Parturation of cows

1. Nutrition of parturition cow
Submitted by: Muhammad Nauman
M.Phil Animal nutrition 2nd semsterteer

2. Introduction :-
 Nutrition plays a crucial role in the health and productivity of
parturient cows, commonly referred to as cows in the
process of giving birth or those that have recently calved.
 Adequate nutrition during this period is essential to support
the cow's physiological changes, ensure a smooth
transition to lactation, and promote the health of both the
cow and the newborn calf. Here are key considerations for
the nutrition of parturient cows.

3. Energy Requirements :-
• Caloric Intake: The energy requirements of a parturient
cow increase significantly as she approaches calving and
enters the lactation period. A well-balanced diet (healthy
diet provides the body with essential nutrition: fluid,
macronutrients such as protein, micronutrients such as
vitamins, and adequate fiber and food energy) that meets
her energy needs is critical.
• Concentrate Feeds: High-energy concentrate feeds, such
as grains and supplemental feeds, can help meet the
increased energy demands during the transition (three
weeks before and after parturition) period.

4. Protein Needs :-
• Protein Quality: Adequate protein is crucial for maintaining
body condition, supporting milk production, and promoting
reproductive health. High-quality protein sources, such as
legumes and protein-rich forages, should be included in the
diet.
• Balanced Ration: Ensure a balanced protein-to-energy
ratio in the diet to meet the specific needs of the parturient
cow.

5. Minerals and Vitamins :-
• Calcium and Phosphorus: The parturient cow requires
increased levels of calcium and phosphorus for proper
bone development in the calf and to prevent conditions like
milk fever.
• Vitamins: Adequate vitamins, particularly vitamin D, are
essential for calcium metabolism. Ensure that the cow has
access to natural sunlight or provide vitamin D supplements
if needed.

6. Fiber and Forage :-
• Forage Quality: High-quality forages, such as legume
hay or good-quality grass hay, should be provided.
Adequate fiber supports rumen function and digestive
health.
• Transition to Concentrates: Gradually transition the
cow from a forage-based diet to concentrate feeds as
she approaches calving to meet the increasing energy
demands.

7. Body Condition Score (BCS) :-
• Monitoring BCS: Regularly monitor the body condition
score of parturient cows. Maintaining an appropriate body
condition is important for reproductive success and overall
health. (BCS 1=Extremely thin, BCS 9= Extremely Fat and
Obese, BCS 5= Good flesh)
• Adjusting Diet: Adjust the diet accordingly to prevent
excessive weight loss or obesity.

8. Post-Calving Nutrition :-
• Postpartum Diet Adjustments: After calving, the
nutritional needs of the cow shift towards supporting
lactation. Adjust the diet to meet the increased energy
requirements for milk production.
• Transition to Full Ration: Gradually transition the cow to a
full lactation diet over the first few weeks post-calving.

9. In late gestation the energy requirements of a mature, 1,200 lb
cow are relatively low (9– 11 lb total digestible nutrients or TDN
per day, 2 lb crude protein per day). As that cow grazes
dormant range or low-quality forages, supplementation of 2–
2.5 lb of a 20– 25 percent crude protein (CP) source would
meet the cow’s maintenance demands at this stage of
production. As a mature cow enters calving and lactation, her
protein and energy requirements increase. A lactating cow at
peak lactation (60– 80 days postpartum) has an energy
demand of 15– 16 lb of TDN per day. There is a shift in the
cow’s first limiting nutrient from protein to energy.