Effects of Prepartum Feeding Level and Body Condition on the Postpartum Performance of Dairy Cows

Abstract

Holstein cows were subjected to a low, medium, or high plane of nutrition during the dry periods. Thin, medium, or fat body condition was designated after calving. All cows had limited free access to concentrates and corn silage or alfalfa hay for 12 weeks postpartum. Concentrate, forage, and total digestible nutrient intakes were not affected by level of either prepartum feeding or body condition. Fatcorrected milk yield did not differ (P > 0.10) among prepartum feeding treatInents, was significantly greater (P < 0.01) with fat than thin condition, and did not differ (P>0.1O) between medimn and thin or fat conditions. Postpartum weight losses were greater following high ~ersus low and medium prepartum feeding (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively), but did not differ (P>0.10) between low and medium. Weight losses were greater (P < 0.01) with fat than thin condition, but did not differ (P > 0.10) between medimn and thin or fat conditions. Intakes of total digestible nutrients as corn silage were lower (P < 0.01) than those as alfalfa hay. Concentrate consumption and fat-corrected milk yield were not different (P > 0.10) between forage treatments.