REVIEW ON THE TRANSITION COW MANAGEMENT SYSTEM ON COMMERCIAL DAIRY FARMS

The dry period, in particular the transition period, is characterized by dramatic changes in the endocrine status. These changes prepare the cow for lactogenesis and parturition. A dry cow requires nutrients for maintenance, growth of the conception, and growth of the dam (heifers). Ration composition and nutrient content may influence prepartum dry mater intake (DMI). Etiology and nutritional management of metabolic disorders such as fatty liver, ketosis, udder edema, milk fever, grass tetany, retained placenta, metritis, and displacement of the abomasum, rumen acidosis, and laminitis will be discussed in our review. Key words: cow, transition period, nutrition, metabolic disorders