NC1119: Management Systems to Improve the Economic and Environmental Sustainability of Dairy Enterprises (Rev. NC-119)

(Multistate Research Project)

Status: Inactive/Terminating

Project Menu

SAES-422 Reports

Annual/Termination Reports:

[02/05/2004] [12/13/2004] [12/12/2005] [12/15/2006] [04/08/2008]

Date of Annual Report: 02/05/2004

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 10/09/2003 - 10/10/2003
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2002 - 09/01/2003

Participants

Arizona: Matthew J. VanBaale; California: Peter H. Robinson, Steven L. Berry; Florida: Albert de Vries; Georgia: Lane O. Ely, James W. Smith; Indiana: Shawn Donkin, Alan Fahey, Michael Grott, Timothy R. Johnson, Simon Kenyon, Ed Pajor, John Patterson, Mike Schutz, Jon Townsend; Iowa: H. D. Tyler, C. J. Hammer, J. A Booth, S. I. Wawrzyniak, A. L. Riddle; Kansas: John E. Shirley, Michael Brouk; Louisiana: Cathleen C. Williams; Michigan: Dave K. Beede; Minnesota: H. Chester-Jones, J. G. Linn, D. G. Johnson, M. Endres, A. DiCostanzo, M. Rudstrom, D. M. Ziegler, S. Godden, P. Hoffman; Nebraska: D. Jose; New Hampshire: P. S. Erickson, C. G. Schwab; Ohio: N. R. St-Pierre; Pennsylvania: A.J. Heinrichs, P.R. Tozer, C. M. Jones, K.E. Lesmeister, M. T. Long, S. I. Mawrzyniak, G. I. Zanton; South Dakota: K. F. Kalscheur, A. R. Hippen, D. J. Schingoethe, A. D. Garcia; Texas: M. Tomaszewski, E. Jordan, S. Gaudana; Virginia: R. E. James, M. L. McGilliard, S. Bascom, J. Phillips, D. R. Winston; CSREES Advisor: Henry Tyrrell.

Brief Summary of Minutes

Minutes Attachment:

Attachment

Accomplishments

Objective 1.Develop and integrate decision support systems to promote efficient,environmentally sound, and economically viable management systems for dairy young stock. Objective 1A: To enhance understanding of nutrient requirements of young calves and growing dairy heifers and identify nutritional strategies that maximize the efficient use of dietary nutrients and reduce excretion into the environment. VA conducted nutritional studies to assess the impact of the nutritional formulation (fat and protein content) of milk replacers on the performance and health of youg Jersey calves. Results showed that a traditional formulation (21% CP and 21% fat) was inadequate and supported minimal weight gains. A 28-29% CP and 24% fat milk replacer would appear to result in optimal performance and should be the formulation of choice for feeding Jersey calves in an intensified program. IA determined that the addition of grass hay chopped to a consistent particle size to calf starter enhances feed efficiency in both pre- and post-weaned calves by improving the rumen environment. A LA project has been initiated to evaluate the effects of dietary protein level and ruminally undegradable protein on growth, nitrogen balance, and anabolic hormone status in weaned dairy calves. PA conducted a study to assess the effects of varying protein fractions fed in diets containing two forage levels to 16-18 month old dairy heifers. Diets that were balanced to contain high soluble protein and RUP appeared to improve the apparent N digestibility when fed in both medium and high forage diets. Objective 1B: To evaluate effects of different nutritional management strategies on performance and economic efficiencies of dairy replacement heifers. IA determined that the addition of grass hay chopped to a consistent particle size to calf starter did not delay weaning of calves when using an intake-based weaning system although feed costs were reduced. A large project supervised by MN evaluated the economics of integrating a grazing enterprise vs. a traditional open-front confinement feedlot with corn, soybeans and alfalfa crop rotations on a commercial Minnesota livestock and crop farm. Results showed a $0.04 to $0.30 reduction in direct costs per pound of gain for the pasture compared to the traditional system. MN studied the effects of early calf nutrition on Holstein steer performance and carcass characteristics in partnerships with two commercial partners (Land O Lakes and Cooperative Research Farms, Inc.). Results of this study demonstrated the pre-weaning growth advantage of an intensive vs. conventional calf raising program. These advantages, however, were not maintained throughout the feeding period for long-fed Holstein steers. There were indications that carcass quality tended to improve from the intensive pre-weaning program. A complete economic analysis will define the cost:benefit ratios for each feeding regimen. MN evaluated the performance of calves fed an intensive growth milk replacer and calf starters of differing protein and fat content. The use of a higher CP starter for calves fed an intensive milk feeding program was inconclusive under the conditions of this study due in part to less than optimal pre-weaning calf performance. PA is investigating the effect of nitrogen and forage source on feed efficiency and structural growth of prepubertal Holstein heifers. Results of an experiment suggest that feeding moderately different levels of forage along with either soybean meal or a slow release urea product did not result in any significant differences in main or interactive effects in feed efficiency or structural growth. Objective 1C: To elucidate metabolic processes and endocrine interrelationships in the biology of colostrums and nutrient intake, and environment stressors on immune function and calf performance. Numerous projects are under way to study the effects of management and nutritional modifications on the health of young calves and their immune system. NH has a study under way to evaluate the effect of lactoferrin supplementation in either a 20/20 all milk protein replacer or a 28/20 all milk protein replacer. Lactoferrin supplementation could reduce the need for medication in milk replacers. SD assessed the accuracy of two new commercially available, qualitative, on-farm kits that utilize serum or whole blood to evaluate failure of passive transfer (FPT) of immunoglobulins. Results showed that both kits can be used by producers as a qualitative assessment tool to ensure that calves that test adequate for passive transfer do indeed have adequate blood IgG concentrations. MN evaluated the effect of using a nutritional supplement as an alternative to antibiotic medicated milk replacers on performance and health of Holstein calves. Under the conditions of this study the use of a nutritional supplement as a replacement for antibiotics in milk replacers did not compromise calf performance. A study was conducted in LA to determine the developmental changes in growth hormone, insulin, and glucose responses to infusion with amino acids in dairy calves. A manuscript is under preparation. In a NH study, six week old calves were given a choice of either a control calf starter containing either monensin of lasalocid at 1 mg/kg of body weight to measure ionophore preference by young dairy calves. Results showed that calves tended to prefer the control diets over the ionophore supplemented diets and lasalocid was preferred over monensin. Another NH trial is looking at the effect of chlortetracycline on reproduction in dairy heifers. The experiment has been completed and statistical analyses are in progress. IA completed numerous studies in partnership with American Protein Corporation and Merrick?s. These studies determined (1) that the addition of growth factors to a colostrums supplement diminished the absorptive efficiency of IgG, (2) that apparent efficiency of absorption (AEA) of IgG fed to calves was enhanced by feeding 150 g of Ig at birth when compared to the AEA of IgG fed to calves in two separate doses of 75 g/dose 12 h apart, (3) that the addition of an emulsifying agent to a colostrums supplement did not interfere with absorptive efficiency, (4) that the addition of bovine serum proteins or fat-soluble vitamins were ineffective in enhancing gut recovery from a coronavirus challenge, (5) that the umbilical cord length and diameter affect both duration of calving and calving ease score, and (6) that retained placental blood volume is related to calving ease score. IN studied beta-glucan and antioxidant modulation of neonatal dairy calf immune function prior to bacterial challenge with Salmonella dublin. Preliminary results showed that all calves had antibodies indicative of previous exposure to salmonella. Bacterial challenge was titrated to a dose that would cause morbidity without significant mortality. In a subsequent trial, it was found that eye temperature from thermal imaging had the least variability among ear, nose and eye temperatures. A dose of 108 cfu of Salmonella dublin was found optimal for challenging three week old calves. Finally, a preliminary study to determine the effects of electrolyte solutions on amelioration of shipping stress in neonatal calves has been completed, showing that the subcutaneous treatment of calves with electrolytes allows calves dehydrated by shipping stress to regain normal hematocrit and immune function. Objective 2. To develop strategies and systems to optimize nutrient utilization, economic returns, and environmental goals for management of dry, pregnant and lactating dairy cows. Objective 2A. To develop and evaluate management and feeding systems for optimal cow performance, comfort, well-being, health and behavior. There is much ongoing work related to the nutrition and health of dairy cows during the transition period (3 weeks prepartum to 3 weeks postpartum). SD looked at the effects of feeding glycerol (a by-product of the biodiesel manufacture) on dry matter intake, milk production and blood metabolites of transition cows. Results showed that glycerol fed at 1 kg/d delayed the onset and degree of fat mobilization during the first 3 weeks postpartum. The greatest potential for glycerol to prevent ketosis was observed during the first 7 DIM and the optimal inclusion rate was between 0.5 and 1 kg/d. Various delivery methods of glycerol to dairy cows for providing gluconeogenic precursors to the liver were also investigated in SD. Preliminary results showed that cows treated with glycerol as an oral drench had the most rapid and dramatic increase in blood glucose after treatment. Esophageal delivery to the rumen blunted this response. Cows fed glycerol did not appear to respond with increases in blood glucose concentrations compared to control. KS evaluated the impact of top dressing a lactating TMR with long-stem alfalfa hay with or without additional dry rolled corn during the first five days postpartum on performance. Top-dressing the lactation TMR with long-stem alfalfa hay with or without dry-rolled corn was not beneficial in this study. MI conducted an extensive study to determine the effects of prepartum exercise of Holstein dairy cows on blood and liver metabolites, DMI, milk yield, and health disorders. Prepartum exercise of dairy cows reduced the incidence of health disorders, but did not affect lactation performance during the first month of lactation. Additional work is in progress. Milking strategies in terms of frequency and time of initiation are being researched. In KS, Holstein cows were assigned to be milked four times daily for the first 30 days of lactation and twice daily thereafter, whereas the controls were milked twice daily. Half of each milking frequency groups did not received bST at anytime during the lactation while the other half was treated with bST starting at 63 days postpartum. Milking four times daily for only the first 30 days in milk improved energy-corrected milk (ECM) by 2,180 compared to twice daily milking without bST, and by 771 lbs for cows supplemented with bST. Injection of bST increased ECM yields by 2,187 lbs in twice daily milked cows and 778 lbs in four times daily cows. IN researched the effect of prepartum milking on the production, health, and well being of first calf heifers. Prepartum milking of first calf heifers decreased the severity of udder edema and increased the presence of mastitis-causing bacteria at the third milking post-calving. However, prepartum milked heifers had lower average somatic cell counts at the completion of lactation. Prepartum milked heifers consume more feed after calving and produce higher levels of milk from two weeks before calving until three weeks after calving. These results demonstrate that prepartum milking may be a beneficial management tool. Control is an important function of management. OH is studying the optimal sampling schedule of diet components. Various recommendations have been issued regarding sampling schedule of diet components, especially forages. Their bases are unclear and none are justified from an economic standpoint. A quality cost function made of four parts was derived. The resulting total quality cost per day can be optimized with respect to the number of samples, sampling frequency and control limits using a genetic algorithm. NH examined the effects of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Propionobacterium freudenreichii on performance and apparent total tract digestibility of early lactation Holstein cows. The study is completed but statistical analyses of results are not. A KS study examined the production efficiency of mid-lactation dairy cows fed yeast culture during the summer. Results suggested that the yeast culture can improve production efficiency of dairy cows in mid-lactation.

Publications

CALIFORNIA Chang, A. 2003. Managing dairy wastes in the central valley of California. Committee of Consultants Investigative Report, University of California. 43 pp. FLORIDA De Araujo, A.E.M., A. deVries, R.G. Giesy, L.O. Ely, and D.W. Webb. Ranking of dairy farms based on economic measures per CWT milk sold and per CWT milk equivalent. Journal of Dairy Science. Submitted October, 2003. De Vries, A. Economic value of delayed replacement when cow performance is seasonal. Journal of Dairy Science. Submitted September, 2003. De Vries, A. and B.J. Conlin. A comparison of the performance of statistical quality control charts in a dairy production system through stochastic simulation. Agricultural Systems. Submitted April, 2003. De Vries, A., and B.J. Conlin. 2003. Economic value of timely detection of an unexpected decrease in estrous detection. Journal of Dairy Science. Accepted. De Vries, A. and B.J. Conlin. 2003. Design and performance of statistical process control charts applied to estrous detection efficiency. Journal of Dairy Science 86:1970-1984. De Vries, A. Monitoring pregnancy rate with statistical process control charts. ISVEE 10, Vina del Mar, Chile, November 2003. Accepted. Butler, B.L. and A. de Vries. 2003. Seasonality of productive life of dairy cows in Florida and Georgia. J. Dairy Sci. Vol. 86, Suppl. 1, 54. De Vries, A. 2003. Early detection of a change in pregnancy rate. J. Dairy Sci. Vol. 86, Suppl. 1, 169. Ely, L.O., A. de Vries, R.G. Giesy. 2003. Financial performance of dairies in Florida and Georgia in 2001. J. Dairy Sci. Vol. 86, Suppl. 1, 358. De Araujo, A.E.M. and A. de Vries. 2003. Ranking of dairy farms based on economic measures per cwt milk sold and per cwt milk equivalent. J. Dairy Sci. Vol. 86, Suppl. 1, 358. GEORGIA De Araujo, A.E.M., A. de Vries, R.G. Giesy, L.O. Ely, and D.W. Webb. Ranking of dairy farms based on economic measures per CWT milk sold and per CWT milk equivalent. Journal of Dairy Science. Submitted October, 2003. De Vries, A., R. Giesy, L. Ely, D. Webb, A. Andreasen, B. Broaddus, P. Miller, T. Seawright, C. Vann and A. deAraujo. 2002. Dairy Business Analysis Project: 2000 Financial Summary. AN135, Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida. DeVries, A., R. Giesy, L. Ely, A. DeAraujo, A. Andreasen, B. Broaddus, S. Eubanks, D. Mayo, P. Miller, T. Seawright and C. Vann. 2003. Dairy Business Analysis Project: 2001 Financial Summary. AN136, Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida. DeVries, A., R. Giesy, L. Ely, A. DeAraujo, A. Andreasen, B. Broaddus, S. Eubanks, D. Mayo, P. Miller, T. Seawright, and C. Vann. 2003. Dairy Business Analysis Project: Financial Summary for 1995-2001. DS 174, University of Florida Extension. Ely, L.O., A. de Vries, R.G. Giesy. 2003. Financial performance of dairies in Florida and Georgia in 2001. J. Dairy Sci. Vol. 86, Suppl. 1, 358. Gilson, W.D., J.W. Smith, L.O. Ely, A.M. Chapa and S. Chandrasekaram. 2002. DAIRYMAP: Evaluating Dairy Management (Mastitis Module) National Mastitis Council Annual Proceedings 2002, p. 206. Smith, J.W., L.O. Ely, W.M. Graves, and W.D. Gilson. 2002. Effect of milking frequency on DHI performance measures. J. Dairy Science 85:3526-3533. Somda, Zana, J.R. Allison, L.O. Ely, G.L. Newton, and M.E. Wetzstein. 2003. Economic and Environmental Evaluation of Dairy Manure Utilization for Year Round Crop Production. J. Southern Agricultural Economic Association. INDIANA McKee, C.A., S.D. Eicher, E.A. Pajor and T.R. Johnson. The effects of supplemental ascorbic acid and beta-glucan on immune function, growth and behavior of neonatal calves. JDS-03-0005. R3 Daniels, K.J., J.R. Townsend, S.S. Donkin, and E.A. Pajor. 2003. Behaviors of transition dairy cows and heifers. J. Anim. Sci. Vol. 81(Suppl. 1). J. Dairy Sci. Vol. 86(Suppl. 1). Abstr. #W228. pg. 352. Daniels, K.J., J.R. Townsend, S.S. Donkin, S.D. Eicher, A.G. Fahey, and M.M. Schutz. 2003. The effect of prepartum milking on the health and well-being of first calf heifers. J. Dairy Sci. Midwestern section 86(Suppl. 2). (Abstr. 86). Eicher, S.D., T.A. Johnson. K.A. McMunn, and T.R. Johnson. Toll-like receptor and acute phase cytokine expression in neonatal dairy calves immunology workshop. Eicher, S.D., J.A. Patterson, C.W. Wilcox, T.A. Johnson, and M.M. Schutz. Thermal imagining indications of elevated body temperatures during a Salmonella Dublin challenge. CRAWF. Eicher, S.D., T.R. Johnson, and K.A. McMunn. 2003. In vitro modulation by beta-glucan and ascorbic acid of blood leukocyte toll-like receptor and acute phase cytokine expression. J. Anim. Sci. Vol. 81(Suppl. 1)Abstr. #59. Rekhis, J. and T.R. Johnson. 2003. Nitrogen retention and apparent digestibility of diets differing in concentration of soybean hulls fed to growing lambs. J. Anim. Sci. Midwestern Section 81:Suppl. 2. Abstr. 291. Kuldau, G.A. and C.P. Woloshuk. 2002. Screening for mycotoxins in silage. Proceedings of the Tri-State Dairy Nutrition Conference. Fort Wayne, IN. pg. 35-37. Donkin, S.S. 2002. Rumen protected choline: potential for improved health and production in dairy cows. Proceedings of the Tri-State Dairy Nutrition Conference. Fort Wayne, IN. pg. 55-65. Daniels, K.J., J.R. Townsend, S.S. Donkin, S.D. Eicher, A.G. Fahey and M.M. Schutz. 2003. The effect of prepartum milking on the production, health and well being of first calf heifers. Graduate student poster contest of the Tri-State Dairy Nutrition Conference. Fort Wayne, IN. IOWA Hammer, C.J., J.D. Quigley, L. Ribeiro, and H.D. Tyler. 2003. Characterization of a colostrums replacer containing IgG concentrate and growth factors. J. Dairy Sci. 86(Suppl. 1):21. Riddle, A.L., H.D. Tyler, and J.D. Quigley. 2003. Relationship between placental characteristics, delivery parameters and placental retention. J. Dairy Sci. 86(Suppl. 1):145. Riddle, A.L., and H.D. Tyler. 2003. Factors affecting postpartum placental blood volume. J. Dairy Sci. 86(Suppl. 1):243. Riddle, A.L., H.D. Tyler, M.L. O?Brien, K.J. Touchette, and J.A. Coalson. 2003. The absorption of immunoglobulins from a plasma-based IgG supplement. J. Dairy Sci. 86(Suppl. 1):246. Booth, J.A., H.D. Tyler, and J.D. Quigley III. 2003. Effect of various levels of crude fiber and form of diet on rumen development in calves. J. Dairy Sci. 86(Suppl. 1):136. KANSAS DeFrain, J.M., J.E. Shirley, K.C. Behnke, E.C. Titgemeyer, and R.T. Ethington. 2002. Development and Evaluation of a Pelleted Feedstuff Containing Condensed Corn Steep Liquor and Raw Soybean Hulls for Dairy Cattle Diets. Animal Feed Science and Technology, Vol. 107:75-86. Meyer, M.J., J.F. Smith, J.P. Harner III, J.E. Shirley, E.C. Titgemeyer, and M.J. Brouk. 2002. Performance of Lactating Dairy Cattle in Three Different Cooling Systems. Amer. Soc. of Ag. Eng. Vol. 18(3):341-345. Wickersham, E.E., J.E. Shirley, E.C. Titgemeyer, M.J. Brouk, J.M. DeFrain, A.F. Park, D.E. Johnson, and R.T. Ethington. 2003. Response of Lactating Dairy Cows to Diets Containing Wet Corn Gluten Feed or a Raw Soybean Hull-Corn Steep Liquor Pellet. J. Dairy Sci. (submitted). Hammond, A., J.E. Shirley, M.V. Scheffel, E.C. Titgemeyer, and J.S. Stevenson. 2003. Performance of dairy heifers fed high forage diets supplemented with bambermycins, lasalocid, or monensin. ADSA Midwest Section:278. Miller, W.F., J.E. Shirley, E.G. Titgemeyer, M.J. Brouk, and M.V. Scheffel. 2003. Comparative value of full-fat corn germ, whole cottonseed, and tallow as energy sources for lactating dairy cows. ADSA Midwest Section:340. Miller, W.F., J.E. Shirley, E.C. Titgemeyer, A.F. Park, A.K. Hammond, M.V. Burgos, and M.V. Scheffel. 2003. Comparison of three fresh cow feeding programs. J. Dairy Sci. Vol. 86(Suppl. 1):416. Shirley, J.E. 2003. Ruminal response to diet and dry matter intake changes during the transition period. ADSA Midwest Section:45. Burkitt, E.L., J.E. Shirley, W.F. Miller, M.V. Scheffel, and E.C. Titgemeyer. 2003. Effect of two new teat dip preparations on teat condition, somatic cell count, and incidence of mastitis under natural exposure. KSU Dairy Day Report of Progress. Miller, W.F., J.E. Shirley, E.C. Titgemeyer, A.F. Park, M.V. Burgos, A.K. Hammond, and M.V. Scheffel. 2003. Comparison of three fresh cow feeding programs. KSU Dairy Day Report of Progress. Shirley, J.E. 2003. Transition cow nutrient and management. KSU Dairy Day Report of Progress. Stevenson, J.F., J.E. Shirley. 2003. Increasing milking frequency in fresh cows: milk characteristics and reproductive performance. KSU Dairy Day Report of Progress. LOUISIANA Williams, C.C., I.A. Norris, C.C. Stanley, L.R. Gentry, D.L. Thompson, Jr., H.G. Bateman, and D.T. Gantt. 2003. Growth hormone, insulin, and glucose responses to infusion of amino acids in developing dairy calves. J. Dairy Sci. 86(Suppl. 1):310. MICHIGAN Peterson, A.B., and D.K. Beede. 2002. Periparturient responses of multiparous Holstein cows to varying prepartum dietary phosphorus. J. Dairy Sci. 85(Suppl. 1):1878. MINNESOTA None NEBRASKA None NEW HAMPSHIRE Robblee, E.D., P.S. Erickson, N.L. Whitehouse, A.M. McLaughlin, C.G. Schwab, J.J. Rejman, and R.E. Rompala. 2002. Supplemental lactoferrin improves health and growth of Holstein calves during the preweaning phase. J. Dairy Sci. 86:1458-1464. OHIO Noftsger, S.M., N.R. St-Pierre, S.K.R. Karnati, and J.L. Firkins. 2003. Effects of 2-hydroxy-4-(methylthio) butanoic acid (HMB) on microbial growth, VFA production, and nutrient digestion in continuous culture. J. Dairy Sci. 86:2629-2636. St-Pierre, N.R. 2003. Reassessment of biases in predicted nitrogen flows to the duodenum by NRC 2001. J. Dairy Sci. 86:344-350. Noftsger, S., and N.R. St-Pierre. 2003. Supplementation of methionine and selection of highly digestible rumen undegradable protein to improve nitrogen efficiency for milk production., J. Dairy Sci. 86:958-969. St-Pierre, N.R., B. Cobanov, and G. Schnitkey. 2003. Economic losses from heat stress by U.S. livestock industries. J. Dairy Sci. 86(E. Suppl.):E52-E77. PENNSYLVANIA Gabler, M.T., and A.J. Heinrichs. 2003. Dietary protein to metabolizable energy ratios on feed efficiency and structural growth of prepubertal Holstein heifers. J. Dairy Sci. 86:268-274. Gabler, M.T., and A.J. Heinrichs. 2003. Effects of increasing dietary protein on nutrient utilization in heifers. J. Dairy Sci. 86:2170-2177. Gabler, M.T., and A.J. Heinrichs. 2003. Altering soluble and potentially degradable protein for prepubertal Holstein heifers. J. Dairy Sci. 86:2122-2130. Heinrichs, A.J., C.M. Jones, and B.S. Heinrichs. 2003. Effect of mannan oligosaccharide or antibiotics in neonatal dairy calf diets on health and growth. J. Dairy Sci. 86:in press. Gehamn, A.M., A.J. Heinrichs, M.R. Long, and K.E. Lesmeister. 2003. The effect of amylase on rumen development in neonatal dairy calves. J. Dairy Sci. 86(Suppl. 1):342. Heinrichs, A.J., C.M. Jones, L.R. VanRoekel, and M.A. Fowler. 2003. CalfTrack: a system of dairy calf workforce management, training, and evaluation and health evaluation. J. Dairy Sci. 86(Suppl. 1):115. Kononoff, P.J., A.J. Heinrichs, and M.T. Gabler. 2003. The effect of nitrogen and forage source on feed efficiency and structural growth of prepubertal Holstein heifers. J. Dairy Sci. 86(Suppl. 1):307. Zanton, G.I., and A.J. Heinrichs. 2003. Altering protein degradability and solubility on rumen fermentation, blood urea nitrogen, and nitrogen balance in 16-18 month-old heifers. J. Dairy Sci. 86(Suppl. 1):22. Tozer, P. and J. Heinrichs. 2003. Don?t let heifer costs eat your profit. Hoard?s Dairyman. 148:139. Heinrichs, J. and C. Jones. 2003. How the young calf?s stomach change. Hoard?s Dairyman. 148:390. Jones, C. and J. Heinrichs. 2003. Why colostrums is so important. Hoard?s Dairyman. 148:468-469. Jones, C. and J. Heinrichs. 2003. How much milk should you feed your calves? Hoard?s Dairyman. 148:652. Tozer, P.R., F. Bargo, and L.D. Muller. 2002. Economic analysis of high yielding dairy cows under different feeding systems combining pasture, total mixed ration and concentrate. J. Dairy Sci. 86:808-818. Edwards, J.L. and P.R. Tozer. 2002. Using activity and milk yield as predictors of fresh cow disorders. J. Dairy Sci. 86(Suppl. 1):55. Stokes, J.R. and P.R. Tozer. 2002. Cost minimization and soil nutrient loading: conflict or compromise? Can. J. Ag. Econ. 50:151-169. Tozer, P. and J. Heinrichs. 2003. Go for the biggest bang when reducing replacement costs. Hoard?s Dairyman. March 20. 203. Gabler, M., P. Tozer, V. Ishler, and J. Heinrichs. 2003. Don?t overlook manure handling costs. Hoard?s Dairyman. April 25. 328. SOUTH DAKOTA DeFrain, J.M., A.R. Hippen, K.F. Kalscheur, and D.J. Schingoethe. 2003. Lactose in dairy cow diets increases ruminal butyrate proportions resulting in an increase plasma ?-hydroxybutyrate in late lactation. J. Dairy Sci. 86(Abstr.). Harvey, A.M., A.R. Hippen. 2003. A comparison of methods for on-farm determination of failure of passive transfer of immunoglobulin to dairy calves. J. Dairy Sci. 86(Suppl. 1):abstr. Hippen, A.R., K.N. Linke, K.F. Kalscheur, D.J. Schingoethe, and A.D. Garcia. 2003. Increased concentrations of wet corn distillers grains in dairy cow diets. J. Dairy Sci. 86(Suppl. 1):abstr. Linke, K.N., D.J. Schingoethe, K.F. Kalscheur, A.R. Hippen, D.R. Rennich, and I. Yoon. 2003. Production efficiency of mid-lactation dairy cows fed yeast culture in summer. J. Dairy Sci. 86(Suppl. 1):219r. DeFrain, J.M., A.R. Hippen, K.F. Kalscheur, and P.W. Jardon. 2003. Feeding glycerol to transition dairy cows: Effects on dry matter intake, milk production, and blood metabolites. J. Dairy Sci. 86(Suppl. 1):104. Kalscheur, K.F., A.D. Garcia, A.R. Hippen, and D.J. Schingoethe. 2003. Fermentation characteristics of ensiling wet corn distillers grains in combination with corn silage. J. Dairy Sci. 86(Suppl. 1):211. TEXAS Tomaszewski, M.A., M.A. de Haan, J.A. Thompson, and E.R. Jordan. 2003. The impact of cooling ponds in north central Texas on milk production and culling. J. Dairy Sci. 86(Suppl. 1). VIRGINIA Jones, C.M., R.E. James, J.D. Quigley, III, and M.L. McGilliard. 2003. Influence of pooled colostrums replacement on IgG and evaluation of animal plasma in milk replacer. J. Dairy Sci. Submitted. James, R.E. and S. Bascom. 2003. Contemporary issues in replacement heifer management. Intermountain Nutrition Conference. January 21-23. Salt Lake City, UT. James, R.E. 2003. How can we best work together to serve tomorrow?s dairy industry? Research and undergraduate instruction. 2003 Annual Mtg. ADSA/ASAS. Symposium sponsored by Southern Branch of ADSA. James, R.E. 2003. Milking and managing Jerseys profitably: Cows, heifers, and calves. Jersey Bottomline #2. Field day sponsored by American Jersey Cattle Association, Lodi, WI. August 26.

