Five Important Factors to Improve TCI®
AgSource members have been utilizing Transition Cow Index® (TCI®) scores for the past several years as a measure of fresh cow management. As an objective measure of transition cow management, these scores are one of the best ways to accurately assess fresh cow health. TCI was developed by Dr. Ken Nordlund at the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine.
Nordlund's research didn't stop once he developed the formula for TCI. Work has continued to find out what factors have the greatest influence on TCI. Through this research, Nordlund's team identified five primary factors that are being used to improve fresh cow health in free stall barns.
Factor #1: Bunk Space
The most important factor in fresh cow health is providing sufficient feeding space for all transition cows to eat simultaneously. Due to the social nature of cows, they have an instinctive need to eat at the same time. When cows cannot eat at the same time, the cows that eat later eat less and have greater risk of metabolic and immunosuppression problems. To accomplish this goal, a minimum of 30 inches of bunk space per cow is recommended for pre-fresh and post-fresh Holstein cows.
Factor #2: Pen Moves and Social Stress
Each time cows are moved into a new pen, a new social hierarchy needs to be established. Typically it takes about 48 hours for the social interaction to stabilize, causing stress on animals within the pen. During this time research has shown that cows deal with the stress by eating less and producing less milk. By limiting or reducing pen moves, stress can be reduced within a herd. In reverse, the social nature of cows also causes undue stress if cows are left in isolation too long. New systems of establishing stable social groups at dryoff are very encouraging.
Factor #3: Amply-Sized Free Stalls or Bedded Packs
Facilities need to accommodate the everyday motions of cows including rising, lying, lunging and bobbing. In evaluating facilities, stalls should be at least 50 inches wide for Holsteins and 45 inches for Jerseys. There must be sufficient room to the front without barriers or boss cows.
Factor #4: Surface Cushion
Deep sand bedding is preferred in free stalls as it is more comfortable for cows that are commonly tenderfooted at the time of calving. If a bedded pack is used, allow 100 feet per cow not counting feeding space.
Factor #5: Effective Screening Program
Having staff who understands fresh cows and can effectively spot problems are a key to success with a transition program. Implementing a screening process that allows staff to observe who, when, where and what cows are eating can help identify potential problems. If problems are observed it is important to be able to screen the cows quickly so that additional stress is not added to the cow.
Addressing these five factors in your herd's management can help manager's drastically improve fresh cow health and performance. In return, addressing problems during the transition period can eliminate future problems later in the lactation. Managers with outstanding transition management have seen the investment pay off with healthier more productive cows.
