Fresh Cow Management 2

FRESH COW MANAGEMENT 2

FOREWORD

Fresh Cow Management is the eleventh in Veepro Holland is indebted to those who a series of management manuals pub- contributed to this manual, particularly lished by Veepro Holland. These Veepro Prof. Dr. Jos Noordhuizen, Head of the Holland manuals are intended to provide Department of Animal Husbandry of a useful management tool to all those Wageningen Agricultural University, and associated with the dairy industry world- Dr. Maarten Pieterse and Ing. Paul wide. Dairy cattle have to be well-man- Dobbelaar of the Department of Herd aged to benefit optimally from their ge- Health Management and Reproduction of netic potential. the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, State No single booklet can cover a subject as University of Utrecht for their constructive diverse and complex as dairying. Nor will criticism. probably everyone associated with dairy- We would like to thank the IPC Livestock/ ing agree on all points covered in one Dairy Training Centre ‘Friesland’ of Oenkerk publication. But we of Veepro Holland for their valuable assistance in the prepara- believe the combination of this manual tion of this manual. and other publications on the subject may Many thanks also to those associations and broaden your knowledge about fresh cow publishers who permitted us to use various management and will subsequently data and illustrations. contribute to a healthy and highly produc- tive herd. VEEPRO HOLLAND

Publisher / Editor : VEEPRO HOLLAND Information centre for Dutch cattle / P.O.Box 454 / 6800 AL ARNHEM / HOLLAND / Tlx: 45541 NRS NL / Phone: ** 31 26 3861133 / Fax: ** 31 26 3861452 Copyright © VEEPRO HOLLAND. Publication from this manual is permitted only after approval of VEEPRO HOLLAND and on condition of statement of the source. Photos:Veeteelt, E. Geverink Design & Realization : D vision 3

INTRODUCTION

Successful calving is one of the highlights to a lactating condition. Also, owing to in dairy farming. A smooth calving process increased energy demands, the ration will lead to higher milk production from should be changed from a dry cow ration healthier cows in new lactation. High milk to a milk production ration, and be care- production can be obtained only if the fully planned and adjusted in advance. The composition of the daily ration during the start of the new lactation is of utmost importance for the dairy cow to meet her nutritive needs. In this way, the negative energy balance can be limited to an acceptable level, which contributes optimally to the cow’s health. Consult Veepro’s Feeding Man- agement manuals, Vol- umes 1 & 2, for more information. In this manual we will first discuss the importance of a sound feeding strategy in relation to the cow’s body condition, and subsequently dry cow management and care during calving. In the last part of the manual a number of metabolic disorders and other abnormalities which might occur around calving time are discussed.

High production can only be obtained through FEEDING STRATEGY AND BODY CONDITION sound fresh cow management A proper feeding strategy throughout the freshly calved cow is given good care and cow’s lactation and dry period will lead to attention before, during and after partu- a smoother calving process and higher rition. It should always be kept in mind that milk production of healthier cows in the fresh cow management starts already next lactation. It is important that cows are before drying off the lactating cow. dried off in optimal condition, which Calving is always one of the most critical depends on the feeding management periods in a cow’s life. During this time, the during the preceding lactation. Optimal cow undergoes a number of physical and body condition at calving is an absolute psychological stressors. In addition, a must to achieve optimal milk production physiological change is taking place, such and health during the new lactation. as the udder change from a non-lactating Cows in optimal shape show better 4

appetite just after calving and conse- Regaining body reserves quently higher feed intake, which is At about lactation day 90 the dry matter essential to be able to cope with the intake is sufficient to meet the cow’s highly increasing energy demands in early nutritional requirements. From day 90 lactation. onwards the milk production decreases gradually further, whereas the dry matter Early lactation intake remains at a relatively high level, From the lactation start onwards the daily resulting in a positive energy balance. milk yield increases considerably. The dairy The body reserves lost during the start of cow requires adequate amounts of body lactation are restored and the cow is reserves to be able to achieve a high peak regaining body condition. production and very good persistency. The feeding of rich-carbohydrate rations Cows usually peak between 30 and 50 will now have less effect on milk produc- days after calving, while the dry matter tion than in early lactation. It is advised to intake capacity reaches its maximum be careful in supplying slowly degraded between 60 and 90 days after calving. starch (maize) and sugars, because of the A feed intake remaining behind produc- risk of overconditioning towards the end of tion results in a negative energy balance. lactation. It is therefore recommended to In this period well-balanced rations with feed rations with a high amount of high energy content should be fed to the roughages and a low content of easily high-yielding cows to enable them to meet degraded carbohydrates. their nutritive needs as well as possible. In this way, the negative energy balance Underconditioned can be minimized optimally to stimulate Cows too thin at calving are lacking the cow’s health and fertility. sufficient amounts of body reserves, result- The high-yielding dairy cow should be fed well- ing in lower production. The production balanced rations to meet her nutritive needs increases slowly after calving and peak 5

