By Novavet  |  Bovine Animal Health  |  Dairy Cattle  |  Canada

The transition from winter housing to spring pasture is one of the most stressful events in the dairy production calendar. Social regrouping, dietary changes, a new environment: cows must adapt quickly, and this stress comes at a measurable cost in milk production and herd health.

A study published in the Journal of Dairy Research (Osella et al., 2018) was the first to evaluate the effect of Bovine Appeasing Pheromones (BAP) on dairy cows during a transition period. The results provide concrete insights for dairy producers seeking to maintain their performance during management changes.

The study was conducted on Valdostana dairy cows in Italy — a dual-purpose breed (milk/meat) raised in the Aosta Valley Alps. In spring, herds move from a closed winter barn system to a partially outdoor system with daytime grazing. This change leads to:

●        A restructuring of social dynamics (establishment of dominance)

●        An abrupt change in diet and routine

●        Stress related to mobility and the new environment

This type of transition is observed in many production systems in Canada: movements between winter housing and summer pastures, changes in pens, regrouping of herds. The stress mechanisms are identical, regardless of the breed.

Thirty lactating Valdostana cows were divided into two groups of 15: an experimental group (BAP, n = 15) and a control group (n = 15). Treatment consisted of topical application of 5 ml of active substance — a synthetic analogue of BAP in a dermal excipient — every 7 days for 28 days (D0 to D4). Milk production and milk composition were measured at each treatment point (D0 to D4).

Milk Production

Daily milk production was significantly higher in the BAP group throughout the treatment period. The most marked difference was observed at the first pasture transition (D1) — the moment of maximum stress — where the two groups diverged significantly. The BAP group maintained its production, while the control group experienced a notable decrease.

Somatic Cell Count (SCC)

SCC is an indicator of udder health and milk quality. A high SCC signals potential mammary inflammation, reduces the cheese-making quality of milk, and can lead to commercial penalties.

At D1, SCC was significantly lower in the BAP group (73,270 cells/ml) than in the control group (204,730 cells/ml) — a reduction of about 64% (p = 0.01). The authors interpret this difference as a direct reflection of the reduction in physiological stress, which limits the mammary inflammatory response associated with environmental change.

Milk serum urea is a marker of protein/energy balance in dairy cows. At D1, urea was significantly higher in the control group than in the BAP group (32.62 vs 27.88 mg/dl, p < 0.0001). A lower urea level in the BAP group suggests better metabolic balance: the animal catabolizes proteins less to cope with stress, which translates directly into better production efficiency.

These results have direct implications for several common situations in Canadian dairy production:

●        Winter housing → pasture transition: maintaining production during the adaptation period

●        Herd regrouping: reducing social stress and impact on production

●        Feed changes: physiological buffer against production drops related to dietary transitions

●        Milk cheese-making quality: lower SCC directly preserves the characteristics of milk intended for processing

The application protocol used in the study — 5 ml every 7 days for 28 days — is simple to integrate into the milking routine. No injections. No withdrawal period for milk or meat.

The Osella et al. (2018) study used SecureCattle^® (IRSEA Group, France), the only product whose fatty acid composition — palmitic, oleic, and linoleic in precise proportions — is analytically verified and corresponds to that of the natural signal produced by the cow's mammary gland. Minor variations in formulation prevent recognition by the vomeronasal organ. Generic products or imitations cannot be considered equivalent without independent analytical validation.

Does this effect apply to other breeds than Valdostana?

The study was conducted on Valdostana cows, but the biological mechanisms involved — HPA axis, cortisol, acute phase response — are common to all bovine breeds. Other studies on Nellore, Charolais, and Bos indicus × Bos taurus crossbreeds have confirmed similar effects of BAP on stress physiology. Further studies on specific Canadian breeds would be welcome.

How many times should the product be applied?

In the Osella et al. (2018) study, BAP was administered every 7 days for 28 days. According to the manufacturer (IRSEA Group), a single 5 ml application offers a duration of action of 15 days. For a prolonged transition (moving to summer pasture), repeated application may be justified.

Is there a withdrawal period for milk?

No. SecureCattle^® is composed of 1% fatty acids in a dermal excipient. There is no withdrawal period for milk or meat. The product contains no pharmacological ingredients.

Does BAP affect milk composition (fat, protein)?

In the Osella et al. (2018) study, proteins, casein, fat, and solids-not-fat were not significantly affected by the treatment. The main effect observed concerned milk production volume and somatic cell count — two economically critical parameters for the dairy farmer.

Where can I get SecureCattle® in Canada?

Novavet is the exclusive distributor of SecureCattle® in Canada. Contact us at info@novavet.com or 1 418 929-7886, or visit novavet.com.

Osella MC, Cozzi A, Spegis C, et al. (2018). The effects of a synthetic analogue of the Bovine Appeasing Pheromone on milk yield and composition in Valdostana dairy cows during the move from winter housing to confined lowland pastures. Journal of Dairy Research, 85, 174–177. doi: 10.1017/S0022029918000262

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