Healthy and productive dairy cows benefit using Hydro-Lac®.
In a manufacturing facility, a hot stressful day can be relieved by turning on fans and cranking up air conditioning. But when your “production facility” is an 1600-pound dairy cow, relieving heat stress is not as simple as adjusting the thermostat. You have to watch for early signs of heat stress and take immediate action. While fans and fogging/misters can help, the most effective way to minimize heat stress is to cool the cow’s internal system.

Summer heat stress
Simply defined, heat stress occurs when a cow’s heat load is greater than her capacity to lose that heat. Heat load is more than the cow’s internal body temperature – factors such as ambient temperature, air movement, relative humidity, solar radiation, and other environmental factors impact a cow’s ability to stay cool. Compare your own body temperature while working outside on a hot day. It’s difficult to cool-down when ambient temperature is 100°F and relative humidity is 60%. As ambient temperatures approach a cow’s body temperature (above 90°F) her cooling mechanism is impaired.

Below are some heat stress signs:

Combating heat stress
When the air temperature soars, and a herd starts showing signs of heat stress, the first thing most producers do is switch on fans to cool down the herd. Fans alone are only effective if the air temperature is lower than a cow’s body temperature. Fogging/misters, in addition to running fans, helps create an evaporative cooling on the cow’s outer body surface. High humidity reduces the effectiveness of evaporative cooling methods.

The most effective strategy is to prepare your cows so their own cooling systems can endure higher temperature and humidity, allowing them to resist the effects of heat stress. The key is to provide the electrolytes and sugars that encourage water and feed intake, so cows maintain their fluid balance and prevent dehydration. And that’s exactly what Form-A-Feed’s Hydro-Lac does for cows.

Proven results
For 35 years Form-A-Feed has developed and manufactured products that provide dairy cows with the nutrition they need to help them thrive in times of transition. Each product is research tested, developed by nutritionists and veterinarians field tested, formulated to address health benefits, and provides an economic return.

For almost a decade, Hydro-Lac has provided dairy cows with the species-tailored blend of:

• Beneficial electrolytes

• Sugars

• Betaine

• Biotin and organic zinc

Field Trial Results

Five years of field trials have shown that Hydri-Lac helps keep cows cool all summer long.  The effectiveness of Hydro-Lac has been demonstrated by dairy producers across the country.  In Arizona, a July-to-October 2007 trial was conducted comparing Hydro-Lac versus a control group.  For both groups, normal cooling methods were used in addition to Hydro-Lac.  Both groups received bunk line feeding and dry lot bedding.  The results clearly showed the Hydro-Lac advantage:

• During the trial, the Hydro-Lac group averaged 12 pounds of milk more than the control group.

• The Hydro-Lac group delivered a 3:1 return on investment.

• Confirmed pregnancies in the whole heard increased 3% and it was reported that the cows “just looked better.”

Using Hydro-Lac for Dairy all year round
As warm weather season approaches, dealing with and avoiding heat stress is a prominent concern.  The benefits of Hydro-Lac have been proven to help reduce issues related to transitions throughout the year.  Other key applications include:

• Health challenges

• Winter dysentery

• Post-calving

• Transporting

• Show ring cattle

Feeding rates: Hydro-Lac for Dairy
For heat stress: Top-dress at the rate of ¼ lb. to ½ lb. per head daily. Begin using 1-2 days before hot weather is expected and continue until cooler weather returns.
Fresh cows: Feed 1 lb. daily up to 2 weeks post-calving, to encourage water and feed intake.
Dysentery: Feed ½ - 1 lb. per head daily until cows have fully recovered.
Show ring cattle: Feed 4-8 oz. per head daily. Begin 1 week before transporting and continue until 2 days after returning.

Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hydro-Lac and what does it do?
Hydro-Lac is a T.E.N. (Timed Event Nutrition) product specially formulated to provide essential nutrients, electrolytes, and sugars necessary to maintain body fluid balance during times of heat stress, post-calving, winter dysentery, transportation, and metabolic distresses. Hydro-Lac is designed to address a time period where nutrition needs support because of management, environment, water, or facility shortcomings. These shortcomings can make a dramatic impact on operation profitability. Feed it only when you need it, take it out when you don’t.

Other feed companies say they have the same thing.  How is Hydro-Lac different?
Hydro-Lac is patent pending technology with research to back it up.  Hydro-Lac is often confused by others as a “DCAD” product, which it is not.  Trial results in using Hydro-Lac have shown a consistent response to increased intake and performance during times of stress.  Always ask for the gold standard, Hydro-Lac.

My nutritionist says “I already have it in your ration...” How can this be true?
There is no substitute for Hydro-Lac, it is patent pending technology. Many nutritionists have made that statement, only to learn that adding Hydro-Lac to a diet gave a positive response in performance. 

Is Hydro-Lac palatable?
Hydro-Lac comes in a pellet form providing consistent daily nutrition.  A proprietary ingredient blend makes Hydro-Lac very palatable. Hydro-Lac allows for minimal dietary separation or environmental impacts when feeding.  

How do I evaluate heat stress?
As warm weather increases, it’s essential to watch for signs of heat stress. To make this easier, we’ve created a Heat Index Chart to help you evaluate the potential for heat stress.
>>Continued Heat Index Chart

Prepare for the heat – contact your Form-A-Feed dealer today or call (800) 422-3649 for a full presentation.