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 farmers during the ‘Vital 90 Days™’ around transition, www.vital90days.co.uk. The site includes downloadable resources and updates – there’s even an opportunity to win a Garmin rugged smartwatch. Elanco also supported dairy farmers and vets with a series of educational roadshows 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 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 farmers and their vets 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

Farmers can sign up to receive a series of emails on improving transition health and responsible use of antimicrobials at https://www.vital90days.co.uk/expertadvice before 30th May 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.

Farmers interested in improving performance during transition and for the subsequent lactation should speak to their vet about the Vital 90 Days and visit www.vital90days.co.uk.

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: 251-267
• 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 diseases and boosting energy levels 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.