Mineral and antioxidant management of transition dairy cows

Transition management needs to be fully integrated to be effective. We discuss and demonstrate this concept in the context of a study that used these principles. The roles of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and dietary anion cation difference in influencing the pathophysiology and incidence of hypocalcemia are highlighted. Recent understandings of the pivotal role of skeleton in metabolism are reviewed. Micronutrient mineral and vitamin needs are addressed in the context of exposure of periparturient cattle to oxidative stress and inflammatory disorders. This article provides a series of practical approaches to improving transition diets.