Fine-Tuning Dry Cow Management

Fine tuning management during the dry period is critical to the cows next lactation performance for Cumbrian producer Matt Vevers, who farms with his parents Richard and Julie at High Plains, Longtown, UK. A 480 cow housed Holstein herd; which is currently averaging 10,500kg at 4.4BF and 3.4 Protein, whilst achieving a preg rate of 34%. The herd is milked twice a day through a 24-48 Herringbone parlour and fed on a full TMR based system. Effective dry cow management ensures optimal health and productivity after calving, crucial for milk production in the UK dairy industry.

Matt Vevers

“Since introducing CowManager ear sensors to all the cows and heifers six years ago, we can now access a huge range of factual information about the behaviour of each individual animal, including their ear temperature, which has allowed us to streamline protocols for dealing with any potentially sick cows,” Matt explains. “The system has massively improved herd management and the outcome is a healthier, more fertile herd that is more of a pleasure to work with along with reducing our antibiotic usage by two thirds which, in turn benefits our carbon footprint, antibiotic resistance and leaves more profit.”

Herdsman, Chris Curruthers continues: “In 2021 we introduced the Nutrition Module which specifically monitors the cows in their transition period using individual eating and rumination time compared to the herd. Prior to installation, we knew how to deal with cows with milk fever after showing physical signs, whereas now the system tells us if the cows are potentially going to have problems so we can try our best to minimize their risk.”

Matt Vevers uses CowManager to monitor his herd and nutrition during the transition period to head-off any problems.

“Based on the information the system tells us, we can make early, evidence-based management changes. For example, we can alter the magnesium chloride level fed and also fetch the cows into the transition group sooner. If our efforts still haven’t sufficiently benefited individual cows, then we will supplement her with yeast boluses and give her a lot more TLC post calving.”

The Vevers introduced the technology back in 2018 when their existing collar system came to the end of its productive life. “Our World Wide Sires representative, Richard Graham introduced CowManager and as soon as we had seen the system working on another farm we decided this was the one for us,” says Matt.

Each of CowManagers’ unique ear sensors continually measures the cow’s movement, while an algorithm translates this to specific behavioural parameters such as eating and rumination. This real time data is transmitted wirelessly to a cloud-based software where it is processed to provide a visual insight into her performance. The system can be accessed using the online application or using the mobile app, enabling regular checks throughout the day. Additionally, the application can be accessed by your nutritionist or veterinarian using the Multiview function.

“We initially trialed the Nutrition Module for three months and got on with it great. As soon as the trial ended and the data stopped coming, we once again started to feel a bit blind to the transition cows’ performance so we made sure we got the upgrade installed as soon as we could. This module provides alerts identifying ‘at-risk’ individuals up to 50 days pre-calving, notifying us that she is spending less time eating and ruminating compared to the rest of the group’s average behaviour, leaving her vulnerable to issues at calving and or post calving.”

Chris adds: “If an alert flashes up, we go and check her out. If she is showing symptoms, we treat her appropriately. If, on the other hand a cow has performed okay in the dry period, but after calving an alert flashes up that she’s not eating, then we can intervene ASAP. Initially with pumping her with a fresh cow sachet and checking her temperature. Nine out of 10 times, pumping the cow alone seems to be enough to get her back on track and it’s kept our post calving health issues to a minimum.”

Matt continues: “We BCS three times per lactation whilst foot trimming – four weeks post calving, at 140 days and four weeks pre-dry-off. If the pre-dry-off cows are starting to sit too high on the BCS chart, we adjust their diet to keep them in prime condition – we always aim to calve cows at BCS 2.75-3, a range we feel they perform best in during the next lactation. However, it wasn’t until we started using the Nutrition Module that we realised why. As soon as a cow reached BCS 3.5 or above, she wouldn’t eat as much as the cows in the preferred BCS 2.75-3 range and in turn would have a lower rumen fill. When paying attention to this, it was even more obvious to us why the higher BCS cows didn’t perform as well.”

Vet’s view

High Plains vet, James Brocket of Craig Robinson comments: “The Nutrition Module, targeting the transition period, can pinpoint cows at risk of disease post calving during the dry period. Reduced dry matter intake in the dry period negatively impacts health and performance post calving. Cows with reduced intakes will be at higher risk of milk fever, retained foetal membranes, ketosis, and displaced abomasums.

“Reduced intake could be a result of low feed availability, poor palatability or bullying from dominant cows, not necessarily illness or disease, so careful examination and correct management of these animals is important. Why Matt and the team have been so successful, they are acting on the information and data being collected and intervening to make a positive impact to the individual cow and the group.”

More information about dry cow management.