production will be lower than expected. Cows in optimal body condition result from If the average body condition of cows in proper feeding early lactation is too low, the ration should be checked. The energy level of the ration Overconditioned cows usually peak earlier might be insufficient for these cows to in lactation at a relatively high level for a meet the nutritional requirements. short period, but show lower persistency Cows too thin at lactation day 200 should during lactation due to less appetite on be fed extra energy by supplying extra average. concentrates or higher-quality roughage If cows are overconditioned in the second to gain body condition. part of lactation, the feeding strategy should be adjusted. It cannot be empha- A gain in body condition during lactation is sized enough that here the basis is laid for more efficient than in the dry period. It is cows to be in proper condition at calving. therefore advised to adjust the body Reduction of the cow’s body condition in condition of individual cows between 200 the dry period is not advisable. and 300 days in lactation to get optimal body condition at drying off. During the Therefore, overconditioned cows should be dry period the body condition can be only fed lower energy rations by feeding less or marginally adjusted. omitting concentrates and/or by feeding roughage with a lower energy density in Overconditioned the second part of lactation. For larger At calving, overconditioned cows show a herds it is recommended to make milk higher incidence of calving difficulties, production groups in order to feed retained placentas and metabolic disor- optimally to the cow’s requirements. ders. They have a lower feed intake and consequently large amounts of body DRY COW MANAGEMENT reserves are mobilised, resulting in a considerable loss of body condition. This Length of dry period might lead to (sub)clinical ketosis, which is The optimal length of the dry period is indicated by a high milk fat percentage about 60 days. Longer dry periods, such as and low protein percentage. may occur after a delayed conception, 6

should not be practiced, since cows may Fibrous roughages should be fed to dry cows for easily become overconditioned. proper functioning of the rumen

How to dry off yielding about 5 kg milk daily. The dry cows should be separated from Furthermore, pregnancy increases the their herdmates and be put on a low level cow’s water consumption by over one- of nutrition to assist in rapid cessation of third, so always have plenty of good- milk secretion. Cessation of milking for two quality water available. milkings will induce a quick suppression of Bulky and fibrous feeds of good quality milk secretion. with a low energy content, such as grain straw and hay of grass seed cropping, are Drying off and mastitis ideal products for proper functioning of Cows with a (sub)clinical mastitis history the rumen. These feeds should be available should be treated with proper ‘dry cow without any restriction to satisfy the cow’s therapy’ (antibiotics) immediately after dry matter intake. Feed intake should be the last milking. All recently dried-off cows limited only if forages with a high energy should be monitored closely after drying- value are supplied. off. Consult your veterinarian for advice. It is strongly recommended that towards Dry cow nutrition the end of the dry period the forage part of the ration be gradually changed to the The emphasis should be on feeding dry forages to be consumed after calving. It cows to maintain the desired body condi- takes about 2 weeks for the cow’s rumen tion, keeping them lean and alert. It is function and morphology to adapt to a recommended to have feed samples new ration. Providing a desired transition analyzed for accurate compilation of dry ration is essential in dry cow feeding. cow rations. During the first month of the dry period, cows should be fed according Sudden changes in the ration must be to feeding standards for maintaining body avoided at all times. Ensure that the condition and a production of 2 to 4 kg amount of concentrates be increased milk daily. During the second month of the gradually to its maximum after 2 weeks dry period, cows should be fed rations to from calving and be in accordance with meet the energy requirements of a cow the expected milk yield. 7

