Effects of prepartum energy and of postpartum sodium bicarbonate (0, .75% DM) on health were studied in two trials. In trial 1, 36 cows consumed either 102, 131, or 162% of their energy requirement in the dry period. Postpartum glucose and D(-)-3-hydroxybutyrate levels indicated that 131% group (between wk 1 and 2) and 162% group (over the first 4 wk) were closer to a ketotic state than treatment groups at other times. Displaced abomasums occurred more frequently in the 162% group than either the 102 or 131 group. Sodium bicarbonate did not alter the health. In trial 2, 40 cows were used to evaluate the effects of prepartum energy for a longer period. Energy treatments imposed in late lactation and in the dry period were 1) cows fed to requirement in both periods; 2) cows overfed in the first and underfed in the second period; 3) cows fed to requirement in the first and overfed in the second; 4) cows overfed in both periods. Blood metabolites and health measures were not affected by energy or sodium bicarbonate treatments. Overconsumption of energy by prepartum cows should be avoided; however, for a short period, overconsumption did not produce major health problems.