The cows mobilize excessive body mass to compensate for the energy and protein deficit. They are particularly at risk in terms of metabolism (fat mobilization syndrome). In the further course of lactation, fatty liver, ketosis and rumen acidosis can develop.

Fatal cycle !

Consequences: emaciation, decline in performance, fertility and health problems. The potential performance is not exhausted.

Causes

For high performance and
Overconditioning (BCS > 4) mobilizes the cow excessive body mass because her feed intake is too low. Due to the high concentration of free fatty acids in the blood plasma, the dry matter intake is reduced.
Increased body fat loss already in transit period 1
Incorrect transit feeding
Diseases around the calving period (postpartum conditions, paresis, rumen acidosis, acute mastitis, puerperal disorders, abomasal displacement)

Signal values: F%>5.0 and P%>3.5

red

>= 25 % in the lactation section

yellow

>= 15 to < 25 % in the lactation section

Measures

Objective: Optimal guidance of the cow through the transit period. Avoid over- and undersupply of energy and protein. Minimization of diseases in the near-birth period. Maximization of energy intake in the transit phase 1. BCS at calving time not exceeding 3.75

Feeding in transit period 1

Increase energy concentration in TMR to 6.5 MJ NEL/kg DM (energy supply for conservation + 8 Mkg)
In the case of component feeding, increase the amount of concentrated feed by 500 g per week or every 2 days until 3.0 kg is reached by calving.
Use good quality forage. Increasing the supply of starch increases the DM intake. DM intake is said to be 1.6% of BM shortly before calving.
Sufficient supply of crude fibre reduces abomasal displacement and prevents rumen acidosis.
Use the same basic feeds as for fresh milkers.
Needs-based protein supply
Milk fever prophylary for high DCAB values (use of acidic salts)

Feeding in transit period 2

Increase in concentrate intake by 250 g per day. For TMR, secure an energy concentration of 7.0 MJ NEL/kg DM
Secure 400 g of crude fibre for every 100 kg of body mass.
- Pay attention to the proportion of structurally effective crude fiber.
- 8 – 10% of the particles should be larger than 4 cm.
Only the best quality basic feed.
Feed additives such as rumen buffers and propylene glycol at risk

Other measures

Cows are at risk of ketosis. Intensive health check-up over the next 14 days. Ketosis prophylaxis: Possibly supplemental feeding of propylene glycol, propionates, niacin in cows that are too fat.
Unlimited access to the feeding area
Check the frequency of forage submission (3 x)
Securing the water supply
Check the amount of residual feed (at least 5%)
Is the food ration (calculated) also eaten?
Check on-demand feeding for function and calibration
Assignment to feeding groups
Feed without impurities and impairments (dirty, moldy, frozen) as otherwise additionally increased body mass loss