The first essential for raising a healthy calf is feeding the cow well during gestation. During heavy lactation the cow loses proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals. The cow needs 6-8 weeks dry period with good feed to rebuild these body stores.

Having access to good pasture, hay or silage solves most of the problems of feeding dry cows.1 If cows are in poor condition, or if the roughage is of poor quality, from 4 to 8 pounds of concentrates should be fed daily. The cows can be fed the same concentrate mixture used for the milking herd.