Why is energy so important for good fertility?

Article two in the series of four articles on Energy & Metabolism

Continuing our series on the importance of energy for your animals, this article looks specifically into the dairy cow. A tremendous amount of energy is needed for a high producing dairy cow. Without adequate energy, vital organs fail to operate properly, growth and milk production are negatively impacted, and reproduction is halted. Additionally, a low energy supply may make a cow more vulnerable to bacteria growth and biofilm build up. For these reasons, it is essential to properly manage your herds energy balance and take proactive measures to prevent the damage that energy deficiencies can cause.

“AHV takes a proactive approach to energy maintenance. The earlier you act, the more it saves you in terms of time, cost and overall animal health. The most important thing for us is to give the cow back her ability to perform necessary functions , so that she has the opportunity to be the most productive cow that she can be”, says

Decreased immunity is an opportunity for bacteria

A lack of energy can cause a variety of problems for a cow, most obviously decreased milk production or loss of body condition. But what about the affects you can’t always see? Poor immunity and increased susceptibility to disease and metabolic disorders can be a result of insufficient energy. Mounting an immune response against bacteria is an energetically demanding act. So, when a majority of a cow’s energy is directed towards life sustaining processes, a cow immune system may not be able to address the presence of bacteria. This enables bacteria to grow, build biofilm, and eventually attack when the cow is at her weakest.  

To prevent your cows from reaching a vulnerable state, it is vital to properly manage their energy balance. Traditionally this is done through nutrition programs, but supplemental actions can help maintain adequate levels of energy and performance.

Our farm advisors at AHV  like to work together with the farmer, to address areas of improvement on farm. The team is well verses in proactive and reactive measures to help farms achieve the results they want. Our goal is always to understand the needs of the farmer and the herd, to identify areas that need attention on the farm, and share how we can proactively address them.

Energy plays an important role in good fertility

Each phase of a cow’s life requires a different health approach. Sometimes not enough attention is paid to fertility, even though studies have shown reproduction is a primary reason for culling (Boscom SS, Young AJ, 2018). According to Geert Opsomer of Ghent University, milk production will be more efficient if the average number of days in lactation is lower. For ideal milk production, he recommends a herd have an average of 160-180 days in lactation. When a herd reaches an average of 200+ days in lactation, the production efficiency of the herd is lower.

The dairy industry regularly sees fertility challenges, which often originate from energy challenges. For example, think about cows that do not show signs of heat. This is often due to the fact that  she is fighting other challenges or has not absorbed enough energy.  AHV’s farm advisors give advice based on the data available on the farm. If you see that a cow is dropping too fast in milk production or other key figures (e.g. fat/protein content), your farm advisor can offer a recommendation to address the imbalance in the cow’s energy.  The farms that are trailing the  AHV app see data that shows the energy balance has improved after utilizing AHV’s recommended protocol.

“The most important thing when it comes to energy is proactive intervention. , Keeping her energy balanced will help the cow  perform optimally. We work with the farm to make sure that the cows are staying strong, so that the herd is producing well and is prepared for the rise of health challenges. ” according to …

When to use AHV Booster for fertility?

When there is a need for a quick boost of quality  energy, drenching with the with the AHV Booster Powder is the best solution. You can rest assured that Booster Powder delivers an energy boost, activates and helps restore the rumen and provides hydration. It can be administered via drench or top dress in times of weakening due to illness, a difficult calving, or periods of stress.

When to use AHV Booster for fertility?

When there is a need for a quick boost of quality energy, drenching with the with the AHV Booster Powder is the best solution. You can rest assured that Booster Powder delivers an energy boost, activates and helps restore the rumen and provides hydration. It can be administered via drench or top dress in times of weakening due to illness, a difficult calving, or periods of stress.

AHV also offers a Booster Bolus for activating rumen and liver function to improve energy management and reduce the risk of a negative energy balance. Administration is most recommended for cows within a week post calving, during periods of stress and warm weather, and during heat.

Our Booster products are a proactive solution to animals not receiving sufficient nutrition and facing a lack of energy. Assisting in offering enough energy to perform body functions, keeping production high, and positively influence fertility, Booster may be a good solution for your farm.

Curious how AHV can contribute to optimal energy and metabolism in your dairy cattle? Fill in the form below to get in touch with one of our experts or click here to find your local Farm Advisor