The transition period (3 weeks pre-calving to 3 weeks post-calving) is the highest-risk period for dairy cow health. Systematic monitoring prevents much suffering.
Transition diseases cause significant suffering in affected dairy cows. Milk fever causes collapse and death without treatment. Ketosis causes anorexia and weakness. Displaced abomasum requires surgery. Systematic monitoring and nutritional management during the transition period dramatically reduces both disease incidence and the suffering of affected cows.