New ADVANCE study shows vaccinating results in increased milk production

Ingelheim, Germany, Mon, 10/05/2020 - 09:00

The ADVANCE¹ study demonstrates benefits of vaccination
Boehringer Ingelheim remains committed to bringing new findings to its customers through continuous research

Ingelheim, Germany, October 5, 2020 – Boehringer Ingelheim, a leader in animal health, is pleased to announce that cattle producers can confidently use its live double deleted BVDV (bovine viral diarrhea virus) vaccine Bovela^® to control BVD. Results from the ADVANCE study, conducted by Boehringer Ingelheim in Europe and published in PLOS One², a peer-reviewed publication, demonstrate that cows vaccinated with Bovela^® produce more milk than non-vaccinated herd mates.

The ADVANCE study changes the perception of BVD’s impact on dairy farming. As a result of the ADVANCE study we now know that

Key findings¹

BVD not only causes poor fertility but also a significant loss in production, even in environments where animals are assumed to have protection, due to previous exposure to the disease

Cows vaccinated with Bovela^® produce more milk than the non-vaccinated cows, even in herds with endemic BVD

The economic benefit of vaccinating with Bovela, on milk production, is up to 63 euros per cow per lactation³

In order to demonstrate additional benefits of Bovela^®, the Boehringer Ingelheim’s team investigated the effect of vaccination on milk production in commercial dairy herds infected with BVD virus.

“BVD is one of the most important diseases affecting cattle. It has a profound negative impact on both animal health and farm profitability. At Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, we are committed to continuing the fight against BVD. The ADVANCE study literally advances our scientific understanding of this complex disease and reassures our veterinarians and farmers that, in selecting Bovela®, they are getting additional benefits,” commented Dr. Gerald Behrens, Head of Global Strategic Marketing Ruminants at Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health.

ADVANCE study facts

The largest peer-reviewed trial of cattle in Europe

Performed across three of the major EU countries (France, Italy and the UK)

Data from 1,197 animals (representing 1,559 lactations)

Furthermore, the findings of ADVANCE could be an additional consideration for the cost-benefit analyses of BVD control programs; milk production losses are an important component of the economic losses due to BVD and may be hidden.

Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health

The lives of animals and humans are interconnected in deep and complex ways. We know that when animals are healthy, humans are healthier too. Across the globe, our 10,000 employees are dedicated to delivering value through innovation, thus enhancing the well-being of both.

Respect for animals, humans and the environment is at the heart of what we do. We develop solutions and provide services to protect animals from disease and pain. We support our customers in taking care of the health of their animals and protect our communities against life- and society-threatening diseases.

Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health is the second largest animal health business in the world, with net sales of 4 billion euros in 2019 and presence in more than 150 countries. For more information visit: www.boehringer-ingelheim.com/animal-health/overview.

Boehringer Ingelheim

Making new and better medicines for humans and animals is at the heart of what we do. Our mission is to create breakthrough therapies that change lives. Since its founding in 1885, Boehringer Ingelheim is independent and family-owned. We have the freedom to pursue our long-term vision, looking ahead to identify the health challenges of the future and targeting those areas of need where we can do the most good.

As a world-leading, research-driven pharmaceutical company, more than 51,000 employees create value through innovation daily for our three business areas: Human Pharma, Animal Health, and Biopharmaceutical Contract Manufacturing. In 2019, Boehringer Ingelheim achieved net sales of 19 billion euros. Our significant investment of almost 3.5 billion euros in R&D drives innovation, enabling the next generation of medicines that save lives and improve quality of life.

We realize more scientific opportunities by embracing the power of partnership and diversity of experts across the life-science community. By working together, we accelerate the delivery of the next medical breakthrough that will transform the lives of patients now, and in generations to come.

More information about Boehringer Ingelheim can be found on www.boehringer-ingelheim.com.

Intended audiences:

This press release is issued from our Corporate Headquarters in Ingelheim, Germany and is intended to provide information about our global business. Please be aware that information relating to the approval status and labels of approved products may vary from country to country, and a country-specific press release on this topic may have been issued in the countries where we do business.

References

¹ ADVANCE is a short name for the study titled: Comparison of milk production of dairy cows vaccinated with a live double deleted BVDV vaccine and non-vaccinated dairy cows cohabitating in commercial herds endemically infected with BVD virus. Link to the publication: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0240113

²https://journals.plos.org/plosone/

³ Regulation (EU) No 2017/1185 Article 12(a) - Annex II.4(a) (prices of raw milk at real fat and protein content paid to milk producers) Data complete up to April 2020 https://ec.europa.eu/info/sites/info/files/food-farming-fisheries/farming/documents/eu-raw-milk-prices_en.pdf