Cattle Transition Period Welfare: Periparturient Cow Management

Overview of welfare challenges during the transition period in dairy cattle and evidence-based management.

Key Facts

The transition period (3 weeks pre to 3 weeks post calving) is the highest welfare risk period
Metabolic diseases including ketosis, hypocalcaemia, and displaced abomasum peak in this period
Nutrition management in the dry period significantly affects transition period health
Individual monitoring technology enables earlier detection of metabolic problems
Transition cow welfare management has significant economic as well as welfare benefits

Welfare Considerations

Transition period dairy cow welfare is a high-priority area where evidence-based management can deliver significant welfare and economic benefits simultaneously. Metabolic disease incidence and severity depend substantially on dry period nutrition and management. Individual monitoring through automated systems enables early detection and intervention. Transition cow welfare management programmes that integrate veterinary, nutritional, and husbandry expertise deliver the best outcomes.

What You Can Do

Support dairy welfare programmes that include transition period management standards
Advocate for individual cow monitoring as a welfare requirement in dairy certification
Choose dairy products from farms with documented transition period welfare management