The key is to get or keep these cows eating. Low intake leads to ketosis. Any way to simulate feed intake will be a plus (added flake of 180 relative feed value forage), topdress 2 or 3 pounds of roasted soybeans, add liquid molasses to enhance palatability, add yeast culture, feed 2 or 3 pounds of sticky calf starter, or any other tricks of the trade. In addition to nutritional approaches, it is important not to overcrowd fresh cows, separate older cows from first-calf heifers, and ensure overall excellent cow comfort. Mike Hutjens, Extension Dairy Specialist, University of Illinois - Illini DairyNET Prepartum care is also key to postpartum feed intake, which is crucial for ketosis prevention. Keeping cows on feed through the last two weeks prepartum leads to greater feed intake after calving. Transition cow management can include precise ration formulation, high quality forage, attention to DCAD (dietary cation-anion difference), use of propylene glycol at calving (blood glucose boost), and other options. You can afford to spend a few extra cents per day for your transition cows because it often results in greater performance postpartum. Joe West, University of Georgia

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