Appropriate management and nutrition during the dry period is crucial for the health and milk production of dairy cows in the next lactation. The dry period allows cows to regenerate the mammary gland and prepare them for future milk production. The aim of the study was to analyse the feeding and procedures for drying off cows in five Slovenian farms with high milk production and compare them with the recommendations in Nutrient requirements of dairy cattle (2021). We conducted structured interviews with farmers to collect data on feed composition and methods of drying off cows. We also assessed the body condition of dry cows and collected data on milk production and composition in the first 42 days and disease incidence. The results showed that the diets for dry cows often deviated from the recommended levels of minerals and vitamins, especially in the case of vitamin E. Only one farm was close to the recommendations for most nutrients. The average body condition score of the dry cows was slightly above the values recommended in the literature. Milk yield was comparable to the reference values, while the fat and protein content in early lactation was higher than indicated in the literature. The incidence of ketosis was slightly higher on average, while mastitis occurred less frequently compared to reports by other authors. The incidence of hypocalcemia and displaced abomasum was similar to that reported in the literature. The proposed protocol for the management of dry cows includes the reduction of milking frequency and the introduction of restricted feeding in the 10 days before the last milking. After the last milking, antimicrobial treatments based on somatic cell counts are administered and all cows are treated with synthetic teat sealants.
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