Reduce metritis by boosting feed

19 April 2002

Reduce metritis by boosting feed

INCREASING feeding levels to boost body condition during the dry period can reduce metritis in the following lactation, but the effect on lameness is unclear.

This is the conclusion from a review of several dry cow studies at the Institute of Grassland and Environmental Research, said researcher Richard Dewhurst. "Thin cows and those fed rations based on grass silage and straw are more likely to suffer from metritis."

Producers with herds experiencing problems with metritismay be able to reduce itsincidence by boosting feeding levels to increase body condition during the dry period, saidDr Dewhurst.