Elanco supports Transition Mission with resources and roadshows

Elanco Animal Health has renewed its commitment to improve the health of dairy cows during transition with a ‘Transition Mission’. As part of this initiative, the company has launched a new website that includes resources to support vets and farmers during the ‘Vital 90 Days™’ around transition, www.vital90days.co.uk. The site includes a downloadable roundtable report on the responsible use of antimicrobials in dairy and Elanco also supported dairy vets and farmers with a series of educational events and seminars on the week commencing the 19^th February.

The Transition Mission provides a framework that supports healthier, more productive and more fertile cows, while also reducing antibiotic use. These are all significant challenges. Nearly all cows experience immune suppression during transition and there can be up to a 40% decline in neutrophil function around calving¹ - neutrophils are the cellsand there can be up to a 40% decline in neutrophil function around calving(1) - neutrophils are the cellsand there can be up to a 40% decline in neutrophil function around calving(1) - neutrophils are the cells that form the first line of defence in the immune system.

The negative energy balance experienced by cows around parturition also contributes to lowered immunity². Up to 40% of cows can have clinical metritis in the first two weeks after calving, with both clinical and sub-clinical uterine disease being associated with poor fertility³.Awareness of the importance of transition has improved significantly in recent years and some 94% of UK dairy farmers now rate the 60 days before and 30 days after calving as very important⁴.

The new website provides planners, checklists and guides that will help ensure dairy cows and heifers are adequately monitored in the transition period. A number of progressive UK dairy vets and farmers have also shared their experiences of improving transition outcomes in a series of videos which are available to view at https://www.vital90days.co.uk/testimonials

The roundtable report has been produced with the help of a panel of twelve experts including leading dairy consultants, vets and farmers, as well as industry representatives from throughout the supply chain. The report outlines tools and metrics for data collection and examines potential solutions for the future, including the creation of a standardised database to improve treatment protocols. The report is available to download here https://www.vital90days.co.uk/resources

Both vets and farmers can also sign up for regular alerts and updates on transition health and responsible use of antibiotics at https://www.vital90days.co.uk/expertadvice and will be entered into a prize draw to win a Garmin rugged smartwatch.

For those wishing to develop their understanding further, Elanco hosted a series of roadshows around the country with three internationally respected speakers, from Ayr to Exeter, over one week, starting on 19^th February. Professor Ynte Schukken DVM, MSc PhD and Dr Christian Scherpenzeel discussed the microbiome and resilience and Dr Mike Overton DVM, MPVM addressed the economic impact of disease at transition.

Elanco also offers an Advanced Dairy Vetting CPD course for senior assistants/junior partners, which describes techniques that can be used to develop a more informed and consultative approach with progressive farmers. Now in its second year in the UK, the two-part, four-day course has been well received by previous delegates. Those wishing to attend should speak to their Elanco representative.

Practices looking for further information about available resources or CPD can visit www.vital90days.co.uk or contact their Elanco representative.

Press Enquiries: Susan McKay BVMS, MRCVS, MBA, Companion Consultancy, Tel 07887 515870/ 01284 388702 Email susan@companionconsultancy.com

References

• 1.J.C. Detilleux et al. (1995). Study of immunological dysfunction in periparturient Holstein cattle selected for high and average milk production. Veterinary Immunology and immunopathology; 44: 251-267J.C. Detilleux et al. (1995). Study of immunological dysfunction in periparturient Holstein cattle selected for high and average milk production. Veterinary Immunology and immunopathology; 44: 251-267
• 2.Hammon DS et al, Neutrophil function and energy status in Holstein cows with Uterine health disorders. Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology 200g; 113: 21-29
• 3.Sheldon M et al (2008), Uterine diseases in cattle after parturition, Vet J. Apr; 176(1-3): 115–121. doi: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2007.12.031 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2706386/
• 4.2015/2016 survey conducted on behalf of Elanco Animal Health among 172 UK vets and 200 UK dairy farmers.

The Transition Mission

It’s healthier, more productive and more fertile cows. It’s restoring immunity with IMRESTOR to reduce mastitis and boosting energy levels with Kexxtone to reduce Ketosis. It’s being part of the drive to reduce antibiotic use and a crucial part of the Vital 90 days.

It’s everything we believe in, at Elanco.

Imrestor^TM is a veterinary medicine authorized as an aid in a herd management programme, to reduce the risk of clinical mastitis in periparturient dairy cows and heifers during the 30 days following calving. Imrestor is not authorized for the treatment of any other transition disorder. Use medicines responsibly www.noah.co.uk/responsible. Always seek advice on the use of medicines from the prescriber. Legal Category POM-V in UK.

For further information call Elanco Animal Health (the animal health division of Eli Lilly and Company Limited) on +44 (0) 1256 353131 or write to Elanco Animal Health, Lilly House, Priestley Road, Basingstoke, Hampshire RG24 9NL, United Kingdom. Further information is available from the product SPC

Imrestor, Vital 90, Elanco and the diagonal bar logo are trademarks of Elanco or its affiliates. Use of this website is governed by our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. © 2018 Elanco or its affiliates UKDRYIRS00105