Show FARM PARM TOPICS PREPARE COWS IN DRY PERIOD special care assures better production by GEORGE E TAYLOR extension dairyman Dw tymna rutgers university cows that are properly fitted and managed during the dry period may produce as much as 25 per cent more milk and butterfat during the following lactation period during the lactation period especially during the first six months the animals body reserve of minerals protein and fat becomes depleted and the cow does not have an opportunity to build up this reserve again until the animal is given a six to eight weeks rest period prior to the following calving neglect on the part of the owner regarding proper feed care and management of dry cows may cost the owner the value of one ton of milk the loss in dollars arid and cents may be computed by using the market value of one ton of milk under any known market condition the amount of hay and gra grain 1 which should be fed during the dry period depends upon the condition of the cow at the time she is turned dry animals that are in fair condition may be properly fitted on a liberal allowance of quality roughage including pasture hay and silage other cows may require some grain in addition to all the roughage they will eat A daily grain allowance of six pounds is usually ample thus not more than pounds to pounds of grain in addition to one quarter ton of hay is needed to put a cow in proper condition figure the cost of to pounds of grain and one quarter ton of hay and compare it with the value of one ton of milk the figure proves that a rest period of six to eight weeks along with proper feed and care during the dry period really pays dividends |