy balance in early lactation (e.g.
  areas that improve dry matter intake). 

Keys to maximizing dry matter intake include: 

• Avoiding overcrowding in transition groups and optimize cow comfort.
• Manage body condition to have cows freshen at between 3.25 to 3.5. 
• Optimize liver health to avoid fatty liver development. This will lead to improvements in glucose metabolism and fewer metabolic problems. 
• Formulate diets to avoid metabolic diseases such as milk fever. 
• Use accurate on farm records to monitor reproductive and transition cow performance and to identify opportunities for management improvement. 

"Optimizing Reproductive Performance Through Transition Cow Management" was presented at the 2000 Monsanto Dairy Science Symposium. Dana Putnam, Ph.D., is the Business Development Manager of the Animal Nutrition and Health Business at Balchem Corporation in Slate Hill, New York.