Business Development Group discusses the Management of Late Lactation Cows

At their latest meeting, Causeway Dairy Business Development Group discussed the management of late lactation cows and the drying-off procedure. This was the third meeting of the group and on this occasion Jonathan Lyons from Ballylagan Road, Coleraine hosted the training event.

Group facilitator Alan Agnew and members of Causeway BDG preparing to condition score cows at their September meeting hosted by Jonathan Lyons, Ballylagan Road, Coleraine.

Local Dairy Development Adviser, Zara Morrison reviewed the current feed efficiency performance of the Lyons herds which led to a discussion on the value of autumn grass to late lactation cows and the challenges in utilising the plentiful supply of grass currently available. Jonathan Lyons then gave an overview of the farm and herd performance and answered questions from the group. Longer term development targets for the business were discussed and analysed.

Senior Dairy Development Adviser and Group facilitator, Alan Agnew, highlighted the importance of late lactation management as a key component of successful transition cow management. Using Body Condition Scoring (BCS) 2 months prior to drying-off is the correct way to manage concentrate feeding in late lactation cows. The aim is to dry cows off in the target BCS 2.75-3.0. A practical hands-on session with cows in a crush gave everyone a clear understanding of how to do the job.

A demonstration of the correct protocol for drying-off cows generated a lot of debate, and a general recognition that the task is rarely performed as it should be on farms. The potential for selective use of dry cow tubes was also discussed with members who have been using the technique highlighting their experiences. The meeting finished with plans to look at dry cow nutrition at their October meeting.

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