We spent years engineering FreshStart™, a non-pharma probiotic designed to support the cow’s reproductive microbiome (Reprobiome™) during her most critical period: transition. Backed by field studies, it leads to fewer diseases, lower mortality, and improved milk production.
But there’s something else that matters just as much — will it pay off?
So, we ran the numbers. Using stringent real-world farm trials and industry-standard cost models, we calculated the return on investment (ROI) so you can make the most informed decision when considering FreshStart™.
The bottom line – 5X ROI
Spend $20 per cow and get back $110 in value.
That’s a net benefit of ~$90 per cow.
Below, we break down exactly how we arrived at those numbers.
How we calculated ROI
Our economic analysis of FreshStart™ is based on:
- Real-world field trials – involving 3 farms, each averaging 680 cows, comparing cows receiving FreshStart to a control group (not receiving the probiotic).
- Industry standard economic assumptions – Widely accepted figures for disease treatment costs, culling losses, and milk pricing.
- A structured cost-benefit model factoring in:
- Disease reduction
- Milk production gain
- Reduced mortality and culling
- Cost of Freshstart
The real cost of reproductive-related health issues in cows
Here’s what you’re typically spending per case, based on industry data:
| Disease / Ailment | Cost per Incident |
|---|---|
| Ketosis | $200-$500 per cow |
| Milk Fever (Hypocalcemia) | $150-$300 per cow |
| Mastitis | $130-$200 per cow |
| Metritis | $200-$500 per cow |
| Retained Placenta | $150-$250 per cow |
| Pneumonia (BRD) | $50-$500 per cow |
| Died/Involuntary Culling | $2000-$3000 per cow |
| Other Health Disorders | ~$200 |
*Other Health Disorders refer to general fresh cow diseases observed in the study, including: Displaced Abomasum (DA), Hypocalcemia (Milk Fever), Indigestion (Subacute Ruminal Acidosis, SARA, or Bloat), General Postpartum Infections
Results from Our FreshStart™ Field Studies
Here’s what the trials showed:
- Lower disease rates: FreshStart-treated cows had fewer cases of mastitis, pneumonia, Ketosis and general post-calving health issues.
- Lower mortality: 4.1% mortality in FreshStart™ cows vs. 6.7% in control cows — a 2.6% improvement
- Increased milk production: FreshStart cows produced 0.6 lb more milk per day for 150 days post-calving.
These health and performance gains directly resulted in measurable cost savings.
ROI Breakdown – Cost vs. Benefits
Here is a summary of what each farm experienced:
| Farm | Total Cows | Mastitis Savings | Pneumonia Savings | Metritis Savings | Ketosis Savings | Other Health Disorder Savings | Mortality Savings | Extra Milk Revenue | FreshStart Cost | Total Economic Benefit | Benefit Per Cow |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Farm 1 | 658 | $7,403 | $2,632 | $5,330 | $0 | $7,106 | $42,770 | $11,844 | ($13,160) | $63,925 | $97 |
| Farm 2 | 745 | $7,040 | $3,278 | $1,564 | $3,975 | $14,453 | $48,425 | $13,410 | ($14,900) | $77,246 | $104 |
| Farm 3 | 642 | $6,452 | $2,825 | $2,696 | $2,085 | $10,529 | $41,730 | $11,556 | ($12,840) | $65,033 | $101 |
Key takeaways:
• The total economic benefit per farm ranged from $63,925 to $77,246.
• The net benefit per cow was estimated at $97 to $104
• Mortality reduction savings alone contributed to over $40,000 per farm
Calculation Details
Cost of FreshStart™ Treatment
Each cow was administered three doses of FreshStart™, totalling an estimated $20 per cow (dose calculator here). The formula we used:
FreshStart Cost = Total Cows x Cost per Cow
The total treatment investment per farm ranged from $12,840 to $14,900, depending on herd size.
Disease Cost Savings
These were calculated based on reduced disease incidence and standard treatment costs. Formula used:
Savings = (Disease Reduction (%) ÷ 100) × Total Cows × Cost per Case
This model was applied across conditions like Mastitis, Pneumonia, Ketosis, retained placenta, and Other health disorders (e.g., DA, milk fever, postpartum infections)
Mortality Cost Savings
FreshStart™ reduced mortality from 6.7% to 4.1% — a 2.6 percentage point improvement. Formula used:
Mortality Savings = (Mortality Reduction (%) ÷ 100) × Total Cows × Cost per Cull
With an average loss of $2,500 per culled cow, farms saved between $41,730 and $48,425 just from avoiding early culling.
Extra Milk Revenue
FreshStart™ cows produced an average of 0.6 lb/day more milk than the control group, over a 150-day period. Formula used:
Extra Milk Revenue = Total Cows × Extra Milk per Day × Total Days × (Milk Price per cwt ÷ 100)
Given an industry-average milk price of $20 per cwt, the additional milk revenue ranged from $11,556 to $13,410 per farm.
The Net Economic Benefit
Finally, we summed all disease reduction savings, mortality savings, and milk revenue, then subtracted the FreshStart™ treatment cost. Formula used:
Total Economic Benefit = (Mastitis + Pneumonia + Health Disorders + Mortality + Extra Milk) – FreshStart Cost
Net return per cow: $97–$104
Overview of the Economic Case for FreshStart™
The results from this New York field trial suggest that FreshStart™ can provide significant economic benefits to dairy producers by:
- Reducing disease incidence, including mastitis, pneumonia, and metritis
- Lowering mortality rates, saving over $60,000 per farm
- Increasing milk production, generating $11,500–$13,400 in additional revenue
- Delivering a net return of $97–$104 per cow, on a $20 investment
Estimate ROI on Your Own Herd
The average return in our field trials was $97–$104 per cow, but your ROI depends on your current herd conditions.
Here’s how to get a quick estimate:
Step 1 – Estimate your current costs:
- What’s your mortality rate in fresh cows? (Each early cull costs ~$2,500.)
- How many cases of mastitis, pneumonia, or ketosis do you treat per 100 cows? (Each case costs ~$150–$500.)
- What’s your average milk yield during the first 150 days in milk?
Step 2 – Apply the trial improvements:
- Mortality improvement: reduced by 2.6 percentage points
- Milk boost: add 0.6 lb/day per cow for 150 days
- Disease reduction: even a small drop can add up fast
Even a single avoided cull or fewer disease cases can return the full cost, and then some.
Use our [ROI Calculator] — built with the same formula used in our study — to plug in your numbers and get a personalized estimate.
Healthy cows, Healthier bottom line
FreshStart™ isn’t just good for your herd — it’s a smart investment.
Supporting the cow’s reproductive microbiome during the critical transition period helps reduce disease, lower mortality, and increase milk yield — all of which translate directly into profit. At just $20 per cow, and an average net return of $90 or more, that’s a 5x ROI. Now imagine that at the herd scale.
We strongly encourage you to talk to your veterinarian or dairy advisor about implementing FreshStart™ across your herd. The science promised it, and the economics proved it. We’d be happy to walk you through the numbers or answer your questions — schedule a call here.
