Transition Period
Cows & Buffaloes
Pre-Calving Feed Guide for Dairy Animals
Updated 13 Jun 2026 • By Falah Nutrition Desk, Animal Nutrition Advisor
The last 60 days before calving decide the success of the next 300 days of milking. This is when the calf gains most of its birth weight, the udder prepares for milk production, and the animal's metabolism shifts gears. Feeding mistakes in this window cause milk fever, retained placenta, ketosis and mastitis after calving.
Common Signs
- Animal entering the last 2 months of pregnancy
- Dry period started (milking stopped)
- Udder beginning to fill in the final weeks
Possible Causes
- Pre-calving problems happen when: the dry period is skipped or too short
- The animal is overfed and becomes fat (BCS above 4)
- The animal is underfed and becomes weak
- No special transition feed in the final 3 weeks
- Calcium-heavy feeding before calving (increases milk fever risk)
What the Farmer Should Check
- Confirm expected calving date
- Body condition score - target is around 3.5-3.75 at calving
- Has milking been fully stopped 60 days before due date?
- Is a proper dry period feed being given instead of the milking ration?
Feed Guidance
Phase 1 (60 to 20 days before calving): feed Goka Dry Feed at 3-4 kg/day with good quality fodder. It keeps the rumen and liver healthy and maintains BCS without making the animal fat. Phase 2 (final 20 days): switch to Goka Transition -21 at 4-5 kg/day - no extra supplements like jaggery, oil or porridge needed. This phase is critical for preventing retained placenta, milk fever and post-calving mastitis. Do not feed transition feed to other animals.
Relevant GOKA Products
Pregnant Cows & Buffaloes (Dry Stage)
Healthy dry period, trouble-free calving
Pregnant Cows & Buffaloes
20 days of feeding, 300 days of benefits
When to Contact a Veterinary Doctor
For serious symptoms, consult a qualified veterinary doctor. Feed support can help overall nutrition and recovery but should not replace veterinary treatment.
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