With FreshStart, your cows calve with ease, thrive through transition, breed back better, and repeat—lactation after lactation.
Post-calving problems & THE ReproBIOME™
The transition period is a critical time for dairy cows, marked by significant stress, hormonal changes, and a weakened immune system. These factors, combined with the risk of bacterial infections, can disrupt the reproductive microbiome (ReproBIOME™) and lead to reproductive failure. FreshStart protects this transition period to help cows reach their full production potential.
Challenges in calving
Consequences
Challenges in calving
Consequences
how freshstart helps
FreshStart is a specially formulated intravaginal probiotic designed prepare and protect the reproductive tract before and after calving. By incorporating FreshStart into your pre-calving and post-calving routines, FreshStart's supplementation of the reproductive microbiome can help:
- Optimize freshening
- Improve transition cow health
- Enhance reproductive performance
Dairy cows on FreshStart can thrive through the transition period, breed back efficiently and stay in the herd longer to reach their full production potential.
FreshStart is ideally used in both
pre-calving routines & post-calving routies.
when to use - PRE-CALVING
when to use
PRE-CALVING
Pre-calving doses are very important for supporting a healthy reproBIOMETM. Pre-calving administration ensures that the probiotics in the reproductive tract have sufficient time to engraft and to prime, prepare, and protect the reproductive tract for calving.
Note: Multiple administration programs are provided in both pre-calving and post-calving (see post-calving at bottom). Please select the option that best suits your farm's workflow. All FreshStart programs involve application during the dry period in cows. Light restraint is needed to safely administer FreshStart.
OPTION 1 - Over close-up only
For: Adult cows & springing heifers
Instructions: Administer one dose of FreshStart (10mL) weekly starting at -3 or -2 weeks prior to expected calving dates (based on your workflow). Most dairies group these up-close cows into weekly cohorts and apply FreshStart once a week until calving.
Considerations: Also ideal if dry-cow facilities lack adequate restraint. Up- close group administrations are best with some restraint, as typically, facilities to handle cows are better in the up-close area.
OPTION 2 - At dry-off & close-up
For: Adult cows.
Instructions: Administer two doses (20 mL) of FreshStart at dry-off, then administer one more dose (20 mL) 1-3 weeks prior to the expected calving date. This option may be coordinated with existing dry-off and close-up protocols.
Considerations: This option may be ideal to minimize the number of cow touches, especially when aligned with existing vaccination protocols.
OPTION 3 - At dry-off & weekly close-up (Combination of options 1 & 2)
For: Adult cows & springing heifers
Instructions: Administer two doses (20 mL) of FreshStart at dry-off, and then administer one dose of FreshStart (10mL) weekly starting at -3 or -2 weeks prior to expected calving dates (based on your workflow). Most dairies group these up-close cows into weekly cohorts and apply FreshStart once a week until calving.
Considerations: This is the recommended protocol because it provides the longest protection and best pre-partum coverage for both adult cows and springing heifers.
FreshStart Calendar Math:
Subtract 14 to 21 days from ECD (Expected Calving Date) and round to the one day each week you will administer FreshStart.
Healthy Cow Support:
Please reach out for further support in adopting FreshStart and/or to create cow lists in DC305 or BoviSynch.
when to use - post-CALVING
when to use
post-CALVING
The post-calving dose(s) is crucial for repairing and restoring the reproBIOMETM to a healthy and balanced state after the trauma of calving. FreshStart administration should start 7-10 days after calving. The waiting period allows for recovery of the reproductive tract and for the associated swelling and discharge to diminish. Producers have opted for the following post-calving administration protocols:
OPTION 1 - Weekly in fresh pen
Instructions: Administer one dose of FreshStart (10 mL) starting 7-10 days after calving, followed by another dose (10 mL) 7 days later. Group cows and first-calf heifers into weekly cohorts for weekly administration up until they leave the fresh pen.
OPTION 2 - Once before leaving the fresh pen
Instructions: Administer a double dose (20 mL) of FreshStart to cows and first-calf heifers right before leaving the fresh pen (preferably after a 7-10 day waiting period after calving).
FreshStart Calendar Math:
Subtract 14 to 21 days from ECD (Expected Calving Date) and round to the one day each week you will administer FreshStart.
Healthy Cow Support:
Please reach out for further support in adopting FreshStart and/or to create cow lists in DC305 or BoviSynch.
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what dairy farmers have to say
Natasha Stein Sutherland
Co-owner & Herd-Manager | Stein Farms | LeRoy, NY.
As an industry, I believe we need to move towards a preventative mindset. ProPreg™ is now a key tool in our toolbox to prevent reproductive problems. If we can reduce any hindrance to a cow transitioning to peak production we believe it is worth the investment. With ProPreg™, we are looking at treating cow’s health holistically instead of piece by piece like IV's and injectables.
Jeff Nonay
Owner | Lakeside Dairy | Sturgeon County, AB.
ProPreg™ has become an integral part of our pre and post-calving routine. By helping maintain a healthy reproductive microbiome, ProPreg™ supports the immune systems of the cow and calf. Since we have been using ProPreg™, reproductive problems have notably reduced. ProPreg™-treated cows and their calves are just better. It has definitely improved my bottom line.
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