Impact Statements

The combined expertise of members of NC 1119 committee allows for a systems base approach to resolving issues related to the economic and environmental sustainability of dairy enterprises.
NC 1119 continues to provide most of the research and extension knowledge related to dairy nutrition and well-being of youngstock, transition cow nutrition and health, effects of the environment on cow comfort, decision making support systems, utilization of byproducts in dairy rations and economics of dairy production in the U.S.

Date of Annual Report: 12/13/2004

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 10/07/2004 - 10/09/2004
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2003 - 09/01/2004

Participants

Participants: Arizona: M. VanBaale; California: S. Berry, P. Robinson; Florida: A. DeVries; Georgia: L. Ely, J. Smith, Indiana: S. Donkin, A. Fahey, M. Grott, T. Johnson, S. Kenyan, E. Pajor, J. Patterson, M. Schultz, J. Townsend; Iowa: H. Tyler, C. Hammer, J. Booth, S. Wawrzyniak, A. Riddle, W. Powers; Kansas: J. Shirley, M. Brouk; Louisiana: C. Williams, Kentucky; D. Amaral-Phillips, S. Franklin; Michigan: D. Beede, C. Wolf; Minnesota: H. Chester-Jones, J. Linn, D. Johnson, M. Endres, A. DiCostanzo, M. Rudstrom, D. Ziegler, S. Godden; Nebraska: D. Jose; New Hampshire: P. Erickson, C. Schwab; New York: M. Van Amburgh; Ohio: N. St-Pierre, D. Zartman; Pennsylvania: J. Heinrichs, C. Jones, K. Lesmeister, M. Long, S. Mawrzyniak, G. Zanton; South Dakota: K. Kalscheur, A. Hippen, D. Schingoethe, A. Garcia; Texas: M. Tomaszewski, E. Jordan, S. Gaudana; Vermont: J. Smith; Virginia: R. James, M. McGilliard, S. Bascom, J. Phillips, D. Winston; Wisconsin: R. Palmer, P. Hoffman.

Administrative Advisor: Dave Benfield
CSREES Advisor: Basil Eastwood

Brief Summary of Minutes

NC-1119 Annual Meeting - Minutes

October 10 and 11 (2004) Orlando, FL

Participants:

Dave Benfield (Administrative Advisor, OH), Albert DeVries (FL), Basil Eastwood (CSREES Advisor, MD), Lane Ely (GA), Pete Erickson (NH), Jud Heinrichs (PA), Tim Johnson (IN), Kenneth Kalscheur (SD), Al Kertz (Guest), Mike McGilliard (VA), Peter Robinson (CA), Chuck Schwab (NH), John Shirley (KS), Normand St-Pierre (OH), Mike Tomaszewski (TX), Matt VanBaale (AZ), Cathy Williams (LA)

October 10

Call to order and Introductions:

Chair Normand St-Pierre called the meeting to order at 1:30 PM. Normand explained the problems with the NC-1119 list serve during the past year, which was caused by a hacker but is now corrected.

All attendees introduced themselves to the group.

Albert DeVries welcomed the group on behalf of Florida State University and outlined the changes in the farm tours due to hurricane damage in the south part of the state. Albert also gave an overview of he program and meeting facilities.

Washington News and Reviews, Basil Eastwood

Basil outlined changes in the CSREES web site relative to funding programs.

Budget figures are publicly available. Special research grants will likely be unchanged from last year. Sizable increase to special research budget (but not certain) as well as Department of Homeland Security while rural development funds will likely decline.

NRI funds will likely be up and air quality and food biosecurity are priorities (there are others as well). Henry Tyrrells ex-position will likely be advertised soon. There have not been problems getting applicants for similar positions.

CSREES recently underwent a review on impacts of funds expended and CSREESs presentation of expenditure impacts. Overall score was high. The score impacts future budgets. A concern relative to extending outputs to users (stated in several different ways including poor evidence of tech transfer) as well as better reporting of results and definition of objectives relative to outputs.

Lack of documentation of tech transfer and impacts on commercial agriculture was challenged (Shirley). Suggestion that each annual report should contain an impacts statement (Shirley) was vigorously supported by Basil as he felt that it would positively impact future multi-state project funding decisions. Best here (Basil) is quantitative data on productivity and/or economics.

Administrative Address, Dave Benfield

Phil Larsen retired (partly) in the past year and gave up his responsibility for NC-1119. Dave indicated that he is here to help however he can and encouraged multi-institutional and multi-discipline grants within and outside the NC-1119 committee. Other committees have been successful in this regard and Dave indicated that he has experience in this area.

Dave brought the committee up to date on the NCRA Newsletter and the types of information that was included. Dave also outlined changes in committee nomenclature and the expansion of the NIMSS system as the major system for information dispersal.

Dave outlined the meaning of impact statement as, basically, economic impacts rather than outputs. Be sure to add impact statements to annual NC-1119 reports as accountability means impact statements.

Oral Station Reports (15-20 min each)

Florida (DeVries) Objectives 2C and 2D

Louisiana (Williams) Objectives 1A and IC

Ohio (St-Pierre) Objective 2A

Arizona (VanBaale) Objective 2A

Kansas (Shirley) Objective 2A

Indiana (Johnson) Objectives 1A, 1B, 1C, 2A and 2B

South Dakota (Kalscheur) Objectives 1B, 1C, 2A and 2B.

Pennsylvania (Heinrichs) Objectives 1A and 1B

New Hampshire (Erickson) Objectives 1B, 1C and 2A

New Hampshire (Schwab) Objective 2A

Texas (Tomaszewski) Objective 2C

Adjournment for the Day

Chair St-Pierre adjourned the meeting for the day at 5:30 PM.
October 11

Call to Order:

Chair Normand St-Pierre called the meeting back to order at 8:10 AM.

Oral Station Reports (15-20 min each)

California (Robinson) Objectives 2B and 2D

Virginia (McGilliard) Objective 1B

Georgia (Ely) Objective 2C

Breakout Groups

The group broke out by objectives to assess current progress relative to project objectives.

Objective 1: Develop and integrate decision support systems to promote efficient, environmentally sound, and economically viable management systems for dairy young stock (Discussion Leader: Heinrichs, Recording Secretary: Robinson)

A. To enhance understanding of nutrient requirements of young calves and growing dairy heifers and identify nutritional strategies that maximize the efficient use of dietary nutrients and reduce excretion into the environment

1A1 Complete at MN, PA
1A2 In progress at SD, LA, VA, PA, NH, NY (probable Van Amburgh)
1A3 In progress at SD, KY (probable Franklin)
1A4 To be initiated year 4

B. To evaluate effects of different nutritional management strategies on performance and economic efficiencies of dairy replacement heifers

1B1 Complete at PA, IA
1B2 In progress at MN, WI (probable Hoffman)
1B3 In progress at MN, WI (probable Hoffman)

C. To elucidate metabolic processes and endocrine relationships in the biology of colostrums and nutrient intake, and environment stressors on immune function and calf performance

1C1 Complete at LA, PA, IA
1C2 In progress at NH, IN, MN, KY
1C3 In progress at IN
Objective 2: To develop strategies and systems to optimize nutrient utilization, economic returns, and environmental goals for management of dry, pregnant and lactating dairy cows. (Discussion Leader: Schwab, Recording Secretary: St-Pierre)

A. To develop and evaluate management and feeding systems for optimal cow performance, comfort, well-being health and behavior

2A1 Complete and in progress at CA, KS, IN, AZ, SD, VA
2A2 In progress at KS, MI (probable Beede)
2A3 Complete and in progress at CA, NH, KS
2A4 In progress at IN (NE and WI will not complete their aspects)
2A5 Complete at CA
2A6 In progress at AZ, KS

B. To address environmental challenges of dairy production and determine strategies to achieve environmental goals

2A1 In progress at CA, KS, SD
2A2 In progress at VA, SD
2A3 Complete and in progress at CA, GA, SD, NH, OH, IN
2A4 In progress at NH (has assumed leadership), OH

C. To develop and expand financial, production, and management databases, perform financial analyses, and integrate data information into decision support systems to optimize efficiency of dairy management systems

2C In progress at TX, GA, FL

D. To develop strategies and models for the profitable culling, replacement and breeding decisions replacement economics

2D1 In progress at FL
2D2 In progress at FL, CA, MI (probable)

Guests arrived:

Calvin Covington (Southeast Milk, Inc.), Steve Elliot (Alltech, Inc.), Mitch Flinchum (Everglades Res. & Ext. Center), Brent Lawrence (Alltech, Inc.), Pat Miller (Everglades Res. & Ext. Center), Ann Sharkey (Alltech, Inc.)

Invited Presentations (30 - 40 min each)

Elliott (Alltech Inc.,) on organic selenium in general and the Alltech Sel Plex organic selenium product specifically.

Miller and Flinchum (Everglades Res. & Ext. Center) on environmental challenges facing Florida dairy producers with particular emphasis on Okeechobee county and lake area.

Calvin Covington on issues related to supply and demand of milk in the southeast US.
Adjournment for Lunch Break

Chair St-Pierre adjourned the meeting for a lunch break at 1:00 PM.

Call to Order:

Chair Normand St-Pierre called the meeting back to order at 2:00 PM.

Business Meeting:

Mike Tomaszewski motioned and John Shirley seconded approval of 2003 meeting minutes. Passed on voice vote

Old Business:

Website Committee (McGilliard): There were few updates last year but the site will be better maintained in 2004/2005. Discussion of combining with NIMSS website was suggested but concerns of inability to edit the NIMSS site was the reason not to do so.

Historian Committee (James): absent from meeting. No report.

Publication Committee (St-Pierre): Review of publications noted at 2003 meeting. Dairy Heifer Conference in NY in February 2005 is a possible NC-1119 publication.

Symposia Committee (St-Pierre): Review of 2003 minutes and noted that the previously scheduled symposium (Chaired by Mike Hutjens, IL) did occur. Previous motion was suggested to continue to be tabled. Motion by Tomaszewski, seconded by Shirley, passed on a voice vote.

New Business:

Election of new secretary: Albert DeVries nominated by Chuck Schwab, seconded by John Shirley. Passed on a voice vote.

Attendance at annual meeting: Turnout of both states and persons in NC-1119 at first and second annual meetings is poor this is impacting NC-1119 performance (St-Pierre). Query of how to do deal with this issue, as many NC-1119 members do not receive any funds to support NC-1119 projects directly. Washington is aware of the issue but can do little to address the issue (Eastwood). Eastwood agreed to follow this up informally within the system and report back to the 2005 meeting. St-Pierre will contact all non-attendees to ask why they were not at the 2004 meeting, and if NC-1119 can do anything, and report back to the 2005 meeting.

Location of 2005 Meeting: Robinson outlined options to have a one day meeting without outside speakers, or a two day meeting with outside speakers. The initial consensus was first to hold a day and a half meeting with the second day concluding in early afternoon. Negative issues related to this proposal were more time away from the office and that shortening the time required to attend the meeting may increase attendance. The final consensus was to hold a one day meeting on Friday followed by a dairy facilities tour on Saturday. Initial plans are a visit to a progressive CA freestall dairy, a pasture-based dairy, a dairy using robotic milking systems, followed by a visit to Hilmar Cheese. The meeting will be in Visalia and move north to Sacramento during the dairy tour on Saturday. All members indicated their intent to attend the dairy tour on Saturday. Dates for the meeting/tour were fixed as October14/15, 2005.

Adjournment

Cathy Williams moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Shirley and passed on a voice vote.

Accomplishments

Publications

Alekish, M. 2004. Progress in the understanding of hemorrhagic bowl syndrome. Proc. of the Tri-State Dairy Nutrition Conference. Fort Wayne, IN. Pp. 37-40. Birkelo, C.P., Brouk, M.J., Schingoethe, D.J. 2004. The energy content of wet corn distillers grains for lactating dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 87:1815-1819. DeFrain, J.M., Hippen, A.R., Kalscheur, K.F., Schingoethe, D.J. 2004. Feeding lactose increases ruminal butyrate and plasma ß-hydroxybutyrate in lactating dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 87:2486-2494. DeVries, A., Giesy, R., Ely, L., DeAraujo, A., Andreasen, A., Broaddus, B., Eubanks, S., Mayo, D., Miller, P., Seawright, T., Vann, C. 2004. Dairy Business Analysis Project: 2002 Financial Summary. AN149, Dept. Anim. Sci., Univ. of Florida, Gainsville, FL.. De Vries, A. 2004. Economic value of delayed replacement when cow performance is seasonal. Journal of Dairy Science 87:2947-2958. De Vries, A., R. Giesy. 2004. What is the maximum worth of a dairy heifer? FL Coop. Ext. Serv., EDIS Document DS176. Available at: http://dairy.ifas.ufl.edu. Eicher, S.D., McMunn, K.A., Hammon, H.M., Donkin, S.S. 2004. Toll-like receptors and acute phase cytokine gene expression in dexamethasone and growth hormone treated calves. Vet. Immunol Immunopathol. 98:115-125. Garcia, A.D., Kalscheur, K.F. 2004. Ensiling wet distillers grains with other feeds. South Dakota State University, Ex. Bulletin 4029. Heinrichs, J., Jones, C. 2004. Dos and donts for weaning calves. Hoards Dairyman. 146:93. Hammer, C.J., Quigley, J.D., Ribeiro, L., Tyler, H.D.. 2004. Characterization of a colostrum replacer and colostrum supplement containing IgG concentrate and growth factors. J. Dairy Sci. 87:106-111 Heinrichs, A.J. 2004. Yeast culture may affect rumen development. Feedstuffs. 76:11-14. Jones, C., Heinrichs, A.J. 2004. What about waste milk for calves? Hoards Dairyman. 146:184-185. James, R.E. 2004. Labor efficient pasture management. Proc. 8th National Calf and Heifer Conference, Roanoke, VA. PDHGA, Stratford, IA. Pp. 115 126. James, R.E. 2004 Rumen development in the dairy calf and current concepts in preweaned calf nutrition. Mid-Atlantic States Conference for Bovine Practitioners. Frederick, MD. James, R.E. 2004. Milk marketing for dummies? A laymans view of milk marketing. Mid-Atlantic States Conference for Bovine Practitioners. Frederick, MD. James, RE. 2004. Getting the most money and profit out of your nutritional consultant. Kentucky Dairy Conference. Cave City, KY. James, R.E. 2004. Optimizing your cows feeding program. Kentucky Dairy Conference, Cave City, KY. Jones, C.M., James, R.E., Quigley, J.D., McGilliard, M.L. 2004. Influence of pooled colostrum or colostrum replacement on IgG and evaluation of animal plasma in milk replacer. J. Dairy Science 87:1806-1814. Kalscheur, K.F., Garcia, A.D. 2004. Use of by-products in growing dairy heifer diets. South Dakota State University, Ex. Bull 4030. Kehoe, S.I., Heinrichs, A.J. 2004. Gastrointestinal development in dairy calves. In Nutritional Biotechnology in the Feed and Food Industries. Pp 195-203. Nottingham University Press, Nottngham, England. Kertz, A.F, Chester-Jones, H. 2004. Guidelines for measuring and reporting calf and heifer experimental data. J. Dairy Sci. 87:3577-3580. Kononoff, P.J., Heinrichs, A.J. 2004. TMR fiber: long enough to work&without sorting. Hoards Dairyman. 146:640. Lanyon, L.E., Garth, J., Heinrichs, A.J., Jacobs, S. 2004. Reducing mosquito breeding sites when using waste tires as anchors for bunk silo covers. UC185. College of Agricultural Sciences. The Pennsylvania State University, State College. PA. Lesmeister, K.E., Tozer, P.R., Heinrichs, A.J. 2004. Development and analysis of a rumen tissue sampling procedure. J. Dairy Sci. 87:1366-1344. Lesmeister, K.E., Heinrichs, A.J., Gabler, M.T. 2004. Effects of supplemental yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) culture on rumen development, growth characteristics, and blood parameters in neonatal dairy calves. J. Dairy Sci. 87:1832-1839. Meyer, D, Beaucaire, T., Robinson, P.H. 2004. Managing dairy wastes in the central valley of California. Committee of Consultants Investigative Report, University of California, Riverside, CA. 43 pp. Roche, J.R., Dillon, P.G., Stockdale, C.R., Baumgard, L.H., VanBaale, M.J. 2004. Relation-ships among international body condition scoring systems. J. Dairy Sci. 87:3076-3079. Rossini, K.L. 2004. Effects of calfhood respiratory and digestive disease on calfhood morbidity and first lactation production and survival rates. MS. Thesis. Virg. Polytech. Instit. and State Univ., Blacksburg, VA. Rudstrom, M, Chester-Jones, H., Imdieke, R., Johnson, D., Reese, M., Singh, A. 2004. Comparison of economic and animal performance of dairy heifers in feedlot and pasture-based systems. The Prof. Anim. Sci. 20: In Press. Santoro, H. M., Erickson, P.S., Whitehouse, N.L., Mclaughlin, A.M., Schwab, G.C., Quigley, J.D. 2004. Evaluation of a colostrums supplement with or without trypsin inhibitor, and an egg protein milk replacer for dairy calves. J. Dairy Sci. 87:1739-1746. Smith, J.W., Ely, L.O., Gilson, W.D., Graves, W.M. 2004. Effects of artificial insemination vs. natural service breeding on production and reproduction parameters in dairy herds. The Prof. Anim.Sci. 20:185-190. VanBaale, M. J., J. M. Sargeant, D. P. Gnad, B. M. Debey, K. F. Lechtenberg, T. G. Nagaraja. 2004. Effect of forage or grain diets with or without monensin on ruminal persistence and fecal shedding of E. coli O157: H7 in cattle. Appli. Envir. Microbiol. 70: 5336-5342. VanBaale, M. J., J. F. Smith, D. V. Armstrong, J. P. Harner. 2004. Making Management Decisions Regarding the Balance between Milk Quality, Udder Health, and Parlor throughput. ASU Extension Publication #1340. VanBaale, M. J., J. F. Smith. 2004. Managing Personnel for Milking Parlors on Large Herds. ASU Extension Publication #AZ1339. VanBaale, M.J., Smith, J.F., Armstrong, D.V., Harner, J.P. 2004. Making Management Decisions Regarding the Balance between Milk Quality, Udder Health, and Parlor throughput. Proc. SW Nutr. and Management Conference, Tempe, AZ. Wiederhold, M.L. 2004. M.S. Thesis. Iowa State University, Ames, IA. Williams, C.C., B.T. Crochet, L.D. Bunting, J.M. Fernandez, C.C. Stanley. 2004. Metabolic responses of periparturient Holstein cows and heifers supplemented with chromium picolinate. Prof. Anim. Sci. 20:312-318. Williams, C.C., J.K. Calmes, J.M. Fernandez, C.C. Stanley, J.C. Lovejoy, H.G. Bateman, II, L.R. Gentry, D.T. Gantt, G.D. Harding. 2004. Glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity in Gulf Coast Native and Suffolk ewes during late gestation and early lactation. Small Rumin. Res. 54:167-171.

