A successful dry-off sets the foundation for the next lactation. At Veldhuis North Dairy in Ballico, California, herd manager Chito Lopez has seen firsthand how changing the dry cow and treatment approach with AHV StopLac and AHV cow treatments has transformed cow comfort, labor efficiency, and milk production.

Calm cows from day one of dry-off

Since switching to AHV StopLac for dry cows, Veldhuis North Dairy has moved to a 100% StopLac dry-off strategy. According to Lopez, the difference was immediately visible.

“The stress level was low—there was just no stress. The cows were calm, laying down, chewing their cud,” he explains.

In a side-by-side comparison, cows treated with StopLac remained relaxed and comfortable, while conventionally dried-off cows showed signs of stress, udder engorgement, and milk leakage the following day. The contrast was striking enough that the team documented it on video.

“When you see that, it changes your mind. You think: there’s something here that’s really working.”

Better transition, better performance

The impact of a calm, controlled dry-off continued well beyond the dry period. The team closely tracked StopLac cows through calving and into early lactation, including extended monitoring of somatic cell performance.

“The biggest jump we saw was production,” says Lopez.
“At 30 days in milk, cows were peaking up to 4 pounds higher. Everything was the same—just better production.”

Equally important: StopLac cows did not return to the hospital pen after calving. Tagged and tracked individually, these cows stayed healthy and productive, marking a clear improvement in overall transition success.

Reduced labor and smoother routines

Beyond cow performance, the StopLac program simplified daily routines. Traditional dry cow procedures—tubes, sealers, and extended barn time—were labor-intensive and increased the risk of handling errors.

“Now, cows go in, get milked, receive their bolus, and leave the barn. They don’t stay any longer than they have to,” Lopez explains.

This streamlined approach reduces labor pressure, lowers stress during handling, and keeps cows moving smoothly through the system.

Faster recovery for milk cows

For lactating cows, Veldhuis North uses AHV Quick, Extra, and Aspi. Lopez notes a clear reduction in hospital time, especially for cows with high somatic cell counts.

“Most AHV cows are back in their pen within one to two days. With traditional tubes, it’s at least five.”

Reducing time in the hospital pen means less stress, faster return to normal rations and routines, and ultimately better milk production.

A smarter approach to cow health

By focusing on stress reduction, natural cow processes, and efficient workflows, AHV solutions have helped Veldhuis North optimize both animal welfare and farm performance—starting at dry-off and carrying through the entire lactation.

VELDHUIS NORTH DAIRY USES THE FOLLOWING AHV PRODUCTS: