Farm Animals

Cattle Transition Cow Liver Welfare

Liver health in transition dairy cows affects metabolic welfare, with fatty liver (hepatic lipidosis) a common and painful condition in early lactation.

Key Facts

Up to 50% of high-producing dairy cows develop some degree of hepatic lipidosis around calving
Fat cows at dry-off are at highest risk due to fat mobilisation in early lactation
Fatty liver impairs immune function and increases susceptibility to other diseases
Choline supplementation can reduce severity of hepatic lipidosis
Body condition score management through the dry period is the primary prevention

Welfare Considerations

Fatty liver causes metabolic suffering and predisposes cows to multiple diseases. Prevention through nutrition management prevents significant pain.

What You Can Do

Avoid over-conditioning cows before dry-off (target BCS 3.0-3.25)
Monitor body condition and adjust dry cow nutrition accordingly
Consider protected choline supplementation during the transition period
Train staff to recognise and respond early to metabolic disease signs