How to predict herd risks when needed most – the transition period

Identify At Risk Cows Using Data

Identifying a cow that is at risk without the use of technology is a very time-consuming task. On large dairies the number of fresh cows you need to monitor can easily reach 150. Early identification of cows at risk can save you a lot of time, trouble, and money. Data recognizes symptoms you would never be able to identify on your own. On top of that, health problems with fresh cows are usually results of issues that have gone on for much longer. In case of changes in behavior, you search for a possible explanation. In addition to nutrition, there are other reasons why cows become sick after calving. Cows that eat less before calving and become sick after calving already had an inflammatory response before calving.

For example, cows that eat less before calving and become sick afterward already had an inflammatory response before calving. According to Peter Hut, Product Manager at CowManager and veterinarian, there are three reasons for this: inflammation (like mastitis), pain (like lameness), and stress, especially chronic stress from heat or ranking systems, that cows cannot recover from at night.

Pinpoint ‘At Risk’ Cows Before Calving – Transition Alerts

All these uncertainties can be identified with CowManager’s Transition Monitor. Transition alerts can pinpoint ‘at risk’ dairy cows, indicating that this cow could be at risk for health issues after calving. These transition alerts mean the cow is underperforming in the dry period. “Cows are reported showing abnormalities in their behavior and feed intake from 50 days before the calving date,“ Peter explains. “More than 85% of these cows become sick within 30 days after calving. You want to have these cows insight, so you can apply interventions to prevent ilness.”

Proper Preparation with Preventive Interventions

The ‘at risk’ alert doesn’t indicate that an animal is sick, it just notifies you that this specific cow is spending less time eating and ruminating compared to normal behavior and the herd average. This puts her at risk for postpartum health issues. You may think you need to act immediately, transition alerts are not emergency alerts but rather early-warning indicators that a cow requires closer monitoring.  This gives you a clear overview of cows that may become ill after calving, allowing you to address problems before they escalate.

All Eyes On The Recovery

From the moment a cow gets her first transition alert, she remains at risk for diseases until after calving. For cows treated at the transition alert, you can review their recovery easily. No more monitoring based on guesswork. Thanks to the precise data from the Transition Monitor, you know exactly which dairy cows need extra attention during the critical transition period. This benefits your herd and improves efficiency in your operation, saving you valuable time and effort.

Herd Risks During the Transition Period

Monitoring herd risk in the transition period is crucial for effective dairy management. A cow’s immunity is at its lowest, making her vulnerable to diseases like mastitis, metritis, and ketosis. A herd risk monitoring system helps track individual cow health metrics, allowing you to identify patterns or issues affecting multiple cows. Transition dairy cows often face temperature fluctuations, and temperature monitoring in dairy cows during the transition period can reveal early signs of illness, helping you to act proactively.

Fresh Cow Health Risks and Monitoring

Fresh cow health risks are highest in the first few days after calving, as stress and physiological changes affect the cow’s immune system. Implementing a cow health monitoring system can alert you to these risks earlier, tracking feed intake, temperature, and behavior in real time. This monitoring can help prevent health complications from affecting milk production or calf development.

Conclusion

By adopting a comprehensive herd risk transition period management strategy with the right technology, you can predict, monitor, and intervene before cows become critically ill. Cow health monitoring systems and early intervention are the key to minimizing health risks and maximizing efficiency, making a major difference for the long-term success of your dairy operation.

Experience smoother transitions and healthier herds with our advanced Transition Monitor. Read more!