Cows (interlactation period), heifers

The interlactation period and the last two months of pregnancy of the heifers play a great role in preparing the animal for calving and lactation.

The first half of the interlactation period is characterized by the end of lactation and replacement of old glandular tissue with new cells, and the beginning of active development of the fetus. During this period, the animal's need for nutrients and energy is reduced. For the prevention of lactation prolongation, the content of succulent feed is reduced resulting in the change of rumen microbiota.

HDuring the second interlactation period (3 to 4 weeks before calving), the glandular starts developing actively. It is during this period that future milk production is formed. 2 to 3 weeks before calving, the diet is close to the diet of freshly calved cows, and the ruminal microbiota changes again. Any change in the diet needs a two-week adaptation of the animal to its digestion.

During the interlactation period, the energy and nutrients expended previously for the formation of milk are now directed to the development of the fetus. In addition, during the interlactation period, the animal body accumulates nutrients to be consumed both during and after lactation.

The ruminal microbiota is under stress twice which may be followed by insufficient intake of high-digestible energy by animals on low-energy diets and subsequent consumption of glycogen from the liver, muscles and of fatty tissue. In the process of transformation of the fatty tissue into energy, an increased formation of ketone bodies occurs causing pathological changes in the liver and ketonemia.

Quite often, animals in the second half of pregnancy suffer deficiency in vitamins, micro and macro elements due to the reduction in complete food or premixes.

Possible issues

• Mineral disbalance of nutrition.

• Animals are energy deficient.

• Animal ketoses.

Solution in feeding optimisation

• FITAZIM-S is a thermally stable phytase for increasing the use of phosphorus, calcium and other feed nutrients. It is used for the prevention of hypocalcemia, maternity paresis and milk fever. To be used with complete food at a dose of 1 kg per ton.   
  

• DIATOKS-ULTRA is a mycotoxins sorbent (yeast cell walls, tripoli, activated sapropel) providing a high level of protection against mycotoxins and causal agents. To be used with complete food at a dose of 1 to 2 kg per ton.

• TETRABIOTIC-SPK is a probiotic (Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus licheniformis и Enterococcus faecallis). It is used for ruminal digestion optimisation, prophylaxis of gastrointestinal diseases, replaces antibiotics. To be applied with complete food at a dose of 0,5 kg per ton.

Results of feeding programme application:

• optimal preparation for lactation (breast regeneration);

• healthy offspring (delivery of the required amount of nutrients for the growth of the fetus);

• maintenance of optimal condition factor;

• prophylaxis of postpartum complications.