Fergus Austin’s experience with the Fertility Health Programme

My name is Fergus Austin. I am a second-generation farmer, farming here in Borrisokane, Co. Tipperary. Together with my father and a full-time employee, we milk 118 spring calving cows. Giving about 7,000 liters.  

Getting to know AHV

I first heard about AHV through farmers, the products were working for different guys with udder health challenges. A consultant called in and I bought some products and used it. Unfortunately, I didn’t get on so well the first time I used it. It all changed when the new consultant Padraig came in and we had a discussion that I wasn’t really happy with the products, and he gave me the support and the confidence to give it another try.  

I’m on the AHV Fertility Health Programme, at the moment the protocol with the cows is in the spring I use the AHV Metri Tablet, StartLac Paste, Aspi and for the older cows I also use the Milk Start Tablet. We do that just to support the cows through the first few days after calving. I find that good for getting them ready for the breeding season, cleaning them out and supporting them.  

Fertility Programme

I started using the Fertility Programme because I do have a high EBI for fertility, but I wasn’t getting results probably down to the cows being a high yielding herd and probably not able to support their own system throughout the initial first week of calving. After introducing the Fertility Health Plan, this is the second year of using it. Last year I went from sub 50% first conception to 70% conception rate after the first service. So, just looking at the data, it works.  

I use AHV Booster Powder in both calves and the cows. With the calves I use the Booster Powder to support their immunity throughout the growing face. The calves grow well, they have no issues. Thank god I have no issues for scouring the last couple years. With the cows I use it when they come under pressure and it seem to rehydrate them really quickly after use.  

I feel supported by the help of the AHV Farm Advisor and Nutritionist

I feel well supported by AHV through Padraig calling and as well as that we have the Nutritionist Michael. He comes and we chat about the nutritional needs of the cows. Padraig goes through the milk recording and we make a plan than from month to month. They are always on the phone if there is an issue, I can ring up Padraig or Michael and we chat through different scenarios.  

So my hopes going forward with the herd is longevity. With the new regulations and banding coming in now I had to reduce the cow numbers. But my hope is to increase the herds production through the use of AHV products and their support of nutritionist, to really set up the cows for the future. 

Here on Bellpark farm we are aiming to continue reducing the traditional methods used and to build a more sustainable healthier productive farm for generations to come.