Impact Statements

The NC-1119 project has now completed year two of its anticipated five year term. Thus it is too early to expect significant quantitative impacts from the research projects that have been completed. Nevertheless, the various facets of the project that have been competed, which are described above, have led to a large number of publications, which are outlined below, that show great promise to have significant impacts on both the profitability and environmental sustainability of dairy enterpris
In the past, there has been an apparent misunderstanding between NC-1119 members and multistate project administration on the meaning of the words impacts and accomplishments, with members tending to classify the latter as being the former. As that misunderstanding has now been resolved, future annual reports will focus to a greater extent on quantifiable changes (i.e., impacts) in the economics and environmental impact of dairy enterprises (i.e., this section will be structured more like t

Date of Annual Report: 12/12/2005

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 10/14/2005 - 10/16/2005
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2004 - 09/01/2005

Participants

Participants: Arizona: M.J. VanBaale; California: P.H. Robinson, S.L. Berry; Florida: A. de Vries; Georgia: L.O. Ely; Indiana: T.R Johnson; Iowa: H.D. Tyler, W. Powers; Kentucky: D.A. Amaral-Phillips; Louisiana: C.C. Williams; Michigan: D.K. Beede; Minnesota: H. Chester-Jones, M. Endres; Nebraska: D.H. Jose, P.J. Kononoff; New Hampshire: P.S. Erickson, C.G. Schwab; New York: M.E. Van Amburgh; Ohio: N.R. St-Pierre; Pennsylvania: A.J. Heinrichs, L. Holden; South Dakota: K.F. Kalscheur, A.R. Hippen; Texas: M.A. Tomaszewski; Utah: A. Young; Vermont: J.M. Smith; Virginia: M.L. McGilliard, R.E. James, D.R. Winston; Wisconsin: P. Hoffman. Former participants: J.E. Shirley (KS, retired), R.W. Palmer (WI, deceased), S. Franklin (KY, left), P.R. Tozer (PA, left), C.A. Wolf (MI, withdrawn), J.W. Smith (GA, retired). No reports were received from KY, NY, WI.

Brief Summary of Minutes

The annual meeting was held on October 14-16, 2005, in Fresno, CA. The minutes will be posted as an attachment to the Annual Report.

Minutes Attachment:

Attachment

Accomplishments

Objective 1: Develop and integrate decision support systems to promote efficient, environmentally sound, and economically viable management systems for dairy young stock. 1A. To enhance the understanding of nutrient requirements of young calves and growing dairy heifers and identify nutritional strategies that maximize the efficient use of dietary nutrients and reduce excretion into the environment. IA found that forage inclusion at 7.5% of diet improved rumen fermentation patterns and enhanced feed efficiency of calves compared to no forage or 15% forage. LA determined that an intensive accelerated feeding program improved performance of neonatal dairy calves in the Southeast. Calf research by MN found no differences in calf gain across serum protein profiles for calves fed different concentrate formulations and grower diets with or without access to free choice hay. Work by SD found that increasing dried corn distillers grains with solubles in dairy heifer diets resulted in similar total N excretion across diets. Phosphorus excretion increased at higher dried corn distillers grains with solubles concentrations as a result of feeding in excess of the requirement of growing dairy heifers. Increasing dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) up to 25% of the diets in dairy heifers did not alter total N output, but did shift N output by decreasing urinary N and increasing fecal N. Phosphorus excretion increased at higher DDGS concentrations as a result of feeding in excess of requirements. 1B. To evaluate effects of different nutritional management strategies on performance and economic efficiencies of dairy replacement heifers. MN determined that there are no feed intake benefits to increasing molasses levels in calf starters above a 6% inclusion rate. In a second study, MN found that feeding an intensive milk replacer program resulted in the best gain and highest DM intake, however, a modified intensive program increased CS intake and resulted in the second best calf performance to 56 days. NH studied probiotic supplementation of calves fed a high protein milk replacer. There were no differences in starter intake preweaning, postweaning, or overall. There were no differences in feed efficiency preweaning and overall, but calves not receiving probiotic were more efficient postweaning. NH evaluated dairy heifer growth rates postweaning fed different milk or milk replacer feeding regimens preweaning. Growth data suggest little differences among the preweaning feeding regimens. PA conducted two trials to determine effects of age at weaning and feeding frequency on calf growth, health and rumen development. Similar growth and performance between treatments in both trials through 8 wk of age indicates that producers can save labor costs by weaning early and feeding once daily while maintaining calf performance. PA analyzed eight published studies to assess the impact of prepubertal growth rates on first lactation production of milk, milk fat, and protein by dairy heifers with modern Holstein genetics. Maximum milk production was determined to occur at a prepubertal average daily gain of 799 g/d and at 836 g/d when body weight at calving was included in the model. Milk protein followed similar trends, however milk fat yield was relatively unaffected by prepubertal average daily gain. PA demonstrated that nutrition, housing, and management factors that affect health and growth of calves have long-term effects on the animal at least through first calving. PA conducted a study that highlighted the importance that DMI has on the ruminal availability of DM and NDF for dairy heifers. PA studied the variability of heart girth measurements as they are taken in the field was analyzed to determine the standard deviation within a group of 26 heifers of various ages weighing 42 to 590 kg. Results of this study allow more precise interpretation of heart girth data collected from field studies with Holstein dairy heifers and provide more complete validation of existing body weight prediction equations. VA recorded occurrences of respiratory and digestive disease in calves and their first lactation records for 2556 cows born in a commercial dairy herd between June 1998 and June 2001. The study found evidence that multiple occurrences of digestive and especially respiratory disease as calves increased the probability of the cow being culled in first lactation. Although the economic implications of this are small on an individual cow basis (additional maintenance of $35/mo of delay in calving), a 2000-cow herd will calve 600 replacement heifers per year, for an annual loss of $21,000 from a delay of 1 mo. 1C. To elucidate metabolic processes and endocrine relationships in biology of colostrums and nutrient intake, and environment stressors on immune function and calf performance. IN studied shipping stress and found that measurement of body temperature through monitoring tympanic temperature of calves was able to closely track elevated temperature of infected animals. Work by LA showed that Gammulin® supplementation will not improve performance in calves not subjected to stress. A study was completed by NH evaluating the supplementation of 34 calves with either 0 or 1 g/d lactoferrin fed either a 20 % crude protein/20 % fat all milk protein milk replacer (20/20) or a 28 % crude protein/20 % fat all milk protein milk replacer (28/20). Lactoferrin addition to either 20/20 milk replacer or 28/20 was not beneficial. There were no differences in blood xylose concentrations among treatments. Other work by NH suggested that lactoferrin did not increase villus heights at slaughter, but may stimulate IgG absorption when added to colostrum. Calves fed high protein milk replacer were taller and weighed more than calves fed conventional milk replacer. Objective 2: To develop strategies and systems to optimize nutrient utilization, economic returns, and environmental goals for management of dry, pregnant and lactating dairy cows. 2A. To develop and evaluate management and feeding systems for optimal cow performance, comfort, well-being health and behavior. A study by AZ suggested that increased milking frequency in early lactation (4X followed by 2X vs. 3X) immediately post partum does not improve milk yield during the first 6 wks of lactation in primiparous or multi-parous cows milked 4X for 10, 20, 30, or 40 DIM compared to 3X milking alone. AZ found that shade tracker fans were more cost effective than korral kool coolers on a commercial dairy in Buckeye. In another study, AZ found that cows exhibiting CLA-induced milk fat depression remained euthermic during CLA supplementation, and spared energy may have been partitioned towards enhanced milk synthesis. AZ also evaluated environmental conditions in 4 and 6 row freestall barns that are tunnel ventilated with evaporative pads. Afternoon temperature and THI were lower in both the 4 and 6 row freestall barns as compared to ambient conditions. In a last study, AZ combined air cooling and feedline soaking for heat abatement of lactating dairy cattle housed in north central Florida. Data indicate that the combination of cooling the air (via a high-pressure fogging system) and feedline soaking reduced heat stress experienced by dairy cattle. CA evaluated the effect of rubber flooring on claw health in a group of lactating dairy cows exposed to either a rubber or concrete floors. Claw lesion scores were not different between groups except for heel erosion which was higher for cows on concrete. This study suggests that a softer flooring surface such as rubber is beneficial for hoof health. IN compared the temporal eating behavior with total dry matter intake of lactating first calf heifers was to the same behaviors in multiparous cows. Data showed little difference in behaviors and time budgets between transition cows and transition heifers when housed in a tie-stall facility. Effects of reproduced neonatal calf vocalizations (Recorded Calf Vocalizations-RCV) on cow behavior and frequency of milking machine usage in an automated milking system (AMS) was studied. No significant changes in number of voluntary milking, milking time, and milk production were recorded due to RCV treatment in this study. An experiment was conducted in NE to determine the effects of feeding wet corn gluten feed on lactation performance of dairy cows. These results indicate that the intake response in cows consuming the CGF during lactation resulted in a greater supply of energy and therefore a higher level of milk production. As study by NE indicate that the intake response in cows consuming the CGF during lactation resulted in a greater supply of energy and higher level of milk production. In addition, the inclusion of monensin did not affect milk production or composition. NH demonstrated that using changes in milk protein concentrations to determine Met bioavailability values for MetaSmart relative to that of Smartamine M was not as precise as using changes in plasma sulfur AA concentrations. These results show that more research is needed to determine the best response criteria to use for determining the efficacy of Met analogs. In another NH study, evidence was obtained that Met analogs are metabolized differently than DL-Met sources in lactating dairy cows and that more research is needed to determine the best response criteria to use for determining the efficacy of Met analogs as Met supplements for cows. Computer simulation models based on standard nutrient requirement models would predict substantial impacts on productivity based on published assessments of the nutritional variation of feedstuffs. Therefore, OH studied the effects of daily variation in dietary protein concentration on milk production in mid-lactation cows. Variation in daily dietary CP content does not affect milk production in mid lactation if the cycle of variation is over a period of two days. These findings have two important consequences. First, unless we can quantify the response to supply variation, it is impossible to design an economically efficient feed quality control program at the farm. Second, standard nutrient requirements tables are of little value in predicting the effect of variation in daily supplies. SD evaluated the effect of replacing forage fiber with non-forage fiber source on the performance of dairy cows. Milk production was not affected by the replacement of corn silage with CDG; however, milk fat percentage and yield were depressed indicating lack of effective fiber in the diet as CDG was increased. In another study, SD evaluated milk production, dry matter intake and milk composition of dairy cows fed wet corn distillers (WDG) at 15% of diet dry matter. Results from this experiment showed that the feeding of WDG at 15% of diet dry matter does not affect lactation performance. A third SD study was designed to test the inclusion of liquid co-products from the ethanol and cheese industries in dairy rations and their interaction with a source of nonprotein nitrogen. Feeding fermentable sugars increased milk fat percentage and ruminal butyrate concentration while slow-release urea improved feed efficiency and milk fat percentage. SD also found that fiber from DDGS as a replacement for fiber from corn silage was found to be not effective in maintaining milk fat concentration and yield in lactating dairy cows. Feeding wet distillers grains in lactating dairy cow diets at 15% of diet dry matter in a long-term feeding study demonstrated no effects on milk production and may be useful in lowering costs of dairy cow diets. Replacing corn and soybean meal with a source of fermentable sugars increased milk fat percentage but milk fat yield did not increase due to a decrease in milk production. The addition of slow-release urea decreased intake without impacting production resulting in improved feed efficiency. Feeding fermentable sugars in combination with milk fat did not result in synergistic effects. 2B. To address environmental challenges of dairy production and determine strategies to achieve environmental goals. CA developed a spreadsheet to predict waste stream outputs of nutrients from commercial dairies based upon measurable inputs and outputs to the dairies. Dairy cows emit methane, primarily in eructated gases, although quantitative estimates of methane emissions from commercial dairy cows are sparse. An in vitro study was completed to estimate methane emissions of commercial lactating dairy cows in CA. GA developed a farm profit model that is very effective in handling dairy ration formulation, milk production level, and manure utilization for plant nutrients. MI developed a new model that better predicts P excretion. The model approach of predicting P excretion from dairy cattle as (intake P milk P) is being widely accepted in Michigan as a component of the Mass Balance approach to estimate the amount of P in manure for planning fertilization strategies and development of comprehensive nutrient management plans. In another MI study, the effects of different prepartum dietary phosphorus concentrations on periparturient metabolism and performance were compared. It is concluded that feeding 0.21% P (34 g of P/cow daily in this experiment) prepartum is adequate for periparturient multiparous Holstein cows with high metabolic demands and genetic potential for milk production. No adverse effects on periparturient health, DMI, or 28-d lactation performance resulted. Results from research work are being transferred to professional dairy nutritionists and dairy producers to provide evidence that feeding late pregnant dry cows at the NRC 2001 recommendations for P is adequate to achieve normal metabolic performance in transition from pregnancy to lactation and to reduce ration P use and P excretion compared with previous practice that was common. SD determined the lactation performance of dairy cows fed dried or wet distiller grains (DG) with solubles (DDGS or WDGS) at two dietary concentrations. Feeding DG in wet or dry form improved performance by increasing DMI, and yields of milk, protein, and fat. Responses were similar for 10% or 20% DG; however, feeding WDGS instead of DDGS increased milk fat and protein percentages. Form and level of distillers grains inclusion can impact lactation performance of dairy cows. 2C. To develop and expand financial, production, and management databases, perform financial analyses, and integrate data information into decision support systems to optimize efficiency of dairy management system. FL and GA continued collaboration in the Dairy Business Analysis Project (DBAP). DBAP has been continued with a survey of the 2004 data. Eighteen dairies located in Florida, Georgia, and Alabama had contributed complete financial and production data by the end of September 2005. DBAP results are used in extension, teaching, and research and made available on the UF/IFAS Florida dairy extension website http://dairy.ifas.ufl.edu. TX evaluated the value of radio frequency identification (RFID) tags in dairy herd management. RFID eartags facilitate advancements to herd recording by providing an inexpensive, accurate devise for animal identification that has been incorporated into the herd management system. Additionally, during normal management events, time to identify cows has been drastically reduced. 2D. To develop strategies and models for the profitable culling, replacement and breeding decisions replacement economics. FL continued development of an optimal culling and replacement model. Development of a user-friendly interface is almost completed. A user manual is currently being written. The expectation is that the model is available for the general public by the end of 2005. An interface with PCDART has been developed so that future profitabilities and values of pregnancy can be assigned to cows in real herds. In another study, FL proposed an adjustment of an empirical Bayes prediction method of milk production for the remainder of the lactation. FL also formulated the cow culling and replacement scheduling problem as a net work and solved it with Proc Netflow in SAS. The net work formulation allows for the addition of herd constraints such as a limited availability of heifers. The model did show how depending on the limitation, optimal decisions for individual cows were altered. Work by UT showed that deaths in the Jersey breed are occurring about 70 days later in milk than Holsteins.

