Deltabolus Feedstim®: a product of great interest to this brittany farm
FARM PROFILE
- Region: Brittany
- 115 dairy cows on robotic milking
- Equipment:
- Forage pusher & slurry robot
- Cubicles fitted with mattresses + mats in the passage ways
- Feeding:
- Ration : 2/3 maize silage + 1/3 wrapped silage (alfalfa or RGI)
- Basic ration level: 27L + supplementationvia the robot
- Systematic use of anti-mycotoxins + feed preservative/enhancer
- Feed rich in Omega-3 and fat
- Management of dry cows in 2 groups
- Monthly pregnancy testing & hoof trimming every 5 weeks
- Margin Over Feed Cost : > €12.50 / cow / day
THE OBJECTIVES OF THE FARM
- Increased milk yield and udder health
- Minimising immune suppression at calving
What were your objectives before incorporating Deltabolus Feedstim® into your farming practices ?
Our priority was to increase milk production whilst supporting udder health. We were also looking to limit immune depression around calving, which is always a delicate period. Deltabolus Feedstim® quickly proved to be in line with these objectives, which encouraged us to systematically administer two boluses 21 days before calving, starting in October 2025.
What technical results have you observed in your herd ?
Today, our cows are producing 45 kg of milk at 160 days, with production exceeding 12,000 kg per lactation. Our fat and protein levels remain high (fat 41 – protein 32), and the herd consists of 32% first-calf heifers.
In terms of reproduction, the calving interval stands at 375 days over the last quarter and 386 days on average annually.
What changes have you noticed regarding calving and the start of lactation ?
Since introducing the two Feedstim® boluses before calving, we have observed a better start to lactation. The quantity and quality of colostrum have also improved, with Brix readings of 23 to 27, indicating a high immunoglobulin content (often exceeding 50 g/L).
These developments reinforce our confidence in the product: better management of this critical period leads to gains at peak lactation, a key consideration given the robot’s limited capacity to accommodate more cows.
Has the Deltabolus Feedstim® had an impact on reproductive monitoring and the herd’s overall performance?
Yes, the monthly pregnancy results are good, with few animals falling outside the norm. Overall, we feel that the bolus helps the cows realise their full potential, provided that the fundamentals of husbandry are adhered to.
Any final thoughts?
We are fully satisfied: the product helps us ensure a smooth pre-calving period, improve early lactation, optimise production per cow and support our overall strategy.
