Set the Foundation for Health, Yield & Fertility: The Power of Transition

In dairy cow productivity, success isn’t determined by a single factor—it’s a balancing act between cow health, milk production, and fertility. These three elements are inseparably linked, and their foundation is built during one critical phase: the Transition Period.

The transition period, spanning three weeks before to three weeks after calving, is a defining stage in a cow’s lactation cycle. How well a cow transitions can impact her ability to calve down smoothly, reach peak production, and conceive efficiently.

Providing the right support in the weeks before and after calving doesn’t just impact her next lactation—it dictates her long-term productivity, reproductive performance, and longevity within the herd.

The Domino Effect on Health, Yield, and Fertility

Health, milk yield, and fertility are inseparably linked,” explains AHV Vet Dr Jan van Dijk. “When one of these areas suffers, it triggers a domino effect. If cows are not properly supported during transition, they may experience metabolic stress, leading to lower peak milk production, poor fertility, and early culling.”

“On the other hand, cows that transition well go on to be healthier, more fertile, and produce higher lifetime milk yields. That’s why AHV developed the Transition and Uterine Herd Health Programme—to provide the necessary support to cows during this critical time.”

Fuelling Health and Production

Key to the programme’s success is its focus on energy and mineral balance, uterine hygiene, and cow recovery, ensuring cows transition smoothly into lactation.

Dr van Dijk continues, “Calving temporarily suppresses a cow’s appetite, delaying recovery and reducing milk production in early lactation. The AHV programme boosts energy and mineral supply as well as the cow’s metabolism to promote better feed intake, helping cows recover faster and produce more milk.”

“A cow that eats well, and has her liver and rumen optimally set up to deal with nutrients, recovers faster and gets back to the feed fence quicker, which is key to setting the foundation for higher milk yields in future lactations.”

Cow Comfort and Recovery

Cow comfort, often underestimated, plays a vital role in a successful transition. “By reducing post-calving stress and discomfort, the AHV approach enhances recovery, improving both fertility and productivity in the early weeks of lactation.” says Dr. van Dijk.

Safeguarding Against Milk Fever

Milk fever is a key concern during transition, but the AHV Transition and Uterine Herd Health Programme is designed to minimise this risk. Dr. van Dijk explains, “AHV StartLac delivers calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and active vitamin D3—key minerals essential for transitioning dairy cows to support smooth calving and reduce the risk of milk fever and subclinical hypocalcaemia at calving, securing longer-term calcium stability.”

Cleaning Out After Calving

Post-calving uterine health is another critical factor addressed by AHV. Dr van Dijk highlights, “Our programme helps cleanse the uterus, which inevitably gets contaminated by bacteria during the calving process, allowing cows to channel their energy into recovery and milk production instead of battling infection. This results in improved long-term fertility and overall productivity.”

Invest in Transition, Reap Long-Term Rewards

Optimising the Transition period isn’t just about short-term health—it’s about maximising milk production, fertility, and long-term herd profitability. Providing the right support during this critical phase ensures cows enter lactation in peak condition, produce at their genetic potential, and maintain strong reproductive performance.

By prioritising transition health with the support of the AHV Transition and Uterine Herd Health Programme, farmers can set the foundation for long-term productivity and herd longevity—a win for both cows and your bottom line.

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