The Transition Period: The Most Critical 8 Weeks for Your Dairy Cow 4 Weeks Before and 4 Weeks After Calving. During This Time: 👉The fetus grows rapidly 👉The udder starts making colostrum 👉Hormonal and lactational changes further affect appetite and immunity What Farmers Should Do: Gradually introduce high-energy feeds during this period. This prevents rumen problems, limits metabolic diseases, and reduces the period of negative energy balance in early lactation. Take care of your cows during