Effect of Dry Period Overconditioning on Subsequent Metabolic Disorders and Performance of Dairy Cows

In two trials with 44 cows over an 8-wk dry period, control cows were fed alfalfa forage and minimal grain compared to liberal grain plus corn silage (Trial 1) or plus alfalfa forage (Trial 2). Following parturition all cows were fed to meet requirements. In trial 2 half of each group received nicotinic acid at approximately 12 g daily for 8 wk, starting on the 8th day postpartum.