The dairy cow goes through a phase of negative energy balance in the first 5 to 10 weeks, high-performance cows even up to 16 weeks of lactation*.
Prolonged prolongation indicates unhealthy environmental conditions, health disorders and management errors – unless there is a special genetic predisposition to low milk fat content.
The cows are too lean and start rebuilding body reserves too late.

Signal values: F% < 4.0 and P% < 3.2 to 2.8 depending on the amount of milk

red

>= 30 % in the lactation section

orange

>= 20% in the lactation section + lack of energy >= 15% in the lactation section

yellow

>= 15 to < 30 % in the lactation section

* “Application of Body Condition Score…” R. Staufenbiel

Measures

Goal: Increase feed intake and thus ensure a better energy supply

Check feed intake

Unlimited access to the feeding area
Securing the water supply
Check the amount of residual feed (at least 5%)
Is the food ration (calculated) also eaten?

Check feed quality

Energy content preferably above 6.5 NEL/kg DM in roughage
Roughage digestibility above 70%.
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.
Feed without impurities and deteriorations (dirty, moldy, frozen)

Controlling animal health

Check hoof health, trim claws if necessary
check for health impairments (BHV1, BVD – suspicion consult with veterinarian)