Minerals and vitamins Care Management manual for more Supplementing of rations with the desired information. amounts of minerals and vitamins is essential to maintain health in the dry period. CALVING CARE The traditional method of preventing milk fever at parturition involves limiting cal- Precalving conditions cium in the ration in the dry period. In this A fresh, clean and well-ventilated environ- way, the calcium mobilization from the ment is essential for a calving pen. The skeleton is stimulated, through which calving pen must be cleaned and disin- calcium comes available to the cow. fected after each calving. It is recom- As a result, the cow is better able to mended not to move pregnant cows to respond to the high calcium demand at separate calving pens shortly before the start of the new lactation. calving. The cow needs time to adapt herself to her new surroundings. If the cow Foot care should be carried out at the end of is transferred, it is essential for her to have lactation or the beginning of the dry period contacts with herdmates. When the calving area is in the open air, a shelter should be provided against sunlight, wind and rain. Under all circumstances draught should be avoided.

The calving process A most hygienic environment where the cow will calve down is essential to minimise the risk of infections. Bacteria are more likely to cause infections owing to suppression of the cow’s immune system at calving. Vaginal and uterine infections during or after calving may result in a discharge (endometritis). For this reason, the persons attending or rendering assisting at calving must strictly observe high hygienic standards. The same applies to calving aids, such as birth-ropes and proper lubricants. Never use soap or other disinfectants as lubricants.

Hygienic calving conditions is a must at all times

Foot care at drying off Foot care should be carried out at the end of the preceding lactation or the beginning of the dry period. It is important that during early lactation cows have good feet to stand on. Lameness shortly after calving will lead to a lower milk yield, with loss of body condition and lower reproductive performance. Lameness in early lactation results in a reduction of oestrous expression symptoms, making heat detection difficult. It will cause a delay in conception and, as a result, longer calving intervals. Please consult Veepro’s Foot 8

Symptoms indicating the onset of calving After-calving period vary from cow to cow; for example, cows Only if mucus is suspected in the bronchial getting restless and cows with swelling tubes it is recommended to lift up the calf udders (waxy appearance). Swelling of directly after birth by its rear legs for a the vulva and slackening of the ligaments short moment to facilitate the discharge between the pin bones and tail head are of the mucus. Immediately after the calf is other signs. In a few cases the teats are born, the umbilical cord must be disin- even leaking, in which case it is recom- fected with an iodine solution. It is the most mended to milk some to take the pressure imperative that as soon as possible the away and dip teats with a proper teatdip calf gets some colostrum to drink. after milking. Therefore, it is essential to feed the calf at least 2 liters of colostrum soon after its birth. The majority of cows calve unassisted, but After a few hours the calf should be proper observation of the animal at moved to an individual calf pen. calving is always required in case help is needed and to give the calf optimal care Through proper pre-calving preparations, directly after birth. Any assistance, if the risks of complications and disorders necessary, at calving should be profes- after calving are greatly reduced, particu- sional and intervention should take place larly if the delivery was uneventful. only if difficulties arise. Call your veterinar- All managerial activities should be focused ian in time if you suspect abnormal calving on the prevention and reduction of stress or if the calving does not proceed properly. on the cow as well as on high hygienic circumstances to obtain maximum benefit. Using too much force and haste during the calving process may cause ruptures in the Reproduction genital tract and will lead to distress of the On average, it takes about 25 to 30 days cow. The calving process must end before the reproductive tract returns to its smoothly to allow the cow to recover and normal condition. In general, oestrus regain her strength. After calving, provide cycling may start already two weeks after her with fresh (lukewarm) water and give parturition. This period may be longer if her some high-quality hay or dried beet cows had assisted calvings, retained pulp to stimulate appetite. afterbirths or developed endometritis. The post-partum period should be closely monitored to detect any abnormalities as soon as possible. The veterinarian may, if necessary, assist the cow in her recovery after parturition and prepare her in time for the next breeding. The latter is usually scheduled about 50 to 75 days after calving. The ultimate aim is to optimise animal health and reproduction of the cow, together with a maximally attainable milk production. Selecting calving-ease sires is important for maiden heifers, but is also advisable for older cows having had calving difficulties in the past. Recording data of calving performance will assist the farmer in choosing proven sires for the right breeding combination.

Nature at its best! 9

Symptoms The most obvious sign of a retained placenta is the appearance of exposed foetal membranes hanging from the vulva one day after parturition. The placenta remains within the reproductive tract and may cause a foul smelling discharge. Often, there are no obvious signs of an illness, but a prolonged retained afterbirth for a week or more may cause loss of appetite and lower milk production. The foul smelling discharge is the most obvious sign of a uterus infection.

