Dr Colin Byrne, ruminant technical and deployment manager for Lallemand Animal Nutrition, said a "sub-optimal transition period can lead to metabolic issues such as milk fever and ketosis". He said this can affect rumen function and increase the risk of sub-acute ruminal acidosis and leaky gut. Monitoring body condition score (BCS) and managing the length of the dry period are also essential. A dry period of at least eight weeks is often recommended, but in some cases six weeks may be more suitable. He suggested including a rumen-specific live yeast in the diet, such as Levucell SC, to support rumen health and stability.