Source: Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
| Parameter | Achievable Rate | Alarm Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Displaced abomasum | <3% | ≥6% |
| Milk Fever | <2% | ≥5% |
| Retained Placenta | <8% | ≥10% |
| Metritis and Ketosis | If the rate of displaced abomasums is over 6% it is likely that metritis and ketosis may also be a challenge in fresh cows. At this point ketosis should be investigated by chemical analysis. | |
| Stillborns – born dead or died within 24 hrs of birth | <10% of first lactation, heifer calves <6% multiparous cows, heifer calves |
>12% of first lactation, heifer calves >7% of multiparous cows, heifer calves |
| Dead and sold | <8% | ≥12% |
| Length of dry period: ≥ end of 2nd lactation | 40-60 days | >20% less than 30 Days >20% greater than 80 days |
| Length of dry period: Between first and second lactation | 50-60 days | >20% less than 40 Days >20% greater than 80 days |
| Ketosis (between 3-21 DIM) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Parameter | Achievable Rate | Alarm Rate |
| Clinical* | 3% | >8% |
| Sub-clinical** | <15% | >25% |
*clinical ketosis – BHB (beta hydroxy butyric acid) >27mg/dL
**sub-clinical ketosis – BHB >14 mg/dL
| Mastitis (Goal of BTSCC of 200,000) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Parameter | Achievable Rate | Alarm Rate |
| All cows First test LS>4 | <10% | ≥14% |
| Heifers first test LS>4 | <7% | ≥10% |
| New infections between first two tests after calving – all cows | <10% | ≥12% |
| Cure rate in fresh period: 1st test LS>4 followed by 2nd test LS<4 | >60% | ≤50% |
Resources
- Cook, N. B., and K. V. Nordlund. 2004. Behavioral needs of the transition cow and considerations for special needs facility design. Vet. Clin. Food Anim. 20:495-520.
- Drackley, J. K., and N. A. Janovick-Guretzky. 2007. Controlled energy diets for dry cows. Proceedings Western Dairy Management Conference, Reno NV. pp. 1-11.
- Goff, J. P. 2004. Macromineral disorders of the transition cow. Vet. Clin. Food Anim. 20:471- 494.
- Nordlund, K. V., and N. B. Cook. 2004. Using herd records to monitor transition cow survival, productivity, and health. Vet. Clin. Food Anim. 20:627-649.
- Overton, T. R. 2005. Is there a place for shortened dry periods for high producing herds? Advanced in Dairy Technology – Proceedings Western Canadian Dairy Seminar. University of Alberta, Edmonton. pp. 25-34.
- Overton, T. R., and M. R. Waldron. 2004. Nutritional management of transition dairy cows: Strategies to optimize metabolic health. J. Dairy Sci. 87(E. Suppl.):E105-119.
- Overton, T. R., M. R. Waldron, and K. L. Smith. 2006. Feeding strategies for transition dairy cows. Proceedings Eastern Nutrition Conference. Animal Nutrition Association of Canada, Guelph, ON.
- Overton, T. Transition Cows: Room to Improve, pg. 19
- Stone, W. Tune Up Your Transition Program, pg. 20
- Overton, T. The Energy Balance Beam for Close-up Cows, pg. 23
- Dann, H. Attention Shifts to Far-off Dry Cows, pg. 24
- Overton, T. Focus on Fresh Cow Culls, pg. 25
- Overton, T. Eradicating Milk Fever ad Related Disorders, pg. 26
- Overton, T. Retained Placentas: A New Look at an Old Subject, pg. 27
- Smith K., Overton, T. Research Looks for a Way to Control Spikes in NEFA, pg. 28
- Nydam, D., Stokal, T., Overton, T. Study Assesses Common, But Important, Conditions, pg. 30
- Burhans, B. Transition Cow Health Disorders in New England Herds, pg. 32
