How AHV can support your cows prior to the dry period

Dry cow therapy (DCT) has long been considered the key component of dry cow management, however, with the rise in AMR (antimicrobial resistance) and the tightening of restrictions surrounding the usage of prophylactic (preventative) antimicrobials, it is important for the industry to look for alternatives. To support and optimise udder health on farms, AHV has developed an innovative solution to benefit dairy farmers when drying off cows – introducing AHV Resolute.

The Dry Period: A Challenging Period for Udder Health

The dry period between lactations is a crucial time for udder health. The six to eight-week period provides the opportunity for udder tissue to recover and for the cow to prepare for her next lactation. However, the udder is also at a high risk of developing new udder health challenges during this period. High Somatic Cell Count (SCC) in early lactation is often a result of udder health challenges which have occurred during the dry period (Pieper et al., 2013). Studies have shown that over 60% of new udder health challenges occur during the dry period and the vast majority of them are caused by environmental bacteria (Todhunter et al., 1991).

The Future of Dry Cow Therapy

Dry Cow Therapy (DCT) has two main functions, the elimination of udder health challenges at the time of dry-off and the prevention of new challenges during the dry period (Bradley & Green, 2009). Conventional DCT involves treating all four-quarters of all cows with antibiotic dry-cow tubes at dry-off. This approach has long been standard practice on the majority of dairy farms, both to treat existing udder health challenges and as a preventative measure against new bacterial infiltrations during the dry period. However, the need to reduce our use of antibiotics in animals and in particular in relation to udder health challenges is echoed in the rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). It is becoming increasingly important to step away from blanket dry cow therapy and implement an alternative.

Selective dry cow therapy (SDCT) can be a potential alternative to the blanket approach, but the alternatives to antimicrobial treatments are even better. At AHV, we believe in the power of natural solutions and in giving the animal exactly what it needs most, depending on its situation. Based on this principle, we have developed the AHV Udder Health Programme to help tackle udder health challenges and to facilitate an easy dry-off. An additional benefit is that we help reduce the risk of AMR.

The AHV Udder Health Programme

To achieve a successful dry period, AHV has developed the AHV Udder Health Programme. To keep cows’ udders as healthy as possible, it is important to monitor the animal alongside analysis of milk recording data, to make informed decisions that will benefit animal health in a sustainable way. The key is to have a proactive attitude in keeping animals healthy and in production, because the longer the udder remains healthy, the more the animal and the farmer will benefit. The AHV Udder Health Programme is highly successful due to its patent-pending AHV QSA Technology, which directly targets the biofilm formed in the udder by breaking it down and allowing the cows’ immune system to tackle the challenge at the source!

Prepare your cows for drying off

AHV Resolute fits perfectly into your dry cow protocol.  At AHV, we support your cows before and during the dry period and into the next lactation with the AHV Udder Health Programme. Minimum 4 weeks prior to dry-off, we advise the administration of one AHV Extra Tablet and one AHV Aspi Tablet. This combination cleanses the udder from the inside to prepare it for the upcoming dry-off, whilst supporting the immune system. For abrupt dry-off, AHV advises administering the AHV Resolute at the point of dry-off.

Excellent preparation with revolutionary follow-up

AHV Resolute is a unique product that improves health, management and welfare at dry-off. It allows farmers to milk the cow to the end without reducing milk yield or making changes to the diet. By reducing udder pressure and udder engorgement in high-yielding cows we reduce discomfort and stress, positively influencing animal welfare. The reduction in udder pressure will also have a positive effect on milk leakage. Trials have shown a reduction in milk leakage after Resolute has been applied. Therefore, reducing the risk of bacteria from the environment entering the teat canal and causing an issue during the dry period and the next lactation.

References:

• Bradley, A. J., & Green, M. J. (2009). Factors affecting cure when treating bovine clinical mastitis with cephalosporin-based intramammary preparations. Journal of Dairy Science, 92(5), 1941–1953. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2008-1497
• Halasa, T., Nielen, M., Whist, A. C., & Østerås, O. (2009). Meta-analysis of dry cow management for dairy cattle. part 2. Cure of existing intramammary infections. Journal of Dairy Science, 92(7), 3150–3157. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2008-1741
• Pieper , J., Hoedmaker, M. & Kromker , V., 2013. Significance of the dry period for the development and prevention of new infections of the bovine mammary gland. Tierarztliche Praxis, 41(5), pp. 315-324.