Dry cows and pregnant heifers were blocked by farm and parity group (groups
1, 2, and >2, for first, second and third or greater lactation cows, respectively) and
randomly allocated to one of two treatments, namely, (1) trace mineral supplemented
(TMS) or (2) control. All dry cows and pregnant heifers that were available
during the enrollment period were included in the study. Randomization was completed
in Excel (Microsoft) using the random number function and imported into
the farms’ Dairy Comp 305 program (Valley Agricultural Software).