AHV solutions for drying off cows

Drying off can be a challenging time for dairy cows. A cow’s comfort can be impacted during dry off and she is at risk of strong udder health challenges.  If she does not come through her dry period well, she can have a difficult start of milk production that can impact much of her further lactation. Udder health challenges are the second most common reason for NZ dairy farmers to cull cows. Having a new, innovative and additional tool in your toolbox will empower you as a dairy farmer to optimize your herd health and milk your cows longer.

What is the AHV Udder Health Program?

The AHV Udder Health Program assists with a cow’s udder health by supporting the cow’s immune system to flush out any bacteria and biofilm from the udder before drying off and provide comfort to the cow at the time of drying off. This way, AHV allows you to apply selective DCT, as our solutions are natural plant-based feed supplement boluses.

AHV provides a proactive udder health plan that aims at clearing up the udder, keeping it clear and supporting the cow to keep her comfortable at the time of drying off. This way a cow has a healthy udder to support her during the next lactation.

How we work

Based on your herd test information, your AHV Territory Manager reviews each cow’s SCC history and estimates how much biofilm (containing unfavorable bacteria) is present in her udder. We tailor the udder protocol to this information, which consists of either an AHV Extra bolus only or AHV Quick, AHV Extra and AHV Aspi Bolus 4-6 weeks prior to drying off (also recommended when there are no HT data available), and a natural relief bolus called AHV Aspi Bolus at the time of drying off. We recommend to give one more AHV Extra Bolus approximately 2 weeks after calving to give the cow a best start of her lactation (to remove any biofilm built up during dry period and calving).

The Udder Health Program can be combined with the AHV Uterine Health Program and AHV Energy & Metabolism Program, which together with the AHV Udder Health Program makes up our AHV longevity plan. The AHV longevity plan supports a cow in the most challenging and risky times of lactation with the right energy, nutrients and immune support to give her more lactations with more and higher quality milk.

What are the benefits of the AHV Programs?

When using our Udder Health Program, cows will go through the dry period with more comfort and a similar or lower risk of strong udder health challenges during the dry period compared to DCT as proven in  studies in New Zealand, Ireland and Germany. Moreover, it gives the cow a great start to her next lactation with more and higher quality milk. Udder health also impacts fertility and other health challenges.

Would you like to know more? Please contact your AHV Territory Manager via 0800 4 24869 or www.ahvint.co.nz or email newzealand@ahvint.com. 

These products are mentioned:

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AHV Quick Bolus

AHV Extra Bolus

AHV ASPI Bolus