Publications

ARIZONA VanBaale, M. J., D. Ledwith, R. Burgos, R. J. Collier, D. V. Armstrong, J. F. Smith, M. J. Brouk and L. H. Baumgard. 2005, submitted Production and economic benefits of two types of evaporative cooling systems on a commercial dairy in Arizona. J. Dairy Sci. VanBaale, M. J., and L. H. Baumgard. 2005 submitted. Effect of Forage quality during the transition period. Extension Publication #. VanBaale, M. J., D. Ledwith, J. M. Thompson, R. Burgos, R. J. Collier, and L. H. Baumgard. 2005; In Press. Effect of Increased Milking Frequency in Early Lactation on with or without Recombinant Bovine Somatotropin. J. Dairy Sci. 88: VanBaale, M. J., D. V. Armstrong, M. A. Etchebarne, R. M. Mattingly, and J. B. Fiscalini. 2005. In Press. Case Study: Supplemental light for lactating dairy cows. Prof. Anim. Sci, Vol 21: Collier, R. J., G. E. Dahl, and M. J. VanBaale. 2005, In Press. Major advances with environmental effects on dairy cattle. J. Dairy Sci. 88: Collier, R. J., C. M. Stiening, B. C. Pollard, M. J. VanBaale, L. H. Baumgard, P. C. Gentry, and P. M. Coussens. 2005, In Press. Use of functional genomics in genetic selection programs for environmental stress tolerance in dairy cattle. J. Dairy Sci. 88: Baumgard, L. H., J. K. Kay, C.E. Moore, M. J. VanBaale, and R. P. Rhoads. 2005. Mechanisms regulating milk fat synthesis: potential on-farm applications of basic science. New Zealand Society of Animal Production. 66:33-39. Moore, C. E., J. K. Kay, M. J. VanBaale, and L. H. Baumgard. 2005. Effect of supplemental conjugated linoleic acid on heat stressed brown swiss and Holstein cows. J. Dairy Sci. 88:1732-1740. VanBaale, M. J., D. Ledwith, J. M. Thompson, R. J. Collier, and L. H. Baumgard. Oct. 11, 2005. Impact of increased milking frequency during early lactation and its effect on lactation persistency with and without rbST. Arizona Dairy production Conference, Tempe, AZ. VanBaale, M. J., D. Ledwith, J. M. Thompson, R. J. Collier, and L. H. Baumgard. April 13, 2005. Impact of increased milking frequency during early lactation and its effect on lactation persistency with and without rbST. Eastern Regional Science Symposium, Hershey, PA. VanBaale, M. J., D. Ledwith, J. M. Thompson, R. J. Collier, and L. H. Baumgard. March 9-11, 2005. Impact of increased milking frequency during early lactation and its effect on lactation persistency with and without rbST. Western Dairy Management Conference, Reno, NV. Brouk, M. J., D. V. Armstrong, J. F. Smith, M. J. VanBaale, D. Bray, J. Harner. March 9-11, 2005. Evaluating and selecting cooling systems for different climates. Western Dairy Management Conference, Reno, NV. VanBaale, M. J., D. Ledwith, J. M. Thompson, R. J. Collier, and L. H. Baumgard. Feb. 23-25, 2005. Impact of increased milking frequency during early lactation and its effect on lactation persistency with and without rbST. Southwest Nutrition and Management Conference, Tempe, AZ. Moore, C. E., J. K. Kay, M. J. VanBaale, and L. H. Baumgard. Feb. 23-25, 2005. Calculating and improving energy balance during times of nutrient limitations. Southwest Nutrition and Management Conference, Tempe, AZ. VanBaale, M. J., D. Ledwith, R. Burgos, R.J. Collier, D.V. Armstrong, J. F. Smith, M.J. Brouk, and L. H. Baumgard. Nov. 4, 2004. Evaluation of advanced dairy systems shade tracker fans and korral kool coolers on a commercial dairy in Arizona. Arizona dairy production conference, Tempe, AZ. VanBaale, M. J., D. Ledwith, J. M. Thompson, R. J. Collier, and L. H. Baumgard. Oct 3-6 2004. Impact of increased milking frequency on health and performance in early lactation in multiparous dairy cows. ADSA Discovery conference, Nashville, IN. VanBaale, M. J., L. H. Baumgard, J. F. Smith, and M. J. Brouke. 2005 Evaluate the efficacy of your cooling system through core body temperature. Hoards West Aug 25th, page W-147-W148. VanBaale, M. J., and L. H. Baumgard. 2005. Effect of Forage quality during the transition period. Western dairy news, February, vol 5, no. 2 pgs W45-W46. Moore, C. E., J. K. Kay, M. J. VanBaale, and L. H. Baumgard. Calculating and improving energy balance during times of nutrient limitations. Arizona and New Mexico Newsletter, February, 2005. Smith, J. F., and M. J. VanBaale. Making Management Decisions Regarding the Balance between Milk Quality, Udder Health, and Parlor throughput. Arizona and New Mexico Newsletter, January, 2005. VanBaale, M. J., D. Ledwith, R. Burgos, R.J. Collier, D.V. Armstrong, J. F. Smith, M.J. Brouk, and L. H. Baumgard. Nov. 4, 2004. Evaluation of advanced dairy systems shade tracker fans and korral kool coolers on a commercial dairy in Arizona. Arizona and New Mexico Newsletter, November 2004. VanBaale, M. J., D. Ledwith, J. M. Thompson, R. J. Collier, and L. H. Baumgard. 2005. Impact of increased milking frequency during early lactation. J. Dairy Sci. Vol 87, Suppl. 1 VanBaale, M. J., D. Ledwith, R. Burgos, R.J. Collier, D.V. Armstrong, J. F. Smith, M.J. Brouk, and L. H. Baumgard. 2005. Evaluation of advanced dairy systems shade tracker fans and korral kool coolers on a commercial dairy in Arizona. J. Dairy Sci. Vol 87, Suppl. 1 Burgos, R., L. Odens, L. H. Baumgard, M. J. VanBaale. 2005. Effect of increased milking frequency (4X followed by 2X vs. 3X) in early lactation and its effect on milk yield. J. Dairy Sci. Vol 87, Suppl. 1 Rhoads, M. L., Rhoads, R. P., L. J. Odens, R. Burgos, S. H. Baker, B. C. Pollard, C. E. Moore, J. K. Kay, M. J. VanBaale, R. J. Collier, and L. H. Baumgard. 2005. Effects of dietary CLA on thermogenesis and body temperature indices in lactating dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. Vol 87, Suppl. 1 Smith, J. F., M. J. VanBaale, M. J. Brouk, B. Prokop, and J. P. Harner. 2005. Evaluation of environmental conditions in 4 and 6 row freestall barns that are tunnel ventilated with evaporative pads and located in Indiana. J. Dairy Sci. Vol 87, Suppl. 1 Armstrong, D. V., J. F. Smith, M. J. VanBaale. 2005. Maximizing cow comfort on dry lot dairies. J. Dairy Sci. Vol 87, Suppl. 1 Brouk, M. J., J. F. Smith, M. J. VanBaale, and J. P. Harner. 2005. Combining air cooling and feedline soaking for heat abatement of lactating dairy cattle housed in north central Florida. J. Dairy Sci. Vol 87, Suppl. 1 Odens, L. J., B. Christie, M. J. VanBaale, and L. H. Baumgard. 2005. Effects if Aspergillus oryzae (Amaferm) on production parameters in multiparous Holstein cattle during the transition and early lactation. J. Dairy Sci. Vol 87, Suppl. 1 Baumgard, L. H. J. K. Kay, C. E. Moore, M. J. VanBaale and R. P. Rhoads. 2005. Mechanisms regulating milk fat synthesis: potential on-farm applications of basic science. New Zealand Society of Animal Production. 65:in press VanBaale, M. J., D. V. Armstrong, R. M. Mattingly, and J. B. Fiscalini. 2004. Effect of photoperiod on milk production in lactating dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. Vol 87, Suppl. 1: M226. pg. 56. Roche, J. R., P. F. Dillon, C. R. Stockdale, L. H. Baumgard, K. Macdonald, and M. J. VanBaale. 2004. Relationship between international body condition scoring systems. J. Dairy Sci. Vol 87, Suppl. 1: M229. pg. 57. Baumgard, L.H., M. E. Dwyer, C. Davis, C. E. Moore, H.. C. Hafliger III, O. B. Mendivil, J. Jensen, B. Christie, and M. J. VanBaale. 2004. Effects of Aspergillus oryzae (Amafermâ) on production and metabolic parameters in Holstein cattle during the transition period. J. Dairy Sci. Vol 87, Suppl. 1: 607. pg. 303. VanBaale, M. J., D. Ledwith, J. M. Thompson, R. J. Collier, and L. H. Baumgard. 2004. Impact of increased milking frequency in early lactation in multiparous dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. Vol 87, Suppl. 1: 786. pg. 424. CALIFORNIA None FLORIDA de Vries, A. and C. A. Risco. 2005. Trends and seasonality of reproductive performance in Florida and Georgia dairy herds from 1976 to 2002. Journal of Dairy Science 88:3155-3165. de Vries, A. and B.J. Conlin. 2005. A comparison of the performance of statistical quality control charts in a dairy production system through stochastic simulation. Agricultural Systems 82: 317-341. de Vries, A., C. Steenholdt, and C. A. Risco. 2005. Pregnancy rates and milk production in natural service and artificially inseminated dairy herds in Florida and Georgia. Journal of Dairy Science 88:948956. De Araujo, A.E.M., A. de Vries, R.G. Giesy, L.O. Ely, and D.W. Webb. 2004. Ranking of dairy farms based on economic measures per CWT milk sold and per CWT milk equivalent. The Professional Animal Scientist 20:483489. de Vries, A., 2005. A network model of dairy cow replacement under herd constraints. Proceedings of the Joint Conference; the 5th Conference of the European Federation for Information Technology in Agriculture, Food and Environment and the 3rd World Congress on Computers in Agriculture and Natural Resources, Vila Real, Portugal, July 25-28. de Vries, A., J. Belsito, B. Butler, S. Madrid, A. Villagomez-Cortes, D. Bray, and D. Webb. 2005. Variation in somatic cell counts from milking to milking in a 3X-milked Florida dairy herd. Proceedings 4th IDF International Mastitis Conference, Maastricht, the Netherlands, June 12-15, page 875. de Vries, A., R. Giesy, L. Ely, B. Broaddus, C. Vann and B. Butler. 2005. Financial performance of dairies in Florida and Georgia in 2003. Journal of Dairy Science 88 (Suppl 1):21, Journal of Animal Science 83 (Suppl 1):21. Villagómez-Cortés, J.A., and A. de Vries. 2005. An adjustment of the empirical Bayes prediction of milk production. Journal of Dairy Science 88 (Suppl 1):46 GEORGIA Allison, J. R., G. L. Newton, L. O. Ely and Z. C. Somda. 2004. A Profit Optimizing Management Tool that Considers Daily Nutrient Inputs and Plant Nutrient Outputs. Proceedings of Symposium State of the Science of Animal Manure and Waste Management. De Araujo, A. E. M., deVries, A., R. Giesy, L. Ely and D. Webb. 2004. Rankinf of Dairy Farms Based on Economic Measures per CWT Milk Sold and per CWT Milk Equivalent. The Professional Animal Scientist 20:483-489. De Vries, A., R. Giesy, L. Ely, B. Broaddus, C. Vann and B. Butler. 2005. Financial Performance of Dairies in Florida and Georgia in 2003. J. Dairy Sci 88: suppl 1, p. 21 (abstr.) De Vries, A., R. Giesy, L. Ely, B. Broaddus, C. Vann and B. Butler. 2005. Dairy Business Analysis Project: 2003 Financial Summary. University of Florida, IFAS Extension, Bulletin DS 178. IOWA Coverdale, J.A., Tyler, H.D., Quigley, J.D., and J.A. Brumm. 2004. Effect of various levels of forage and form of diet on rumen development and growth in calves. J. Dairy Sci. 87:2554-62. H.D. Tyler. 2004. Managing calves: an overview. Proceedings of the Midwest School for Calf and Replacement Heifers. INDIANA Cary, D.C., S.D. Eicher, J.A. Paterson, and T.A. Johnson. 2004. A yeast cell-wall derivative and ascorbic acid fed to neonatal dairy calves is protective against enteric challenge with Salmonella dublin. J. Dairy Sci. 87: Suppl 1. Abst. 712. Cary, D. C., S. D. Eicher, and J. A. Patterson. 2005. The peripheral and micro-environment immune function of neonatal dairy calves fed beta-glucan with and without ascorbic acid. J. Leuko. Biol. 78 (Suppl. 1):67. Daniels, K.J., J.R. Townsend, S.S. Donkin, E.A. Pajor, S.D. Eicher, A.G. Fahey, and M.M. Schutz. 2004a. Relationship of behaviors and production measures between prepartum milked and non-prepartum milked first calf heifers. J. Dairy Sci. 87: Suppl 2. Abst. 70. Daniels, K.J., J.R. Townsend, S.S. Donkin, E.A. Pajor, A.G. Fahey, and M.M. Schutz. 2004b. The effect of feed intake levels on behaviors of transition dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 87: Suppl 1. Abst. W185. Eicher, S.D., K.A. McMunn, H. M. Hammon, and S.S. Donkin. 2004. Toll-like receptors and acute phase cytokine gene expression in dexamethasone and growth hormone treated calves. Vet Immunol Immunopathol. 98:115-125. Eicher, S.D., J.A. Paterson, C.S. Wilcox, T.A. Johnson, T.R. Johnson, and M.M. Schutz. Thermal imaging indications of elevated body temperatures during Salmonella dublin challenge. 2004. CWADF Eicher, S.D. and D.C. Cary. 2005. Fluorescently labeled beta-glucan traffics from jejunal and ileal tissue to mesenteric lymph and spleen. Conference for Research Workers in Animal Diseases, St. Louis, MO Dec 4-6. Eicher, S. D. and D. C. Cary. 2005. Modulation of Toll-like receptors 2 and 4 and interleukin-1 RNA expression of blood leukocytes by beta-glucan and ascorbic acid in neonatal calves. J. Leuko. Biol. 78 (Suppl. 1):67. Jones, C. K., E. A. Pajor, S. S. Donkin, J. Marchant-Forde and M. M. Schutz. 2005. Effect of recorded calf vocalizations on milk production with an automatic milking system. J. Dairy Sci. 88:01 (Suppl. 2) (Abstr. 1). Rekhis, J. and T.R. Johnson, 2005. Estimation of the apparent digestibility of soybean hulls in diets containing increasing concentrations of soybean hulls to replace corn fed to growing lambs. J. Anim.Sci.83: Suppl. 1. Abst. M 215. Schutz, M.M., 2005. Trends in dairy heifer supply and culling rates in the US. J. Dairy Sci. 88:20 (Suppl. 2) (Abstr.74). Thesis: Cary, Daniele Catherine. M.S., Purdue University, August 2005. Modulation of immune function of neonatal dairy calves fed a yeast cell-wall product with ascorbyl-2 polyphosphate. Major professor: Susan D. Eicher. Thesis: Daniels, Kylie J. M.S, Purdue University, December 2004. Effects of feed intake level and pre-partum milking on the behaviors of transition heifers and cows. Major Professor: Michael M. Schutz. Johnson, T. R. 2004. Feeding Dairy Cattle to Reduce Phosphorus Excretion. (AS-561-W). Johnson, K.D. Forage Field Guide, 2004. (ID-317). Animal nutrition needs section, Intake and Evaluation, by T.R. Johnson Johnson, T. R. 2005. Water Quality for Calves. Tri-State Dairy Nutrition Conference. IN, MI, and OH. pp 37-43. May 2 and 3, Fort Wayne, IN. Schutz, M. M. Genetic considerations for production and fertility, in US Dairy and Beef Farming Practices for Bulgaria. 2005. Center for Excellence in Education, McLean, VA. Schutz, M. M. and M. Deardorf. Milking procedures to enhance quality and safety, in US Dairy and Beef Farming Practices for Bulgaria. 2005. Center for Excellence in Education, McLean, VA. Schutz, M. M., M. Deardorf, and W. Zigler. Farm records and business management, in US Dairy and Beef Farming Practices for Bulgaria. 2005. Center for Excellence in Education, McLean, VA. Schutz, M., T. Applegate, B. Richert, A. Sutton, and D. Jones. 2005. Air Emissions Consent Agreement and National Monitoring Study: How Does the Air Consent Agreement Affect Me? (ID-326). Schutz, M., T. Applegate, B. Richert, A. Sutton, and D. Jones. 2005. Air Emissions Consent Agreement and National Monitoring Study: How They Affect Me? (ID-325-W). LOUISIANA C.C. Stanley, C.C. Williams, J.M. Heintz, E. Rees, and D.T. Gantt. 2005. Effects of gammulin on performance in non-stressed dairy calves. J. Dairy Sci. 88 (Suppl. 1): 25. MICHIGAN Peterson, A. B., M. W. Orth, J. P. Goff, and D. K. Beede. Periparturient Responses of Multiparous Holstein Cows Fed Different Dietary Phosphorus Concentrations Prepartum. J. Dairy Sci. 88: (In Press). Pfeffer, E., D. K. Beede, and H. Valk. Phosphorus metabolism in ruminants and requirements of cattle (Chapter 7). In: Nitrogen and Phosphorus Nutrition of Cattle and the Environment. CABI Publishing, CAB International, Wallingford, Oxfordshire, OX10 8DE, UK. (In Press). Beede, D. K. 2004. Transition cow management: Some critical factors for success. Proc. Ohio Dairy Management Conf., pp 31-43. Bolinger, D., and D. Beede. 2004. MSUE Manure Conference Recommended. 2. Michigan Dairy Review 9 (2-April):5. Beede, D. 2004. Opinion: Sustainable Michigan dairying. Michigan Dairy Review 9 (4) October):1. MINNESOTA Linn, J., C. Soderholm, R. Larson, D. Ziegler, and H. Chester-Jones. 2005. Performance of Holstein heifer calves fed three different concentrate grower diets with free choice hay. J. Dairy Sci. 88 (Suppl. 1):175. Abstract T173. Ziegler, D., H. Chester-Jones, B. Ziegler, R. Larson, and J. Linn. 2005. Performance of Holstein heifer calves fed texturized calf starters varying in molasses content. J. Dairy Sci. 88 (Suppl. 1):175. Abstract T175. Ziegler, B., J. Linn, D. Ziegler, H. Chester-Jones, C. Soderholm, and S. Hayes. 2005. The effect of milk replacer protein, fat content and feeding amount on performance of Holstein heifer calves. J. Dairy Sci. 88 (Suppl. 1):56. Abstract M193 Chester-Jones, H. ., D. Ziegler, B. Ziegler, C. Soderholm, S. Hayes, R. Larson, J. Linn. 2005. Growth and performance of commercial dairy calves at the University of Minnesota Southern Research and Outreach Center (SROC). Proc. Four-State Dairy Nutrition and Management Conference, June 15-16, Dubuque, Iowa, pp. 265-270, MWPS-4SD18, Midwest Plan Service, ISU, Ames, IA. Chester-Jones, H., M. Rudstrom, and L. Torbert. 2005. Grazing systems and management for heifers: Nutritional management and animal responses. Proc. Dairy Calves and Heifers: Integrating Biology and Management, Holiday Inn, Syracuse, New York, January 25-27, NRAES-175 pp. 160-175, NRAES, Ithaca, New York. Chester-Jones, H. 2005. Establishing custom calf and heifer raising contracts. Proc. Dairy Calves and Heifers: Integrating Biology and Management, Holiday Inn, Syracuse, New York, January 25-27, NRAES-175 pp. 220-232, NRAES, Ithaca, New York. Endres, M. I. , T. J. DeVries, M. A. G. von Keyserlingk, and D. M. Weary. 2005. Effect of Feed Barrier Design on the Behavior of Loose-Housed Lactating Dairy Cows. J. Dairy Sci. 88:2377*2380. Reneau, J.K., A.J. Seykora, B. J. Heins, M.I. Endres, R.J. Farnsworth, R.F. Bey. 2005. Association Between Hygiene Scores and Somatic Cell Scores in Dairy Cattle. J. Am. Vet. Med. Assoc. 227:1297*1301. Clanton, C. J., D. R. Schmidt, K. A. Janni, and M. I. Endres. 2005. Dolomitic Limestone Bedding Effects on Dairy Manure Characteristics. Appl. Eng. Ag. 21:697-706 Endres, M.I., L.A. Espejo, and J.A. Salfer. 2005. Effect of stall surface on the prevalence and severity of hock lesions in dairy cows housed in free stall barns. J. Dairy Sci. 88 (Suppl 1):247. Endres, M.I. 2005. These feet are made for walking! Factors affecting lameness prevalence in free stall barns. Pages 17-19 in Proc. Midwest Dairy Conference, St. Cloud Endres, M., J. Salfer, and L. Espejo. 2005. TMR particle size distribution and dairy herd performance. Pages 113-116 in Proc. Four-State Nutrition and Management Conference, Dubuque, IA. Carrier, J., S. Godden, J. Fetrow, S. Stewart, P. Rapnicki, M. Endres, and P. Mertens. 2005. Studies in dairy cow calving behavior. Pages 105-110 in Proc. Minnesota Dairy Health Conference, May 2005. Endres, M. and J. Salfer. 2005. Lameness: What is new? Pages 15-16 in Proc. Minnesota Dairy Days 2005. Salfer, J. and M. Endres. 2005. Decreasing early lactation culling: Non-nutritional factors. Pages 8-9 in Proc. Minnesota Dairy Days 2005. NEBRASKA Kononoff, P.J., S. Ivan, W. Matzke, R.J. Grant, R. Stock, T.J. Klopfenstein. 2005. Milk production of dairy cows fed a wet corn milling product during the dry period and lactation. In preparation. Kononoff, P.J. 2005. Understanding effective fiber in dairy rations. University of Nebraska, Extension NebGuide G05-1581. Kononoff, P.J. and B. Janicek. 2005. Understanding milling feed by-products for dairy cattle. University of Nebraska, Extension, NebGuide G05-1586. Kononoff, P.J. and B. Janicek. 2005. Feeding distillers grains to dairy cattle. Nebraska Corn Board. Occasional Publication. In Press. Kononoff, P.J. and B. Janicek. 2005. Ten things a dairy manager should know about corn milling by-products for dairy cattle. Hoards Dairyman. Pages 676-677. October 10, 2005. Kononoff, P.J. 2005. Effective fiber estimates and ration balancing for dairy cattle. Pages 277 284. Proceedings of the Minnesota Nutrition Conference, St. Paul, MN. NEW HAMPSHIRE Erickson, P. S., M. L. Davis, C. S. Murdock, K. E. Pastir, M. R. Murphy, C. G. Schwab, and J. I. Marden. 2004. Ionophore taste preferences of dairy heifers. J.Anim.Sci...82:3314-3320. Socha, M. T., D. E. Putnam, B. D. Garthwaite, N. L. Whitehouse, N. A. Kierstead, C. G. Schwab, G. A. Ducharme, and J. C. Robert. 2005. Improving intestinal amino acid supply of pre- and post-partum dairy cows with rumen-protected methionine and lysine. J. Dairy Sci. 88:1113-1126. OHIO St-Pierre, N. R., and J. T. Sylvester. 2005. Effects of 2-Hydroxy-4-(methylthio) Butanoic Acid (HMB) and its Isopropyl Ester on Milk Production and Composition by Holstein Cows. J. Dairy Sci. 88:2487-2497. Drendel, T. R., P. C. Hoffman, N. R. St-Pierre, M. T. Sacha, D. J. Tomlinson, and T. L. Ward. 2005. Effects of feeding zinc, manganese, and copper amino acid complexes and cobalt glucoheptonate to dairy replacement heifers on claw disorders. Prof. Anim. Sci. 21:217-224. Wick, M. P., J. M. Reddish, D. Latshaw, N. R. St-Pierre, and C. I. Pretzman. 2005. Myosin heavy chain isoform expression is not altered in the pectoralis major muscle in selenium deficient chickens recovering from exuative diathetic myopathy. Poult. Sci. 84:462-466. Noftsger, S., N. R. St-Pierre, and J. Sylvester. 2005. Determination of rumen degradability and ruminal effects of three sources of methionine in lactating cows. J. Dairy Sci. 88:223-237. PENNSYLVANIA Lesmeister, K. E., A. J. Heinrichs, and M. T. Gabler. 2004. Effects of supplemental yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) culture on rumen development, growth characteristics, and blood parameters in neonatal dairy calves. J. Dairy Sci. 87: 1832-1839. Lesmeister, K. E., and A. J. Heinrichs. 2004. Effects of corn processing on growth characteristics, rumen development, and rumen characteristics in neonatal dairy calves. J. Dairy Sci. 87:3439-3450. Lesmeister, K. E., and A. J. Heinrichs. 2005. Effects of adding extra molasses to a texturized calf starter on rumen development, growth characteristics, and blood parameters in neonatal dairy calves. J. Dairy Sci. 88:411-418. Heinrichs, A. J., and K. E. Lesmeister. 2005. Rumen development in the dairy calf. in Calf and Heifer Rearing. Nottingham University Press. Pp. 53-67. Bailey, K. W., C. M. Jones, and A. J. Heinrichs. 2005 Economic returns to Holstein and Jersey herds under multiple component pricing. J. Dairy Sci. 88:2269-2280. Heinrichs, A. J., B. S. Heinrichs, O. Harel, G. W. Rogers, and N. T. Place. 2005 A prospective study of calf factors affecting age, body size and body condition score at first calving of Holstein dairy heifers. J. Dairy Sci. 88:2828-2835. Heinrichs, A. J. 2005. Rumen development in the dairy calf. Advances in Dairy Technology. Vol. 17 Pp. 179-188. Zanton, G. I., and A. J. Heinrichs. 2005. Meta-analysis to assess effect of prepubertal average daily gain on Holstein heifers on first-lactation production. J. Dairy Sci. 88:3860-3867. Kehoe, S. I., and A. J. Heinrichs. 2005. Effects of weaning age and milk feeding frequency on calf growth, health and rumen parameters. J. Dairy Sci. 88: (Suppl. 1) 253. Zanton, G. I., and A. J. Heinrichs. 2005. The effects of altering dry matter intake on rumen digestion and turnover in dairy heifers. J. Dairy Sci. 88: (Suppl. 1) 255. Stup, R. E., A. J. Heinrichs, R. Van Suan, and D. Wolfgang. 2005. Calf sense: Learning to manage newborn dairy calves. J. Dairy Sci. 88: (Suppl. 1) 330. Kehoe, S. I., M. L. Moody, A. J. Heinrichs. 2005. Number of lactations have no effect on immunoglobulin G concentration of heifer and cow colostrums. J. Dairy Sci. 88: (Suppl. 1) 57. Zanton, G. I., M. J. Vassallo, D. R. Buckmaster, and A. J. Heinrichs. 2005. Effect of corn silage harvest method on intake and production by mid lactation dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 88: (Suppl. 1) 185. Jones C. and A. J. Heinrichs. 2005. What might be wrong with your silage. Hoards Dairyman. 150:220. Soder K. J. and L. A. Holden. 2005. Review: Use of Nematode-Trapping Fungi as a Biological Control in Grazing Livestock Prof. Anim. Sci. Vol. 21 No. 1 Feb. 30-37. Tozer, P. R., G. A. Varga, W. R. Henning and L. A. Holden. 2005. Do Dairy Producers Use Effective Management Practices to Improve the Value of Market Cows? Prof. Anim. Sci. Vol. 21. No. 1 Aug. 272-277. Costello, S. S., L. A. Holden, A. J. Heinrichs, E. P. Hovingh, M. OConnor, V. A. Ishler, R. E. Stup, and B. J. Hilty. 2005. Competency acquisition of workers participating in the Penn State Dairy Production Skills Certificate. J. Dairy Sci. 88: (Suppl. 1) 330. Ishler, V., L. Holden, and R. Stup. 2005. Innovative staffing models to enhance dairy educational programs. J. Dairy Sci. 88: (suppl. 1) 229. Zimmerman, E. J. Delahoy, L. Holden, J. Hyde, B. Hilty, and C. Dechow. 2005. Prediction of profitability using milking center data in dairy farms. J. Dairy Sci. 88: (Suppl. 1). 46. R.H. M. Bergevoet. 2005 Entrepreneurship of Dutch dairy farmers. PhD Thesis Wageningen University. Chapter 4: Job Satisfaction of Dairy Farmers A Comparison Between Dairy Farmers in the Netherlands and Pennsylvania (US). Pp. 75-98. (manuscript submitted to the Wageningen Journal of Life Sciences.) SOUTH DAKOTA Cyriac, J. 2005. Effect of replacing forage fiber with non-forage fiber in lactating dairy cow diets. M.S. Thesis, South Dakota State University, 56 pp. Cyriac, J., M.M. Abdelqader, K.F. Kalscheur, A.R. Hippen, and D.J. Schingoethe. 2005. Effect of replacing forage fiber with non-forage fiber in lactating dairy cow diets. 88 (Suppl. 1):252. (Abstr.). Garcia, A. and K. Kalscheur. 2005. Particle size and effective fiber in dairy cow diets. SDCES ExEx4033. Garcia, A.D. and K.F. Kalscheur. 2005. Why people expand or relocate. Hoard's Dairyman. 150 (15):593. Garcia, A. and K. Kalscheur. 2005. Dairies are good business for communities. Hoards Dairyman. 150 (2):47. Garcia, A., K. Kalscheur, and A. Hippen. 2005. Redefining dairy expansion. SDCES FS925-H. Golombeski, G. L. 2005. Slow-release urea and highly fermentable sugars in diets fed to lactating dairy cows. M.S. Thesis, South Dakota State University, 71 pp. Golombeski, G.L., K.F. Kalscheur, A.R. Hippen, and D.J. Schingoethe. 2005. Highly fermentable sugars and slow-release urea in diets fed to lactating dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 88 (5):1921. (Abstr.). Kalscheur, K.F., P. Exbrayat, and A.D. Garcia. 2005. Nutrient digestibility and excretion of dairy heifers fed diets with increasing concentrations of corn distillers grains. 88 (Suppl. 1):255. (Abstr.). Kalscheur, K. and A. Garcia. 2004. Wet distillers grains ensiled with corn silage improves aerobic stability at feed-out. Forage Focus: Midwest Forage Association. Nov. 2004, p. 2. Kalscheur, K.F. and A.D. Garcia. 2005. Storage, ensiling, and handling wet ethanol coproducts. 2005 Midwest ADSA/ASAS. J. Anim. Sci (Suppl. 2). (Abstr.). Ladd, J.M., D.J. Schingoethe, K.F. Kalscheur, and A.R. Hippen. 2005. Evaluation of dried and wet distillers grains included at two concentrations in the diets of lactating dairy cows. 88 (Suppl. 1):79. (Abstr.). Mpapho, G.S., A.R. Hippen, K.F. Kalscheur, and D.J. Schingoethe. 2005. Long term feeding of wet corn distillers grains and lactation performance of dairy cows. 88 (Suppl. 1):394. (Abstr.). Schingoethe, D.J., K.N. Linke, K.F. Kalscheur, A.R. Hippen, D.R. Rennich, and I. Yoon. 2004. Feed efficiency of mid-lactation dairy cows fed yeast culture during summer. J. Dairy Sci. 87:4178-4181. TEXAS Tomaszewski, M. A., M. A. de Haan, J. A. Thompson and E. R. Jordan. 2005. The Impact of Cooling Ponds in North Central Texas on Dairy Farm Performance. J. Dairy Sci. 88:2281-2286. UTAH None VIRGINIA Jones, C. M., R. E. James, J. D. Quigley, III, and M. L. McGilliard. 2004. Influence of pooled colostrum or colostrum replacement on IgG and evaluation of animal plasma in milk replacer. J. Dairy Sci. 87:1806-1814. Rossini, K. L., M. L. McGilliard, R. E. Pearson, R. E. James, W. S. Swecker, and G. L. Bethard 2005. Relationship of calf respiratory and digestive disease and age at first calving in a large commercial Holstein herd. J. Dairy Sci. 88(Suppl. 1):302. S. R. Hill, K. F. Knowlton, R. E. James, R. E. Pearson, G. Bethard, K. P. Pence, and S. W. Wilson, 2005 W253 Manure production of heifers fed diets varying in forage, grain, and byproduct content. J. Dairy Sci. 88(Suppl. 1): 323. Robert E. James. 2005. Low cost rations for heifers including by-product ingredients. NRAES 175, p. 176-181. Robert E. James. 2005. Uso de Maiz Grano Humedo en Alimentacion de Vacas Lecheras. International Seminar. Utilization and management of high moisture corn. Osorno, Chile. August 4 and 5. Robert E. James. 2005. Nuevas Tecnicas en crianza de terneras de reemplazo. International Seminar. Utilization and management of high moisture corn. Osorno, Chile. August 4 and 5. VERMONT None

Impact Statements

Better recommendations on feeding strategies that enhance feed efficiency and reduce urea and nitrogen secretions, and hence ammonia emissions, from dairy waste. Optimization of calf feeding practices will lead to improved herd profitability while reducing the impact on the environment.
Young calves have similar growth and health regardless of whether feeding occurs once per day or more frequently for only 4 weeks after birth. Thus, producers can reduce feeding frequencies (labor) and save up to approximately $1/day/calf. Considering there are over 3 million dairy calves raised annually, adoption of this practice would impart substantial savings to dairy producers.
The use of feed supplements to reduce disease from shipping stress have a great influence on the profitability of calf-rearing operations and on the welfare of cattle in the receiving milking herd. Use of ascorbic acid and beta-glucan supplements has been issued U.S. Patent No. 6,939,864 (September 6, 2005, Purdue Research Foundation) for use in feeds to reduce disease incidence from shipping. Lactoferrin also has potential to modulate calf health when fed to neonatal and pre-weaned calves.
Facilities design and nutrition are two of the major factors contributing to the costs and efficiency of dairy herd management. Designing facilities that allow for more efficient milking efficiency, better cooling and flooring that reduces leg and hoof injuries improve animal well-being, reduce disease potential and improve milk production. The studies evaluating cooling systems alone saved almost $10 million dollars in costs for facility designs.
Variations in nutrient recommendations for dairy cattle results in significant losses (0.8 to &1.2 billion dollars annually) to the U.S. dairy industries. The NC-1119 group is investigating less expensive and readily available materials, such as corn gluten and distillers grains, as potential feed replacements/supplements. The results use science based information to predict the impact of nutrient substitutions in commercial diets and to reduce the costs of feeds.
Models to estimate the level of P in feed to reduce P excretion into the environment by dairy cattle have been developed and resulted in an increase in the number of and accuracy of voluntary nutrient management plans in Michigan. The RootZone campaign/publication (www.rootzone.msu.edu) is an educational effort to assist producers in reducing P loads in manure and potential environmental pollution of watersheds.
Use of RFID eartags in herd management improved the accuracy of herd records, eliminated false identification of animals and reduced the time required to identify individual cows. The Dairy Business Analysis Project (DBAP) provides databases being used by Farm Services, commercial banks and loan officers have enhanced the ability of dairy farmers to secure loans and motivated investors to invest in the Florida dairy industry. The combined impacts are in the millions of dollars.
Cow culling and replacement models developed by NC-1119 participants are being used by the industry to teach the importance of improved reproductive efficiency as a means to improve profitability and to assist producers in make culling and replacement decisions on production traits in cows and the costs of replacement. These models contribute to a more systematic and objective methodology for these decisions with the promise of significant economic returns to dairy producers.

Date of Annual Report: 12/15/2006

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 10/12/2006 - 10/14/2006
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2005 - 09/01/2006

Participants

Beede, David - Michigan State University; Berry, Steven - University of California, Davis; Chester-Jones, Hugh - University of Minnesota; de Vries, Albert - University of Florida; Ely, Lane - University of Georgia; Endres, Marcia - University of Minnesota; Erickson, Peter - University of New Hampshire; Heinrichs, Jud - Pennsylvania State University; Hippen, Arnold - South Dakota State University; Holden, Lisa - Pennsylvania State University; Hoffman, Pat - University of Wisconsin; James, Robert - Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University; Johnson, Timothy - Purdue University; Jose, Doug - University of Nebraska; Kalscheur, Kenneth - South Dakota State University; Kononoff, Paul - University of Nebraska; McGilliard, Michael - Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University; Peters, Robert - University of Maryland; Robinson, Peter - University of California, Davis; Schwab, Charles - University of New Hampshire; Smith, Julia - University of Vermont; St-Pierre, Normand - Ohio State University; Tomaszewski, Michael - Texas A&M University; Tyler, Howard - Iowa State University; Van Amburgh, Michael - Cornell University;; Williams, Cathleen - Louisiana State University; Winston, David - Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University; Young, Allen - Utah State University.

Former participants: Palmer, Roger - University of Wisconsin (deceased); Powers, Wendy - Iowa State University (moved); Shirley, John - Kansas State University (retired); Smith, James - University of Georgia (retired); Wolf, Chris - Michigan State University (withdrawn); VanBaale, Matthew - University of Arizona (moved).

No reports were received from AZ, KS, NY, and WI.

Brief Summary of Minutes

October 12, 2006

Call to order and introductions:
Chair Albert de Vries called the meeting to order at 1:00 PM at the New England Center at the University of New Hampshire. Albert de Vries asked each attendee to introduce themselves to the group. Pete Erickson welcomed the group to the University of New Hampshire. The agenda was reviewed, which included group station reports on Thursday afternoon, discussion of the rewrite on Friday and Saturday morning, and farm tours on Friday afternoon. Plans were made for dinner at Fosters Clambake on Friday evening.
Dr. Bill Trumble, Dean of College of Life Science and Agriculture and Dr. Tom Foxall, Chair of Animal and Nutritional Sciences, welcomed the NC-1119 group to the University of New Hampshire. An overview of the College was provided and the development of new programs such as the one in organic dairying was discussed.

Washington news and review:
Charlotte Kirk Baer is the new USDA/CSREES Advisor for NC-1119. Charlotte discussed the role of USDA/CSREES in identifying priorities, addressing critical needs, and developing future directions for USDA/CSREES programs. Results from a recent USDA/CSREES survey on customer satisfaction were discussed. Federal agencies average score is seventy-two percent and CSREES scored comparably to the average with regard to overall customer satisfaction. Recommendations of the survey were to improve coordination and leadership in areas of national need. For the rewrite of the NC-1119 project, it was stated that the rewritten project must be multi-state, multidisciplinary, peer-reviewed, have clearly stated objectives, participants listed are directly involved, and have an orientation on outcomes and impacts. There was discussion on whether the project is a rewrite or a new project. As long as justification for continuation of the project is included, the project can be considered a rewrite. The rewritten proposal should consider stakeholder input if possible to justify new project. There was additional discussion regarding non-participating states that are listed as NC-1119 participants. Dr. Benfield stated non-participation should be included in the annual report. A project on eXtension for dairy was briefly discussed and handout was provided.

Administrative advisor report:
David Benfield reported on how to submit Annual Reports. There are character limits to each section and HTML tags that may need to be included. Dr. Benfield also reported on Create 21, a project of the Board on Agriculture Assembly of the National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges (NASULGC) that proposes to reframe the partnership between the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the university community. It calls for consolidating the elements currently within USDAs Research, Education, and Economics program area (and Forest Service R&D); sustaining existing intramural and university capacity funding; and providing new funding for competitively-awarded research, extension, and education grants. There will be more discussion on this in the future.

Station project reports:
Albert de Vries asked NC-1119 members to present their state project reports with a limit of 10 minutes per state to stay on schedule. The order in which the members presented their state reports were: 1) Minnesota, 2) Virginia, 3) Utah, 4) New Hampshire, 5) Nebraska, 6) Vermont, 7) California, 8) Pennsylvania, 9) Maryland, 10) Indiana, 11) South Dakota, 12) Florida. The meeting was adjourned for the day at 5:15 pm.

October 13, 2006

Project re-write (2007-2012):
Chair Albert de Vries called the meeting to order at 8 AM at the Dairy Nutrition Research Center, UNH. Registration costs were $115 per participant payable to UNH. Dr. Benfield outlined the requirements of the new project. We need justify why the project is a continuation of the previous project. We can keep the same multi-state project number if it is justified. Everyone needs to complete an Appendix E through NIMSS for NC_temp1119. Upcoming deadlines were discussed. The proposal needs to be completed and submitted to NIMSS by December 1. This includes peer-review. The annual report needs to be completed by December 15th.
Specific objectives for the new proposal were discussed. The following objective was developed: To evaluate and develop management systems for dairy herds that address critical quality and variance control factors with implications to economic efficiencies and environmental impacts. Three sub-objectives were suggested: A) Heifer enterprise, B) Cow enterprise, and C) Whole farm business. Potential contributions from each station for sub-objectives A and B were discussed. The meeting was adjourned for lunch at noon.
During the afternoon of Friday, October 13, the group toured the Stuart Farm, Ath-Mor Farm, the future organic dairy farm at UNH, and Fairchild Dairy Farm at UNH.

October 14, 2006

Project re-write (2007-2012):
Chair Albert de Vries called the meeting to order at 8 AM at the New England Center. Development of sub-objective C, whole farm business, was discussed among the entire group. The following new objective and sub-objectives were accepted:

Objective: To evaluate and develop sustainable management systems for dairy herds that address critical quality and variance control factors with implications to economic efficiencies and environmental impacts.

A - Heifer enterprise
· Analyzing management and nutrition strategies for replacement heifers as they pertain to production and profitability.

B - Cow enterprise
· Optimization of lactating and dry cow decision-making as it relates to animal health, nutrient utilization, milk production, reproduction, and profitability.

C - Whole farm business
· Evaluate system components and integrate information into decision-support tools and whole farm analyses to improve efficiency, control variation, and enhance profitability, and environmental sustainability.

Material for each sub-objective will need to be sent by each participant to the leader of the respective sub-objective. The following individuals agreed to lead sub-objectives and compile materials from contributing participants: A) Heifer enterprise - Pete Erickson, B) Cow enterprise - Tim Johnson, and C) Whole farm business - Mike McGilliard.
Mike McGilliard and Dave Beede agreed to be the reviewers of the proposal. Albert de Vries discussed the procedure involved in completing an Appendix E. Each participant needs to register and complete the appendix E for NC_TEMP1119 at the NIMMS website (http://nimss.umd.edu/). Albert de Vries will send out an email after the meeting describing this process. December 1, 2006 is the deadline for submission of the project, but if an extension is needed, Dr. Benfield should be contacted. Dr. de Vries agreed to submit the final proposal through NIMMS. Individual sections required for the new proposal were discussed. Dr. Benfield stated that states not present need to be notified of objectives and determine if they will be participants in the new project. With the new proposal, this is a good time for others with similar interests to join the project. Victor Cabrera (NM) will be joining NC-1119. The meeting was adjourned for lunch.

Other discussion:
After lunch, Jud Heinrichs reported on eXtension. This will be a clearing house for dairy-related publications. Educators, dairy specialists, and producers will be able to find dairy-related peer-reviewed publications at this website.

Business meeting:
Albert de Vries called the Business Meeting to order at 1:30 PM. The minutes of the 2005 NC-1119 meeting were approved as written.

Election of Secretary: Doug Jose moved to nominate Dave Beede as Secretary for 2006-2007. Normand St-Pierre seconded the motion. The motion was approved and Dave accepted to be the new Secretary.

Confirmation of 2006-2007 Chair: The NC-1119 committee confirmed that Kenneth Kalscheur is the new Chair for 2006-2007.

Location for the 2007 NC-1119 meeting: Minnesota was nominated to host the 2007 NC-1119 Meeting. Hugh Chester-Jones (MN) was not present, but had previously agreed to host the meeting in Minnesota. Motion for Minnesota to host the 2007 meeting was approved. Normand St-Pierre offered Ohio State as a back-up site if Minnesota could not host. Possible dates for the 2007 meeting are October 11-13, 2007. There was discussion to move the meeting to another date because the current date conflicts with other events. Doug Jose moved to accepted October 11-13, 2007. Ken Kalscheur seconded. Motion carried.

Website committee report: Mike McGilliard described the webpage on NIMSS website. Materials generated by NC-1119 such as spreadsheets and photographs can be added to the NIMSS NC-1119 webpage. A paragraph on history can be added. Mike McGilliard moved to put all important information form the old website to the new NC-1119 webpage on the NIMSS website and discontinue the use of the old website. Norm St-Pierre seconded the motion. The motion was approved. Mike McGilliard agreed to continue to be the webmaster for the NC-1119 webpage.

Project historian report: Mike McGilliard passed out the history of the chairs and locations of the past meetings. Mike will take over role of project historian for Bob James (previous historian).

Other items of business: Publications produced as a result of NC-1119 should include an acknowledgement to NC-1119 whenever possible. There is no specific requirement to do this. Normand St-Pierre moves to encourage members to include a statement or footnote in published materials to state contribution of NC-1119. Motion was seconded and approved. Ken Kalscheur discussed the possibility of developing a peer-reviewed journal publication discussing the contributions of NC-1119. This will be discussed further next year. Dave Beede suggested to tie this article with a symposium. NC-1119 have hosted symposium at Midwest ADSA/ASAS in previous years. This will be discussed next year. Lisa Holden suggested going to Holland in 2008. Lisa Holden and Dave Beede will develop a preliminary plan. This will be discussed at next years meeting.

Doug Jose moved to express thanks to Pete Erickson and Chuck Schwab for hosting the meeting and arranging the tours. In addition, a motion was made to express thanks to Albert de Vries for chairing this years NC-1119 meeting. Both motions were seconded and approved enthusiastically. The meeting was adjourned at 2:30 PM.

Minutes submitted by Kenneth Kalscheur on December 15, 2006.

Minutes Attachment:

Attachment

Accomplishments

Objective 1: Develop and integrate decision support systems to promote efficient, environmentally sound, and economically viable management systems for dairy young stock. 1A. To enhance the understanding of nutrient requirements of young calves and growing dairy heifers and identify nutritional strategies that maximize the efficient use of dietary nutrients and reduce excretion into the environment. Researchers at PA conducted two studies evaluating the effect of diets on nutrient digestibility and nitrogen utilization in dairy heifers. In the first experiment, heifers were fed a high concentrate (HC) or a high forage (HF) ration at two different ages (313 vs. 666 d). Nitrogen intake was greater for the heifers fed HC, however fecal N excretion tended to be greater for HF because of improved apparent N digestibility for HC. Urinary N excretion was not affected by treatment ration, leading to greater overall N retention for heifers fed HC (P<0.01). The rate of ammonia volatilization, when adjusted to reflect the greater production of urine and feces by HF, was greater for heifers fed HF than HC. Nitrogen retention was not different for the different ages of the heifers. From these results it was concluded that heifers fed HC will have improved efficiency of OM and N utilization regardless of age when intake is controlled. In a second experiment, heifers were fed a diet with a high forage to concentrate ratio (77:23) versus a low forage to concentrate ratio (33:67). Nitrogen digestibility was not different between treatments; however retained N was higher for low forage diets. 1B. To evaluate effects of different nutritional management strategies on performance and economic efficiencies of dairy replacement heifers. Several studies at MN evaluated nutritional programs on calf performance. In the first study, the addition of molasses to texturized calf starter was evaluated. There was no feed intake benefit to increasing molasses levels in calf starters above a 6% inclusion rate. In the second study, the effect of milk replacer protein, fat content and feeding amount on performance of Holstein heifer calves was determined. Feeding an intensive milk replacer program resulted in the best gain and highest DM intake, however, a modified intensive program increased calf starter intake and resulted in the second best calf performance to 56 days. Calf health was not affected by the different dietary treatments. In the third study, performance of dairy heifer calves fed milk replacers with equal protein and fat levels but utilizing different fat sources was evaluated. Under the conditions of this study, feeding a common milk replacer with varying fat sources did not affect pre- and immediate post weaning calf performance. In a fourth study, pre- and post-weaning performance of dairy heifer calves fed texturized or pelleted calf starters with or without intake enhancing flavors was tested. Heifer calves tended to utilize the texturized calf starter more effectively than those fed pelleted starters. The addition of flavors to the non-flavored pelleted calf starter did not improve calf performance and in the case of the sweet start flavor, it was detrimental to calf growth. In a fifth study, the performance of Holstein dairy heifers full vs. limit fed whole-shelled corn and protein pellet diets with differing fiber levels was conducted. This study indicated that limit-feeding concentrate grower diets with access to free-choice hay in group pens from 9 to 25 weeks of-age resulted in a more consistent heifer performance when compared to full-fed concentrates without hay followed by a period of limit feeding concentrates with free-choice hay. In another study, performance of Holstein dairy heifers was evaluated when fed concentrate diets containing dried distillers grains or urea. This study found that limit feeding a concentrate mix to 2.27 kg/ day with free choice hay for post weaned dairy heifers from 13 to 24 weeks of age supported good growth rates. Using distillers grains or urea as alternative protein sources in concentrate mixes were acceptable options. Several studies at PA evaluate the effect of diet on heifer growth characteristics. In the first study, heifers fed a high concentrate (HC) or a high forage (HF) diet at restricted intakes achieved similar ADG. Reproduction and first lactation data will be monitored. From these results we conclude that feeding a HC ration leads to similar growth performance when the level of intake is restricted to achieve a controlled ADG. In the second study, rumen fermentation was evaluated in dairy heifers a fed high concentrate or a high forage ration at two ages (young and old). They concluded that feeding HC can produce changes in rumen fermentation in both ages of heifers, but the magnitude of these changes can be reduced by restricting intake. In the third study, rumen fermentation was evaluated in heifers fed diets with differing forage to concentrate ratios with corn silage as the sole forage source. It was concluded that feeding low forage diets at restricted intakes to growing dairy heifers resulted in minimal changes in rumen fermentation patterns even though diets were more rapidly digestible. At SD, calves were fed starters containing 0, 28, or 56% distillers grains with solubles (DDGS). Calves fed the 28% DDGS grains were similar in performance and health compared to calves fed 0% DDGS. Calves fed diets containing 56% DDGS showed signs of hyperkeratosis of the rumen epithelium indicating that DDGS fed at this level may be excessive. Feeding efficiency was decreased at 56% DDGS of diet DM. At VA, the effect of calfhood disease on future performance was studied. Calfhood disease delayed first calving but did not affect milk yield in first lactation for those calves that entered the milking herd. There were no significant differences in the percentage of cows leaving the herd by 305 days in milk based on their disease status as a calf. Survival analyses to 730 days past first calving, however, showed calf disease to be detrimental. Survival through 730 days was lower for cows that experienced multiple occurrences of calfhood disease, but was most affected by daily milk yield in the first 305 days. Cows in the lowest quartile of daily milk yield survived at the lowest rate (40%). Multiple occurrences of calfhood diseases combined with low production were particularly detrimental to survival. In herds managed similarly to this herd, managers ought to consider such cows for culling soon after 305 days in milk. 1C. To elucidate metabolic processes and endocrine relationships in biology of colostrums and nutrient intake, and environment stressors on immune function and calf performance. Research at IA studied the effect of bradykinins on umbilical vessels in cloned and normal calves and initiated studies aimed at elucidating the mechanisms affecting suckling aggressiveness in Brown Swiss and Holstein calves. Results indicate that cloned and non-cloned calves respond differently to exposure to bradykinins. At IN, the behavioral response to novel stimuli was assessed as influenced by time of transport post birth for dairy heifers in calves at 2 to 3 d, (early) 4 to 5 d (moderate) and (old) 6 to 8 d of age at transport. They found that age at initial transport did influence behavioral response to novel stimuli, although results were not completely consistent across all novel stimuli. It appeared that calves with the longest number of days before transport were able to more quickly engage and overcome novel stimuli to reach the end of the corridor. Research at PA was conducted to: 1) determine bacteriological quality of colostrum and 2) identify management factors that influenced the bacteriological quality of colostrum. Colostrum samples from 55 dairy herds were analyzed for bacteriological counts. The findings of the study show that many colostrum samples have high bacterial counts and management changes should be made on the farms. Two studies were conducted at VT to study the effect of lactoferrin on calves. In the first study, calves were fed either a control diet or the same diet supplemented with 1g of lactoferrin per day for 10 days beginning at 1 day of age. Growth did not differ between groups fed for 10 days, but there was a tendency for less scours in the lactoferrin-fed calves. In a second study, researchers investigated the effect of lactoferrin on immune system development of calves supplemented in a single dose with first feeding. A colostrum replacer supplemented with either 0, 4, or 8 g of lactoferrin was fed to calves (n = 3 per treatment). No differences were seen in growth but there was a trend for earlier peak IgG levels in calves fed 4 g lactoferrin with their first feeding. In addition, studies at NH are underway to determine if lactoferrin can aid in intestinal uptake of IgG. The long-term effects of varying the amount of milk replacer fed to neonatal calves on their future lactational performance was investigated at VT. Controversy remains over the optimal amount of milk replacer to feed calves, especially of the high protein (26% or higher) formulations. As expected, clear differences in early growth were seen between the 20:20-fed calves and all others. However, no differences were seen in early growth, health, or metabolic measures among calves fed higher levels of 26:18 milk replacer. In LA, the intensive accelerated feeding program for dairy calves is being evaluated for producers in southern U.S. Objective 2: To develop strategies and systems to optimize nutrient utilization, economic returns, and environmental goals for management of dry, pregnant and lactating dairy cows. 2A. To develop and evaluate management and feeding systems for optimal cow performance, comfort, well-being health and behavior. Researchers at MD conducted a pilot study to develop an intravaginal temperature monitoring system for early detection of infection in the early postpartum period. Daily body temperature monitoring as a management practice for the early post-partum period has traditionally been recommended using a thermometer that records the temperature at single point in time. This research will help develop a system to continuously monitor body temperature in the early postpartum period of the dairy cow, and for early detection of fever. Work at IN is studying the correlation of rectal temperature and animal health using an automatic reticular temperature monitoring system. These studies will assist dairy herd managers in maintaining cow health, breeding soundness, and milk productivity. A study at LA evaluated the response of increased milking frequency (2 times vs. 4 times per day) during the first 21 days of lactation on milk production and hormonal concentrations. Milk production, energy corrected milk (ECM) and fat corrected milk (FCM) were decreased (P < 0.05) in cows milked 4X. No effect of treatment was observed for percent milk protein or percent milk fat. These data indicate that increased milking frequency during the transition period did not improve milk production in these dairy cows. Research determining the impact of facilities on cow performance, comfort, health, and behavior has also been conducted. A study by CA found that soft rubber flooring covering the whole freestall barn reduced heel horn erosion (an indication of foot hygiene) and clinical lameness, thus improving cow welfare. In MN, compost barns have been receiving increased attention as an alternative housing system for dairy cattle. A descriptive study was conducted from June 2005 to September 2005 on 12 compost barns in Minnesota in order to describe the building layout, collect building dimensions, characterize the bedding material and observe management practices that were used on these dairies. The average lying space was 8.1 ± 2.7 m2/cow. The average temperature across depths was 42.3 ± 6.7 ºC, less than the ideal temperature of 54 to 60 ºC recommended for composting organic materials. The bedding temperatures and chemical characteristics indicate that the bedding material was not composting, however the aerated pack was biologically active In a second study in MN, a cross-sectional study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of clinical lameness in high-producing Holstein cows housed in 50 freestall barns in Minnesota during summer. The prevalence of lameness in first-lactation cows was 12.8% and prevalence increased on average at a rate of 8 percentage units per lactation. There was no association between the mean prevalence of clinical lameness and month of lactation (for months 1 to 10). Under conditioned cows had a higher prevalence of clinical lameness than normal or overconditioned cows. The prevalence of lameness was lower in freestall herds with sand stalls (17.1%) than in freestall herds with mattress stall surfaces (27.9%). A third study in MN investigated the association of herd-level factors with the prevalence of lameness in 53 high-production groups of Holstein cows housed in 50 commercial dairy farms having freestall barns in Minnesota. Daily time away from the pen for milking was positively associated with the prevalence of lameness, whereas cow comfort quotient was negatively associated with prevalence of lameness. Prevalence of lameness was greater when farms performed hoof trimming only when the manager decided cows needed it because of hoof overgrowth or lameness compared with all cows in which feet were trimmed on a maintenance schedule once or twice annually. Brisket board height of more than 15.24 cm and presence of the area behind the brisket board filled with concrete were associated with greater prevalence of lameness. In a fourth study (MN), the effects of 2 feed barrier systems on feeding and social behavior of dairy cows were evaluated. The treatments were 2 types of feed-line barriers: 1) post and rail, and 2) headlock. Average daily feeding time did not differ when cows used the headlock barrier compared with the post-and rail barrier. However, there were certain changes in feeding time during periods of peak feeding activity: cows that had lower feeding times relative to group mates when using the post-and-rail barrier showed more similar feeding times to group mates when using the headlock barrier. There were 21% fewer displacements at the feed bunk when cows accessed feed by the headlock barrier compared with the post-and-rail barrier. These results suggest that using a headlock barrier reduces aggression at the feed bunk and improves access to feed for socially subordinate cows during peak feeding periods. Work at OH found that forage sampling in combination with laboratory analyses can reduce substantially the variation in nutritional content of diets. 2B. To address environmental challenges of dairy production and determine strategies to achieve environmental goals. Determination of optimal utilization of byproducts is needed to understand the effects of co-product feeds on lactational performance of dairy cows and to develop strategies to reduce nutrient losses to the environment. Work at NE has evaluated different corn milling co-products. In the first study, the objective was to determine if containing increasing levels of distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) would alter milk yield and milk composition. Results indicate that dairy diets may be formulated to contain DDGS at as high as 30% of the diet DM and may increase DMI and milk yield without affecting fat or protein composition. As second study evaluated the replacement of forage with a novel corn milling co-product (Dakota bran cake). Feeding bran cake tended to increase milk production and protein yield while decreasing fat percentage. In addition, the estimation of the protein from corn milling co-products digested in the small intestine of ruminants will be useful in more accurately describing the components required to estimate metabolizable protein of lactating dairy cows according to the NRC (2001) publication. Corn milling co-products are currently being evaluated. This information will be used to more accurately understand N utilization of dairy cattle and should result in a reduction in N excretion. In addition, work on utilization of biofuel co-products has been conducted at SD. In the first study, it was found that DDGS can successfully replace soybean protein as a source of rumen-undegraded protein. The addition of DDGS at 11 or 22% of the diet increased milk production and milk component yields to a greater extent than traditional diets using corn and soybean protein. A second study evaluated the use of corn condensed distillers solubles (CCDS) in dairy cow diets. Cows fed the addition of added fat through CCDS or DDGS did not alter intake or milk composition. The addition of co-products tended to increase milk yield. The finding show that CCDS was effective as DDGS in replacing soybean meal and corn grain in the total mixed ration even when CCDS was fed at quite high amounts. A third study evaluated the effect of forage (corn silage or alfalfa hay) in diets with DDGS. Replacement of corn silage with alfalfa hay in diets containing 15% DDGS did not affect yields of milk and milk components, milk composition, and ruminal VFA and ammonia with the exception of a linear decrease in milk fat percentage with the addition of alfalfa hay. The addition of alfalfa decreased DMI while maintaining milk production thus improving feed efficiency. A fourth study evaluated the inclusion of corn germ, a co-product of corn fractionation, and found that the inclusion of corn germ can increase milk and fat yields at 7% and 14% of dietary DM, however, inclusion of corn germ at 21% of diet DM decreased concentration and yield of milk fat. A fifth study evaluated the utilization of glycerol, a co-product of bio-diesel production, in dairy cow diets. The addition of glycerol to lactating cow diets did not affect intake, milk production, or milk composition, but did improve feed efficiency. Co-product utilization may improve lactation performance of dairy cows while reducing feed costs. Improving nutrient utilization within the dairy cow can reduce nutrient losses to the environmental. NH investigated whether the addition of a specific blend of essential oils to a corn silage based diet would alter protein metabolism in the rumen and increase milk production and milk composition. The addition of a blend of essential oils to the diets of early lactation cows decreased rumen ammonia concentrations at the times after feeding when ammonia concentrations ate the highest. At NE, the effects of feeding bm3 corn silage and monensin on lactation performance and protein utilization was investigated. Hybrid tended to affect intake with DMI being highest for cows consuming bm3 corn silage, but no differences were observed on milk yield or composition. Estimated microbial CP production was not affected by either monensin supplementation or corn silage hybrid. These findings do not help to explain why bm3 corn silage may affect manure N excretion. MI evaluated the phosphorous (P) needs of the late pregnant dry cow and how varying different prepartum dietary P concentrations might affect periparturient (transition) performance. They concluded that feeding 0.21% P (34 g of P/cow daily in this experiment) prepartum is adequate for periparturient multiparous Holstein cows with high metabolic demands and genetic potential for milk production. No adverse effects on periparturient health, DMI, or 28-d lactation performance resulted. In addition, MI evaluated published models to predict P excretion using data from a new set of balance trials with 73 pregnant, non-lactating nulli- and multiparous Holstein animals, and 140 lactating primi- and multiparous Holstein cows at 97, 183 and 294 average DIM, with different cows at each stage. The model approach of predicting P excretion from dairy cattle as (intake P milk P) is being widely accepted in Michigan as a component of the Mass Balance approach to estimate the amount of P in manure for planning fertilization strategies and development of comprehensive nutrient management plans. One of the reasons for increased manure P excretion is the high P concentration in distillers grain with solubles and corn gluten feed (DGS-CGF) which are by-products from ethanol production, and are used as animal feed. The P content of DGS-CGF is much higher than needed, resulting sometimes in diet P being more than 200% greater than required for optimal animal performance. Thus, an alternative method for manure P utilization and distribution might be a solution to this problem. NE will develop a spreadsheet decision tool (SDT) in order to compare the cost effectiveness of composting feedlot manure as compared to stockpiling. Parameters such as the size of the animal, the percentage reduction in manure mass when composting, and the distance required to haul and spread the composted material are taken into account. The goal is to provide a tool to help producers decide if it is more cost effective to compost or to stockpile, and contribute in finding a solution to the P pollution of surface waters. Researchers at CA developed a simple in vitro procedure which successfully predicted eructated methane gas outputs from commercial California dairy rations, as judged by comparison to published values measured in live animals. This research showed that increased dietary fat and NDF levels suppressed methane emissions, while increased dietary levels of organic matter increased them. 2C. To develop and expand financial, production, and management databases, perform financial analyses, and integrate data information into decision support systems to optimize efficiency of dairy management system. In FL and GA, results from the Dairy Business Analysis Project (DBAP) are used in extension, teaching, and research and made available on the UF/IFAS Florida dairy extension website http://dairy.ifas.ufl.edu. The DBAP data continues to provide valuable information for dairy producers management decisions and to provide benchmark data for the dairy industry and banking industry. DBAP reports are often requested by dairies that try to secure loans and other people interested in the financial performance of Florida dairies, such as CPAs, lenders, and investors. Work at PA has investigated human resource management and its impact on dairy management systems. Strategies for identifying human resource needs and developing personnel to meet those needs were investigated. Survey of dairy farm managers an overall lack of management succession planning and a need for greater resources being dedicated to succession planning at the farm level. Researchers at TX demonstrate the usability of RFID technology in a herd management system. A difference existed among manufactures in ease of application, however, no significant differences in non-reads were found among the manufacturers. 2D. To develop strategies and models for the profitable culling, replacement and breeding decisions replacement economics. FL has developed a user-interface and manual for the optimal culling and replacement model, DairyVIP 1.0. This has made the model more widely accessible. It is easy to study the effect of changes in a large number of input parameters on a large number of outputs. Many graphs of herd statistics are available. The outputs of two sets of inputs can be compared side by side. Separation of the current lactation from the future lactations allows for much improved prediction of the future performance and therefore breeding and culling decisions of cows. This separation is a significant step forward in the application of dynamic programming to support dairy decision making. Death losses on dairies have been increasing linearly over the past 10 years and are estimated to be approaching 11% of animals in the herd. Determining when death losses occur and the factors that contribute to those losses can result in significant economic returns to dairy producers. At UT, a database of cows that had completed lactations was collected for the months of August 2004 to July 2005 from research files generated by Provo-DHI Computing Center. Records included cows that had been coded as dry, sold for beef, sold for dairy or had died. Total database included approximately 800,000 records and 45 different production variables. Preliminary results have shown that SCC is similar for cows that died compared to cows sold for beef and days dry were not different between those cows that died compared with cows sold for beef. Further investigation of records is in progress.

