Elanco expands dairy nutrition and health portfolio with AHV acquisition

USA – Elanco Animal Health has finalised its acquisition of AHV International, a Dutch innovator in farm animal health, strengthening its position in the global dairy sector with new health and nutritional solutions to improve cow productivity, welfare, and transition management.

The acquisition expands Elanco’s portfolio of dairy-focused interventions, including products linked to transition cow health, milk production management, and reduced reliance on antibiotics.

According to Elanco, the deal supports growing demand for technologies that improve dairy herd efficiency while helping producers manage rising production and sustainability pressures.

Ramiro M. Cabral said the acquisition adds complementary tools for producers and veterinarians working to improve dairy herd performance.

“The AHV addition is a strategic fit for Elanco by providing innovative tools for producers and veterinarians to improve the well-being of dairy cows,” Cabral said.

Dairy nutrition and health strategies gain importance

The acquisition also strengthens Elanco’s position in feed-linked animal health solutions, particularly as dairy producers increasingly adopt nutritional and preventive health approaches to improve productivity and reduce treatment costs.

AHV’s portfolio includes products such as StopLac, designed to manage milk production during the dry-off period at the end of lactation, and Quorum Sensing Technology, which uses plant-derived extracts to disrupt bacterial biofilms and support natural immune responses.

Elanco said these technologies could help reduce antibiotic use while supporting animal health and production efficiency.

The company added that combining AHV’s technologies with Elanco’s technical expertise and distribution network could accelerate global adoption of more proactive dairy management systems.

Global dairy producers continue to face pressure from rising feed costs, disease risks, and growing demand for affordable dairy products.

According to the World Organisation for Animal Health, disease and mortality account for roughly 20% of livestock productivity losses globally each year, affecting food security and farm profitability.

Industry analysts say feed efficiency, transition nutrition and preventive animal health strategies are becoming increasingly important as dairy operations seek to improve milk yields while managing sustainability and welfare expectations.

The acquisition reflects broader industry movement toward integrated dairy production systems that combine feed, nutrition and animal health tools to improve long-term herd performance.

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