Dry period

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.

How to achieve a successful lactation start?

At the start of lactation, it’s not just about nutrition. Good results depend on more factors: comfortable housing, careful dry cow management, keeping cows healthy, and balanced feeding. Focusing on all these areas helps cows stay healthy and produce more milk.

Check the key factors for a successful lactation start

What is the best feed in the dry period?

Feed your cow a balanced diet during the dry period, including enough energy, protein, and minerals like calcium and phosphorus. This helps high reproduction, prevents problems when she has her calf, and prepares her for lactation. Balanced mineral intake is crucial for preventing metabolic and other health issues, keeping your cow fertile for many cycles.

Check out the Prelacto pro dry cow feed

Which and how much roughage should I feed?

Corn silage and wheat straw of the best quality are the preferred roughages. Also corn, wheat straw and green rye/ oats give good results. Berseem is not ideal as dry cow feed. Your advisor can advise you on your optimal options.

Check the general feeding advice table

Frequently Asked Questions

Key questions in the dry period stage

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.

Check out how keep your cows healthy

Proper feeding keeps cows at a healthy body condition score (BCS) since overweight or underweight cows face more calving and early lactation problems. Carefully monitor the BCS during the dry period and adjust energy intake when needed. Avoid a strong negative energy balance to keep the cow strong. Also providing the right minerals keeps your cow and her calf healthy and reduces the risk for uterine infections. Good nutrition supports smooth calving.

Learn how to determine BCS

Our dry period feed

The best feed for your dairy cows

Learn more

Talk to our dairy experts

Need support to optimize the dry period? Our specialists are here to help you tackle challenges and achieve top performance at every life stage.

Get in touch

Powering progress

Dairy cow lifecycle

Dairy cows go through key life stages: the dry period, the rearing period and the lactation. Proper nutrition and management during each stage are crucial for optimal health, milk production and reproduction. A well-managed dry period aids recovery, balanced calf nutrition supports growth and effective care during lactation maximizes milk yield. Good nutrition and management at every stage lead to a productive, healthy herd and improved farm profitability. Explore the interactive wheel to find customized insights and recommended actions tailored to each life stage, supporting your unique farming needs and goals for each of these stages.