Cause The real cause of retained placenta is not known yet. Retained afterbirth is often seen in combination with abortion, dystocia, prolonged gestation, Selection of calving-ease sires for yearlings enables first-lactating heifers to start optimally twins, lack of oxytocin release and stress. Normally, the placenta appears within 3 to 8 hours after calving. Any disease or DIGESTIVE, METABOLIC AND OTHER infective organism causing an infection in DISORDERS the reproductive tract can raise the incidence of a retained placenta. During the period around calving the dairy Some nutritional factors, such as energy cow is highly susceptible to a wide variety deficiency, mineral imbalance, and of digestive or metabolic disorders and vitamin A (carotene) and E deficiencies other abnormalities, such as mastitis (see might have an influence as well. Veepro’s Udder Health Management manual) and laminitis. Dealing with fresh Timely expulsion of the placenta enables the cow problems is rather complicated and cow to come in heat in time strategies should be fine-tuned to each individual herd. The following disorders are discussed below: • retained placenta • milk fever • ketosis (acetonaemia) • displaced abomasum • fat cow syndrome

Retained placenta Normally, the afterbirth has to be expelled within 12 hours. If the placenta is not visible, it is usually assumed that the cow has released the placenta, but complete expulsion may not have taken place in some cases. 10

Treatment Prevention Therapeutic action for a retained afterbirth Overconditioning of cows during late should take place from 24 hours onwards lactation and dry periods is one of the after calving. Uterine infections and possible causes of retained placentas. It is retained placentas will affect the repro- important to milk the cow just after parturi- ductive performance during the new tion or to let the calf suckle to induce the lactation. Your veterinarian is the best release of oxytocin. This may help for timely qualified person to treat the cow for expulsion of the placenta. In some regions, retention of the foetal membranes. it might be recommended to maintain a Most retained placentas should be treated vaccination programme against brucello- with antibiotics in the uterus. sis, leptospirosis, infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR) and bovine virus Systemic antibiotics should be applied at diarrhea (BVD). These diseases may influ- the time when the cow gets sick, when a ence the incidence of retained placentas. foul discharge is observed, the animal has Consult your veterinarian for further advice. a high temperature and in case of decreased milk production. Endometritis Milk fever might go hand in hand with cows coming later in heat and repeat breeding. Milk fever is probably the most common metabolic disorder affecting dairy cows in Cows not cleaning in time should be insemi- the 5 to 10 year age group. It occurs nated later normally just before, during or immediately after calving. The incidence of milk fever is related to age and can be strongly influ- enced by the level of feeding during the dry period. Cows having had milk fever once before are likely to repeat this disorder.

Older cows show higher incidences of milk fever

All cows treated for retained placenta should be closely monitored, and if necessary, examined; in particular cows that do not clean in time, to prevent problems with reproduction. Conception from Symptoms artificial insemination or natural breeding is Cows with milk fever have lack of appe- not possible in the event of discharge or tite and their digestive and genital tract is endometritis. inactive. They are unsteady when walking 11 and in most cases will be found down with good nursing if she is to recover effectively their head to one side and unable to rise, and completely. and/or to calve. Bloat often occurs in this position. The cow is unresponsive, with Prevention staring eyes, cold ears and a dry muzzle. The most effective and preventive strategy against milk fever is to feed a low intake of Cause calcium in the dry period, especially, during Milk fever is thought to be the result of a the last two weeks of pregnancy. The suddenly increased calcium demand for requirements for energy and protein should colostrum and/or milk production soon be limited to a milk production of 5 kg. after calving. The calcium demand is Reduced calcium intake before calving increased two- or three-fold in a very short appears to condition the dry cow to period. During this time the cow is unable calcium deficiency and makes her better to change her metabolism rapidly enough able to respond to a higher calcium to mobilize sufficient calcium from her body requirement occurring with the new reserves. She has some built-in mechanism lactation. An added benefit comes from (hormones) to facilitate this mobilization, the oral supplementation of calcium after but sometimes this is suppressed. calving when milk fever is expected. In order to meet the higher calcium requirement the absorption of calcium from The dry cow should be fed low-calcium rations for the prevention of milk fever the gut will be increased and additional calcium has to come from calcium mobilization from the skeleton. This explains the lower blood calcium levels in all cows at calving. If the cow does not respond quickly enough to the suddenly higher calcium demands, obvious signs of milk fever will appear. More recently, it was discovered that low magnesium levels in the ration restrict the cow’s ability to ab- sorb sufficient calcium. This may be due in particular to low magnesium levels in grass when lactating cows are grazed.

