SCIENTIFICALLY PROVEN • REVOLUTIONARY
Improve your bottom line and cut your losses short with FerAppease — a unique analogue of the naturally occurring Maternal Bovine Appeasing Substance (mBAS) developed to reduce stress and advance dairy cattle welfare and performance.
Recent Trial Results
EARLY LACTATION PHASE
Dr. José Eduardo P. Santos, Professor in the Department of Animal Sciences at the University of Florida, sits down with Dr. Rodrigo Bicalho, FERA Founder & CEO, to dive deeper into the results of a new postpartum trial conducted across three California dairy operations. The trial enrolled 1,725 dairy cows and evaluated the efficacy of a single-dose FerAppease treatment administered within 12 hours after calving.
RESULTS PRESENTED AT THE AMERICAN DAIRY SCIENCE ASSOCIATION (ADSA)
- 54.9% reduction in metritis
- 11.3% less morbidity
- 50% decrease in the number of cows with multiple diseases 60 days postpartum
- 29% lower pain scores
- 4.94 lb/cow/day gain at 4 weeks fresh
Shift Dairy Cattle from Surviving to Thriving
Did you know that stress shifts your dairy cattle's metabolism into survival mode? Stress may lead to decreasing weight gain and feed conversion and worsening health outcomes. Stress is a major obstacle keeping the dairy industry from becoming a more profitable endeavor. You can overcome stress with FerAppease.
The active ingredient of FerAppease is a synthetic analogue of the Maternal Bovine Appeasing Substance (mBAS). mBAS is a naturally occurring substance that is secreted by the skin of the mammary gland of lactating animals, reducing stress in all dairy cattle treated.
Block the Stress. Face Fewer Costly Problems!
FerAppease mBAS can and should be used every time dairy cattle are exposed to management and physiological stressors, where suppression of threat perception is desirable.
MANAGEMENT STRESSORS
- Weaning
- Dehorning
- Hoof trimming
- Transportation
- Commingling
- Vaccination
PHYSIOLOGICAL STRESS
- Parturition
- Interruption of lactation (dry off)
- Breeding
Threat Perception and FerAppease
Without FerAppease
The amygdala responds quickly to potential threats in the environment and plays a key role in determining whether environments are perceived as safe or dangerous.
Threat perception leads to activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis leading to increased release of the glucocorticoid hormone cortisol from the adrenal glands and increased release of adrenaline.
Threat perception ultimately leads to:
- Elevated inflammation
- Immunosuppression
- Increased risk for BRD
- Decreased DMI
- Weight loss
- Energy inefficiency
- Increased morbidity
- Increased mortality
With FerAppease
Topically administered Maternal Bovine Appeasing Substance (mBAS) is locally assimilated by the vomeronasal organ located in the nasal cavity.
mBAS mediated stimulation of the vomeronasal gland desensitizes regions of the amygdala and the hypothalamus decreasing the perception of threat.
Reduced threat perception leads to:
- Reduced flight zones
- Lower levels of Cortisol
- Lower Substance-P levels
- Lower inflammation
- Lower morbidity
- Lower mortality
Featured Review
FERAPPEASE IN THE FIELD
Herrema Dairy uses FerAppease to help first-lactation heifers ease into their next phase. These heifers first deal with parturition which is a physically demanding event on young cows, and then with the unfamiliarity of machines, new environments and herd mates, and the shift from the rotary parlors into robotic milkers, a move that happens shortly after the cows enter the milking pen at Herrema Dairy.
Some also exhibit flight risk behavior jeopardizing not only their safety, but also employee welfare. Fortunately, FerAppease can alleviate their stress during these critical transitions. Operations Manager Cory Craig says that FerAppease makes the transition as easy as possible, and that cows are easier to handle and much calmer.
Watch the video to learn how Herrema Dairy uses FerAppease to help improve well-being and future productivity.
Happy Customers
FERAPPEASE IN THE FIELD
"We are following the recommended FerAppease protocol for our baby calves. They are treated from birth and every 14 days until we move them out of the hutches. Our preweaning mortality rate has dropped dramatically and calves are 18 lb heavier one week after they are moved to group housing. Calves are visually calmer, heavier, and healthier."
