Proactive transition support with AHV

Brad Payne farms 700 mixed breed cows (25% Jersey, 25% Friesian and 50% Crossbred) by Monavale with a strong focus on animal performance. The farm utilises a covered feed pad, 60 bale rotary milk shed and a separate herringbone for their red mob. They milk year round in this high input system with cows calving in between May to September and heifers calving down in the first month. Data is important for Brad to make management decisions which is why they herd test monthly except for October and December.

Brad is known for his innovative approach to farming and is an early adopter using AHV solutions since September 2022. One of the challenges he has been facing is uterine health. After calving, some cows took as long as three weeks to clear post-calving. This means energy is being partitioned to recovery at the cost of milk production and staying healthy during the challenging transition period.

“This protocol is visibly supporting my cows post calving”

Brad saw the opportunity to support the health of his herd in a more proactive way. Brad started giving his cows that had a difficult calving (assisted, twins, etc) an AHV Opti Bolus right after calving and noticed that the cow’s recovery post-calving was better supported with the uterus typically clearing within three days. Samantha Kietzman, AHV Territory Manager in Southwest Waikato, advised Brad to also add AHV Milk Start Paste to the Opti Bolus, which contains macro-minerals (Ca, P and Mg) and an AHV Aspi Bolus for relief. The additional macro minerals support the Opti Bolus and Milk Start Paste gets cows eating almost immediately. This means the cow can close her energy and mineral gap on their own from the diet offered. Keeping energy up is very important to keep the immune system strong, the cow healthy after calving, and off to a great start for the lactation!

AHV Opti Bolus and AHV Milk Start Paste together are AHV’s proactive Fertility protocol that has been demonstrated in New Zealand and overseas result in more milk, supporting better fertility outcomes through earlier cycling and lower empty rates for late calvers, and improved uterine health post calving.

Brad says, “This protocol is visibly supporting my cows post calving, with the uterus now cleared within 1-2 days.”  Brad plans to use AHV to support his cows in the coming season including the AHV Fertility protocol at calving and udder solutions to support the productivity and longevity of his cows.

About AHV

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.