Pairing collar technology and AHV to support animal health

Thomas Scherers has been using Animal Health Vision (AHV) solutions for a year as part of his plan to future-proof his animal health. As one of the first adopters of Allflex collars nearly ten years ago, he’s seen the benefits of applying new technologies in his farming business. Identifying ‘off cows’ early and utilising AHV solutions to support his herd has minimised usage of traditional methods for animal health.

Located in the South Waikato, Thomas milks 420 Friesian cows. His autumn calving herd is achieving 650 kg MS with system 5 supplement feeding. Managing high performing animals in high input systems can be a challenge. Thomas uses the daily health report generated from his collar system to identify cows that need attention early. These cows are drafted and visually assessed.

‘Off cows’ are given AHV Aspi and AHV Booster Bolus. The AHV Aspi supports recovery and provides relief. The AHV Booster Bolus supports the cow’s rumen and liver to efficiently turn feed into energy for the next 1-2 months. Collar data shows cows given these two boluses see a rapid improvement in rumination (within 1-2 days). When a cow is eating and taking in enough energy, she has the ability to manage most challenges she faces. Catching ‘off cows’ early and proactively addressing her needs is key and why it works so well with collar technology.

Proactive approach supports cows and calves

Thomas has piloted additional AHV protocols with 20 cows that calved down this past spring to identify new protocols for managing his animal health. After calving, he applied AHV’s proactive fertility protocol of Milk Start Paste and Opti Bolus.

“These cows milked better out of the gate,” Thomas mentions. This protocol is designed to support recovery post-calving so energy can be focused on lactation as opposed to fueling the immune system as the cow cleans up her uterus.

For calves, Thomas used Reco Paste for the first time. AHV Reco Paste supports the calf’s digestive system which is often challenged during the first month of life as calves develop their immune system and is given at the first signs of digestive challenges.

“Any calf that didn’t look quite right, we gave Reco Paste,” Thomas adds. “They came right the next day.”

Thomas mentioned that using the proactive fertility protocol on the cows and Reco paste for calves eliminated the need to apply traditional animal health practices reactively. He sees that there will be a time when traditional animal health methods are heavily restricted and knows that veterinarians are already talking about it.

“It’s going to be mandatory in the years to come, it’s time to get ahead of the game,” Thomas states.

About AHV

AHV solutions are focused on supporting animals through the challenging times during lactation. AHV Solutions are new, unique and transformational; oral, plant-based supplements with no milk or meat withholding, that can clear up udders, uterus and feet (as examples) of bacteria in biofilm. They allow the farmer to keep milk in the vat and lower risks of contaminating the vat with milk from cows using traditional methods. Keeping animals happy and in good energy are key elements of AHV’s concept and support protocols.

AHV (Animal Health Vision) is the global leader in quorum sensing-powered animal health solutions and advisory services, giving #PowerToTheFarmer to optimise their animal health. Since opening in New Zealand February 2022, AHV has tailored a range of protocols to New Zealand farming challenges to power herd longevity, productivity and profitability. Reach out to your local Territory Manager or call AHV New Zealand at 0800 424 869 to learn more about how AHV can support your farm.