Dairy cow at her most vulnerable stage protected with AHV Transition Programme

The transition period – the three weeks before and after calving – is an important time for the dairy cow. As her metabolic needs surge, she is at her most vulnerable.

Her body has to find vast quantities of calcium from a standing start, her blood calcium level falls as she is unable to mobilise enough calcium to meet increased demand for milk production and that can result in metabolic challenges.

The experience of Doug Carmichael

Doug Carmichael, country manager for England and Wales at AHV (Animal Health Vision), says it is crucial therefore that during this phase the cow gets important nutrients and minerals such as calcium, magnesium and phosphorus, as well as energy.

The AHV Transition Programme focuses on the period before and after calving to ensure a sufficient supply of energy and minerals and to stimulate dry matter intake.

“It’s very much a case of supporting her immune system so that challenges associated with the transition period can be avoided’’ says Mr Carmichael.

Despite the current worldwide challenges with the supply of calcium products, AHV has ample stock to meet the needs of its customers, he adds.

The product ensures sufficient intake of magnesium,calcium and phosphorus

Those products include AHV Cow Milk Start, a complementary feed for dairy cows which ensures sufficient intake of magnesium, calcium and phosphorus. Milk Start is available in a range of application choices and sizes, both tablet and paste, allowing for preferential or situational product use.

“The product has a beneficial effect on health, gives an energy boost and promotes the metabolism,’’ says Mr Carmichael.

AHV Booster Products promote the animal’s metabolism in the liver and rumen, and provide sustained or fast additional energy.

“One of the key benefits of our Milk Start Paste is energy, alongside calcium, phosphate and active vitamin D3,’’ Mr Carmichael adds.

AHV’s Transition Programme connects well with the AHV Uterine Health Programme to give full support to the recently calved cow to allow her to restart her reproductive cycle in the best way possible.