Koekompas: In what way is the transition cow reflected?

Abstract

Koekompas is an instrument to investigate risks on farms to prevent disease and to optimize the environment for the cows and the production of milk. The transition period is a hazardous period for cows for developing metabolic and/or infectious diseases. The following performance indicators (PI’s) are associated with transition cows: feed dry cows, water dry cows, body condition score (BSC), disease incidence of endometritis, retained fetal membranes, metabolic diseases and housing. Koekompas reports from 76 farms were collected and analyzed for trends in data and for relations between PI’s. From the current PI’s and reports one cannot get a complete impression about the transition cows, because the PI’s are not specifically split out for transition cows. The PI incidence of metabolic diseases included both ketosis and hypocalcemia although their pathogenesis and thus their preventive strategy differs. Also for housing calving barn and dry cow housing is not separately valued. In literature, housing, difference in cation-anion balance (DCAB) in dry cow feed and the specific BCS in the dry period were seen as PI. Further research which compares Koekompas results with the current situation on the farm in more detail is necessary.