Treatment Treatment of milk fever means restoring blood calcium levels to normal without delay. The most effective method still is an intravenous injection of a calcium solution, followed by orally administering calcium powder diluted in water some hours afterwards and repeated after 6 hours. Calcium solution is the standard treatment. The result of the calcium infusion is in most cases directly noticeable. If no effect is observed, proper care has to be given to any other diseases, such as mastitis, as well. Ketosis If the cow is unable to stand up, treatment should always include assistance to raise Ketosis is a complex disorder and typically the cow onto her brisket and to turn her appears during the first 10 to 40 days after from side to side at hourly intervals to avoid calving. Three weeks after calving seems bloat and decubitus. A recumbent cow to be the most critical period. During this always needs frequent observation and period the dairy cow has difficulties in 12

Healthy dairy cows have good appetite! Cause Blood sugar levels are low and blood mobilizing enough nutrients for high milk ketones are high when cows suffer from production. Usually, the cow experiences ketosis. When the blood sugar is too low, a severe negative energy balance, the body tends to compensate by mobiliz- because the high milk production ex- ing fat from body reserves. In short, there is ceeds the nutritive intake and conse- an increased rate of fat mobilization along quently, body reserves are used. with the production of ketones in the liver in conjunction with decreased blood Symptoms glucose. The clinical symptoms of ketosis Clinical ketosis is characterised by lack of are probably caused by the toxic effect of appetite, gaunt appearance, listlessness, high blood ketone levels. in some cases constipation, and the peculiar acetonic smell of the breath of The incidence of ketosis is higher in cows cows with ketosis. Occasionally, there is that are overconditioned during late malcoordination, due to general weak- lactation and the dry period. The severity ness. The milk production is down, with loss of ketosis depends largely on the ability of of body condition. the liver to metabolize the increased The best diagnostic test is to check for uptake of free fatty acids mobilized from acetone in urine, milk or blood. The urine body fat. The more advanced the disease, test is useful in the sense that a negative the more difficult it is to reverse, because test rules out ketosis. The milk or blood test of changes within the liver. represents a more accurate indication of the degree of ketosis. Ask your veterinar- Treatment ian for more advice. In susceptible cows several treatments can 13 be used for raising the blood sugar level, Displaced abomasum (DA) such as oral administration of propylene Displaced abomasum is primarily a meta- glycol and, if necessary, intravenous bolic disturbance and is often seen in administration of glucose, and intramuscu- combination with parturition. It occurs lar injection of an appropriate glucocorti- mainly in adult lactating cows from 1 to 4 coid. The latter may have a variable effect. weeks after calving. It is a symptom Propylene glycol has the advantage that whereby the abomasum or true stomach is an outside source of glucose can be twisted to the left (LDA) or right (RDA) supplemented in a gradual and continu- away from its normal position. ous way until the cow recovers. The normal position of the abomasum is Prevention near the abdominal floor on the right side. In general, cows should have the desired Any displacements occur usually to the left body condition during the dry period and side (LDA). The abomasum moves up from definitely not be overconditioned just the low right side of the abdomen under- before calving. During the dry period, low neath the rumen and is squeezed upwards energy rations to prevent milk fever, should to the left flank (LDA). Spontaneous recov- be fed, with the desirable amounts of ery has sometimes been observed. RDA is minerals and vitamins to support health. mostly combined with a twisted abomasum, which is harder to treat. After calving, unlimited amounts of quality forage should be available, and rations Symptoms should not be changed abruptly. Feed Within a few weeks after calving there is a well-balanced rations to cows in early sudden loss of appetite, drop in milk pro- lactation. The provision of concentrates duction, and sometimes the clinical signs should be maximised after 2 weeks from are similar to those of ketosis. The cow may calving. Furthermore, the ketone level in stand with an arched back. The manure is urine and milk could eventually be moni- usually reduced in volume, tends to be tored on a weekly basis to provide for early hard, followed by dark and foul smelling detection of cows at risk. faeces. The temperature, heart rate and During the dry period low energy rations should respirations are usually within the normal be fed range. 14

