A recent roadshow merged Nutritech’s expertise in nutrition with cutting-edge cow-side analytics, offering a promising outlook for the future of dairy farming. During this event, data gathered from CowManager shed light on the crucial importance of proper dry-off practices for cows. Krispin Kannan, a veterinarian with a knack for data analysis, delved into the rumination and eating patterns of cows during the dry-off phase. Using CowManager’s “behaviour around event” graph within the Nutrition Module, Krispin revealed a compelling link between effective dry-off strategies and improved reproductive outcomes.
Table 1. showing the top ranked farms days to first heat compared to the bottom ranked farms.
Krispin’s findings underscored the interrelated nature of the cow’s reproductive cycle, advocating for a holistic approach to this period, rather than treating it as a singular event. He emphasized the need for farmers to refine their dry-off protocols, aligning them with local and regional standards to enhance their practices. Additionally, Louise Salter, a ruminant nutritionist from Nutritech, elaborated on what optimal nutrition looked like to achieve a successful dry-off and in-calf rates
Table 2. Data showing the rumination of top-ranked farms at dry off compared to the bottom-ranked farms.
Table 3. Days to first heat for top and bottom-ranked farms at dry off.
Jared Berkhaus, National Manager for CowManager, said the broader aim of these roadshows was not only to equip farmers with accessible data visualization tools but also to provide practical nutrition guidance. By offering both, these events empower farmers to optimize their operations effectively for future success.
If you would like help in any of the areas mentioned in this article, contact your local Nutritech area manager for free nutritional advice.