Publications

ARIZONA None CALIFORNIA Vanegas, J., M. Overton, S. L. Berry, and W. M. J. Sischo. 2006. Effect of rubber flooring on the development of claw lesions in lactating dairy cows housed in free stall barns. J. Dairy Sci. 89:(accepted). FLORIDA Cabrera, V. E., A. De Vries, and P. E. Hildebrand. 2006. Prediction of nitrogen excretion in dairy farms located in North Florida: a comparison of three models. J. Dairy Sci. 89:1830-1841. De Vries, A. 2006. Economic value of pregnancy in dairy cattle. J. Dairy Sci. 89:3876-3885. De Vries, A. 2006. DairyVIP: a model to compare the economic consequences of management decisions on dairy farms. Paper 1115 in: Proceedings of the 11th International Symposium on Veterinary Epidemiology and Economics. Cairns, Australia, August 6-11. Available at http://www.sciquest.org.nz. De Vries, A. 2006. Improved accuracy of a model to optimize breeding and replacement decisions for dairy cattle. Pages 624-629 in: Proceedings of the 4th World Congress on Computers in Agriculture and Natural Resources. Orlando, FL, July 24-26. De Vries, A. 2006. Ranking dairy cows for optimal breeding decisions. Pages 49-66 in: Proceedings 43rd Annual Florida Dairy Production Conference. Gainesville, FL, May 2. Available on http://dairy.ifas.ufl.edu/dbc. De Vries, A. 2006. Ranking dairy cows for future profitability and culling decisions. Pages 91-109 in: Proceedings 3rd Annual Florida & Georgia Dairy Road Show. Okeechobee, Mayo, and Chipley, FL, and Tifton, GA, February 28-March 7. Available on http://dairy.ifas.ufl.edu/drs. De Vries, A., M. B. Crane, J. A. Bartolome, P. Melendez, C. A. Risco, and L. F. Archbald. 2006. Economic comparison of timed artificial insemination and exogenous progesterone as treatments for ovarian cysts. J. Dairy Sci. 89:3028-3037. Giesy, R., L. Ely, A. De Vries, B. Broaddus, C. Vann, and A. Bell. 2006. Dairy Business Analysis Project: 2004 financial summary. EDIS Document AN161. GEORGIA Ely, L., R. Giesy, A. deVries, B. Broaddus, C. Vann and A. Bell. 2006. Financial Performance of Dairies in Florida and Georgia in 2004. J. Dairy Sci 89(Suppl 1):184. (Abstr.) Giesy, R., L. Ely, A. deVries, B. Broaddus, C. Vann and A. Bell. 2006. Dairy Business Analysis Project: 2004 Financial Summary. University of Florida, IFAS Extension, Bulletin AN 161. IOWA H.D. Tyler. 2005. Assisting the Difficult Deliveries. Proceedings of the Calf Care Workshop for Dairy Calf Managers. H.D. Tyler. 2005. Management Strategies for the First Day of Life to Keep Calves Healthy. Proceedings of the Calf Care Workshop for Dairy Calf Managers. H.D. Tyler. 2005. Colostrum Management. Proceedings of the Calf Care Workshop for Dairy Calf Managers. H.D. Tyler. 2005. Calf Care After Delivery. Proceedings of the Calf Care Workshop for Dairy Calf Managers. H.D. Tyler. 2005. Harvesting and Freezing Colostrum. Proceedings of the Calf Care Workshop for Dairy Calf Managers. H.D. Tyler. 2005. Maternity Barn Management on the Dairy Farm. Proceedings of the Calf Care Workshop for Dairy Calf Managers. H.D. Tyler. 2005. Practical Calf Management. Proceedings of the Calf Care Workshop for Dairy Calf Managers. H.D. Tyler. 2005. Practical Economics of Accelerated Calf Feeding Programs. Proceedings of the 2005 Dairy Beef Conference: Managing and Marketing Quality Holstein Steers. INDIANA Bewley, J.M., D. Batson, and M.M. Schutz. 2006. Description and summarization of reticular core-body temperatures obtained from an automatic temperature recording system. J. Dairy Sci. 89(Suppl. 1):355. (Abstr.) Bewley, J.M., M.D. Boehlje, A.W. Gray, S.J. Kenyon, S.D. Eicher, and M.M. Schutz. 2006. Development of a stochastic simulation model to assess the potential economic benefits associated with investments in Precision Dairy Farming technologies. J. Dairy Sci. 89(Suppl. 1):281. (Abstr.) Donkin, S.D., T.R. Johnson, and M.M. Schutz. 2006. Value of distillers grains for lactating dairy cows. ID-333. Purdue University Press. Eicher, S.D., H.W. Cheng, A.D. Sorrells, and M.M. Schutz. 2006. J. Dairy Sci. 89:3047-3051. Short Communication: Behavioral and physiological indicators of sensitivity or chronic pain following tail docking. Eicher, S.D., T.A. Johnson, and J.N. Marchant-Forde. 2006. Age at transport: affects on behavioral responses in dairy calves to novel stimuli. ASAS/ADSA Animal Well-being section Abstract W-13. Pg. 305. Eicher, S.D. 2006. Why should I know about animal welfare audits? Pp. 65-70. Proceeding of the 15th Annual Tri-State Dairy Nutrition Conference for Feed Professionals, Fort Wayne, IN. Johnson, T.R., S.D. Donkin, and M.M. Schutz. 2006. Value of distillers grain ethanol co-products for dairy calves. ID-332. Purdue University Press. Johnson, T.R., H.F. Bucholtz, and M.L. Eastridge. 2006. Celebrating 15 years of Excellence in Dairy Nutrition: Tri-State Dairy Nutrition Conference, 1992-2006. J. Dairy Sci. 89:1121-1368. also reprinted as abstract in Proceedings of 15th Annual Tri-State Dairy Nutrition Conference, Fort Wayne, IN. Johnson, T.R. 2005. Water Quality for Calves. Proceedings of 14th Annual Tri-State Dairy Nutrition Conference, Fort Wayne, IN. Kalbasi, A., M. Schutz, and W. Auvermann. 2006. Carcass Rendering Systems for Farm Mortalities: A Review. Journal of Environmental Engineering and Science. (Submitted). Schutz, M.M., T. R. Johnson, and S.S. Donkin. 2006. Issues Surrounding the Use of Distillers Grains by the Indiana Dairy Industry (AS-571-W). KANSAS None LOUISIANA Albers, E.A., C.C. Williams, C.F. Hutchison, D.T. Gantt, L.R. Gentry, and C.C. Stanley. 2006. Effects of milking frequency in early lactation on prolactin and growth hormone release and on milk production throughout lactation. J. Dairy Sci. 89(Suppl. 1): 353. (Abstr.) Stanley, C.C., C.C. Williams, D.T. Gantt, J. R. Roberts, and S. Adams. 2006. Characterization of metabolic hormones and insulin sensitivity in transition dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 89(Suppl. 1):346. (Abstr.) MARYLAND None MICHIGAN Beede, D. K. 2005. Formulating diets with optimum cation-anion difference for lactating dairy cows. Proc. 16th Annual Florida Ruminant Nutrition Symp., pp 1-22. Beede, D. K. 2005. Formulation of rations with optimal cations and anions (DCAD) for lactation. Proc. Tri-State Dairy Nutr. Conf., pp. 93-112. Beede, D. K. 2005. Formulating diets with optimum cation-anion difference for lactating dairy cows. Proc. 16th Annual Florida Ruminant Nutrition Symp., pp 1-22. Beede, D. K. 2005. Formulation of rations with optimal cations and anions (DCAD) for lactation. Proc. Tri-State Dairy Nutr. Conf., pp. 93-112. Myers, Z. H., and D. K. Beede. 2005. Evaluation of models to predict phosphorus (P) excretion of dairy cattle fed a range of P concentrations during different stages of the dry period and lactation. J. Dairy Sci. 88(Suppl. 1):247. (Abstr.) Myers, Z. H., and D. K. Beede. 2005. Estimate of phosphorus (P) maintenance requirement of lactating dairy cows over a range of feed intake rates. J. Dairy Sci. 88(Suppl. 1):223. (Abstr.) Peterson, A. B., M. W. Orth, J. P. Goff, and D. K. Beede. 2005. Periparturient responses of multiparous Holstein cows fed different dietary phosphorus concentrations prepartum. J. Dairy Sci. 88:3582-3594. Pfeffer, E., D. K. Beede, and H. Valk. 2005. Phosphorus metabolism in ruminants and requirements of cattle (Chapter 7). In: Nitrogen and Phosphorus Nutrition of Cattle and the Environment. E. Pfeffer and A. Hristov, eds. CABI Publishing, CAB International, Wallingford, Oxfordshire, OX10 8DE, UK. pp 195 231. Rozeboom, D. and D. Beede. 2005. How much root zone is needed for livestock nutrients? Proc. Keep in the Root Zone (p.10) and www.rootzone.msu.edu. Rozeboom, D., and D. Beede. 2006. Keep water-soluble phosphorus in the root zone. Proc. 2006 Great Lakes Manure Handling Expo, Keep It in the Root Zone (pp 2-3) and www.rootzone.msu.edu. Sanchez, W. K., and D. K. Beede. 2005. Recent advances in the use of dietary cation-anion differences (DCAD) for transition dairy cows (Chapter 12). In: Recent Advances in Animal Nutrition 2004. P.C. Garnsworthy and J. Wiseman, eds. Nottingham University Press, Nottingham, NG11 0AX, UK. pp 201-222. MINNESOTA Barberg, A.E., M.I. Endres, J.A. Salfer, and J. K. Reneau. 2006. Performance, health and well-being of dairy cows in an alternative housing system in Minnesota. J. Dairy Sci. (accepted). Clanton, C.J., M.I. Endres, R.F. Bey, R.J. Farnsworth, K.A. Janni, and D.R. Schmidt. 2005. Dolomitic limestone bedding effects on microbial counts and cow comfort. Appl. Engr. Agr. 21:1073-1077. Clanton, C.J., D.R. Schmidt, K.A. Janni, and M.I. Endres. 2005. Dolomitic limestone bedding effects on dairy manure characteristics. Appl. Engr. Agr. 21:697-706. Endres, M.I., T.J. DeVries, M.A.G. von Keyserlingk, and D.M. Weary. 2005. Short communication: Effect of feed barrier design on the behavior of loose-housed lactating dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 88:2377-2380. Espejo, L.A. and M.I. Endres. 2006. Herd-level risk factors for lameness in high-producing Holstein cows housed in freestall barns. J. Dairy Sci. 89:(accepted) Espejo, L.A., M.I. Endres, and J.A. Salfer. 2006. Prevalence of lameness in high producing dairy cows housed in freestall barns. J. Dairy Sci. 89:3052-3058. Godden, S. , S. McMartin, J. Feirtag, J. Stabel , R. Bey, S. Goyal, L. Metzger, J. Fetrow, S. Wells, and H. Chester-Jones. 2006. Heat Treatment of Bovine Colostrum II: Effects of heat duration on pathogen viability and immunoglobulin G. J. Dairy Sci. 89:3476-3483. Heins, B.J., L.B. Hansen, and A.J. Seykora. 2006. Calving difficulty and stillbirths of pure Holsteins versus crossbreds of Holstein with Normande, Montbeliarde, and Scandinavian Red. J. Dairy Sci. 89:2805-2810. Heins, B.J., L.B. Hansen, and A.J. Seykora. 2006. Production of pure Holsteins versus crossbreds of Holstein with Normande, Montbeliarde, and Scandinavian Red. J. Dairy Sci. 89:2799-2804. Janni, K.A., M.I. Endres, J.K. Reneau, W.W. Schoper. 2006. Compost dairy barn layout and management. Appl. Eng. Agric. (accepted). McMartin, S., S. Godden, L. Metzger, J. Feirtag, R. Bey, J. Stabel, S. Goyal, J. Fetrow, S. Wells, and H. Chester-Jones. 2006. Heat Treatment of Bovine Colostrum I: Effects of temperature on viscosity and immunoglobulin G level. J. Dairy Sci. 89:2110-2118. Reneau, J.K., A.J. Seykora, B.J. Heins, M.I. Endres, R.J. Farnsworth, and R.F. Bey. 2005. Association between hygiene scores and somatic cell scores in dairy cattle. J. Am. Vet. Med. Assoc. 227:1297-1301. Rudstrom, M., H. Chester-Jones, R. Imdieke, D. Johnson, M. Reese, and A.Singh. 2005. Comparison of economic and animal performance of dairy heifers in feedlot and pasture-based systems. Prof. Anim. Scient. J. 21:38-44. Braman, B., S. Hayes, H. Chester-Jones, D. Ziegler, J. Linn, and B. Ziegler. 2006. Performance of dairy heifer calves fed milk replacers with equal protein and fat levels but utilizing different fat sources. J. Dairy Sci. 89(Suppl 1.):365. (Abstr.) Ziegler, B., R. Larson, H. Chester-Jones, D. Ziegler, J. Linn, and S. Hayes. 2006. Pre- and post weaning performance of dairy heifers fed texturized or pelleted calf starters with or without intake enhancing flavors. J. Dairy Sci. 89(Suppl 1.):365. (Abstr.) R. Larson, B. Ziegler, J. Linn, D. Ziegler, and H. Chester-Jones. 2006. Performance of Holstein dairy heifers fed concentrate diets containing dried distillers grains or urea. J. Dairy Sci. 89(Suppl 1.):365. (Abstr.) Chester-Jones, H., D. Ziegler, R. Larson, B. Ziegler, and J. Linn. 2006. Performance of Holstein dairy heifers full vs. limit fed whole-shelled corn and protein pellet diets differing in fiber levels. J. Dairy Sci. 89(Suppl 1.):366. (Abstr.) Ziegler, B, J. Linn, D. Ziegler, H. Chester-Jones, C. Soderholm, and S. Hayes. 2005. The effect of milk replacer protein, fat content, and feeding amount on performance of Holstein heifer calves. J. Dairy Sci. 88(Suppl. 1):56. (Abstr.) Barberg, A., M.I. Endres, and J. Salfer. 2006. A survey of dairy compost barns in Minnesota. Midwest Branch ADSA Meetings, Des Moines, IA. Abstr. 139. Espejo, L.A. and M.I. Endres. 2006. Management risk factors associated with clinical lameness in free stall housed Holstein cows. J. Dairy Sci. 89 (Suppl. 1):399. Janni, K.A., M.I. Endres, J. Reneau, and W. Schoper. 2006. Compost barns as a lactating dairy cow housing system in the Midwest dairy industry. Midwest Branch ADSA Meetings, Des Moines, IA. Abstr. 276. Lukas, J.M., L.A. Espejo, M.I. Endres, and J.K. Reneau. 2006. Daily variation in somatic cell counts as a measure of management intensity. J. Dairy Sci. 89 (Suppl. 1):211. (Abstr.) . Endres, M.I., L.A. Espejo, and J.A. Salfer. 2005. Effect of stall surface on the prevalence and severity of hock lesions in dairy cows housed in free stall barns. J. Dairy Sci. 88 (Suppl. 1):247. (Abstr.) Endres, M. 2006. What did the bedding analysis tell us about compost dairy barns? Dairy Star, September 9, 2006. Endres, M. 2006. Compost dairy barns what did the bedding analysis tell us? Compost Dairy Barn Newsletter, August 31. Endres, M. 2006. What have we learned about lameness? Hoards Dairyman, July. p. 478. Endres, M. (contributor). 2006. Minnesota dairy farmers like their compost barns. Agri-View, June 7. Endres, M. 2006. Cow comfort improved in compost dairy barns. Hoards Dairyman, May 10. p. 320. Endres, M. (contributor). 2006. Cow comfort in compost barns. Up Ag Connections Newsletter, Vol. II, Issue 5, May. MSU Extension. Endres, M. (contributor). 2006. Packing em in: Midwest producers are turning to bedded pack, compost barns to improve cow comfort. Dairy Today, May. pp. 8-11. Endres, M. 2006. Lameness in Minnesota free stall barns. Dairy Star, April 22. Endres, M. (contributor). 2006. Farm installs robotic milkers. Minnesota Public Radio, April 18. Endres, M. (contributor). 2006. Lameness in freestall barns. DFA Today News, Dairy Farmers of America, April 13. Endres, M. (contributor). 2006. Management practices can help prevent lameness in dairy cows. Tri-State Neighbor Top Stories, April 12. Endres, M. and J. Salfer. 2006. Soft organic bedding surfaces that cows like. Progressive Dairymen, April. Endres, M. 2006. Cow comfort in compost dairy barns. Compost Dairy Barn Newsletter, March 30. Endres, M. (contributor). 2006. Compost dairy barns. River Valley Cooperative Newsletter, March 8. Endres, M. 2006. Compost barns: What we have learned so far. Dairy Star, Jan. 14. Endres, M. (contributor). 2006. Management can impact cow lameness rates. Minnesota Farm Guide, Jan. 6. Endres, M. (contributor). 2006. Lameness risk factors monitored. Midwest Dairy Business, Jan. Endres, M. 2005. Particle size of the ration: Does it matter? Dairy Star, July 9. Endres, M. 2005. Cow comfort& What does it mean? Progressive Dairymen, April. Endres, M. 2005. Lameness issues on the dairy farm and research update. Dairy Star, Feb. 12. Endres, M. (contributor). 2005. Composting barns reduce lameness and somatic cell counts. The Farmer, January. Endres, M. 2005. Curing the lame cow blues. Vacaresources.com. February. Linn, J., C. Soderholm, R. Larson, D. Ziegler, and H. Chester-Jones. 2005. Performance of Holstein heifer calves fed three different concentrate grower diets with free choice hay. J. Dairy Sci. 88(Suppl.1):175. (Abstr.) Ziegler, D., H. Chester-Jones, B. Ziegler, R. Larson, and J. Linn. 2005. Performance of Holstein heifer calves fed texturized calf starters varying in molasses level. J. Dairy Sci. 88(Suppl.1):175. (Abstr.) Chester-Jones, H. 2005. Wet calf housing and management. Proc. Managing and Marketing Quality Holstein Steers, pp 95-105, November 2-3, Rochester, MN. Chester-Jones, H. 2005. Effect of nutrition and management of dairy heifers on resultant cow longevity. 66th Minnesota Nutrition Conference & Technical Symposium: Future of Corn in Animal Feed, September 20-21, St. Paul, MN, Chester-Jones, H, B. Ziegler, C. Soderholm, J. Linn, D. Ziegler, S. Hayes, R. Larson. 2005. Growth and performance of commercial dairy calves at the U of M SROC. Four State Dairy Nutrition and Management Conference, MWPS-4SD18, pp 265-270. June 15-16, Dubuque, IA. Chester-Jones, H., M. Rudstrom, and L. Torbert. 