Parturition is a natural, yet stressful event for dairy cows. In a very short period, cows produce a substantial amount of milk, adapt to new pens, and are introduced to new diets. From the physiological point of view, cows kick their metabolism into high gear to meet not only the mammary gland demands for nutrients, but to go through the process of uterine involution, and to do so while their immune system is suppressed.
At parturition, dry matter intake cannot satisfy nutrient demands for a short time period. The resulting energy and nutrient deficiency can have a negative effect in the short term (metabolic diseases) as well as long term (reproduction). Methionine, now recognized as an essential nutrient, must be supplemented to meet dairy cow needs, particularly during this critical period in the lactation cycle.
by Daniel Luchini, Ph.D., Adisseo
