Data report: How AHV StopLac is transforming dry-off management
In the ever-evolving world of dairy farming, ensuring the health and productivity of livestock is paramount. AHV International has been at the forefront of this mission, and our latest innovation, StopLac, is a testament to our commitment. Through extensive field trials, we have gathered compelling evidence that underscores the efficacy of StopLac in improving dry-off management and udder health. This article delves into the details of these trials.
AHV StopLac has been in development since 2021, numerous trials have been carried out across hundreds of farms and multiple countries. The trials focus on the core aspects of StopLac; milk production reduction, product safety, milk leakage, udder health (metabolic health) and udder engorgement.
AHV StopLac so far:
Trusted by 2,500+ farmers caring for over 750,000 cows in 16 countries
Field Trial Results
United States – Trials across 2 farms involving 404 dairy cows
Key findings
• 70% difference in milk leakage after dry-off
• 6.7 lbs/3 KG difference per day in milk production (100DIM average)
• 47% difference in death losses (60DIM)
Compared to the control group (n=171).
Background Information
Animals were selected by the farmers to be dried off with AHV StopLac and groups were randomized at the dairy. In addition, animals were split by risk:
High risk (SCC>100 prior to dry off or 1 clinical case of mastitis during the lactation)
AHV group: StopLac + ATB Tubes + sealant
Control: ATB Tubes + sealant
Low risk (SCC<100 prior to dry off or 1 clinical case of mastitis during the lactation)
AHV group: StopLac
Control: no treatment
Germany and Austria – Trials across 59 farms involving 458 dairy cows
Key findings
Cows applied with StopLac (n=458) showed:
• 62% reduction in milk leakage after dry-off
Compared to literature & farm checklists.
Background Information
- Farm checklists were filled in beforehand: approx. 30-40% of all dried cows showed milk leakage.
Cows with higher milk yield show approx. > 40-50% milk leakage
- Literature: cows above 15 kg milk / day at dry off: 42% of them show milk leakage after dry-off.
Netherlands and Belgium – Trials across 22 farms involving 289 dairy cows
Key findings
Cows applied with StopLac (n=142) showed:
• 38.1% lower risk to develop a new udder infection
• 25.9% higher recovery rate of old udder issues
Compared to the control group (n=147).
Background Information
The primary parameter measured was the somatic cell count (SCC), with recordings taken at the last milk recording of the last lactation and the first three milk recordings during the next lactation.
Netherlands, Belgium, and France – Trial across 5 farms to measure milk leakage
Key findings
Cows administered with AHV StopLac (n=34) had:
• An average of 75% less milk leakage
Compared to control cows (n=26).
Background Information
All animals were selected based on dry-off date, milk yield (>15 kg/day at dry-off), 4 milking quarters and abrupt dry-off. Milk leakage was measured every 0, 12, 24, 36, 48 hours after dry-off. Milk yield was measured before and after the dry-off period.
Milk Production Reduction
AHV carried out a proof of concept study in collaboration with Utrecht University (NL) across 4 Dutch dairy farms.
Key findings
Lactating cows receiving AHV StopLac (n=24) had:
• 56% milk production reduction within 24 hours.
Compared to the control group (n=23) P= <0.05.
Normal milk production resumed after 7 days.
Background Information
Animals were selected for trial based on expected dry-off date and milk yield (12.5 liter/day).
Milk yield was measured every milking (twice daily) for 21 days. 14 days prior to the treatment, until 7 days after the treatment.
Product Safety
To prove product safety, CRO (Contract Research Organization) RumExperts (Liege University, Belgium) carried out trials with StopLac.
Key findings
Trial included 24 cows in total.
• AHV StopLac is a safe and effective method for abruptly drying off dairy cows
• Better udder immunity, due to lower pH inside the udder
• Less bacterial growth, due to increased lactose reabsorption
• Lower risk of metabolic issues around calving, due to:
• Less fat breakdown (ketone bodies) Less muscle breakdown (protein)
• Higher blood calcium levels
12 cows were abruptly dried off with StopLac, control group without. This study is currently being repeated on a larger scale (400 cows) across Luxembourg, Belgium, France and Germany. The first results were shown at this year’s Buiatric Congress in Nantes.
Less Udder Engorgement
To demonstrate the effectiveness of StopLac on udder engorgement, AHV carried out trials on 5 farms in The Netherlands.
Key findings
Cows administered with AHV StopLac (n=20) had:
• 61.2% less udder engorgement
Compared to control cows (n=21) who were dried off gradually.
Background Information
Animals were selected based on dry-off data and were randomly grouped. Udder engorgement was measured by measure points (at dry-off, 24 hours after DO (Day 1), 48 hours after DO (Day 2) and 72 hours after DO (Day 3).
- 4 Dots were placed on the udder at DO in a square with 10 cm between the dots
- Distance between the dots was measured at 24, 48 and 72 hours after DO
StopLac Compared To Competitors
To compare StopLac with products of competitors that claim the same about milk production reduction, AHV carried out trials on a farm in The Netherlands.
Key findings:
Cows receiving AHV StopLac (n=4) had:
• A bigger milk production reduction
Compared to cows (n=20) applied with dry-off products from competitors.
Average change in milk production:
• StopLac: -52.2%
• Competitor A (500ml): +0,1%
• Competitor B (2 pcs): -10.4%
• Competitor C (500ml): +4.1%
• Competitor D (2pcs): +2.2%
• Competitor E (2pcs): +1%
Background Information
24 Animals were selected for the trial based on days in lactation (DIL) and milk production (MP). All animals had to have more than 130 DIL and an average MP exceeding 20 kg. Milk yield was measured after each milking 3 days prior and up to 3 days after application of product.
Conclusion
In conclusion, AHV StopLac is proving to be a transformative solution in dry-off management for dairy cows. With thousands cows treated across 16 countries, the data consistently highlights significant improvements in milk production reduction, udder health, and overall animal well-being. From reducing milk leakage and udder engorgement to enhancing safety and metabolic stability, StopLac has demonstrated superior performance compared to traditional methods and competitor products. These results not only affirm the product’s efficacy but also reinforce AHV’s commitment to innovation and animal health in modern dairy farming.
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