Successful reproductive performance is crucial to the long-term profitability of every dairy farm. Yet the period around calving is about much more than reproductive figures alone.

Protecting the health of each individual cow before, during and after birth lays the foundation for a productive lactation, good fertility and a resilient herd.

Recognising the warning signs early

Tim McCormack, who manages a herd of 130 dairy cows in Co. Tipperary, Ireland, experienced first-hand just how challenging this critical period can be.

Low body temperature readings and repeated TruAdvice notifications from smaXtec indicating suspected sub-clinical milk fever prompted Tim to take a closer look at his transition-cow management and participate in rumen pH monitoring to better understand his cows’ condition.

Together with smaXtec dairy cow health and feeding consultant Cian Minogue, he reviewed the available data and adjusted the transition cows’ diet to better support the animals during the critical period before and after calving.

A targeted change with measurable results

As a result, the farm was able to reduce the use of calcium supplements in fresh cows by around 90%, including both calcium bottles and boluses.

For Tim, this meant fewer interventions, lower treatment costs and less time spent supporting cows after calving.

More importantly, the improvement indicated that the cows were coping better with the transition into lactation, helping everyone focus their attention on other farm duties during the busy spring period.

The benefits extended beyond the reduced need for calcium supplementation and time spent with downer cows.

Tim also observed that cows had improved feed intakes and were healthier looking after calving.

He believes that the improved transition management may have contributed to the higher milk fat and protein percentages recorded in April 2026 compared with the same period in 2025.

Earlier insights, more confident decisions

For Tim, smaXtec has become an essential part of daily herd management.

Precise calving and mastitis notifications help him identify cows requiring attention earlier, organise his workload more effectively and take targeted action to protect cow health when it matters most.

The result is a more preventive approach around calving: fewer unnecessary treatments, healthier fresh cows and more time to focus on the animals that truly need attention.

Because when cows are supported through the transition period in the right way, they are better prepared not only for calving, but for the entire lactation ahead.

Want to learn more? Meet smaXtec at the National Ploughing Championships at Booth 96.

This is a sponsored post as part of our 2026 National Ploughing Championships supplement.