TRIAL RESULTS: Udder health of dairy cattle strongly improved

Using AHV Herd test (HT) analysis and udder solutions

A high success rate, consistent milk quality values and higher milk yields were observed on over 800 dairy farms in the Netherlands and Belgium. The AHV HT analysis supports dairy farmers in optimizing udder health on an individual cow level, with results. Curious about the advantages of the AHV HT analysis for you as a dairy farmer?

The AHV HT analysis is based on the herd test data of the dairy farmer. The data is loaded into a database and analyzed by our data specialists. After this analysis, the AHV Territory Manager together with the farmer, selects cows that qualify for the AHV udder solutions. The cows that have been given AHV udder boluses are marked in the AHV HT analysis. The Territory Manager and the farmer can then review the results after the next HT.

Benefits of AHV udder solutions are reduced recurrence of severe udder health challenges and therefor less work for you as a farmer. AHV solutions have zero milk or meat withhold and therefor eliminate risk. Healthy udders support good fertility, ensure more milk of good quality in your vat. Keeping the udders clear will longer term enable cows to be milked for more lactations.

800 dairy farms in the Netherlands and Belgium successful with the AHV-analysis

In the past two years, the number of dairy farms in the Netherlands and Belgium that work with the AHV HT analysis has increased to over 800. The size of these farms varies from 30 to 400 dairy cows. In New Zealand 175 farms so far have received udder health analysis from AHV based on their MINDA HT results.

The AHV HT analysis shows which cows require attention based on their udder health values. The analysis looks at both the current health status, and 18 months back. Of course, the farmer decides which cows he will support with AHV udder solutions based on the Territory Manager’s initial recommendation. The older group of cows that have had challenges for several lactations and therefore are not marked in the AHV HT analysis can also be administered AHV udder solutions, however expect a lower success rate. As a dairy farmer you know best which cows you want to give attention to, AHV gives you well-founded advice.

Animal health advice substantiated with data

Each HT generates new data in the AHV HT analysis, which divides cows into categories. This way, the farmer can see which animals on his/her farm require attention and he/she can work with this in a targeted way. The AHV Udder Health concept contains four categories*:

• UDR – C: A healthy udder, little to no biofilm in udder
• UDR – L: Max. 2 indications regarding udder health in the last 18 months. A small amount of biofilm in udder
• UDR – P: Max. 3 strong indications regarding udder health in the last 18 months. A medium amount of biofilm in udder
• UDR – R: More than 3 strong indications in the last 18 months. A lot/too much of biofilm in udder.

* Categories and indications are based on HT data.

Bacteria wait for their chance

A cow that does not receive AHV solutions often shows ups and downs in her milk values, depending on the strength of her immune system. Figure 1 shows the development of the average milk value based on data from 62,000+ Dutch cows (UDR-L, UDR-P, UDR-A category), where no AHV solutions were used (AHV, 2022). This figure shows that early support of the udder is essential to avoid future challenges.

These future challenges are visible in Figure 2, which shows that the cow, by the use of regular methods and a good energy level among other things, gets through the first 2/3 years with a lower milk value. However, the data shows that from the third year of life onwards, challenges arise regarding udder health. Because bacteria have been waiting for their chance, they can come out of the biofilm and strike. This has a strong impact on the cow’s longevity, as can be seen in the table next to Figure 1.

85% positive result with proactive approach

Results show that for a significant improvement the initial milk value is not important, ie the udder category is more important as this reflects how much biofilm is in the udder, compared to last HT milk values. On average, almost 85% (see table) of the cows that were recommended (UDR – L & P) for AHV udder boluses (Quick, Extra and Aspi) show a positive result at the next HT. For the youngest animals we even see a positive result in 9 out of 10 cows. In Holland, HTs are done monthly.

The results from our analysis show how important it is to take a proactive udder health approach. Figures 1 and 2 show what happens when the udder is not supported timely (i.e. early in life). Keeping the udder healthy from the first lactation onwards is essential to set a cow up for a long productive life. A cow with a healthy udder can stay on the dairy farm 9.2 to 32.4 weeks longer, according to research based on 10 years of data from Dutch cattle farms (al., P. K. Wageningen University, 2021). This benefit is in addition to increased milk production and reduced health costs.  And AHV solutions have zero meat or milk withhold.

Udder health significantly improved after first HT

In addition to the percentage of animals whose udder health improved significantly after the first HT, we also looked at the average number of days before any improvement was seen. On average, it takes 60 days for milk values to drop below the acceptable national values. AHV udder health solutions work on the basis of our AHV QSA (Quorum Sensing Antagonist) Technology. By disrupting the communication of bacteria in the biofilm, the cow is given the opportunity to improve her health with her own immune system, the cow is supported in a natural way.

The above results demonstrate a positive influence on the direct animal health of your farm, as well as on lactations to come. Figure 3 shows that cows that have received AHV solutions show a clear improvement in udder health.

In Figure 3 you can see how the milk values have improved in 500+ cows (UDR-L, UDR-P, UDR-A category) who received an AHV Quick Bolus, Aspi Liquid and Extra Bolus (AHV, 2022) resulting in both improved animal health and financial situation.  The animals that have been supported with AHV solutions can stay in production longer and stay healthier, which contributes to a higher milk yield. In addition, costs for regular animal health solutions are reduced.

AHV working method and results from customers in New Zealand

AHV has been active in New Zealand since 2022 and over 300 dairy farms are using the AHV solutions. The below graph demonstrates the results of a South Island dairy farm were 44 NZ dairy cows of different ages and estimated amounts of biofilm in their udder (based on AHV’s udder health analysis) received AHV udder solutions. After the HT in October 2022, cows received an AHV Quick, Extra and Aspi Bolus, and 32 out of the 44 cows (with higher milk values) also received an AHV Booster Bolus, to fuel the immune system. ‘Control’ cows were matched on age and milk value at the HT of October 2022, where possible. Results at the next HT in January 2023 showed an overall milk value decrease of approximately 1M. Younger cows responded better than older cows, as expected and the Booster Bolus resulted in good results despite higher starting milk values. Control cows in the same period showed either same or higher milk values. In addition, cows receiving AHV udder solutions have better udder health for longer.

Once the udder is cleared, it is important to keep them clear using the AHV proactive Udder Health Plan. This plan is aimed at preventing udder health, with many flow on benefits.

These type of results are often seen, if farmers and AHV Territory Managers partner in prioritizing cows for AHV solutions. AHV advice is critical to getting good results!

Would you like to know more? Please contact your AHV Territory Manager via 0800 4 24869 or www.ahvint.co.nz or email newzealand@acceptatie.ahvint.com. 

The Udder Health program consist of four products

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AHV Aspi

AHV Extra Bolus

AHV Quick Bolus

AHV Booster