Cow Comfort Comes First at Quonset Farms

At Quonset Farms in Oostburg, Wisconsin, cow welfare is the foundation of everything. This sixth-generation dairy farm, owned by Scott and Lisa Hesselink, has been operating since 1847 and currently milks 1,100 Holsteins three times a day. Herd manager Karl Gabrielse emphasizes, “Our goal is to keep cows comfortable, healthy, and out of the hospital pen.”

A Game-Changer for Fresh Cow Care

Karl’s search for alternative treatment methods led him to AHV. After reconnecting with local AHV representative Matt Kutz, Karl began using AHV Aspi to manage mild temperature spikes detected via smaXtec monitoring. “You could see the temperature drop after administering Aspi,” he says. Encouraged by the results, Karl implemented a new fresh cow protocol: every cow receives AHV Milk Start, Aspi, and Metri. The results? Fresh cow health issues have nearly disappeared, and antibiotic use has dropped significantly.

Better Reproduction and Dry-Off Transitions

Quonset Farms has also seen improvements in reproduction. Since using AHV Aspi and Metri across all lactation groups, the farm’s conception rate has increased from 47% to 53% on first service. “Matt brought a vet who guaranteed a 7% increase and two pounds more milk. We’re on the way there,” Karl shares. The farm has also started using AHV’s StopLac selectively, improving dry-off transitions and reducing udder engorgement.

A Simple, Effective Approach to Cow Health

For Karl, the simplicity and effectiveness of AHV products make them a must-have. “You give the bolus, let the cow be, and monitor with smaXtec. It works,” he says. With fewer interventions, better outcomes, and a strong focus on animal welfare, Karl concludes:

“It’s a great product. It should be in every barn. It’s great for the cow—and it works.”