Handle pregnant cows with care

DairyNZ's development team leader for animal husbandry, Harding says at this time of year, many farmers are transporting cows with well advanced pregnancies.

"There are several things farmers should be aware of to make sure their pregnant cows arrive at their destination in the best possible condition."

The key issue is to always make sure any cows to be transported have a body condition score of three or higher before transport.

"In late pregnancy even cows that are in good condition are considerably more susceptible to the stress of transport and need to be treated with patience and care if they are being transported to another location," says Nita. "Journeys should be as short as possible."

She says that careful planning is required before pregnant cows are transported.

"Other than the duration of the journey, farmers should also consider their feed transition plan and ensure the cows receive an adequate supplement of magnesium before and after the journey."

Twelve to 20grams/day of magnesium supplement should also be provided to pregnant cows for at least three days before and three days following the journey.

All cows switching from one feed type to another require a feed transition plan to give their digestive system time to adjust to the new feed, maintain their condition, and minimise any nutritional problems. Remember to consider a transition plan for coming home from winter grazing, as well as a plan for going to winter grazing.

New feed should be introduced into the diet over seven to 10 days before the journey, by gradually increasing the amount of the new feed or supplement made available. If this cannot be done before transport, ensure there is pasture at the other end to transition cows from.