Accelerated Genetics

Written By: Brenda Cavanaugh, Marketing Services Director

Stepping into the office and modern product distribution center of SOP™ s.r.l. in Italy, the “Life Vibration” was very obvious. The knowledgeable staff is clearly enthusiastic about the innovative new technology of SOP™ and the opportunity of providing SOP™ to U.S.A. dairy producers through Accelerated Genetics.

SOP™ focuses on “the improvement of human, animal and natural environments.” A 100% natural product, SOP™ is the Italian acronym for the patented technology called Sirio Operating Process. Through a bio-frequency method, SOP™ is created with strategic wavelength and harmony. This same technology is comparable to the electronic systems used for radio broadcasting.

The firm of SOP™ s.r.l. accredits themselves as a market leader in Italy for the bio-hygienization of barns and management improvement of liquid and composted manure. Its products were introduced to the Accelerated Genetics AHP line-up this past fall. SOP™ M Cow is a treatment for liquid manure in lagoons, alleys, slats and freestall barns. SOP™ C Cow is to be used in bedding packs. SOP™ C Calf is for the treatment of bedding packs in calf hutches.

SOP™ decreases the occurrence of pathogenic bacteria, Staphylococcus, and E-coli. It has also been proven to reduce Enterococcus and Clostridia bacteria. Other key advantages indicated by dairy producers include a significant decrease in ammonia gas and odor, as well as overall improvement of herd health.

Many dairies in Italy have been using SOP™ over an extended period of time. We visited three herds who have participated in SOP™ trials. Each of these herds, as well as many others across Italy has been extremely satisfied with the SOP™ results.

The first farm had 720 cows that are milked and housed in a slat freestall barn. Using the SOP™ Cow and Calf products, they have observed more than 50% less ammonia smell than in the past. Their neighbors have noted the major improvement in appreciation. Dermatitis has been significantly reduced by more than 80% and overall herd health has improved, including half the amount of previous hoof problems. This has been a huge savings for the producer! Environmental mastitis has drastically been reduced. Over the past five years, they have not had to apply any type of fly treatment due to one of the many benefits of SOP™.

In addition they have not used any extra treatment in the lagoon. The bubbling fermentation of the lagoon signified the increase of activity which results in little need for agitation. This past season, they used 70 % less chemical fertilizer than previous years. In one hundred acres of corn, they were able to fill double the amount of bunkers as the year prior. The producer was very pleased that no damage occurred to his crops while spreading manure. While working up his land, he did not need to go deep in the ground, which in the long run, was a savings on fuel.

The second farm featured a bedding compost pack. This dairy operation milks seventy cows, including a few cows that were exhibited at the Cremona Dairy Show in days prior. The farm operator had begun using SOP™ in May and has since seen some excellent results. At the time of tour, we were told that the bedding pack had not been replaced in months. On a weekly basis, straw and sawdust were being added. I was very impressed to observe the pack being extremely compact. The owner noted that the pack is always dry and the animals don’t sink nearly as much as they did before using SOP™. The cows are also cleaner and the smell has been drastically reduced.

At our third and final farm visit with SOP™ s.r.l., we viewed a heifer facility and lagoon. They milked 300 cows; however, at the time of tour, they had not started using SOP™ Cow yet. This was quite evident, as there were significantly more flies in the cow barn versus the heifer barn. The SOP™ s.r.l. representative demonstrated the effects of using SOP™ M Cow. Using a metal rod, he swirled it in the pit. It was amazing to observe how he did not have to break through a crust surface, which would typically accumulate on most manure pits. I also reluctantly smelled the pole after being in the pit, and fortunately, did not smell anything!

There are some important things to keep in mind when using SOP™ products. SOP™ is not a disinfectant or bacterial enzyme. Because SOP™ takes on moisture, only use the amount needed for that day. When storing, do not leave SOP™ in the duster applicator. The bags shall be stored in a plastic sealed bag or container. Do not leave SOP™ products near electric motors, refrigerators, power boxes, or use with metal appliances and machinery.

For more information, visit www.sopgroup.com and view the “life vibration”!