Dairy cows hit the road

Dairy farmers planning to shift stock in the next few weeks should pay particular attention to the cows' fitness for transport and their feed requirements.

The next few weeks will be a busy time for farmers and transport companies nationwide, shifting stock between farms, to wintering or as cull cows, as part of the industry's annual Gypsy Day (June 1) move.

DairyNZ animal husbandry team leader Nita Harding says preparing cows for transport should cover a range of areas, from the cow's fitness for transport to ensuring the truck is in good order.

"Preparing stock for transport should begin several weeks out, from booking the transport provider to ensuring the cows' feed requirements are met throughout the transition from one farm to the other," she says. "A good place to start is with diet requirements."

A feed transition plan should be in place for cows going on to a new feed, to ensure the cows adjust to it over seven to 10 days beforehand. If you have crop on the milking platform that was planted for transitioning, allocate one to two hours of crop each day, while grazing pasture, feeding silage and milking.

Regardless of feed type, all cows should receive a diet containing 12-20g of dietary magnesium per day for three days either side of transport if dusting CausMag, this equates to 80-100g/cow/day.

"Stress during transport does cause blood magnesium levels to significantly drop. Dusting pasture with an appropriate supplement the week before will build blood levels. Magnesium bullets should be considered for cows in late pregnancy, as they are particularly at risk."

On the day of transport, stand cows off green feed for four to 12 hours before the journey. They should have access to good-quality hay, baleage or dry feed, and water.

Harding advises to use a grazed-out paddock or stand-off pad, rather than concrete. A grazed-out paddock is often best, as it gives cows plenty of space to lie down.

If in doubt about an animal's fitness for transport, contact your vet.

Have a team member who is skilled in transporting animals supervise the process on the day. "Pregnant cows are worth looking after well as they are a valuable asset," says Harding.

Regulation changes have also reduced the weight allowance for general-access vehicles such as stock trucks, so farmers may need to allow for slightly reduced stock numbers being loaded.

The DairyNZ website has further information and resources, including a Checklist for Transporting Cows. Visit dairynz.co.nz/transportingstock for more information.

Farmers are also encouraged to ensure their NAIT requirements are met, including tags, registration and recording movement of cows. Visit www.nait.co.nz

Shifting stock

The main things farmers should consider when moving any stock are:

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  The people preparing and transporting cows should have the experience and knowledge to manage the cows' welfare on the journey.
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  Cows should be fit, healthy and strong, and able to bear weight on all legs.
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  Cows need a body condition score (BCS) of three or more to travel. Any animal with a BCS less than three needs immediate attention.
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  Cows should receive a diet containing 12-20g of dietary magnesium per day for three days either side of transport if dusting CausMag. This equates to 80-100g/cow/day.Transport stress generally causes a significant drop in magnesium levels.
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  Cows in their last three months of pregnancy should be treated with patience and care.
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  A feed transition plan will help the cows adjust their metabolism to winter grazing and protect their health.
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  Stock should be taken off green feed for at least four hours and no more than 12 hours before transport in order to reduce effluent production. Remember to provide water, and hay, baleage or dry feed during this time.
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  Feed and water should be immediately available to the animals when they arrive at their destination.