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There are two sides to transition cows, the pre-fresh and post-fresh periods. Leading up to, and during, the pre-fresh period many things need to be accomplished by those who manage the cows and the cows themselves.

Heifers are the future herd. Despite this, they are often the group of animals that are overlooked by producers until it is time for breeding.

As forage makes up over 50% of most dairy cow rations, once harvesting is finished it is a good idea to complete an inventory of all forage on the farm. This will not only determine the level of forage that is available and predict any potential shortfalls, but it will also help with the allocation of the most suitable forage for each animal in the herd.

Iron (Fe) is the most abundant element (by weight) on Earth, since it makes up most of the Earth’s core, and is the fourth most common element in the Earth’s crust.

Iodine (I) is one of seven generally recognized micro minerals needed in the diets of dairy cattle and other animals. It is unique among minerals because a deficiency leads to a specific and easily recognizable thyroid gland enlargement, called a goiter.

Cobalt is an essential trace mineral for ruminant animals such as dairy and beef cattle, sheep and goats. The main function of cobalt in ruminants is to be a component of vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin.

Molybdenum is required in small amounts in the diets of farm animals.

Selenium is a necessary mineral for both humans and animals and naturally occurs in varying concentrations within the soil in all parts of the world. Available selenium in the soil is taken up by many plants, including some cereal grains and forages used for livestock feed.

Chromium is an important trace mineral. In fact, evidence for an essential role for chromium in humans came from patients receiving total parenteral nutrition.