JUEVES 21 de mayo de 18:15 a 19:45h – SALA 3
Title: AHV StopLac Tablet: A Revolutionary Stress-Free, Antibiotic-Free Approach to Drying Off Dairy Cows
Submitted by: AHV Animal Health Vision – AHV International B.V.
Lecture’s Title: Tom van Giessen DVM
Author: Geoffrey Ackaert DVM MBA
Affiliation: Product introduction: StopLac
The dry-off period is a critical transition phase in the lactation cycle of dairy cows and has a major impact on health and productivity. Drying off refers to temporarily stopping milking so the udder can rest and prepare for the next lactation, the unborn calf, and the upcoming calving event. This typically takes place around two months before the expected calving date. However, due to significant increases in milk yield per cow—driven by improved genetics, nutrition, and herd management—drying off has become more challenging. During the dry-off phase, cows experience physiological stress caused by milk engorgement/udder pressure and milk leakage, followed by metabolic, hormonal, and immunological changes. Poor management during this critical phase can lead to metabolic disorders, reduced immune function, lower colostrum quality, calf health issues, and even reduced longevity.
References:
- Graduate Student Literature Review: The challenge of drying-off high-yielding dairy cows – Journal of Dairy Science
- Incidence of milk leakage after dry-off in European dairy herds, related risk factors, and its role in new intramammary infections – ScienceDirect
- Combs et al., 2024: Pre-dry off milk yield and its association with future metabolism and productivity
Because immunity is reduced and metabolic stress increases, bacterial infections occur frequently—resulting in substantial antibiotic use. Approximately 50% of antibiotics used in dairy farming are administered during the dry-off period.
Reference: Effect of selective dry cow treatment on udder health and antimicrobial usage on Dutch dairy farms
To improve animal welfare and health, more effective dry-off strategies are needed. This motivated AHV to develop StopLac: a new, stress-free and antibiotic-free method enabling abrupt dry-off. To date, more than 150.000 cows have been successfully dried off with StopLac in 16 countries.
Why StopLac is the best way to dry off
StopLac is designed to improve overall cow welfare during this critical period. It does so by temporarily modifying rumen fermentation and reducing fatty acid production. Since around 60% of new bacterial infections occur during the dry period, this phase is pivotal for udder health and long-term performance. StopLac enables farmers to improve herd welfare and overall farm productivity without the need for antibiotics.
Key features and benefits during dry-off:
- Rapid, effective temporary reduction in milk yield by approximately 56% within 24 hours, making dry-off smoother and more manageable.
- By modifying rumen fermentation, it improves cow comfort and health during the dry period.
- Helps minimise udder pressure and milk leakage, supporting udder health and reducing infection risk.
- Improves udder and metabolic health throughout the entire transition period.
- Supports a more efficient restart of milk production after calving and improved output.
How StopLac works
During dry-off, it is essential to support cows smoothly through the transition while maintaining health and preparing for the next lactation. AHV’s research and product development strategy focuses on three key parameters to strengthen resistance against pathogenic bacteria in food-producing animals. StopLac works by modifying rumen fermentation and reducing volatile fatty acid production. This quickly shortens rumen fermentation time from 500 to 350 minutes for up to 12 hours, limiting nutrient availability for milk production. This results in approximately 75% less milk leakage during dry-off.
Reference: The impact of StopLac on Dry-off and udder health on USA farms; Frontiers | Recent Advances in Bioactive Compounds, Health Functions, and Safety Concerns of Onion (Allium cepa L.)
At the same time, StopLac supports improved lactose reabsorption and a slightly lower udder pH, which inhibits bacterial growth. As a result, the risk of mastitis before and after calving is reduced. StopLac also delivers important metabolic benefits. It reduces fat breakdown (and therefore ketone body production) and limits muscle breakdown, helping preserve protein reserves. In addition, higher blood calcium and phosphorus levels are observed—key minerals for a strong start to the new lactation. Lower levels of liver enzymes such as GLDH and AST indicate improved liver health and better preparation for the transition into milk production. Clear effects are also seen in energy metabolism: treated cows show up to 50% lower NEFA levels (non-esterified fatty acids) before calving, indicating reduced fat mobilisation. Higher urea levels further suggest improved amino acid utilisation. This combination of improved mineral balance, healthier metabolism, and stable enzyme profiles lays the foundation for a smooth start to early lactation.
Reference: RumeXpert Delhez, P.¹, Hamard H.¹, Theron L.¹, Ackaert G.², Rao A. (2025). Preliminary Evaluation of an Herbal Dry-Off Tablet on Dairy Cow Transition Health and Performances. – S1
The result: an innovative method that reduces milk loss, prevents metabolic issues, and strengthens dairy cow health during the critical transition period. Drying off becomes not only more efficient, but also healthier and less stressful for the cow.
What does this mean for the farmer and the cow?
By enabling abrupt dry-off, StopLac gives farmers greater control over the dry-off process and reduces the need for antibiotics. Fewer interventions also mean labour savings. Financially, this can generate savings of approximately €240 per cow (based on a cow producing 9,500 kg per lactation). There is no milk withdrawal period. In addition, cows can produce 1–3 kg more milk per day during the first 100 days of lactation.
Good udder health supports cow welfare and productivity. A lower udder pH strengthens udder immunity and increases resistance to infection. Improved lactose reabsorption inhibits bacterial growth, further reducing the risk of intramammary infections. The risk of metabolic problems around calving is also reduced thanks to less fat breakdown (fewer ketone bodies) and less muscle breakdown (reduced protein loss). This contributes to higher blood calcium levels, reduced milk loss, and lower somatic cell counts.
Reference: Three trials in the USA (including two farms; 404 cows)
During the dry period, the udder is optimally protected without intramammary injections. The cow does not experience prolonged stress associated with gradual dry-off methods. Moreover, feed intake remains optimal, contributing to better overall health.
Summary
Improved udder health protection
- 75% less milk leakage
- 38% lower risk of intramammary infections
- Lower SCC
- Optimal dry period length
Cow welfare outcomes
- Optimal feed intake maintained
- Reduced risk of metabolic problems around calving
- Better start to the new lactation
- No intramammary injections
- No prolonged stress caused by gradual dry-off
Operational simplicity
- Abrupt dry-off for all cows
- Labour savings
- No complex routines such as once-a-day milking or major ration changes
Who we are
At AHV (Animal Health Vision), our mission is to keep animals healthy, reduce reliance on antibiotics, and enable farmers to feed the world profitably and sustainably. We keep animals healthy because we believe in a sustainable food supply. We work with the animal, not against it, using technologies that strengthen natural processes rather than relying solely on conventional treatments.
