Drenching with AHV Booster Powder supports rumen and liver function of the cow

Cows that have a clear energy deficit or have not been drinking for some time are at risk of falling into a downward spiral. By taking reactive action, you can stay ahead of further challenges. AHV has developed AHV Booster Powder with these animals in mind. This drench powder contains a unique composition that not only provides rapidly available energy but improves the cow’s hydration status and encourages the cow to eat. In this article, we are excited to share with you why this is important and how it supports rumen and liver function.

Which cows are eligible for drenching?

Drenching is suitable for fresh cows and any cow that does not eat or drink enough. Decreased feed and water intake means she does not have enough carbohydrates available to burn for energy, forcing the cow to use her own fat reserves to provide energy for essential body processes. This stresses the liver and contributes to formation of ketones, or ketone bodies.

Too many of these can have harmful effects. Cows become sluggish, have little appetite and do not take up the desired amount of concentrate, perpetuating this ketotic downward spiral. Furthermore, cows give less milk, have dry manure and condition declines rapidly. Fresh cows are particularly susceptible to ketosis due to the negative energy balance they are already experiencing due to calving. No matter the reason, all cows in this negative energy balance have decreased milk yield, decreased fertility, and a decreased immune system.

Drenching after calving

Drenching a cow after calving will also have the added benefit of filling the space that was previously occupied by the calf. This will help prevent gas formation which, if left unaddressed, leads to a higher incidence of displaced abomasums.

Why drench with AHV Booster Powder?

Drench products often contain propylene glycol. However, this form of energy does not provide an immediate energy boost as the body must first convert it into a usable form of energy. We advise to drench with 2.2 pounds of AHV Booster Powder, mixed into 5 gallons of lukewarm water. AHV Booster Powder contains dextrose as its form of energy which is immediately available to the body as an energy source when ingested. In addition, a cow that eats less will ruminate less, decreasing her saliva production. One of the main components of saliva is bicarbonate, which helps to buffer the rumen and prevent acidosis. That is why AHV has added sodium bicarbonate to its Booster Powder. Furthermore, yeast cell walls are incorporated into the Booster Powder to provide a more stable rumen environment yielding better digestion and decreased rumen acidification. Optimal functioning of a cow’s rumen is essential to get the animal eating and drinking again.

There are ingredients in the Booster Powder that promote appetite, making a cow want to get to the bunk to eat again. To further assist this stable supply of energy, it is advisable to give an AHV Booster Bolus after drenching with the Booster Powder. The Booster Bolus has a slow-release mechanism that allows a steady release of energy. As a result, her energy levels remain stable instead of dropping immediately after drenching. Also, we advise to provide the cow with 500mL of AHV Aspi Liquid. This can be added to the drench. AHV Aspi Liquid promotes the well-being and the immune system of the animal.

The transition period, supplementing with energy and minerals

In addition to our Booster products, we have developed special products for cows in transition to support their mineral balance. The advice from AHV Farm Advisors is to administer AHV Milk Start Bolus about 24 hours before calving. In this way, you ensure that the cow has the right substances to meet the increased requirement at the time of calving. AHV Milk Start Paste is recommended to be administered immediately after calving so that your cow is quickly supplied with sufficient minerals again. AHV Milk Start Paste is a dietetic feed for dairy cows and is the ideal product to reduce the risk of milk fever and subclinical hypocalcaemia. It gives your cows a calcium boost and also contains magnesium, phosphorus and active Vitamin D3. AHV Milk Start Paste also contains energy, rumen support and ingredients to stimulate appetite. With this, AHV Milk Start Paste contributes to good energy management which is essential for a strong start to her lactation.

Drenching explained in 10 steps

Drenching can seem challenging. Therefore, we would like to introduce you to the best method of drenching so that you can easily apply this effective method of energy support.

Proactive support around energy & metabolism

Below we show the protocol we recommend for optimal energy & metabolism. By clicking on the picture you will see more information about the product. However, we always recommend using the products in a program for optimal results.

Booster Bolus

Booster Powder