Written by: Jim Greiling, Insight FS Nutritionist

Each year starting in December and going into mid-winter questions about transition programs start coming in. Here is a checklist that can help ensure a successful transition program. The transition phase constitutes a vital and very complex management challenge. Here is a simple three-segmented checklist you can use.

Three weeks before, prepare the cow for calving:

• Feed and manage close-up animals as their own group
• Adjust the ration formulation to assure adequate nutrient density to meet the cow’s requirements
• Provider dry, clean, stress-free environment
  • Clean, fresh water
  • Clean, dry bedding
• Assure adequate intake of forage and fiber
• Initiate a transition feeding program by adjusting the feed rate of the Dry Cow Ration
• Limit the movement of these animals
• Assess if there is a need for the use of DCAD
• Are the mineral needs appropriate for this time?

The days around calving, make it easy for her:

• Be available to observe calving and assist, if necessary
• Evaluate status in the health of the fresh cow
• Decide necessary post fresh checkups and procedures
• Switch to a Milking Cow Ration after calving
• Assure at least 45% of dry matter intake is forage
• Always keep feed in front of her
• Again, make it as stress-free as possible with dry bedding and clean water

The weeks after:

• Optimize dry matter intake, the cows begin to lose body weight
• Utilizes energy dense and nutrient dense milking rations
• Evaluate the cow condition in preparation for the next lactation

This summary highlights some of the things to look for during the transition time. We at Insight FS would be happy to help you and your cows through this time. Call the nutritionists at Insight FS if you have any further questions or concerns.