Transition management checklist

1. Preparing for dry period

• Body Condition: 3-3.5, try to maintain this during the dry period
• Hooftrimming before drying off
• Cows with twin pregnancy: dry off 1-2 weeks earlier, move to the close-up sooner

2. Occupancy rate

• Cubicles: max 100%
• Feeding space: max 80%

3. Lying bed

• Cow comfort: soft and optimal space
• Hygiene: clean and dry

4. Movement space

• Sufficient movement space in the barn
• Cow traffic: no passageways with dead ends
• Outdoor access

5. Drinking water

• Plenty: easy access to multiple water stations at all times with a fast refill
• Clean

6. Feed

• Availability: unlimited, accept leftover feed
• Good taste
• Maximum DM intake and sufficient fiber for rumen function
• Limited energy supply
• Sufficient protein supply
• Ensure mineral and vitamin supply
• Separate dry cows into a far-off and close-up group

7. Stress

• Keep regrouping to a minimum
• Unlimited access to feed and drinking water
• No passageways with dead ends
• Reduce heat stress

8. Climate

• Fresh air at all times
• Ventilate the barn with fans when the temperature-humidity index (THI) is too high

9. Calving pen

• Move cows as late as possible to the calving area
• Cows should be able to see the herd from the calving area
• Unlimited access feed and drinking water
• Clean and dry bedding

10. Follow-up of fresh cow

• Stimulate dry matter intake, increase concentrate feed not too fast
• Add fresh cows to the herd as soon as they are healthy
• Keep monitoring and if in doubt, check temperature and measure ketone levels

11. Monitoring

• Incidence of health disorders
• Colostrum quality and quantity
• Frequently blood analysing and monitoring with BoviLab