— Dennis Eldred, Owner, Willet Dairy Farm, NY
FERAPPEASE IN THE FIELD
"Despite the fact that we gradually wean our calves, we still notice that when we move calves out of the hutches and into group housing, our calves usually "cry" for at least two days after the move. When we started using FerAppease, we noticed the calves were quiet and the social stress was gone. More importantly, dry matter intake increased, and post-weaning treatments were reduced."
— Scott Blevins, Dairy Manager, Wiese Brothers, Greenleaf, WI
FERAPPEASE IN THE FIELD
"Milking fresh heifers on a large western dairy farm is a task that few people take pleasure in doing. When I heard of FerAppease, I thought about my fresh heifers. We started using FerAppease within 24 hours from calving and our heifers are much calmer, and parlor loading has improved significantly. We believe this technology will help our people as much as it will help our animals."
— Jeff Poland, Dairy Operations Manager, 13,000-cow New Mexico Dairy
Reap the Stress-Free, Economic Benefits of Treating Your Dairy Cattle with FerAppease
Prioritize your dairy cattle's welfare and help them respond better to stressful events while improving your profitability. Place your order today!
FAQs
What is FerAppease?
The active ingredient of FerAppease is a synthetic analogue of the Maternal Bovine Appeasing Substance (mBAS). mBAS is naturally secreted by the sebaceous gland located on the skin of the mammary gland with the unique function of inducing an appeasing effect.
FerAppease is topically applied, and the active ingredient (mBAS) is assimilated by the vomeronasal gland located in the nose of the animals. The mBAS stimulation of the vomeronasal gland desensitizes regions of the amygdala and the hypothalamus, dramatically decreasing threat perception and its downstream stress consequences.
How do you apply FerAppease?
FerAppease is for use only in healthy cattle by topical administration above the muzzle and in the divot behind the poll.
When can FerAppease be used?
FerAppease can and should be used every time animals are exposed to management and physiological stressors where suppression of threat perception is desirable. i.e. weaning, dehorning, hoof trimming, transportation, commingling, vaccination, parturition, interruption of lactation (dry off), breeding, et al.
What is the dosage of FerAppease on Cattle?
> 200 lb: Apply 5 mL of FerAppease behind the poll and a second 5 mL application to the skin above the muzzle.
< 200 lb: Apply 2.5 mL of FerAppease behind the poll and a second 2.5 mL application to the skin above the muzzle.
How long before FerAppease takes effect?
Behavior modulation and stress mitigation starts to take place immediately after FerAppease is applied.
Is a prescription required for FerAppease?
No, FerAppease does not require a veterinarian's prescription or a Veterinary Feed Directive plan.
How much does FerAppease cost per dose?
> 200 lb - 10 mL dose: $3.00/ head
< 200 lb - 5 mL dose: $1.50/ head
Are there any side effects of FerAppease?
There are no known side effects.
Is there a withdrawal period after using FerAppease?
No, there is no withdrawal period after using FerAppease.
Can FerAppease be applied when it’s raining?
FerAppease is an oil-based product. It is recommended to apply FerAppease on a dry animal. It is best to allow FerAppease at least 30 minutes to absorb into the skin of the animal before getting wet.
What is the duration of each application?
FerAppease is effective for a period of 14 days. Most economically relevant, stressful events have a duration of less than 14 days. Therefore, a single application will get the animals through the entire challenge period.
Is there a benefit to reapplying FerAppease after the 14-day period?
If an animal is being run through the chute after the 14-day period for any reason such as revaccinating, studies have shown there are benefits to reapplication at this time.
Does FerAppease expire?
FerAppease has a two-year shelf life.
How should FerAppease be stored?
Store at controlled room temperature at 10 - 30℃ (50-86℉). Do not refrigerate or freeze.
Where can FerAppease be purchased?
FerAppease is available for purchase in feed stores, veterinary clinics, through your MWI/AHI representatives or on our website.
Can I request the full study data for FerAppease?
Yes, please email inquiry@feraah.com.
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