Effectively managing the dry doe in a commercial setting

By Noah Litherland, Ph.D., Vita Plus dairy technical specialist

The dry period should be considered as the start of the next lactation for a dairy goat doe. To lay the foundation for success and minimize the roadblocks ahead, effectively managing dry does will maximize their full potential. Key aspects of managing dry does include:

1. Mammary involution: Preparation to renew cells.
2. Inflammation control: Reduces risk of fatty liver, ketosis and metabolic disorders.
3. Maintaining dry matter intake: Facilitate growth of the fetus and rumination behavior.
4. Maintaining body condition: Keep body fat reserves to prevent ketosis and kidding challenges.
5. Dietary phosphorus: Key to hypocalcemia prevention.
6. Colostrogenesis: Passing down maternal signals from the mother to the kid.
7. Socially stable: Keeping doe groups consistent in group housing.

Creating a diet for your dry does

Moderate amounts of dry doe grain formulated for appropriate intake (2 pounds per head per day) and good-quality forages with low ash content are important considerations for a dry doe. Formulate a diet for moderate energy intake, focusing on vitamin and trace mineral concentration, as well as ammonium chloride content to support calcium intake.

Alternatively, some producers choose to feed kid grain to their dry does.  Kid grain is formulated for lower intake than lactating doe grain and is very palatable.

It is important to match up the grain and forage components of a diet. A forage report will give you insight into what does are getting out of their forages. Important factors in a forage report to take note of are:

• Dry matter: Timing of harvest and forage storage
• Fermentation profile and pH: Indicates quality of fermentation
• Fiber digestibility: Energy and rate of passage
• Protein: Impacts grain protein supply
• Energy: Starch and sugar
• Ash: Forage hygiene

Trace minerals, including selenium, zinc, manganese, and magnesium, are important for the transfer of trace minerals to kids. These can be offered in a fortified grain or free-choice mineral. Each mineral supports different functions of growth and development.

Water intake

Water is the most essential nutrient in a dry doe’s diet, and it should be clean and consistently available. This is especially important in cold weather; always have a plan for water access in freezing conditions.

Water is also important for the hydration of placental issues. Dehydration can cause does to have thicker and more rubbery placental tissue. This can increase the risk of newborn mortality, especially in unattended births.

Always check your water for iron levels. High iron can support the growth of Salmonella and E. coli. An annual water test to check the water’s mineral profile, hardness and coliform counts can help prevent these issues.

Reducing stress and inflammation

One concern in dry does is udder edema, a marker of oxidative stress. This can be caused by social stress from pen movements, cold stress, nutrient demand from multiple kids, and nutrient deficiencies.

To decrease stress and inflammation, producers should focus on implementing a proper dry off procedure, minimize social stressors, and adequate barn ventilation. Make sure clean and quality forages are available to focus on selenium and vitamin E availability while dialing in energy intake.

Extended dry period of first-lactation does

It is important to have an extended dry period for first-lactation does so they have greater time to recover. This allows them to renew the mammary gland and gives them the opportunity for growth to achieve mature body size. They also have the chance to increase colostrum quality and milk yield potential in the second lactation.

Managing dry does doesn’t have to be a hassle. Not only is this a good time to focus in on their nutritional requirements, but also to get organized and develop a strategy for kidding season. Reach out to your nutritionist today to help you develop your plan for managing dry does.

Noah Litherland, Ph.D., presented on this topic at the 2024 American Dairy Goat National Conference in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.