2005. Grazing systems and management for heifers: Nutritional management and animal responses. Proc. Dairy Calves and Heifers: Integrating Biology and Management, NRAES-175 pp. 160-175, January 25-27, Syracuse, NY, Chester-Jones, H. 2005. Establishing custom calf and heifer raising contracts. Proc. Dairy Calves and Heifers: Integrating Biology and Management, NRAES-175 pp. 220-232, January 25-27, Syracuse, NY. Chester-Jones, H, R. Bowman, D. Johnson, M. Rudstrom, R. Imdieke, and W. Wayne. 2006. Roger Goes Grazing Part I 30 minute DVD. Minnesota Whole-Farm management Strategies Educational Video Series. Rudstrom, M., H. Chester-Jones, R. Bowman, D. Johnson, R. Imdieke, and W. Wayne. 2006. Roger Goes Grazing Part II 30 minute DVD. Minnesota Whole-Farm management Strategies Educational Video Series. Newspaper articles (Dairy Star 11,000 circulation; Minnesota Farm Guide, 9,000 circulation): Chester-Jones, H., and N. Broadwater. 2006. Research using standard diets for dairy heifer calves results in very good performance to two months of age. Dairy Star, September 23rd (Dairy Team). Chester-Jones, H. 2006. A positive outlook for marketing the dairy industry in the 21st century. Dairy Star, May 6th (Dairy Team). Chester-Jones, H. 2006. Grain mix options with hay for dairy heifers 9-25 weeks of age.Dairy Star February 11, 2006 (Dairy Team). Chester-Jones, H. 2005. Perspectives of dairy calf nutrition and health, Dairy Star November 26, 2005 (Dairy Team). Chester-Jones, H. 2005. Knowing costs of raising heifer replacements, identify critical control points for savings. Dairy Star September 24, 2005 (Dairy Team) Chester-Jones H. and N. Broadwater. 2005. Attention to feed bunk management can improve the bottom-line for growing dairy heifers. Dairy Star May 20, 2005 (Dairy Team) Chester-Jones, H. 2005. Use of wet gluten feed, feeding management, attention to detail equals success for Waseca family. Minnesota Farm Guide, July 8, pp 51 (www.minnesotafarmguide.com). Endres, M.I. 2006. Dairy Cattle Behavior. In: Five-Minute Veterinary Consult: Ruminant. Blackwell Publishing (Accepted). Johnson, D.G. (Content Specialist). 2006. Dairy your way: A guide to management alternatives for the Upper Midwest. Minnesota Dept. of Ag., St. Paul. Endres, M.I. 2006. Compost barns for dairy: latest findings. In: Proc. 67th Minnesota Nutrition Conference. St. Paul, MN, pp 3. Endres, M.I. and A. Barberg. 2006. Compost barns: What have we learned so far? In: Proc. Minnesota Dairy Health Conf. p. 115. Endres, M.I. and J. Salfer. 2006. Soft organic bedding surfaces that cows like. In: Proc. Minnesota Dairy Days 2006. p. 6. Janni, K.A., M.I. Endres, J.K. Reneau, and W. Schoper. 2006. Compost barns: An alternative dairy housing system in Minnesota. In: Proc. 2006 ASABE Annual Int. Mtg., Portland, OR. ASABE Paper No. 064031. Johnson, D.G., M.V. Rudstrom, R. Imdieke, E. Ballinger, and G.J. Cuomo. 2005. Farmer-driven research for developing models of successful low input dairy farms of small to medium size in the American Midwest. Proc. XX International Grassland Congress, Ireland. June 2005. p. 820 Carrier, J., S. Godden, J. Fetrow, S. Stewart, P. Rapnicki, M. Endres, and P. Mertens. 2005. Studies in dairy cow calving behavior. In: Proc. Minnesota Dairy Health Conf., St. Paul, MN. pp. 105-110. Endres, M. 2005. These feet are made for walking! Factors affecting lameness prevalence in free stall barns. In: Proc., Midwest Dairy Conf, St. Cloud, MN. p. 17. Endres, M. and J. Salfer. 2005. Lameness: What is new? In: Proc. Minnesota Dairy Days 2005. p. 8. Endres, M.I., J.A. Salfer, and L.A. Espejo. 2005. TMR particle size distribution and dairy herd performance. In: Proc. Four-State Dairy Nutrition and Management Conf., Dubuque, IA, pp. 113-116. Salfer, J. and M.I. Endres. 2005. Decreasing early lactation culling: Non-nutritional factors? In: Proc. Minnesota Dairy Days 2005. NEBRASKA Kononoff, P. J. and K. Hanford. 2006. Estimating statistical power of mixed models used in dairy nutrition experiments. J. Dairy Sci. 89:3968-3971. Kononoff, P. J. S. Ivan, W. Matzke, R. J. Grant, R. Stock, T. J Klopfenstein. 2006. Milk production of dairy cows fed a wet corn gluten feed during the dry period and lactation. J. Dairy Sci. 89:2608-2617. Kononoff, P.J. and F. Keown. 2006. NebGuide: Managing Dairy Cattle for Cow Comfort and Maximum Intake. G95-1256-A. Kononoff, P.J. 2006. NebGuide: Does Feeding Distillers Grains to Dairy Cows Affect Milk Components? In press. Gehman, A., P.J. Kononoff, and Z.D. Alger. 2006. Neutral detergent fiber digestibility of selected fiber sources. Can J. Anim. Sci. Suppl 1. Page 94 Janicek, B.N. and P.J. Kononoff. 2006. The effects of feeding a novel dry corn milling co-product to lactating dairy cows. Can. J. Anim. Sci. . Suppl 1. Page 97. Janicek, B.N. and P.J. Kononoff. 2006. The effect of feeding increasing levels of dried distillers grains plus solubles to dairy cows in early lactation. J. Dairy Sci. 89(Suppl 1): 127-128. (Abstr.) Gehman, A. and P.J. Kononoff. 2006. Effects of monensin on dairy cows fed diets differing in fiber source and starch concentration. J. Dairy Sci. 89(Suppl 1):196. (Abstr.) Kononoff, P.J. S. Ivan, W. Matzke, R.J. Grant, R. Stock, T.J Klopfenstein. 2006. Milk production of dairy cows fed a wet corn gluten feed during the dry period and lactation. Abstract Publications, Page 54. Midwestern Section of The American Dairy Science Association. Kononoff, P.J. and G.E Erickson. 2006. Feeding corn milling co-products to dairy and beef cattle. 155-163. Proceedings of the Southwest Nutrition Conference. Tempe, AZ. Kononoff, P.J. 2006. Impacts of forage choices on milk production. I-29 Annual Dairy Nutrition Conference. Pages 5-10. Sioux Falls, SD. NEW YORK None NEW HAMPSHIRE Cowles, K. E., R. A. White, N. L. Whitehouse, and P. S. Erickson. 2006. Growth characteristics of calves fed an intensified milk replacer regimen with additional lactoferrin. J. Dairy Sci. 89:(accepted). Ordway, R. S. 2005. An evaluation of supplemental methionine sources for lactating dairy cows. Ph.D. Diss. University of New Hampshire, Durham. 175 p. Reid, E. D., P. S. Erickson, S. Hodgdon, E. Lennon, and P. C. W. Tsang. 2006. Chlortetracycline supplementation of yearling dairy heifers. J. Anim. Sci. 84:2406-2409. Schwab, C. G., P. Huhtanen, C. Hunt, and T. Hvelplund. 2005. Nitrogen requirements of cattle. In: Nitrogen and Phosphorus Nutrition of Cattle. (E. Pfeffer and A. Hristov, eds). CABI Publishing. (p. 13-70) OHIO Firkins, J. L., A. N. Hristov, M. B. Hall, G. A. Varga, and N. R. St-Pierre. 2006. Invited. Integradation of ruminal metabolism in dairy cattle. J. Dairy Sci. 89:E31-E51. Nennich, T. D., J. H. Harrison, L. M. VanWieringen, D. Meyer, A. J. Heinrichs, W. P. Weiss, N. R. St-Pierre, R. L. Kinkaid, D. L. Davidson, and E. Block. 2005. Prediction of manure and nutrient excretion from dairy cattle. J. Dairy Sci. 88:3721-3733. Nennich, T. D., J. H. Harrison, L. M. VanWieringen, N. R. St-Pierre, R. L. Kincaid, M. A. Wattiaux, D. L. Davidson, and E. Block. 2006. Prediction and evaluation of urine and urinary nitrogen and mineral excretion from dairy cattle. J Dairy Sci. 89:353-364. Reddish, J. M., M. Wick, N. R. St-Pierre, and M. S. Lilburn. 2005. Analysis of myosin isoform transitions during growth and development in diverse chicken genotypes. Poultry Sci. 84:1729-1734. Reveneau, C., C. V. D. M. Ribeiro, M. L. Eastridge, N. R. St-Pierre, and J. L Firkins. 2005. Processing whole cottonseed moderates fatty acid metabolism and improves performance by dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 88:4342-4355. Vandehaar, M. J., and N. R. St-Pierre. 2006. Invited. Major advances in nutrition: Relevance to the sustainability of the dairy industry. J. Dairy Sci. 89:1280-1291. PENNSYLVANIA Brasier, K., J. Hyde, R. Stup and L. Holden. 2006. Farm-level human resource management: An opportunity for extension. J. Extension 44. No. 3. Article #3RIB3. www.joe.org. Daubert, J. M., M. L. Moody, G. I. Zanton, and A. J. Heinrichs. 2006. Nitrogen and dry matter digestibility of high and low forage diets in dairy heifers. J. Dairy Sci. 89(Suppl. 1):160. (Abstr.) Griswold, K., T. Beck, D. Baver, M. Douglass, R. Goodling, B. Hilty, L. Holden, E. Hovingh, V. Ishler, M.OConnor, J. Tyson, and G. Varga. 2006. Identifying management areas that limit farm profitability using a combination of industry benchmarks and economic loss factors. J. Dairy Sci. 89(Suppl. 1):186. (Abstr.) Heinrichs, A. J., H. N. Erb, G. W. Rogers, J. B. Cooper, and C. M. Jones. 2006. Variability in Holstein heifer heart girth measurements and comparison of prediction equations for live weight. Pre. Vet . Med. In press. Holden, L., G. Varga, K. Griswold, T. Beck, B. Hilty, M. Douglass, R. Goodling, V. Ishler and E. Hovingh. 2006. A team based approach: Development of a comprehensive program for identification of bottlenecks to profitability on dairy farms. J. Dairy Sci. 89(Suppl. 1):184. (Abstr.) Kehoe, S. I., A. M. Gahman, and A. J. Heinrichs. Effects of Amylase on Rumen Development in Neonatal Dairy Calves. Prof. Animal. Scientist. 22: in press. Kehoe, S. I., B. M. Jayaro, B. A. Straley, and A. J. Heinrichs. 2006. Effects of management techniques and farm status on bacterial contamination of colostrum. J. Dairy Sci. 89(Suppl. 1):214. (Abstr.) Kononoff, P. J., A. J. Heinrichs, and M. T. Gabler. 2006. The effects of nitrogen and forage source on feed efficiency and structural growth of prepubertal Holstein heifers. Prof. Animal. Scientist. 22:84-88. Moody, M. L., G. I. Zanton, and A. J. Heinrichs. 2006. Rumen fermentation patterns of dairy heifers fed restricted amounts of high and low forage diets. J. Dairy Sci. 89(Suppl. 1):366. (Abstr.) Stup, R. E., J. Hyde, and L. A. Holden. 2006. Relationships between selected human resource management practices and dairy farm performance. J. Dairy Sci. 89:1116-1120. Vough, L. E., D. R. Buckmaster, and A. J. Heinrichs. 2006. Baleage systems: whats working best today. NRAES-181. Silage for Dairy Farms. Harrisburg, PA. Pp. 161-172. Zanton, G. I., and A. J. Heinrichs. 2005. Meta-analysis to assess effect of prepubertal average daily gain on Holstein heifers on first-lactation production. J. Dairy Sci. 88:3860-3867. Zanton, G. I., and A. J. Heinrichs. 2006. Nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation, and nitrogen utilization in postpubertal dairy heifers given diets differing in soluble and rumen undegradable protein. J. Dairy Sci. 89: in press. Zanton, G. I. and A. J. Heinrichs. 2006. The effects of restricted feeding a high concentrate or high forage ration for similar weight gains on structural growth in Holstein heifers. J. Dairy Sci. 89(Suppl. 1):366-367. (Abstr.) Zanton, G. I. and A. J. Heinrichs. 2006. The effects of restricted feeding high concentrate or high forage rations on rumen fermentation in dairy heifers. J. Dairy Sci. 89(Suppl. 1):438-439. (Abstr.) Zanton, G. I., A. J. Heinrichs, and E. F. Wheeler. 2006. The effects of restricted feeding high concentrate or high forage rations on nutrient digestibility and nitrogen utilization in dairy heifers. J. Dairy Sci. 89(Suppl. 1):439. (Abstr.) Zanton, G. I., M. L. Moody, and A. J. Heinrichs. 2006. Improving animal feed efficiency with alternative dairy heifer feeding scenerios. In: Nutritional Biotechnology in the Feed and Food Industries. Pp. 353-358. Nottingham University Press. Zimmerman, E. K., L.A. Holden, J. E. Park, and J. Hyde. 2006. Relationship of dairy producer management styles to overall return on assets. J. Extension. (accepted) SOUTH DAKOTA Abdelqader, M. M., A. R. Hippen, D. J. Schingoethe, K. F. Kalscheur, K. Karges, and M. L. Gibson. 2006. Corn germ from ethanol production as an energy supplement for lactating dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 89(Suppl. 1):156. (Abstr.) Anderson, J. M., D. J. Schingoethe, K. F. Kalscheur, and A. R. Hippen. 2006. Evaluation of dried and wet distillers grains included at two concentrations in the diets of lactating dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 89:3133-3142. Garcia, A., and K. Kalscheur. 2006. Tamaño de partícula y fibra efectiva en la dieta de las vacas lecheras. SDCES. ExEx4033S. Garcia, A., and K. Kalscheur. 2006. Tamaño de partícula y fibra efectiva en la dieta de las vacas lecheras. Albéitar: publicación veterinaria independiente (Spain). 94:64-66. Golombeski, G. L., K. F. Kalscheur, A. R. Hippen, and D. J. Schingoethe. 2006. Evaluation of slow-release urea and highly fermentable sugars in diets fed to lactating dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 89:(accepted). Kalscheur, K.F. 2006. Feeding distillers grains to dairy cattle: Challenges of nutrient variability. Distillers Grains Quarterly. 1(1):26-28. Kalscheur, K.F. 2006. Feeding distillers grains to dairy cattle: Impact on milk fat, protein, and yield. Distillers Grains Quarterly. 1(2):24-27. Kalscheur, K.F. 2006. Feeding distillers grains to dairy cattle: Impact on milk fat, protein, and yield Part 2. Distillers Grains Quarterly. 1(3):20-21. Kleinschmit, D. H. 2006. Utilization of amino acids for milk protein synthesis by lactating dairy cows fed corn distillers grains plus solubles. Ph.D. Dissertation, South Dakota State University, Brookings. 135 pp. Kleinschmit, D. H., D. J. Schingoethe, K. F. Kalscheur, and A. R. Hippen. 2006. Evaluation of feeding dried distillers grains plus solubles (DDGS) with corn silage or alfalfa hay as the primary forage source. J. Dairy Sci. 89(Suppl. 1):107. (Abstr.) Kleinschmit, D. H., D. S. Schingoethe, K. F. Kalscheur, and A. R. Hippen. 2006. Evaluation of various sources of corn distillers dried grains plus solubles for lactating dairy cattle. J. Dairy Sci. 89: (accepted). Linke, P., A. Hippen, K. Kalscheur, and D. Schingoethe. 2006. Glycerol from soy diesel production as a feed supplement to lactating dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 89(5):1872. (Abstr.) Mpapho, G. S., A. R. Hippen, K. F. Kalscheur, and D. J. Schingoethe. 2006. Lactational performance of dairy cows fed wet corn distillers grains for the entire lactation. J. Dairy Sci. 89(5):1871. (Abstr.) Pamp, B. P., K. F. Kalscheur, A. R. Hippen, and D. J. Schingoethe. 2006. Evaluation of dried distillers grains versus soybean protein as a source of rumen-undegraded protein for lactating dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 89(Suppl. 1):403. (Abstr.) Sasikala-Appukuttan, A. K. 2006. The feeding value of corn distillers solubles for lactating dairy cows. M.S. Thesis, South Dakota State University, Brookings, 63 pp. Sasikala-Appukuttan, A. K., D. J. Schingoethe, A. R. Hippen, K. F. Kalscheur, K. Karges, and M. L. Gibson. 2006. The feeding value of corn distillers solubles for lactating dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 89(Suppl. 1):82. (Abstr.) Thomas, M. 2006. Growth, rumen development, and metabolism of holstein calves fed distillers grains. M.S. Thesis, South Dakota State University, Brookings, 80 pp. Thomas, M., A. R. Hippen, K. F. Kalscheur, and D. J. Schingoethe. 2006. Growth and performance of Holstein dairy calves fed distillers grains. J. Dairy Sci. 89(5):1864. (Abstr.) Thomas, M., A. R. Hippen, K. F. Kalscheur, and D. J. Schingoethe. 2006. Ruminal development in Holstein dairy calves fed distillers grains. J. Dairy Sci. 89(Suppl. 1):437. (Abstr.) Schingoethe, D.J., K. F. Kalscheur, and A.R. Hippen. 2006. How high can we go on distillers grains? Hoards Dairyman. 151(16):626. TEXAS Romano, J. E., J. A. Thompson, D. C. Kraemer, M E. Westhusin, D. W. Forrest. and M. A. Tomaszewski. 2006. Early pregnancy diagnosis by transrectal ultrasonography in dairy cattle. Theriogenology Journal. 66:1034-1041. UTAH None VIRGINIA None VERMONT Berthiaume, D. R. 2006. Growth and health of Holstein heifer calves fed conventional milk replacer at a fixed volume or high protein milk replacer at increasing levels. M.S. Thesis, University of Vermont, Burlington. Berthiaume, D., and J. M. Smith. 2006. Accelerated calf growth: when does it make sense? J. Dairy Sci. 89(Suppl. 1):106. (Abstr.) Knauer, W. 2006. The effects of lactoferrin on the appearance of immunoglobulins in the peripheral blood of Holstein calves. Honors Thesis, University of Vermont, Burlington. Knauer, W., and J. M. Smith. 2006. The effects of lactoferrin on the appearance of immunoglobulin in the peripheral blood of Holstein calves. J. Dairy Sci. 89(Suppl. 1):161. (Abstr.) Scillieri, J. 2005. The effect of lactoferrin on intestinal development of calves. Honors Thesis, University of Vermont, Burlington. WISCONSIN None

Publications Attachment:

