TRANSITION FEEDING Up to 50% of dairy cows are struck by clinical or sub-clinical milk fever due to abrupt change in blood calcium concentration around calving. Ketosis occurs due to dietary changes and high de- mand for rapid available energy and other nutrients in the days and weeks following calving. The transition period spans from the dry period before calving to early lactation in the weeks following calving. The transition is associated with complex biological changes and nutritional needs and, when not well managed, the risk of secondary diseases and injuries are pronounced. Targeted nutritional support and bioactive prod- ucts can ease the transition for the benefit of the dairy cows and the farm owner. 2
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