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A Healthier Herd: Applying Galaxis Frontier to Close-Up Cows

  • Writer: Root Creative Marketing
    Root Creative Marketing
  • Feb 28
  • 3 min read

Updated: Mar 3



In Summer of 2021, we got thrilling results from our first research studies feeding preserved rumen microbes back to dairy cows. Cows supplemented with Galaxis® Frontier, our flagship product, produced an average of 8 lbs. (10%) more energy-corrected milk (ECM) than animals who didn’t get the microbes¹. This study showed that the milk gains accumulated over time, with late-lactation cows producing nearly 12 lbs. more ECM after almost 40 weeks of supplementation, though peak milk yields remained similar. This led to the question: could earlier supplementation improve production sooner?


To explore this, we partnered with South Dakota State University (SDSU), where Dr. Johan Osorio and graduate student Marcela Bulnes ran a transition study with 56 Holstein cows. Pregnant animals were enrolled in either a control group or a group fed Galaxis® Frontier daily, starting 21 days before their expected calving date. Researchers monitored milk production for 14 weeks post-calving, along with blood biomarkers, body weight, and body condition to assess health during transition. The results of this trial were recently published in JDS Communications².


Key Findings from the SDSU Transition Study


Milk production gains are largest post-peak production, even when cows start on Galaxis® Frontier before calving.


Cows fed Galaxis® Frontier showed increased milk yield (+2.9 kg / 6.4 lbs. overall) and feed efficiency (+0.11 milk/DMI), most pronounced in weeks 6-14 of the lactation (+3.9 kg / 8.6 lbs. milk, p=0.02; +0.18 FE, p=0.03). Pre-peak production gains were not statistically significant and therefore did not support our hypothesis that starting Galaxis® Frontier in the close-up period would support an earlier increase in milk production. 



Cows experienced a healthy transition period.


Body weight, condition, and dry matter intake were unaffected. Mild increases in inflammatory and oxidative stress markers (ceruloplasmin, haptoglobin, ROM) remained within healthy ranges, reflecting normal lactation adaptations. Importantly, NEFA and BHB levels indicated no detrimental metabolic effects in cows fed Galaxis® Frontier, and given increased milk production and efficiency, the researchers at SDSU concluded that any observed differences were not detrimental to the cow.


Following the Leads: Are There Benefits from Feeding Galaxis® Frontier in the Close-Up Beyond the Bulk Tank?


Inspired by the findings at SDSU, we’ve been investigating additional benefits of feeding Galaxis® Frontier during the close-up period. So far, we’ve seen:


  1. Repeatable increases in colostrum: A trial at a large commercial dairy in California found that cows fed Galaxis® Frontier for ~21 days pre-calving produced +1.1 kg / 2.4 lbs. more colostrum³. This increase included higher fat and similar protein and IgG concentrations, providing more robust nutrition for calves and reducing reliance on colostrum replacers. Similar results were observed in an academic study at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where cows supplemented ~28 days pre-calving also produced more colostrum, including more fat, protein, and IgG (manuscript in preparation).


  2. A healthier transition period: In the same California trial, supplemented cows continued receiving Galaxis® Frontier post-calving. Results showed a 29% lower risk of culling within 60 days in milk (DIM) and a 27% reduction in common metabolic disorders, including ketosis, milk fever, metritis, and lameness.  


Should You Feed Galaxis® Frontier to Close-Up Cows on Your Dairy?

Although pre-calving supplementation may not significantly accelerate early milk production gains, it offers valuable benefits: improved colostrum yield, healthier transitions, and reduced early-lactation culling. These changes can enhance herd sustainability and reduce farm expenses by reducing the need for replacement animals, medical treatments, and colostrum replacer. Incorporating Galaxis® Frontier into close-up cow management may provide both economic and sustainability advantages for your dairy operation. 


 

References from Article


  1. Valldecabres, A., Lopes, R. B., Lago, A., Blanc, C., & Silva-Del-Río, N. (2022). Effects of postpartum milking strategy on plasma mineral concentrations and colostrum, transition milk, and milk yield and composition in multiparous dairy cows. Journal of dairy science, 105(1), 595–608. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2021-20590


  2. Bulnes, M., Bonilla, J., Suazo, M., Michelotti, T. C., Paz, A., Lefler, J., Marotz, C., Embree, M., Begalli, G., Halfen, J., Fernandes, T., Trevisi, E., Uddin, M. E., & Osorio, J. S. (2024). Effects of peripartal rumen-derived direct-fed microbials supplementation on lactation performance, metabolism, ruminal fermentation, and microbial abundance in dairy cows. Journal of dairy science, S0022-0302(24)01346-8. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2024-25058


  3. Real, L. (2022). Effects of Native Rumen Microbes as a DFM on Colostrum in Holstein Dairy Cows. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses.

 
 
 

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