The cow is dull and will be dehydrated lactation, during the dry period and after after some time. Ruminal gas accumulates calving. It is essential to supply bulky long in the abomasum and cannot escape. If fibrous feeds during these periods. you listen carefully with your ear against Dietary changes from dry cow rations to the left flank in case of LDA and the right those for milk production should be care- flank in case of RDA, you may be able to fully and gradually implemented, with the hear the ruminal liquid and gas making a emphasis on supplying sufficient long fibre resonant splashing sound, ‘steelband in the ration. noises’. Ruminal movements are present but may be lower in frequency and are Fat cow syndrome always low in intensity, often to the point The fat cow, or fatty liver syndrome, occurs where no sounds are heard. mainly in overconditioned dairy cows, within the first week after calving. Often Cause these cows have extended dry periods, It is associated by a set of factors, but the due to a late conception, resulting in long real cause is not quite clear yet. Abomasal intervals between calving and conception. displacement may occur when the abo- It is referred to as a syndrome, because of masal contractions are weak, absent, or its association with a variety of other sometimes when a bubble of free gas disorders at calving, such as milk fever, accumulates. Furthermore, there is a strong ketosis, displaced abomasum, retained impression that after calving the recovery placenta, endometritis and mastitis. of the reproductive tract and that of the digestive tract are not synchronous. Dry cows should be prepared as well as possible for the coming lactation Treatment It is possible to return the abomasum to its correct position by slowly rolling the cow over from right to left on her back with LDA, but unfortunately in more than half of the cases it may recur a few days later. This simple ap- proach is worth trying. The alternative is the simple ‘roll and suture’ method, whereby the abomasum is manually repositioned, followed by fixation in place, thus preventing further displacement. Consult your veterinarian for assistance as in most situations an operation is required.

Prevention The chance of preventing abomasal displacements is dependent on proper feeding management towards the end of 15

Symptoms The basis of optimal production performance in Only fat cows develop the disease. the (new) lactation lies in the dry period The main symptoms are lack of appetite, dull appearance and a suppressed im- symptomatically. Milk fever must be mune system after calving. Clinically, the treated with a calcium solution, and cows may have severe ketosis. Sometimes, ketosis with propylene glycol and dex- death within 7 to 10 days after calving may trose. Consult your veterinarian for more occur. Furthermore, retained placentas information. and a delay of the beginning of the oestrous cycle after calving are common. Prevention Fat cow syndrome is more easily pre- Cause vented than treated. Overconditioning of Overfeeding cows with high energy rations cows should be avoided. Introduce group seem to encourage this phenomenon. As feeding of cows in late lactation and dry a result, the cow will be too fat at calving. cows to monitor accurately the intake of The mobilization of body reserves results in feeds. Besides this, it is important to an accumulation of fat in the liver, the regularly check the body condition. muscle tissue and kidneys. Reduce high energy feeds, such as maize and maize silage from rations after day Treatment 200 of the lactation and during the first An animal with fatty liver syndrome often month of the dry period. Replace high- does not respond favourably to any energy feeds with ingredients of low specific treatment. One must treat the cow energy content. 16

SUMMARY

The dairy farmer has an enormous influ- end of lactation and the dry period to ence on the early period of his cows’ reduce the risk of overconditioning; lactations by practicing his managerial 5. preparing the cow for her next lacta- skills, before, at, and just after calving time. tion with well-balanced rations during It has been shown that the influence of the end of lactation and dry period; farm management and mainly animal 6. limiting calcium intake before calving nutrition may reduce the impact of to reduce chances of getting milk digestive and metabolic disorders or even fever; prevent them and hence contribute to the 7. gradually changing from a dry cow cows’ optimal performance. ration to a well-balanced ration for milk production after parturition; The general guidelines for good fresh cow 8. maintaining an optimal hygienic management are: environment around calving; 1. monitoring body condition at regular 9. providing the maximum amount of intervals throughout the year; concentrates only after 2 weeks of 2. feeding rations with unrestricted good- calving, with emphasis on even quality forages with sufficient crude spacing of the total amount for the fibre for optimal rumen digestion; day; 3. supplying rations with the desired 10. inseminating cows, starting 50 to 75 amount of minerals and vitamins to days after parturition and only when a support good health; regular heat cycle and clear oestrous 4. omit concentrated feeds toward the symptoms are observed. 17

