Cows enrolled in the conventional dry period group were fed a dry cow ration from dry-off until 21 days pre-partum, at which time they were switched to a precalving ration. A pre-calving ration was fed to cows of the short dry period group throughout the entire shortened dry period. Lower incidence of metabolic disorders for second lactation, compared to third or later lactation cows in both groups. â¢ Cases of mild ketosis were lower for cows in the shortened dry period group. â¢ Occurrence of retained placenta was higher for second and later lactation cows in the short dry period.