Effects of two different feeding strategies at dry-off on metabolism and milk production

In an experiment with 22 primi- and multiparious cows the effects of two different feeding strategies at dry-off were tested. One group was fed straw ad libitum, while the other group was fed silage (4 kg DM) and straw ad libitum. Plasma NEFA increased significantly at dry-off, especially in the straw group. Plasma insulin and beta-hydroxybutyrate decreased in both groups. Milk fat percentage increased during dry-off as well as protein content. The metabolism of cows in the silage group were not as affected by the dry-off procedure as the cows in the straw group.