Elanco Supports Transition Mission With Resources And Roadshows
6 years ago 
1619 views
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 19th 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 19th 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.
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
More from Elanco
- ACT Against Lungworm for National Dog Day on 26th August!
- New Elanco survey data for national pet month
- New research reveals over a third of dogs with Angiostrongylus vasorum could be symptomless
- Chance to win with Elanco
- Elanco completes parasiticide portfolio expansion with launch of new CredelioTM Plus, offering vets a parasite treatment for every lifestyle
