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Effects of Various Forage Feeding Programs During Dry Period on Body Condition and Subsequent Lactation Health, Production, and Reproduction

Agway Inc., Syracuse, NY 13221
Cooperative Research Farms, Charlotteville, NY 12036

ABSTRACT

During 3 yr, 289 Holstein cows prior to being dried off were assigned randomly to one of three diets: all long hay, 50% hay and 50% corn silage, and limit-fed corn silage plus 1.1 kg liquid protein supplement added per cow per day. Body weights, condition scores, and calving difficulties were recorded. Calf weights were recorded at birth. All cows were distributed across eight postpartum experiments. Body condition was similar for all cows at termination of dry period. Cows fed limited corn silage plus liquid supplement gave birth to heavier calves and had greater calving difficulty. Diet for dry period had little effect on health in the subsequent lactation. Cows fed long hay while dry consumed more dry matter, produced more milk with lower milk fat percent, and were not different for 4% fat-corrected milk compared to cows fed the other two diets in dry period. Days open were greater for cows fed long hay while dry. In general, as long as the ration is nutritionally balanced and fed in amounts to achieve or maintain adequate body condition, forage programs ranging from all hay to all corn silage can be fed successfully during the dry period.