Work proactively, treat fewer cows

Dairy farmer Harm Hoogkamp has been proactively using AHV products for the past year and a half. "You simply unleash a cow's potential, you know when stress peaks, and you act accordingly."

Based on the MPR, the herd is being reviewed together with Erik Hommes, a cattle specialist at AHV. Harm was initially skeptical. "I'd tried some 'alternative garlic boluses' before. But after he explained that AHV is different, I gave it a try."

Lower cell count and higher production
Harm explains: "Two years ago, I initially didn't need to lower the cell count of 200; it had been good and stable for a while. But together with Erik, we started looking at a broader picture based on the MPR. When we started, the number of treatments was much higher. We started with acute cases. Now we see the number of treatments decreasing steadily. We've been proactively using AHV products for a year and a half now. Now that the cell count is lower, I'm also seeing a positive effect on milk production. Previously, I didn't use many antibiotics, but I did for mastitis. I've now managed to reduce their use on the farm even further."

Transition from reactive to proactive
For the past year and a half, he's been working with AHV to focus more on a proactive approach. "We look at the MPR (Maintenance Reduction Index)—which cows have a high cell count and which cows are receiving an energy alert. We also monitor fat and protein balance, as well as lactose and urea levels. We develop a plan for each MPR. We have a treatment chart, and we put the cows on it with the appropriate treatments. This is how we work every month." This transition is working well. Harm adds: "I don't really have any acute problems because I work proactively. The more proactively you work, the fewer cows you have to treat."

Responding to predictable peak moments
We started with the AHV Udder Health Program. I now use all AHV products, including the new stress-free dry-off method: StopLac. Erik explains: "If you keep the cows' immune system strong, there's less chance of health challenges like ketosis and uterine problems; prevention is better than cure. And if you can get the cows started smoothly, there's also less risk of milk retention." Harm: "After consultation, we adopted the Heard Health Plan, which means you have health challenges at several points during a lactation. I want to make it run as smoothly as possible! It starts with the dry-off (StopLac), then we give all cows extra energy (Booster) before calving. At calving, we use the Transition and Fertility Protocol. And on day seven after calving, we give the Booster Tablet and the Extra Tablet again to cleanse the udder and provide the cows with extra energy. This ensures an optimal start."

Seasonal challenges
"Last year, like many others, we unfortunately had a tough time with bluetongue." Erik: "Yes, that was tough. The Booster Tablet and the Aspi Tablet flew through it." Harm adds: "Fortunately, most cows came through it well. We hope to have less trouble with bluetongue this year. The calving peak is coming soon, and we're currently implementing the Fertility, Energy, and Metabolism program."

Collaboration between AHV and Hoogkamp
Harm explains how he sees the collaboration: "We talk regularly. Erik often calls to ask how things are going. It's such a great way of working together. We meet every month anyway and review the MPR together, going over the treatment charts and current data. And from there, we develop a comprehensive plan. I'm very satisfied with Erik, and I have to say that." Besides AHV products, Harm also uses smaXtec. "It allows me to see when cows are giving me a warning."

Shiny cows
"The cows themselves are shining brightly; yes, they're immune system-boosting. But what really matters to me is that the cow easily makes it through lactation. The cow's well-being is my top priority. How the herd looks, how they behave, and how healthy they are—that's something I'm very proud of."

About the dairy farm
Harm Hoogkamp has been running the dairy farm in Warffum with his father since 2012, where they have 160 dairy cows. His grandfather started the business in Warffum in 1976, and his father took over in 2008. The family has an impressively long history, having been farming since 1500.

The family does everything themselves, except for spreading manure. Production is 26,7, protein 3,71, and fat 4,60. Cell count is 146. What's next? "I hope for a 30-stall rotary milking parlor someday."