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Dry period

Preparing for a healthy future

Dry period
Calf/heifer rearing
Lactation
Next stage
Main target in this stage
Prepare the cow for the next lactation
The dry period is a resting phase typically lasting 42-60 days, allowing the cow to recover from the previous lactation and prepare for the next one. Proper transition management reduces disease risks as 30-50% of cows face metabolic or infectious issues around calving. A good strategy lowers disease incidence and antibiotic use, cutting costs and workload whilst boosting productivity.

Give the udder of the cow the rest it needs

During the dry period, the udder rests and repairs itself, allowing milk-producing cells to regenerate for the next lactation. Good management during this time improves milk production and helps prevent mastitis. This ensures the cow stays healthy and productive not only in her next lactation but the lactations that follow.
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Preventing milk fever

A healthy dairy cow is best prepared for the next lactation when the dry period nutrition is managed correctly. One of the biggest risks around calving is milk fever, which occurs when cows cannot maintain adequate blood calcium levels at the start of lactation. Feeding the correct mineral balance during the dry period helps stimulate calcium mobilisation before calving and reduces the risk of milk fever. Special attention should be given to mineral management, particularly calcium, magnesium and DCAB balance, to support proper metabolic adaptation. Good mineral nutrition during the close-up period helps cows calve down stronger and start the new lactation smoothly.
Check out best practices for preventing milk fever

Key focus areas for a smooth calving

Proper feeding during the dry period helps ensure cows calve down in the correct body condition score (BCS). Cows that are too fat or too thin are more likely to experience calving difficulties and metabolic problems in early lactation. Regularly monitor BCS during the dry period and adjust energy intake where necessary. Avoiding excessive body condition loss after calving helps prevent severe negative energy balance. Providing the correct mineral balance is also essential to support both the cow and her calf, while reducing the risk of issues such as retained placenta and uterine infections.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Key questions in the dry period stage

A well-managed dry period boosts milk production in the next lactation. While a shorter dry period can increase milk yield by reducing non-productive time, it must be carefully managed. Too short a dry period may harm udder health, recovery, and future milk production, leading to potential health risks and lower yields. Balancing dry period length is key to optimizing both milk production and cow health. 

For the best advice check out the Dry period plan Prelacto

Each phase of the transition period has specific requirements for optimal cow health and productivity. The drying-off phase focuses on gradual milk reduction and udder health. The far-off phase requires balanced nutrition to maintain body condition. The close-up phase involves managing nutrient intake to prepare for calving. The early-fresh phase focuses on supporting cows during the start of lactation with proper feeding and care to ensure a smooth transition.

Consult your specialist for in depth advice on each sub-phase

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