AHV PROGRAM – ENERGY & METABOLISM
Optimal energy management, reproductive activity, feed intake and conversion and production
The AHV Energy Balance & Metabolism Program (AHV EMP) supports your animal’s natural resistance and energy balance for optimal productivity, re-productivity, and longevity, which leads to cost-savings and fewer financial losses, improved well-being of your cow and improved labour convenience and enjoyment for the dairy farmer.
A negative energy balance can lead to major (economic) damage by, for example, losses in milk production (Leblanc, 2014), forced early discharge (McArt et al., 2012) and reduced fertility (Bicalho et al., 2017). Below you will find an indicative calculation of your possible econimic benefit with AHV (for an average farm of 103 dairy cows) based on these KPIs.
We offer a range of innovative energy and metabolism solutions alongside a full-service concept, including tailored advice and additional (veterinary) support, data-driven approaches, and training for monitoring and identification.
AHV ENERGY & METABOLISM PROGRAM
The AHV Energy & Metabolism Program (AHV EMP) includes;
- Tailored guidance and training for the correct, proactive use of AHV Energy & Metabolism Solutions (see below) for optimal results in, for example, fertility, longevity, production and cost-savings, and more.
- Training in identifying challenges proactively.
- Free additional in-depth veterinary data-driven analysis and consult.
- Opportunities to actively take part in the AHV CommUNITY & Innovation Program; sharing experiences and learning curve courses with other farmers through a variety of platforms, such as organized workshops and study clubs, facilitated or supported by AHV.
“The AHV Cow Milk Start solutions contain both calcium, magnesium and phosphorus. We see fast results, and they work measurably well, since we are data-driven at our farm. Knowing that phosphorus and calcium deficiencies are becoming serious challenges, we feel that this AHV Program a great approach, at an attractive price point.”
Jeroen Groot, dairy farmer (Aarlanderveen, The Netherlands)
RETURN ON INVESTMENT
This indicative calculation is based on an average UK farm with 201 dairy cows (FADN, 2018), using national validated KPIs and validated average costs, such as labour costs and herd size management costs, but also the prevention of loss of production and thus additional yields (Berge & Vertenten, 2014; Brickell et al., 2009; Cooney & Petty-Saphon, 2015).
Economic advantage AHV EMP – Short term: £-11,447
Economic advantage AHV EMP – Mid term: £6,814
Economic advantage AHV EMP – Long term: £15,945
Your average annual economic benefit of working with the AHV Energy Balance & Metabolism Program can amount to £7,582.
BENEFITS
RUMEN HEALTH
The process of chewing during eating and ruminating plays a vital role in maintaining high levels of feed in-take and efficient digestive function in high-producing dairy cows (Beauchemin, 2018). Also depending on feed management, the cow can gain maximum nutritional benefit from the feed it digests.
Optimal rumen health (a stable and active population of micro-organisms in the cow’s rumen) results in a high degree of efficiency and ensures cows are in good health. The health of a cow’s rumen is expressed by referring to the acidity in the rumen: the rumen pH (ideally between 5.5 and 6.8-7.0, depending on feed management (Cunningham, 2002; Smith, 2009). The maintenance of the rumen pH takes place through rumination and the cow’s saliva production (Kay, 1966; Cassida, 1986; Silanikove Tadmor, 1989).
Within the ideal pH range, microflora in the rumen operate at maximum efficiency, breaking down the nutrients from the feed. A low ruminal pH for prolonged periods each day reduces the fibrolytic bacteria (micro-organisms capable of obtaining energy from feed enzymes) in the rumen and therefore reduces the fiber digestibility in the rumen. This can affect feed intake, microbial metabolism and feed digestion (Dijkstra et al., 2012).
RUMINATION
Figure 1 shows the average ruminating activity (ruminating time, in minutes) of cows with and without a negative energy balance, to the days after calving. These values have been validated on the basis of research by Kaufman et al (2016).
A test population of 25 cows, showing signals of a negative energy balance, entered the AHV EMP and was given a AHV Booster solution (AHV Cow Booster Tablet). These were administered between day 7 and 8 after calving.
