Farm Animals

Dairy Cow Transition Period Welfare

The transition period around calving is the highest-risk phase for dairy cow health and welfare, requiring targeted nutritional and management support.

Key Facts

The transition period spans 3 weeks before and after calving
Negative energy balance, hypocalcaemia and ketosis peak in early lactation
Over 50% of dairy cow health problems occur in the first month of lactation
Total mixed ration (TMR) management during dry-off reduces transition disease risk
Metabolic disease at calving is strongly linked to reduced lifetime welfare and longevity

Welfare Considerations

The transition period concentrates enormous welfare risk into a short window. Proactive nutritional management and early disease detection are critical to dairy cow welfare.

What You Can Do

Ask dairy farmers about their transition cow management protocols
Support farms with certified welfare programmes covering calving health
Advocate for annual veterinary health planning on dairy farms