Özet:

Since the last century, a great deal of researches has been carried out to determine optimum dry period length which is nonlactating part of successive lactations. In 19th century; most studies, used observational data from lactation records, recommended dry period length to be between 50-60 day. With improving genetic and environmental conditions in last decades, cows are still producing a desirable amount of milk before the last 2 months of lactation. So, the researchers, focused on experimental researches about dry period length, have proposed shortening dry period to be 30-40 d in length. Shortening dry period of cows would cause less ration and therefore housing changes throughout the dry period. Although milk losses in the subsequent lactation due to shortening dry period length; improvement reproductive performance and energy balance due to this management procedure would maximize productive life and gain considerable amount of milk prior to calving. This review gives general information how shortening dry period in Holsteins will affect milk yield and composition, health, mammary gland. The review also focuses on profitability, herd management and practical aspects of shortening dry periods for dairy breeders and encourage researchers to make more comprehensive studies.

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