Reduction of the risk of milk fever: AHV introduces StartLac Tablet

In dairy cows, around calving, nutrient, water and energy intake is compromised. This is due to several stress factors, such as short period of fasting, the general state of well-being, the duration of calving, and the start of the production cycle. During this transition period, attention should be given to a well-balanced diet that meets the cow’s needs at that specific time.

The transition period runs from the dry-off day to 30 days after calving. During this transition period, a cow faces major changes and challenges. For example, in the last 14 days before calving, the calf grows considerably in size, which requires a lot of energy. In addition, the calf takes up a lot of space in the cow, leaving less room for other organs such as the rumen. Based on the question of how to bridge this transition period as well as possible, AHV has developed the AHV StartLac Tablet, the new brother of the already well-known AHV StartLac Paste.

Metabolic challenges

The high need for energy in the transition period can negatively affect food intake and hence the availability of sufficient nutrients. Moreover, there is a sudden, high mineral (calcium, phosphorus and magnesium) drain due to rising milk production. Together, this can lead to metabolic challenges, such as milk fever or ketosis. Other consequences of energy depletion around calving include:

• Little to no appetite;
• Low activity (reduced muscle function);
• Cold ears as an indicator of calcium/magnesium deficiency;
• Warm ears as an indicator of phosphorus deficiency;
• Retained placenta;
• Leaking milk;
• Rumen challenges;
• Uterine health challenges;
• Negative energy balance;
• Fertility challenges.

AHV StartLac: The best start to lactation

AHV introduces the StartLac Tablet (an improved version of the well-known Milk Start Tablet) to provide optimal support to the cow during the transition period and for optimal uterine health.

Like the existing AHV StartLac Paste, the new StartLac Tablet contributes to lactation start-up after calving. StartLac is a dietary feed for dairy cows that can be used to support cows during production start-up and reduce the risk of milk fever and subclinical calcium deficiency (hypocalcaemia). Both the StartLac Tablet and StartLac Paste contain rapidly absorbable calcium (pidolate), phosphorus, magnesium and active vitamin D3 to support calcium metabolism. Thus, the cow’s body is stimulated to absorb calcium from its own bones as well. The StartLac contains yeasts, which support digestion, and inulin with prebiotic function to support energy utilization.

AHV StartLac Tablet is thus the all-in-one solution for your dairy cow. It promotes a good start to lactation and is administered immediately after calving. This new Tablet in the AHV product family has the following features and benefits.

Table 1: Characteristics and associated benefits of the new AHV StartLac Tablet.

AHV StartLac Tablet provides minerals in available form, so the minerals do not need to be converted by the body first. This allows the body to absorb these minerals directly and stimulates the absorption from minerals from bones and feed. The product works quickly, restoring the energy and mineral balance. It also stimulates the cow to start eating again. This is very important as it helps them regain and maintain their own balance. In short, AHV StartLac ensures an optimal start to lactation, optimally performing animals and ease of work. This in turn results in less stress for you as a farmer and less veterinary intervention.

StartLac products are part of several AHV programs and their products to support transition and uterine health.

AHV Transition Program

The AHV Transition Program focuses on the period before and after calving. The products in this program provide sufficient available energy and minerals, and stimulate dry matter intake. This Transition Program fits perfectly with the AHV Uterine Health Program, with the aim of fully supporting the newly calved cow and allowing her to resume the reproductive cycle in the best possible way.

The program includes the AHV Booster Tablet, Aspi Tablet and the StartLac Paste or Tablet, enabling the proactive approach.

AHV Uterine Health & Fertility Program

Cows with a healthy uterus are essential for your dairy farm. The AHV Uterine Health & Fertility Program focuses on optimal fertility and longevity, improving your cow’s wellbeing and providing more job satisfaction for you as a dairy farmer.

This program includes the AHV Metri Tablet, Aspi Tablet and the StartLac Paste, or Tablet as a proactive approach for optimal uterine health.

Products AHV Transition Program

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AHV StartLac

AHV Booster

AHV Aspi

Products AHV Uterine Health & Fertility Program

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AHV Metri Tablet

AHV StartLac

AHV Aspi

AHV Booster

AHV Extra

AHV Quick