Cows fed controlled energy during the close-up dry period had a
shorter interval between calving and pregnancy than cows fed
high energy during the close-up period. That was the conclusion
of a University of Illinois investigation that analyzed results
of seven experiments conducted between 1993 and 2010. Here is
what the meta-analysis revealed: - Cows on high-energy diets
during the last four weeks before calving lost more body
condition score in the first six weeks after calving than those
fed controlled energy. - Feeding controlled energy during the
far-off dry period had a positive association with energy intake
in the first six weeks after calving compared to high-energy
diets fed during the far-off dry period. - Cows fed controlled
energy during the far-off dry period had lower NEFA (non-
esterified fatty acid) concentrations during the first three
weeks of lactation. - High NEFA levels during the first week
after calving were associated with a greater probability of
disease. - High plasma glucose during