Contact Information

Dr. Tony Pescatore, Ph.D.
Interim Department Chair

900 W.P. Garrigus Building Lexington, KY 40546-0215

+1 (859) 257-2686

Attention to Feeding Programs for Dry Cows Pays Dividends

Attention to Feeding Programs for Dry Cows Pays Dividends

Attention to Feeding Programs for Dry Cows Pays Dividends


Poor dry cow programs can decrease milk production by 1000-1500 lbs during the next lactation. This loss corresponds to $130-195 of lost potential income per cow. Dry cows are one of the most important groups of cattle on a dairy farm which are often put out on pasture and forgotten.

Important Steps In Implementing a Sound Dry Cow Feeding and Management Program:

  • Separate dry cows from the milking herd because their nutrient needs are different than milking cows. Dry cows need 50% less protein than a milking cow and about half as much calcium.
  •  Provide dry cows with shade and plenty of cool, CLEAN water.
  • Monitor the body condition of dry cows. Dry cows should be in good condition when dried off and should not lose weight during the dry period.
  • Monitor condition of pastures. During late summer, the amount and quality of cool season grasses decrease. Consider feeding dry cows some good quality hay or a limited amount of corn silage.
  • Infected-fescue pasture or hay decreases feed intake more than other forages during hot weather. As a result, dry cows may lose the body condition farmers have worked hard to get on their cows. Also, cows fed dirty fescue may not come into milk after they calve.
  • Dry cows need to consume adequate amounts of minerals and vitamins. Besides the macrominerals, dry cows need to be supplemented with the appropriate amounts of copper, zinc, selenium, and vitamin E to name just a few. These minerals help improve the cow's immune system and improve reproductive efficiency. These effects are seen with a decrease in retained placentas and mastitis.
  • Rations for dry cows need to be balanced to determine the amount of grain which should be fed to complement the forages being fed and to supply nutrients needed.

Implementing a sound dry cow program is very important for a profitable early lactation this next lactation.

Author:  Donna M. Amaral-Phillips, Ph.D.

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Contact Information

Dr. Tony Pescatore, Ph.D.
Interim Department Chair

900 W.P. Garrigus Building Lexington, KY 40546-0215

+1 (859) 257-2686