Preparing cows for spring with better nutrition

As full-time housing approaches, it is crucial for dairy farmers to prepare cows for the dry period and the upcoming calving season. Dr Aisling Claffey, Ruminant Nutritionist at Teagasc, emphasises the importance of maintaining a reserve of high-quality silage for early lactation buffer feeding, typically around two bales per cow (400 kg DM/cow). Additionally, in-calf and weanling heifers require quality silage throughout winter to sustain their growth targets.

A key but often neglected step is mineral analysis, particularly ensuring forage has low potassium levels (around 3.5% at calving). Cows with a higher body condition score (3.5+) or those calving late can be fed lower-quality silage temporarily but must move back to higher-quality, low potassium silage (68-70 DMD) in the final month before calving. This supports the energy needs of the developing calf and helps prevent metabolic issues such as milk fever, especially in older cows with reduced dry matter intake.

Heifer weighing should also be completed to identify those below target weight so they can be grouped and supplemented appropriately during housing. Heifers should reach 40% of their mature body weight by 9 months old (for example, by 1 November for a heifer born on 1 February) to be ready for breeding next May. For further guidance, farmers are encouraged to attend the upcoming Teagasc National Dairy Conference workshop, which will cover transition cow nutrition in greater detail.