Feeding dry cows correctly is a critical factor in dairy herd health, productivity and profitability, and there is a fine balance to be found, according to leading research.
Speaking at a nutritional masterclass organised by Mole Valley Feed Solutions, Professor James Drackley of the University of Illinois highlighted the risks of overfeeding dry cows, even when body condition score (BCS) appears unchanged.
This ‘hidden overfeeding’ can lead to metabolic diseases, reduced feed intake after calving, and lower milk yields at a time when dairy producers face increasingly tight margins.
Promoting what he terms the “Goldilocks” approach, Professor Drackley emphasised the importance of balance.
“You want to provide 90-110% of cows’ energy requirements consistently, and with adequate other nutrients,” he said. The aim is to calve cows at a BCS of three, avoiding excessive energy intake throughout the dry period.
Research showed that cows fed 100% of their energy requirements outperformed both underfed and overfed groups, producing 29.7kg/day of milk in the first 10 days post-calving, compared to just 26kg/day in overfed cows. Overfeeding also resulted in insulin resistance, reduced dry matter intake (DMI), and increased risk of subclinical ketosis.
Further findings showed that controlling energy intake can significantly reduce health risks, including a fivefold decrease in displaced abomasum and a 2.1-times lower risk of ketosis, while also shortening time to pregnancy by 10 days.
“It’s a win-win,” Prof Drackley noted.
High-energy diets increase visceral fat deposits, which release inflammatory compounds known as cytokines. These contribute to chronic inflammation, impaired liver function and weakened immunity. “Modest overfeeding could lead to a >75% increase in visceral adipose tissues that drain directly to the liver.”
Alongside energy management, updated guidance on protein nutrition suggests significantly higher metabolisable protein (MP) requirements, particularly for close-up cows. “Close-up cows will need a 13% (7.8% MP) crude protein diet – but might need more,” said Prof Drackley.
Attention is also turning to amino acid balance, particularly lysine and methionine. Supplementation in rumen-protected form has been shown to increase milk yield by up to 2kg/day and improve milk fat and protein content.
Research commissioned by Mole Valley Farmers demonstrated that targeted feeding strategies with rumen-protected amino acids can deliver measurable financial returns. Improvements in milk components translated into an additional £60/cow over 12 weeks after calving, delivering a 2:1 return on investment.
Dr Chris Bartram, head of nutrition at Mole Valley Farmers, said the findings have already informed new product development.
“As a result of this research and work with James, we have developed a bespoke new feed range for feeding both pre and post calving,” he said.
With metabolic health, milk quality and profitability closely linked, the message is clear: Achieving the right nutritional balance during the dry period is essential for modern dairy success.
