Long calving intervals lead to a stale herd with long average days in milk, may lead to fat cows which increases calving related metabolic and digestive disorders, and lowers the number of replacement heifers which may lower the voluntary cull rate or slow the rate of herd expansion. Two key factors in the regulation of calving interval are the voluntary waiting period and putting semen in the cow. The real value of controlled breeding programs, such as ovsynch, is that they allow you to be proactive and get semen into the cow so that there is a chance for conception. These are all road blocks to profitability. There is normally enough energy contributed from back fat mobilization in early lactation to support 500 to 1,000 kg of milk production.
Proper conditioning needs to be done mainly before dry off.
Cows should not lose body condition during the dry period. The body condition that can be put on during a 45 to 60 day dry period is only about a half point, therefore, cows should have a body condition score of 3.0 to 3.5 at dry off. Keeping cows clean and dry helps prevent mastitis and improves milk quality. Cow comfort is a major determinant of feed intake and milk production. Components of good cow comfort include adequate ventilation, proper stall design, sizing and management, bedding selection and management, and good alley and lot preparation and management.