Why structural fibre is essential for fresh cows

Ensuring structural fibre is available to fresh cows in very early lactation could ease transition by reducing metabolic issues and stabilising rumen function.

This is according to NWF head of technical Adam Clay, who said it was worthwhile splitting off cows for the first five days of their lactation.  

He told the UK Dairy Day audience at Telford last week (13 September) that the dietary change faced by fresh cows was often too abrupt after 55-60 days on a low-energy straw-based diet.

In comparison, milking rations contain higher levels of concentrate and lower levels of fibre.

See also: 4 must-dos for transition cow management

He explained: “By putting more structural fibre in the diet we should help rumen pH remain at 6.0-6.2 because we are providing an environment in which fibre-digesting bacteria can thrive and reduce the shock of a rapid change.”

But he stressed this couldn’t be done in the main ration as this would limit milk yield.

“If farms can section off a shed for fresh cows up to five days post-calving, this could decrease transition cow problems and sub-acute ruminal acidosis [Sara],” said Mr Clay. “It also gives opportunity to check for rumen fill temperatures, cleansings and feed intake.”

He said the dairy industry had made major progress with transition cow management in recent years, but stressed that the initial few days post-calving required closer scrutiny.

“As a nutritionist on farm I see too often that we are seeing a good transition system and then Sara in fresh cows,” he said.

He admitted that infrastructure was a key challenge to providing fibre to a specific group of cows, but added that top dressing with hay could be an easy solution.