Tackling Dry-Off Challenges at Roosenhof Farm

At Roosenhof, located on the Lower Rhine in Germany, farmer Matthias Feldhaus manages a diverse operation that includes dairy production, crop cultivation, and contract work. With 130 dairy cows and full offspring, Matthias has long prioritized selective dry-off practices to maintain herd health and reduce antibiotic use.

The Problem: High Milk Yield at Dry-Off

Before adopting AHV StopLac, Matthias faced a recurring challenge: drying off cows still producing 25 to over 30 kg of milk daily. This high yield increased the risk of milk leakage during the dry period, creating a pathway for germs and leading to udder infections. To mitigate this, he often resorted to antibiotic dry-off treatments, despite his desire to minimize their use.

The Solution: AHV StopLac

Since introducing AHV StopLac into his protocol, Matthias has seen a dramatic shift. “The cows no longer produce and therefore do not leak any milk,” he explains. This change has significantly reduced the risk of udder infections during the dry period, allowing for more selective and confident dry-off decisions.

Benefits Beyond Health

StopLac has aligned perfectly with Roosenhof’s farm philosophy. It’s easy to use, cost-effective, and supports antibiotic reduction, an important goal for Matthias, both for preventing resistance and managing expenses. “We try to avoid using antibiotics as much as possible,” he says, “and StopLac helps us do that.”

A Recommendation for Fellow Farmers

Matthias is enthusiastic about sharing his success with others. “I would recommend it immediately to any other farmer facing the same challenge,” he says. With StopLac, Roosenhof has overcome a long-standing issue and strengthened its commitment to sustainable, health-conscious farming.