Robert J. Van Saun
Penn State
Veterinary Science Extension
This is the control point of implementing a smooth
transition for your dry cows.
The dairy cow’s immune system has been shown to
decline in responsiveness during the transition period,
possibly a result of increased cortisol secretion associ
ated with calving.
A compromised immune system may lead to an in
ability to properly respond to vaccinations as well as
increased incidence of metritis, mastitis, or any other
infectious disease process.
Although it is thought that hormonal and metabolic
factors may play a primary role in this physiologic
immune suppression, it can be further suppressed by
nutritional insults.
Energy, protein, microminerals (copper, selenium,
zinc) and fat-soluble vitamins A, D, and E are all nu
tritional mediators of immune function.
As previously discussed, most cows will experience
some level of energy and protein deficiency during
transition. All microminerals are efficiently trans
ported into the fetus for storage and use after birth.
Both microminerals and vitamins A, D and E are
concentrated in colostrum, again for the benefit of the
calf. These fetal losses, in addition to reduced intake
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minerals \ f
• Ask your nutritionist or veterinarian
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Dawe’s r —. XJV f »«.L' | jy
Laboratories
3355 N Arlington Hts Rd Arlington Hts IL 60004
Specialities in dairy nutrition since 1926 U S patent
Does your herd suffer from milk fever retained placenta
ketosis DA s etc ? Dawe s Laboratories can help Contact our nutritionist Dr Dave
Kirk at 717*581*9382 (or 800*433*4013), for help in developing a sound
transition feeding program
Minimizing Immune
System Dysfunction
during transition, may place the cow in a precarious
position relative to nutritional support of immune
function during this critical period.
In summary, it is absolutely essential that the preg
nant cow receive an adequate amount of all minerals
and vitamins to support both maternal immune func
tion and fetal development throughout the duration of
gestation to minimize deficiency disease problems of
either the dam or newborn calf.
Good Nutritional Practices;
-Properlv balance dietary mineral and vitamin concentrations to
match observed drv matter intake
-Ensure that dailv intake tor minerals and vitamins meets the new
NRC requirements
-The vitamin A and E requirements have been increased lor the
transition period
-Force feed minerals rather than otter tree choice
Use more highly available mineral sources (chelates, proteinates)
Minimize stress from overcrowding, transportation, environment
ind pathogen loid
Energy, Nutrients And Electrolytes
Ready To Add To Water For Easy Stomach Drenching
• Rumen protected fat and • Colt turn, potassium and
pTSpKMU. provide optimum n&mtinm for rehydration
energy. ana supplementation.
• Alfalfa meal, dned whey, yeast * Packaging: Available in a case
and DFM't stimulate rumen containing 10 heat sealed bap
microbial growth. with 4.sfounds in each bag or
mmrsmm
AAS offers this system
as an economical,
convenient way to
administer stomach
Contact i lour local veterinarian or AAS drenches. It comes
u m,
in a 50