Feeding dairy cows during the transition period to meet their nutritional requirements is crucial to the profitability of  dairy farmers.

Every year, researchers worldwide help dairy farmers, veterinarians, and nutritionists better understand the biological mechanisms behind how cows utilize and effectively convert feed into milk.

Nutritional strategies and goals for a successful transition period, such as for a cow to calve, not get sick, milk well, and get pregnant again in a timely fashion was part of the discussion. The correct diet will meet the cow’s nutritional requirements and be designed so that cows get just what they need; not more, not less.

Feeding rumen protected methionine in an amino-acid-balanced ration during the transition period resulted in improved uterine immune function through improved glandular morphology, increased neutrophil infiltration in bovine endometrial tissue, improved oocyte quality, and calf intake.

In conclusion, the transition program’s impacts should be evaluated holistically, considering disease occurrence, productivity, and fertility since it dramatically impacts the herd dynamics.