Short communication: Effect of a stable pen management strategy for precalving cows on dry matter intake, plasma nonesterified fatty acid levels, and milk production

During the close-up transition period, dairy cows are at risk for negative energy balance due to increasing energy demands and decreasing feed intake. This can result in postparturient health problems and decreased milk production after calving. Cows are frequently regrouped during this period, which can negatively affect feeding and resting behavior. The hypothesis was that housing in a stable pen during the close-up transition period should result in a more settled environment resulting in fewer displacements from the feed bunk, which would result in improved feed intake, energy balance [lower nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA) concentrations], and lactation performance. This study addresses precalving pen grouping strategies, which have the potential to affect feed intake and energy balance. A randomized complete block design with pen as the experimental unit was used to compare a stable (S) housing strategy (cows with similar calving dates added to a precalving pen at once) to the more traditional dynamic (D) housing strategy (cows added up to 2 times per week to a precalving pen). Twice-weekly blood samples were collected for NEFA analysis and cow interactions within the pen were observed. Dry matter intake (DMI), milk production, and postparturient health problems were recorded. Mean DMI for the duration of the 28 d of the study was not different (S: 25.5±1.6 vs. D: 25.7±1.0 kg/d), and when examined over time relative to calving, no treatment by time interaction was observed. Concentrations of NEFA were not different when cows initially entered the pens (S: 0.21±0.10 vs. D: 0.18±0.04 mEq/L) and remained not different for the time intervals closer to calving (d −9 to −14: S: 0.28±0.09 vs. D: 0.21±0.04; d −3 to −6: S 0.36±0.10, D 0.32±0.05 mEq/L). Pen grouping strategy did not affect DMI, plasma NEFA concentrations, or milk production.