Balchem and Speerstra Host Transition Cow Nutrition Conference

The transition period, 21 days prior to calving and 21 days post-calving, is critical for the success of a cow’s lactation and now, new research is showing the impact will last well beyond that lactation and even impact the unborn calf. Balchem and Speerstra recently held a seminar, titled “New Developments in Transition Cow Nutrition” for an exclusive group of leading dairy nutritionists, producers, and industry influencers.

The event was held in Scherpenzeel, and featured speakers from both the United States and the Netherlands. Renowned researcher and professor, Dr. Jose Santos from the University of Florida kicked off the event as he shared some of the newest research demonstrating the many benefits of feeding rumen-protected choline to transition dairy cows.

“It is unquestionable that choline fits the criteria of a required nutrient for dairy cattle, and we need to get rid of the dogma that it is just for problem cows,” noted Dr. Santos. “In our studies, there was a carry-over effect of supplemental choline. Cows continued to produce approximately 2 kg more milk per cow per day even after choline supplementation stopped.” Dr. Santos was joined by Dr. Anne Guadagnin from Schothorst Feed Research who discussed “Optimal Transition Cow Management to Reduce Metabolic Disorders” and Dr. Bert van Niejenhuis from Cowsignals training who presented “Dry to Fresh,’ a look at the factors that affect transition cow performance.

Dr. Clay Zimmerman, Director of Technical Services for Balchem, concluded the presentations with a review of encapsulation technologies and the importance of adequate rumen protection, as well as adequate feed and TMR stability to deliver nutrients to the cow. “Choline can only impact performance if it makes it to the small intestine of the cow,” says Zimmerman. “Proper encapsulation is key to delivering all the benefits of rumen protected choline: increased milk production throughout lactation, improved transition health, added colostrum and growth of the calf.”

Though the event was not open to the public, Balchem will release recordings of several of the sessions. To view the sessions and to learn more about choline’s impact on transition cow nutrition and other benefits, visit Balchem.com/ReaShure-XC.