E171 Balancing Act: Controlled vs. High-Energy Diets for Transition Cows

Key Topics Covered:

1. The Transition Period

• Definition: ~3 weeks before and after calving

• Physiological challenges for dairy cows

2. Controlled Energy Diets

• The “Goldilocks” approach

• Use of high-fiber, low-energy ingredients

• Benefits: Lower risk of fatty liver, improved insulin sensitivity

• Recommended ME intake based on BCS and weight

3. Higher Energy Diets

• Traditional “steaming up” approach

• Potential benefits for under-conditioned cows

4. Liver Inflammation

• Impact on nutrient processing

• Comparison between diet types

5. Rumen Health

• Importance of forage in controlled energy diets

• Risk of subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) in higher energy diets

6. Post-Partum Performance

• Dry matter intake and milk production c ...