AHV Booster Tablet delivers impressive returns in UK trials
Trial Overview & Methodology
From November 2023 to April 2024, AHV conducted two parallel trials on dairy farms in Northern Ireland (NI) and England (E). The primary aim was to further evaluate the impact of the AHV Booster tablet on dairy cow milk yield and fertility parameters, while refining our understanding of the optimal timing for its application.
To ensure robust results, each trial was designed for a high statistical power of at least 80% for milk yield, with group sizes of approximately 25 cows. Both trials utilised Total Mixed Ration (TMR) systems with year-round calving, ensuring consistent nutritional intake and minimising seasonal variations in the data. Random allocation of cows to groups, with necessary adjustments for balanced lactation numbers, further ensured uniformity across the trials.
This report details the first 100-day yields observed on the trial farms, also examining the effects on fertility and the critical timing of Booster Tablet application for optimal results.
Trial Setup
AHV Booster Tablet was administered according to the expected and actual calving date. The trial setup for the groups were as follows:
Optimal Results: with Booster Tablet 14 days before calving and 7 days after calving
Table 1: trial setup
Fig. NI1. Average daily yields of the Booster Tablet Group A (n = 25) and Control Group (n = 31) over the first 100 Days In Milk. Shaded areas represent the 95% Confidence Limits for the mean. Group A received a Booster Tablet at -14 and +7 Lactation Days.
On Farm NI, both Booster groups yielded positive results, with Booster Group A (NI) delivering the strongest improvements after receiving the tablet 14 days before calving and again 7 days after.
Milk Yield: Over the first 100 days in milk (DIM), this group averaged a daily yield 5.21 litres higher (95% Confidence Limits: 5.07 – 5.35) than in the Control Group.
ROI: When we subtract the cost of the tablets, each cow delivered a return on investment (ROI) of £143.35/head from milk production alone. That’s an impressive ROI of £4.68 for every pound spent on the two Booster Tablets, based on a milk price of 35p.
Tablet Effect: The ‘extra milk’ remained strikingly constant over the full 100 days, strongly suggesting that the Booster effect persisted beyond this time point also.
Fertility: Fertility results showed a 15% increase of 100-day in calf rate and a 6.9 day reduction in days open compared to the control group, but the group sizes (calculated for yield) were not quite sufficient to achieve statistical significance on this occasion.
Booster Group B (NI), which received the tablet 14 days before calving and again 30 days after calving, saw a significant positive effect also – although less than Booster Group A.
Improvement less dramatic; with Booster Tablet 7 days before calving and 30 days after calving
On Farm E, the Booster Group received the first tablet 7 days before calving and the second tablet at 30 days after calving. While improvements were observed, they were notably less significant compared to the results seen on Farm NI.
Milk Yield: 100-day yields increased by 2.41 kg/cow/day, which was statistically significant but less than the increase seen at farm NI.
Tablet Effect: Around day 30, the effect of the first tablet started to diminish, but the second tablet boosted the yield again, as shown in Figure E1.
Fertility: The 100-day in-calf rate increased and the number of open days were lower for the Booster group. However, these fertility improvements were not statistically significant.
Table 3: 100-day yield and fertility parameters for farm E. * p – value for appropriate test for significance in differences between the groups.
Why Timing is Key to Boost Her Performance
The variability in outcomes highlights the pivotal role of timing in optimising the transition period for dairy cows, a phase that profoundly shapes their overall performance. During this critical juncture, cows must undergo significant physiological transformations in their liver and rumen function in preparation for lactation.
To effectively support this transition, it’s important to administer a Booster tablet at least 14 days before calving. This strategic approach provides ample time for the cow’s rumen and liver to be improved before lactation commences, laying the foundation for optimal health and metabolic balance.
Administering a second tablet 7 days after calving ensures the cow maintains a positive energy balance and sustains an improved lactation curve. While administering the Booster tablet at 30 days post-calving still has a beneficial effect, it is slightly less impactful on yield (but the effects on fertility are to be fully evaluated). Ensuring an adequate energy level in the ration at the time of tablet administration allows cows to fully leverage the supplement’s benefits.
Aligning booster tablet administration with the natural progression of the transition period maximises their effectiveness in enhancing cow performance. Proper timing not only boosts milk yield but also appears to improve fertility outcomes, leading to healthier and more productive dairy herds.
By integrating this strategic timing protocol for Booster Tablet, farmers can unlock new potential in their herd performance.
Note: Results may vary across different farm systems due to unique environmental and management conditions. The observed benefits in these trials highlight the potential of Booster Tablet supplementation in improving dairy cow performance.