Reduce the risk of Milk Fever this Autumn with AHV’s StartLac Paste
During the transition period cows undergo many changes, including a complex interaction of metabolic and hormonal adaptations, and immune activation.
To ensure the lactation starts off successfully, the cow needs to meet her energy and nutrient requirements both before calving to support the final stages of foetal growth, and after calving to support milk production. Failure to meet these requirements may result in health and development challenges for both cow and calf before and after calving.
Around 70% of calf growth occurs during the dry period, with the most growth during the last few weeks. This means feed intake will be limited when the cow is coming up to calving – there is simply less space inside the cow! In the last eight hours before calving, the cow undergoes a period of fasting, resulting in limited intakes of water, energy, minerals and vitamins.
The production of colostrum and milk drastically increase the demand on the cow’s mineral (calcium, phosphorus, magnesium) and energy reserves after calving. To meet energy and mineral requirements the cow needs to be active and, on her feet, to encourage feed intake.
Unfortunately, if feed intake is not optimal, this can drain the cow’s body reserves which, in turn can affect production and overall health.
High and sudden calcium drain through colostrum/milk production puts the cow at risk, with the following consequences:
- Reduced or no appetite
- Low activity (reduced muscle function)
- Ears (cold: Calcium/Magnesium, warm: Phosphorous)
- Retained placenta
- Milk leakage
- Abdominal challenges
- Uterine health challenges
- Negative energy balance
- Fertility challenges
What is AHV StartLac Paste?
The number one goal is to get the cow up and eating as soon as possible, post-calving. To achieve this, the cow needs lots of energy and minerals.
AHV has launched StartLac Paste (previously Milk Start Paste) to support the cow in the best way possible during this transition period.
StartLac Paste reduces the risk of milk fever by providing minerals from safe and highly bioavailable sources. It’s a complete and easy-to-apply product with a fast acting, highly digestible energy source. As a result, the product works immediately and efficiently.
Key Features of AHV StartLac Paste
| Feature | Benefit |
| Vitamin D3 | Facilitation of mineral absorption and transport |
| Vitamin B3 | Immune system, energy metabolism and liver function support |
| Calcium, phosphorus, magnesium from highly bioavailable sources | Mineral replenishment for production and health support |
| Palatable | Easy application and sure intake |
| Propylene glycol | Quickly available, highly digestible energy source |
| Betaine | Rehydration support, production stimulant |
| Yeast | Digestive support |
| Inulin | Prebiotic function, supports energy utilization |
| Natural Product | With AHV the quality of the milk is not impacted, and cows remain in production, no separation of animals, no withdrawal period |
AHV StartLac Paste is part of the Transition & Fertility Programme
The AHV Transition & Fertility Programme focuses on the period before and after calving and ensures sufficient energy and mineral supply through stimulating dry matter intake. This program fully supports the recently calved cow ensuring a positive start to her lactation, which leads to better production.
For more information on StartLac Paste, or any other AHV solutions, scan the QR code below and get in touch with your local advisor.
AHV Transition & Uterine Health
Booster tablet
Milk Start tablet
Metri Tablet
StartLac Paste
Booster tablet
Extra tablet
Get in touch!
Would you like to be visited by an advisor to discuss the health challenges on your farm together? Our AHV Specialist will be happy to visit you to jointly assess the health of your cows and come up with appropriate cow-specific advice.
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