FURTHER REFERENCES

• Various articles from the Hoard’s Dairyman magazine. • Fresh Cow Problems, How to control them by Hoard’s Dairyman (1993). • Herd Health by Hoard’s Dairyman (1993). • The Merck Veterinary Manual, published by Merck & Co., Inc. 7th Ed. (1991). • A Veterinary Book for Dairy Farmers by Roger Blowey (1990). • Colour Atlas of Diseases and Disorders of Cattle by Blowey and Weaver (1991). • Large Dairy Herd Management, by Willcox and Van Horn (1978).

Earlier publications: • Feeding Management, Volume 2 • Milking Machine Management, Volume 1 • Reproduction Management • Milking Machine Management, Volume 2 • Young Stock Management • Proper Milking Management • Foot Care Management • Udder Health Management • Feeding Management, Volume 1 • Forage Management 18

Dairy Training Centre Friesland

Dairy Training Centre Friesland (DTC-Friesland) is part of IPC Livestock. It is established by various Dutch farmers’ organisations and controlled by the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature Management and Fisheries. The Centre conducts a variety of international training programmes and courses. We also provide consultancy and management services. All courses have a strong practice-oriented character based on the training concept of learning by doing. The practical training is very intensive; one instructor deals with groups of six students and for subjects like milking even with three students only. DTC-Friesland offers training in the following subjects: - Dairy Husbandry • machine- and handmilking, milking machines, milk hygiene • feeding, ration calculation, feedplans, quality of feedstuffs • fertility management, heat detection • breeding, use of A.I., culling, body conformation • housing, tying/cubicle systems, hygiene • health, mastitis control, hoofcare • calfrearing • farm economics • farm administration - Forage production • pasture management • fodder crops • silage making • farm machinery - Milk processing • manufacture of cheese, butter, yoghurt, ice-cream, etc. • milk collection and payment systems • marketing • management of a dairy unit - Sheep husbandry - Dairy goat husbandry - Intensive beef production Extensive knowledge of fresh cow care will - Horse keeping and animal traction certainly pay off - Teaching methodology

Visits to farmers' organisations, A.I.-stations, Health and Extension service etc. are integrated in the courses to provide a good picture of the dairy sector in the Netherlands.

AD HOC COURSES Our major activity is the organisation of ad hoc courses on request. These training programmes are tailor-made and completely designed according to the requirements 19 of the client. The courses deal with one or more of the earlier mentioned subjects. Duration of the courses varies from 1 week to several months. The courses are conducted in English. For some special subjects training can be provided in French, Spanish or German. If facilities are available locally, our staff is prepared to conduct courses abroad as well.

SIX-WEEKS COURSE: MODERN DAIRY FARM MANAGEMENT This course is especially designed for persons in charge of a large-scale dairy enterprise, and includes all aspects involved in managing a dairy herd. The course offers a good opportunity to refresh one’s knowledge and learn about recent developments in dairy farm management.

SIX-WEEKS COURSE: MILK PROCESSING The course is designed for (assistant) managers of small to medium-sized dairy plants and future staff of new dairy enterprises; i.e. on-farm milk processing. Both six-weeks courses are conducted annually in September. However, for groups of at least six persons it can be organised at any time during the year.

TRAINING FACILITIES AND STAFF The centre has three farms, each with a different management system. One farm is especially equipped for international courses. The total stock at the three farms includes 240 dairy cows, 50 fattening-bulls, 45 dairy goats, 85 sheep and 12 Friesian horses. Additionally, the centre maintains close relations with twenty neighbouring farms which are used for practical training. Our staff consists of fifty dedicated and well-qualified trainers. All have up-to-date knowledge of modern dairy farm management, and over 70 man-years experi- ence is present in various dairy The highest hygienic conditions, a must for successful development projects throughout calvings! the world.

ACCOMMODATION A modern hostel provides full board and lodging in single or double bedrooms. An international kitchen and many recreational facilities are present. Social excursions are organised during the weekends to enable the students to get acquainted with the Dutch culture. For more detailed information on our activities, please contact:

IPC-Livestock / DTC-Friesland P.O. Box 85 9062 ZJ Oenkerk Telephone : +31 582561562 The Netherlands Telefax : +31 582561628