How homeopathic remedies are improving herd health and reducing vet bills on this large-scale dairy operation

A Southland dairy farmer shares their impressive results using Agripathics homeopathic remedies for their livestock and pets.

A Southland farming family running multiple dairy farms with 1600 milking cows and 800 young stock has seen improvements in herd health since adopting homeopathic remedies three years ago.

The spring-calving operation was struggling with increasing antibiotic resistance, rising medication costs, and disappointing treatment results when they decided to try a natural approach.

"Our family has had great success with homeopathic remedies in humans and it was just natural to try it for our animals," explains Alet Gerritsen of Willow Hill Farms. "The increase in resistant strains, cost of mainstream medication and the lack of results was also a big driving force."

Easy administration with proven results

The family found the remedies surprisingly easy to integrate into their daily routine. Adult animals receive treatments through the in-shed water line feeding system, making medication available in all troughs across the farm. For individual animals requiring treatment, staff use spray bottles in the milking shed or wherever needed. Calf sheds are equipped with spray bottles for easy administration to young stock.

Some remedies provide immediate results while others work over time. "Some remedies take time, but things like the Carbo veg is instant – it is wonderful to see the immediate response in the animal," Alet explains.

Results across the farm

The improvements have been seen in multiple aspects of the dairy operation.

Calving preparation and recovery

Using Cal/Mag combined with Arn/Acon/Bell has streamlined the calving process and reduced veterinary callouts for retained placentas.

Calf health transformation

The most dramatic change has been in calf health. "This was amazing. Have not had ONE calf with scours," Alet reports. They use SC Nosode in milk initially, then in water for all calves on the farm.

For weak or cold calves, Carbo veg provides immediate results. "An amazing product. I cannot imagine going into calving without this."

Breeding success

Non-cycling cows are identified and treated with excellent results. "It worked so well, that our manager asked me to please get this again before mating this year." All cows receive Viburnum after mating to support pregnancy maintenance.

Mastitis prevention

The MB Nosode has become essential for mastitis control. "Without the MB Nosode there is a definite increase in mastitis," Alet notes. Their veterinarian has confirmed reduced antibiotic usage for mastitis since starting the programme.

Winter health

All animals receive remedies through water troughs during winter. "We have had fewer down cows at the start of calving, and I attribute this to the mixture we get from Natural Pet."

Verified cost savings

The financial benefits have been substantial and independently confirmed. "We have seen a definite reduction in vet bills. The vet has confirmed by reviewing our call outs, antibiotic usage and mastitis cases over the last 3 years."
Blood tests now show reduced need for mineral supplements since implementing the Cal/Mag programme across the herd, providing additional savings.

Key remedies in their programme

The operation relies on an extensive range of remedies across different areas:

• For calf health: SC Nosode prevents scours completely when used in milk then water systems. "This remedy is in the milk and later in the water of all calves on our farm. We have had NO scours since using this product."
• SC Blend works fast for treating scours. "Worked very fast on a case we had on a neighbouring farm. Now we have them using it too."
• Carbo veg 30c provides instant response for cold, wet, or unresponsive calves. "An amazing product. I cannot imagine going into calving without this."
• Tub bov 30c prevents growth slowdown at weaning. "I start using this before weaning and did not get the slowing in growth at that time."
• Baryta carb 30c helps smaller calves that are failing to thrive. "Some smaller calves definitely respond well to this remedy."
• For breeding and reproductive health: Viburnum 30c supports pregnancy maintenance. "I have not done the recon on how many slips we have had, but speaking to the herd managers they are very impressed with this."
• Arn/Acon/Bellis provides excellent post-calving recovery for shock and bruising to reproductive organs. "After calving, this is great."
• Non Cycling blend effectively treats cows that aren't cycling.
• Caulophyllum 30c and 200c for reproductive support.
• Sepia 30c used for mating.
• Pyrogenium 30c and 200c for uterus infections.
• For mastitis prevention: MB Nosode is essential for mastitis control. Without it "there is a definite increase in mastitis."
• For general herd health: Cal/Mag has reduced supplement requirements across the whole herd. "Our whole herd is on this. Our blood test shows that we need fewer supplements since using this product."
• Multi V & M is used across the entire herd. "The whole herd is on this."
• Arnica 30c for shock and stone bruising. "Great for animals after winter, especially in Southland. Soft hooves can increase lameness, and early treatment of a stone bruise can help."
• Farm Mend provides excellent winter support. "Great for animals during winter."
• Other remedies in use: Alfalfa 30c as an appetite stimulant.
• Belladonna 200c for mastitis and milk fever.
• BL Nosode for bloat prevention.
• Bryonia 30c hard quarter mastitis.
• Conium 30c for rear-end paralysis.
• Farm WRM for worming.
• Kali ars 200c to assist in restoring skin health after ringworm.
• Ignatia 30c provides emotional support when animals are under stress.
• PSSC is a general main mastitis remedy.
• TK Blend for ticks.

Professional support valued

Beyond the products, the family appreciates the ongoing support from Natural Pet. "Amazing – they are always ready to help with questions. This even extended to my dogs and cat on the farm."

"Thank you very much for all your support," they conclude.

Alet Gerritsen, Willow Hill Farms, Gore District of the Southland Region, NZ