The support of the AHV Solution on the startup of the rumination activity is shown in the graph, returning to average rumination activity for healthy cows.
“Us farmers need to change our animal health care and AHV are the first to introduce proper sustainable, cost-saving solutions with great results. The service is great: I can call whenever I need help.“
Alistair McCullough, dairy farmer (Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland)
SUPPORT RUMINATION ACTIVITY
Figure 1: Ruminal activity comparison (AHV International, 2020)
PINK: Average rumination activity, in minutes
GREEN: Average rumination activity, in minutes (negative energy balance)
YELLOW: Average time at feeding fence, in minutes
LACTOSE & HEALTH
Lactose in milk is an indicator for the nutritional status and health of cows (Umer Chhalgari, 2014 / Mäntysaari et al., 2019). Its composition and concentration is influenced in particular by the udder health, and energy balance and metabolism of the cow (Costa et al, 2019).
According to Pyörälä (2003), udder health problems have a negative effect on the lactose content. She suggests that the lactose content can also serve as an indicator for udder health problems; the lactose content in general shows few deviations during both a lactation and in between different lactations. In the case of udder health problems, the lactose content decreases, and among other things the enzyme activity is reduced, but this percentual decrease is relatively small (Pyörälä, 2003).
When certain parameters of the milk control data show an increase as soon as udder health problems occur, the lactose level decreases (Malek dos Reis et al., 2013 / Çardak, 2016 / Kul et al., 2019).
REDUCE LOSSES
Figure 2 shows the (short-term) difference in milk production (in kg) of cows with and without a negative energy balance, based on days in lactation.
With the use of AHV Energy Balance & Metabolism Solutions you can prevent losses in milk production (shaded area) by proactively managing your cow’s general energy balance and metabolic systems.
Additional milk losses due to later disorders, resulting from a negative energy balance, are not included in this graph.
A negative energy balance also has various (economic) consequences at later stages, for example due to subsequent deterioration in udder health, and reduced insemination results and fertility, and thus an extended calving interval (Steeneveld et al., 2020).
“I really like the usability of the AHV Solutions. Once we identify cows low in energy, we can get them active again very fast and efficiently with this AHV’s Program. We feel this saves us a lot of labour, plus you have better and faster results, so less losses in production.“
Siem de Boer, dairy farmer (Warder, the Netherlands)
MILK PRODUCTION
Figure 2 – Comparison of lactation curves (based on Duffield et al., 2009; Gröhn et al., 1999)
BLUE: Lactation curve for cow (average)
GREEN: Lactation curve for cow with negative energy balance
GREEN SHADED: Milk production loss
For more information, please make an appointment with one of our Advisors Animal Health.
AHV ENERGY & METABOLISM SOLUTIONS
AHV BOOSTER
AHV Cow Booster Tablet is a complementary feed for cows. Gives an energy boost and is good for a balanced intestinal flora.
Packaging: 10 tablets
AHV BOOSTER DRENCH POWDER
AHV Cow Booster Drench Powder is a complementary feed for cattle (dairy cows). The product has a beneficial effect on health, gives an energy boost. Enhances the metabolism.
Packaging: 10 kg, 10 x 1 kg
AHV BOOSTER PASTE
AHV Cow Booster Paste is a complementary feed for cattle (dairy cows). The product contains extra calcium and phosphorus, has a beneficial effect on health, gives an energy boost and promotes the metabolism.
Packaging: 12 tubes
AHV MILK START
AHV Cow Milk Start Tablet is a complementary feed for cattle (dairy cows). The use of AHV Cow Milk Start Tablet ensures sufficient intake of magnesium, calcium and phosphorus. Promotes the metabolism.
Packaging: 24 tablets
AHV MILK START PASTE
AHV Milk Start Paste is a complementary feed for dairy cows, ewes and goats. The product contains extra calcium and phosphorus, has a beneficial effect on health, gives an energy boost and promotes the metabolism.
Packaging: 10 tubes
AHV ASPI
AHV Aspi Liquid is a liquid complementary feed for farm animals. Supports during recovery periods.
Packaging: 30 x 100 ml, 16 x 500 ml, 5 litres
For more information, please make an appointment with one of our Advisors Animal Health.
