Fresh cows need to calve in with few metabolic problems. Fresh cows also need to eat aggressively as soon as possible and have few sub-clinical metabolic problems. Goals of the far-off dry period include maintaining body condition, maintaining protein and muscle reserves, rejuvenation of the rumen wall, and provision of needed minerals and vitamins. During the pre-fresh period, nutrient requirements increase while dry matter intake decreases. Ration nutrient concentration must increase. The m ...