Improve cyclicity, shorten calving interval, and increase milk production with AHV Proactive Fertility Protocol
Fertility is one of the foundational building blocks in dairy systems, an animal being open is one of the most common reasons for culling worldwide. Poor fertility negatively impacts farm profitability due to high replacement cost, loss in milk production associated with high days open, and slowed rate of genetic progress in the herd. 80-90% of cows face uterine health challenges after calving. 40-50% of these cows develop sub-clinical uterine issues while an average of 8% of cows face severe uterine health challenges. Cows with uterine health challenges utilize energy to fight these issues that would otherwise go into milk production. These animals are losing milk production, profitability potential, and are not optimally preparing for their next pregnancy.
AHV Fertility Protocol
AHV provides farmers with modern animal health solutions in the form of feed additives based on Quorum Quenching science: how bacteria communicate and collaborate with each other. By interrupting how bacteria work together, AHV solutions can support the cow through a broad spectrum of challenges within her lactation. AHV’s proactive Uterine Health & Fertility protocol includes an AHV Metri bolus and AHV Milk Start Paste/Bolus, both given orally, as soon as possible after calving. These products together support uterine recovery post-calving, set up the cow for reproductive success, and a great start to lactation energy wise. Data has shown improved milk production in the first 21 days of lactation, reduced uterine health challenges and a 3% higher conception rate.
On a seasonally calving Cambridge farm, 105 healthy Holstein Friesian cows received the AHV Fertility Protocol as soon as possible after calving and 100 control animals (matched on age and production) did not receive anything. Cows with difficult calving or health challenges were excluded from the program.
Results
Cows who received the AHV Fertility Protocol cycled earlier, were confirmed pregnant earlier, and late calvers had a lower percentage of open cows when compared to control.
The data shows that AHV cows started cycling at 36 days post-calving versus 72 days post calving for the control group (Figure 1). 57% of AHV cows had 3 or 4 heats prior to the start of breeding season 0% for control cows (1 or 2 heats prior to the beginning of breeding only). Of the AHV group, 9/116 cows (7.8%) did not cycle prior to first breeding versus 85/111 (76.6%) for the control. Getting cows cycling and pregnant earlier leads to reduction in the effect of long days open on milk this lactation and more milk in the following lactation.
This herd started their breeding season on October 11th. 85/109 (78%) cows in the AHV group were confirmed pregnant to breedings within the first two weeks compared to 52/102 (51%) of control cows. This means more milk in this lactation and a more compact calving window for next season.
Late calving cows (after August 19th) showed 11% less open cows compared to control (24% vs 35%). Overall, of both AHV and control cows, 18% of animals remained open.
AHV Metri can also be given to non-cycling cows, 25-40% of these cows will come into heat within a week. When AHV Booster (supports energy levels of the cow, also a bolus) is used with Metri for non-cycling cows, this percentage increases to well over 50%. This AHV solution can be faster, cheaper, and less labor intensive compared to traditional synchronization methods.
Conclusion
AHV proactive Uterine Health & Fertility Protocol (Metri Tablet and Milk Start Paste/Bolus) can set up your herd for success in their lactation and next pregnancy with zero milk or meat withhold.
These products are mentioned:
AHV Metri Bolus
AHV Milk Start Paste
Get in touch!
Would you like to be visited by an advisor to discuss the health challenges on your farm together? Our AHV Farm Advisor will be happy to visit you to jointly assess the health of your cows and come up with appropriate cow-specific advice.
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