Attachment

Impact Statements

Objective 1: Develop and integrate decision support systems to promote efficient, environmentally sound, and economically viable management systems for dairy young stock. 1A. To enhance the understanding of nutrient requirements of young calves and growing dairy heifers and identify nutritional strategies that maximize the efficient use of dietary nutrients and reduce excretion into the environment.
1A continued - The work accomplished under Objective 1A resulted in new feeding strategies for dairy heifers that are highly digestible at restricted intakes can improve nutrient digestive efficiency, decrease manure output, decrease ammonia production from manure, and decrease feed costs. This research together with related extension efforts improved production efficiency in young stock on dairy operations and helped to protect the environment.
1B. To evaluate effects of different nutritional management strategies on performance and economic efficiencies of dairy replacement heifers. The benefits of these studies are in developing nutritional and management programs that allow dairy farmers to reduce the overall age at first calving, improve feed efficiency, increase first lactation milk yields, and reduce labor. For example, dried distillers grains with solubles can be substituted for soybean meal in diets of growing calves at up to 28% of diet DM with no decrease in performance or ruminal development.
1B continued - Feeding dairy heifers highly digestible, high concentrate diets at restricted intakes can improve nutrient digestive efficiency, decrease manure output, while maintaining productivity. These strategies will also have implications with reduces nitrogen and ammonia losses to the environment while reducing feed costs for the producer. It currently costs a dairy producer nearly $1,200 (net) to replace a cow. Utilizing accurate calfhood records, managers have an opportunity to rid themselves of animals that will not reach their profit potential.
1C. To elucidate metabolic processes and endocrine relationships in biology of colostrums and nutrient intake, and environment stressors on immune function and calf performance. Improved performance of calves fed high-protein milk replacers get calves into the milking herd at a sooner age, resulting in lower heifer raising costs and improved production efficiencies in dairy operations.
1C continued - Improving colostrum handling on farms will reduce the incidence of disease and improve calf health. Research on lactoferrin indicate potential to modulate calf health when fed to neonatal and pre-weaned calves.
Objective 2: To develop strategies and systems to optimize nutrient utilization, economic returns, and environmental goals for management of dry, pregnant and lactating dairy cows. 2A. To develop and evaluate management and feeding systems for optimal cow performance, comfort, well-being health and behavior. Development of a continuous monitoring system of body temperature for early lactation cows will benefit producers by early detection of fever so that early intervention to reduce the incidence of disease can occur.
2A continued - Early detection of disease will assist dairy herd managers in maintaining cow health, breeding soundness, and milk productivity. Reduced in incidence of clinical lameness in dairy cows housed on soft flooring will improve cow well-being and longevity. Adoption of optimal sampling schedule of forages feed sampling procedures will result in increased profits ranging between $144 million and $180 million per year assuming a 20% adoption rate by the national dairy herd.
2A continued - This research under Objective 2A will assist in the development of strategies and decision making tools for the dairy enterprise to optimize economic and financial returns, and environmental goals for management of dry, pregnant and lactating dairy cows.
2B. To address environmental challenges of dairy production and determine strategies to achieve environmental goals. Optimal utilization of corn milling and bio-fuel co-products can improve lactation performance and reduce feed costs of dairy cow diets. Research has found that distillers grains with solubles may be included in dairy cow diets as much as 30% of the diet on a dry matter basis to lower the costs of milk production with proper feed formulation.
2B continued - In addition, dried distillers grains with solubles can effectively replacing soybean protein as a source of ruminally undegraded protein and improve productivity of lactating dairy cows. Condensed distillers solubles can effectively replace soybean meal and corn grain in lactating cow diets. Dried distillers grains with solubles can successfully be used with varying sources of forage.
2B continued - Corn germ can be used as a source of dietary fat to improve lactation performance up to 14% of the diet. Glycerol, a co-product of bio-diesel production, can be used as source of energy in lactating cow diets to improve efficiency of production. Feed alternatives, such as essential oils, can be used as a feeding strategy to reduce rumen ammonia concentrations to increase efficiency of N utilization. Accurate estimation of nutrient input/output streams on commercial dairies is needed to reduce nutrient losses.
2B continued - Results from research work is being transferred to professional dairy nutritionists and dairy producers in Michigan and elsewhere to provide evidence that feeding late pregnant dry cows at the NRC 2001 recommendations for P is adequate to achieve normal metabolic performance in transition from pregnancy to lactation and to reduce ration P use and P excretion compared with previous practice that was common. The simple in vitro procedure developed offers the ability to rapidly screen the methane emission mitigating impacts of any number of feed formulation
2B continued - strategies, as well as rumen modifying feed additive compounds. This offers huge benefits to society (on a worldwide basis) by reducing methane emissions from commercial dairy farms. Overall, this research contributed to an improvement in the health of animals, the efficiency of milk production, reduction in feed costs, and improvements in environmental stewardship, benefiting both dairy farmers and consumers.
2C. To develop and expand financial, production, and management databases, perform financial analyses, and integrate data information into decision support systems to optimize efficiency of dairy management system. Data collected through DBAP has helped dairy farmers to secure loans and motivated investors to invest in the Florida dairy industry. The combined impacts are in the millions of dollars. Development of Dairy Profit Teams has resulted in improvements in targeted management areas on individual dairies as well as an average increase
2C continued - profitability of $249/cow for the first year of team operation. Management tools for on-farm use and education of beginning producers will positively impact the day to day operation of dairies and help to improve overall competitiveness. Incorporating RFID eartags into a herd management program has increased the accuracy of herd recording by eliminating false identification of animals and significantly reducing the amount of time required to make positive cow identification.
2D. To develop strategies and models for the profitable culling, replacement and breeding decisions replacement economics. Using DairyVIP, the cow culling and replacement model, the average value of a new pregnancy was estimated at $278. The average cost of a pregnancy loss (abortion) was estimated at $555. An improved understanding of the value of pregnancy for individual cows may support decision making in reproductive management when resources are limited. The computer program, DairyVIP, support decision-making in reproductive management.
2D continued - Reducing death losses by 50% could save Utah dairy producers almost $9 million. Determining factors that contribute to death losses on dairy farms can result in significant economic returns to dairy producers.

Date of Annual Report: 04/08/2008

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 10/11/2007 - 10/13/2007
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2002 - 09/01/2007

Participants

David Beede (MI, secretary)
David Benfield (OH, administrative advisor)
Steven Berry (CA)
Victor Cabrera (NM)
Hugh Chester-Jones (MN)
Albert de Vries (FL)
Lane Ely (GA)
Marcia Enders (MN)
Jud Heinrichs (PA)
Lisa Holden (PA)
Pat Hoffmann (WI)
Ken Kalscheur (SD, chair)
Charlotte Kirk Baer (USDA/CSREES Advisor, by telephone)
Paul Kononoff (NE)
Mike McGilliard (VA)
Mike Schutz (IN)
Tamilee Nennich (IN)
Bob Peters (MD)
Charles Schwab (NH)
Allen Young (UT)

Following stations were not represented: AZ, IA, KS, NY, OH, TX, and VT.

Guests at meeting on Thursday and Friday included:
Jim Paulson, UMN regional dairy extension specialist
Dennis Johnson, UMN dairy faculty member
Bob LeCocq, Mike Fassler and Sarah Swenson, all of AgStar Financial Services, Inc.
Salsbury Management Services.

Brief Summary of Minutes

October 11, 2007 (Thursday)

Call to order and introductions. Chair Ken Kalscheur called the meeting to order at 1:23 p.m. He asked attendees to introduce themselves and reviewed the agenda. Hugh Chester-Jones, local host, welcomed the group to Minnesota and reviewed plans for dinner at Victorias Ristorante and Wine Bar on Thursday evening and dairy farm tour on Saturday.

Washington update. Charlotte Kirk Baer, USDA/CSREES advisor for NC-1119, joined the meeting via telephone and discussed several topics with a Power Point presentation. She addressed: proposed reorganization of USDA (to combine CSREES and ARS), proposed establishment of the National Institute for Food and Agriculture within in CSREES, new animal health (including health, protection, and biosecurity) stakeholder comment opportunity, upcoming NRI Animal Growth and Nutrition grant proposal submission opportunity, recent changes in CSREES/USDA personnel changes, proposed FY2008 budget proposal for USDA, launch of DAIReXNET at World Dairy Expo, and the National Animal ID System Extension-NAIS Resource Center < http://animalid.aphis.usda.gov/nais/extension/ >.

Feed Analysis Consortium, Inc.,(FeedAC). Charles Schwab discussed the FeedAC effort (www.feeedac.org) and pleaded of members of NC-1119 Committee to get involved. University researchers are needed to form collaboration through NC-1119 or other CREEES regional projects to supply research feed samples for standardized feed analyses. Potential collaborators are asked to send a statement of interest on how they would like to contribute to FeedAC. Mission of FeedAC is serve animal and feed industry with a comprehensive data base of feed analyses, develop and improve methods of feed analysis, and improve diet formulation and evaluation models. Schwab described developmental evolution of the non-profit organization (501C-6) which incorporated and had its first Board meeting in 2006. Paul Kononoff, a member of the NC-1119 committee, will be first director of the organization and Fred Lundy is operations manager. Funding via $10,000 sponsorships from commercial companies has supported financial needs of start-up. Objectives for next year include:
a) sample acquisition and feed analysis
b) identify potential collaborators, and
c) generate income to support activities (future goal: 80% of financial resources dedicated to feed analysis).

Administrative advisor report. David Benfield reported briefly on proposed reorganization of USDA and indicated that NRI is to be appropriated more funds in proposed FY2008 budget. He congratulated the group on getting the new project approved (NC-1042) and indicated that the multi-state review committee is striving for more focus in new projects. In the future (in 2 years), a category for collaborative and leveraged funding will be added to regional projects reports. Our Final Project Report for NC-1119 will be due in mid-December. He encouraged the Committee to be thinking of other activities such as sponsored symposia, unique written papers, and other work (e.g. FeedAC effort). Four areas of emphasis for multi-state projects remain: focus, competitiveness (leverage funding), accountability, and impact.

Station Reports. Chair, Ken Kalscheur, asked members to present their state project reports with a limit of 10 minutes per state to stay on schedule. Stations reporting Thursday afternoon were: UT, FL, GA, PA, WI, IN, MD, NB, and MN. The meeting was adjourned for the day at 5:20 p.m.

The committee had an excellent dinner at Victoria's Ristorante and Wine Bar in Rochester.

October 12, 2007 (Friday)

Station Reports. Six additional stations (SD, MI, CA, VA, NM, and NH) presented station reports. Stations absent and not reporting at the meeting were: NY, VT, LA, OH, IA and TX.

Final Project Report (NC-1119). Many of the stations (n = 15) were very punctual about getting their Final Project Reports to Beede by October 8, 2007. Five more Final Reports are expected by October 18, 2007. Final (aggregate) Report for the entire project will be completed and submitted by November 1, 2007. Texas station no longer has a committee member and did not submit a Final Project Report. It is unknown at this time if/when Texas might provide a new member for the new project.

Invited presentation. "Sustaining Dairy Farm Profitability: Critical Financial and Other Parameters to Work With" was presented by Mike Fassler, Bob LeCocq, and Sarah Swenson of AgStar Financial Services. Questions, answers and discussion followed. Lunch was from 12 to 1 p.m. with continued discussions with our guests from AgStar Financial Services.

New Project [NC-1042] future work planned. Committee members present divided into sub-groups according to the new project's three main objectives ---"Heifers", "Cows" and "Whole Farm" --- and began discussing future plans of work, and listing possible collaborative efforts and joint grant submission possibilities. Some Committee members participated in more than one of the sub-group discussions.

Dave Beede had to leave the meeting to catch a flight. Allen Young ably completed the minutes.

Chair, Ken Kalscheur, asked for reports from each of three new project (NC-1042) objectives on plans for future work. Below are listed bulleted outcomes reported by each sub-group.

Objective A: Heifers.

Hugh Chester-Jones reported. In general, it was commented that everyone had a great deal of data and everyone had agreed that it was important to compile this information into one source. This information by station was as follows:

P balance and N balance in heifers with the intent to feed no supplemental P at ages 3-23 months
Limit feeding DMI and rumen volume
Management practices at breeding

- Heifers x age and BW

- If breed by BW - shift variance to age and vice versa

- Model variance under natural estrogen exposure
Efficiency and rearing of cross bred heifers
Distillers forage source balanced with amino acids using a tropical corn
Zeolite in bedding and sequestering N and P

Forage particle (lactating effective fiber)
Limit fed heifers using alternative quality of forages-(> growth and N utilization)
Pasteurized colostrum (PA/MN/NH)

IN/SD/WI/PA

Co-product feeding to heifers and nutrient balance (high fat)
Odor/air quality

- Fresh manure
Ammonia emissions
Urine volume/dilution
Waseca MN/PA/NH
- Alternative protein sources - MR formulations
- Nucleotides/CHO strategies group feeding
- Calf starter
- Limit feeding during transition period
- High fat diets/ co-products
- Group feeding calves
- Milk replacer formulations
Objective B: Cows.

Steve Berry itemized the following:
- DDGS feeding (SD)
- FeedAC (NH). It was reemphasized that they would like samples and will pay for analysis.
- Methane production from DDG (NE)
- Dietary manipulation and emissions and whole farm (MI)
- Temperature sensing and correlation with periparturient events and diseases (MD/IN)
- Lameness incidences (lactation 1; 2; 3) on concrete; bedded pack (IN)
- Lameness survey-effect of lameness on reproduction; production and culling (CA)
- Effects of facilities on lameness (MN)
Objective C: Whole Farm.

Lisa Holden reported.

Overall theme: Develop and share decision-making tools for dairies.
- Risk assessment approaches (IN; NM)
- Dairy business analysis (FL; GA; PA)
- Statistical Process Control (UT; OH; PA)
- New and alternative housing (MN)
- Effect of environment on whole farm systems (UT)
- Whole farm N budgets (UT; NM)
- Dietary manipulation with methane and ammonia (MI)
 
 - Data for emissions; whole farm system modeling and C credits
 
 Possible collaborative projects:
 - AFFI systems - inline milk component analysis systems (FL, PA, UT?, VA?, IN?)
 - NRI integrated grants
 
 - Water quality
 
 - SARE across regions
 
 - Economic/commerce-farm financial management
 
 Business Meeting
 
 Ken Kalscheur called the Business Meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. Minutes of the 2006 NC-1119 meeting were approved as written.
 
 Website report. Mike McGilliard. There is a new web site for NC-1042. All historical information is still on the NC-1119 site. General sense was that we wanted to maintain a tie with the historical site even though the project has a new number. Mike will ask for LINKS to be added to the site. It was suggested that we also may want to add a section of "Impacts" on the web site. Mike will look into this.
 
 Historian report. Mike McGilliard said he will work on getting the history of the project updated.
 
 Publications and symposia report. Hugh Chester-Jones said that he will be chair of the Midwest meetings in 2009 and felt that he could arrange for a symposium for the NC-1042 Committee. Discussion was on whether distillers grains should be the topic and most felt it would be timely because there is a lot of interest in the subject.
 
 Location and date for 2008 meeting. Lisa Holden reported on information she and Dave Beede had developed on having the 2008 meeting (study tour) in The Netherlands. The NC-119 - 1119 groups went to The Netherlands in 1993 and to New Zealand in 2000. A handout was provided of possible times and areas of interest of faculty in The Netherlands. A vote was taken for interest in going to Europe. Vote was in the affirmative. Next question was if there were other places in Europe where people wanted to go rather than The Netherlands. After much discussion it was decided to use The Netherlands as a base and look at the possibility of adding another country. We are still looking at October or early November 2008 as the time for this study tour. An ad hoc Committee was formed to pursue the topic further and look at possible alternative countries (France?) and sites to visit. Ad hoc Committee consists of Lisa Holden (lead), Hugh Chester-Jones; Albert deVries; and Dave Beede. They asked for ideas of what we wanted to see while on study tour. List consisted of: nutrient management, animal welfare, veal, robotic milkers, biofuels, digesters, organic systems, air quality projects, and whole systems management. The ad hoc Committee will report back soon so that we can formulate justification for approval. This needs to be developed quickly within the next few months.
 
 Indiana agreed to be a backup location if the trip to Europe is not approved. Bob Peters moved to accept and Marcia Enders seconded. Motion was approved.
 
 Election of secretary 2007-2008. Albert deVries moved to nominate Allen Young as secretary for 2007-2008. Motion approved. Confirmation of 2007-2008 Chair. Committee confirmed that Dave Beede is new chair.
 
 Other business. It was moved to thank Hugh Chester-Jones for his efforts in hosting an excellent meeting. In addition a motion was made to thank Ken Kalscheur for chairing this year's NC-1119 meeting. Both motions were seconded and approved enthusiastically. Hugh will write thank you notes to Hubbard and AgStar for their support and participation in the meeting.
 
 Meeting was adjourned at 4:00 p.m.
 
 October 13, 2007 (Saturday)
 
 Farm Tour. Committee members attending the farm tour included: Ken Kalscheur, Hugh Chester-Jones, Albert DeVries, Lane Ely, Chuck Jud Heinrichs, Bob Peters, Steve Berry, Mike Schutz, Tamilee Nennich, Mike McGilliard, and Rich Larson of Hubbard Feeds.
 
 Minutes submitted by David K. Beede on October 23, 2007.
 
 Minutes Attachment:
 Attachment
 
 Accomplishments
 Objective 1: To develop and integrate decision support systems to promote efficient, environmentally sound, and economically viable management systems for dairy young stock. Sub-objective 1A. Because of the research work in this regional project, estimation of nutrient requirements of calves and heifers improved and nutritional strategies to maximize use of nutrients and reduce excretion were developed. Collaborators in New York, Illinois and Virginia developed a new database to examine nutrient requirements for growth and mammary development. From birth to weaning, NRC (2001) requirement estimates were too high for energy and too low for protein. NRC requirements for post-weaned heifers were reasonable. But, NRC prediction of protein requirements was uniformly biased, but modifiable with the new database. NRC Requirements of minerals for growing Holstein heifers were reasonable, except that Fe and Cu digestibilities were variable. Jersey calves (Virginia) fed milk replacer (21% CP and 25% fat fed at 15% of BW) had poor growth and feed efficiency compared to calves fed milk replacer with 27% CP and 25% fat. Maintenance requirements for Jersey calves were greater than estimated by NRC (2001). Reduction in disease of milk-fed calves is crucial. Supplementation of lactoferrin (1 g/d) improved growth with conventional milk replacer, but not with high protein milk replacer; morbidity was 50% for calves fed conventional milk replacer without lactoferrin (New Hampshire). Also, calves fed high protein milk replacer grew faster than calves fed conventional milk replacer; but, after weaning growth advantage disappeared. In Pennsylvania, weaning age and a variety of feeding systems did not affect short-term growth or health at 8 wk of age or have impacts on calving age or milk yield. Over 3,000 heifers from 3 Minnesota farms were custom-raised to age 6 mo on nutrition studies evaluating milk replacers, calf starters, and calf health profiles in conventional and intensive feeding systems. Doubling birth weight by 60 d of age was possible with economic benefits and minimal health challenges in both systems. Heifers reared in feedlot confinement or by management intensive grazing had similar growth rates; but, grazing system had less feed and machinery costs. Dry matter intake prediction models for growing heifers were developed (Wisconsin). Limit-feeding gravid Holstein heifers improved feed efficiency, reduced feed costs and manure excretion without compromising future lactational performance. In Pennsylvania, limit feeding growing heifers high concentrate diets resulted in greater digestibility with greater retained N than high forage diets with equal N digestibility. Growth rates with limit-fed concentrates and conventionally-feeding were similar. Feeding trace mineral complexes to pre-gravid Wisconsin heifers improved claw health in first lactation. Increasing N intake increased digestibility of organic matter in 6 to18-mo old Pennsylvania heifers. Digestion of N is quite high with majority of fecal N of endogenous origin. Dietary forage level may differentially affect fecal N output. Feeding increasing dried distillers grains with solubles (DG) to 25% dry matter (DM) basis) did not alter total N output, but shifted N excretion to feces with reduced urinary N (South Dakota). At higher dietary DG levels phosphorus (P) excretion increased when in excess of requirements. Improvement in nutrient management in heifer grazing systems was assessed with N-Grazing a computer program developed to determine carrying capacity and amount of N depleted in grazing systems (available at http://dairy.nmsu.edu: Tools). Sub-objective 1B. Different nutritional management strategies were evaluated as they affect performance and economic efficiencies of replacement heifers. In Minnesota over 3,000, 2 to 4 d-old heifers were custom-raised to age 6 mo on several dietary regimens. Regardless of dietary regimen, heifers consumed DM at about 3% of BW and gained about 1 kg/d. Post-weaning results provide growth and DMI benchmarks up to 6 mo and suggest several options to refine concentrate and forage feeding programs. A Wisconsin survey showed that farmers over-supplement minerals by as much as 200%. Additionally, cost of production of calves has doubled and cost of rearing replacement heifers increased 41% since 1999. Combining wet distillers grains (WDG) with feedstuffs deficient in protein, energy, and P, can result in blends to meet and exceed target heifer growth rates (South Dakota). Work in New Hampshire showed that calves can discern tastes in feeds (in order of preference): non-medicated feed, lasalocid-containing feed, and monensin-containing feed. Only 473 or 2556 cows born in a commercial dairy in Virginia in 3 yr were free of respiratory and digestive diseases. Multiple bouts of digestive disease delayed calving and multiple bouts of respiratory disease delayed calving. Survival through 730 d in milk was lower for cows that experienced multiple bouts of calf hood disease, but was most affected by daily milk yield in first 305 d. Prepartum milking of heifers 3 wk before expected calving reduced stressors at calving, increased early lactation milk yield, and reduced udder edema and somatic cell counts in milk (Indiana). No effects on calving difficulty, gestation length, or subsequent rebreeding were found. Heifers milked prepartum had greater DMI at and following calving than those not milked pre-calving. Sub-objective 1C. Research evaluated metabolic processes related to feeding colostrums and nutrient intake, and environment stressors on immune function and calf performance. Oral colostral immunoglobulin (Ig) supplements were poorly absorbed resulting in poor passive immunity; addition of an emulsifier did not enhance Ig absorption (Iowa). Addition trypsin inhibitor (1 g) to a colostrum supplement did not enhance IgG uptake (New Hampshire); nor, did lactoferrin addition to colostrum replacer enhance IgG uptake or xylose absorption. In Wisconsin, on-farm waste milk pasteurizers were an effective system to provide healthy liquid feed to calves. In contrast, collaborators in Virginia, California, and North Carolina found that on-farm pasteurizers failed at least once a month and sanitization of pasteurizer and feeding equipment was often incomplete. Objective 2: To develop strategies and systems to optimize utilization, economic returns, and environmental goals for management of dry, pregnant and lactating cows. Sub-objective 2A. Management and feeding systems were evaluated and developed for optimal cow performance, comfort, well-being, health, and behavior. A dry period length for multiparous cows of 40-d was adequate for colostrum production and subsequent milk yield, however, for primiparous cows 60 d was more optimal (New York). Colostrum volume did not affect Ig content; properly vaccinated first lactation heifers produced colostrum with Ig content similar to that of mature cows. A system was built in Maryland to continuously monitor body temperature within the vagina of postpartum cows and to transfer data to a cow-side palm pilot. Vaginal temperature was similar to rectal temperature. System has potential for use to detect fever in early postpartum cows. In Indiana, automated temperature monitoring and body condition scoring and use of activity accelerometers were tested in farms. Lying behavior was assessed by an automated activity monitoring sensor. Production level, time relative to calving, day, and week influenced lying time. Health and production data from 10 commercial California dairies were analyzed to determine effects of: periparturient problems. Multiparous cows not lame in previous lactation had more female calves. Older multiparous cows had more twins with greater incidence of assistance. Perinatal death loss was greater for multiparous cows more services per conception. Multiparous cows that had an occurrence of dystocia during previous lactation experienced more dystocia in current lactation. In other work, claw lesions were not different between rubber flooring vs. concrete floors; but, heel erosion was greater on concrete. Cows on concrete had higher risk of becoming lame. In a follow-up study clinical lameness was less with rubber flooring, indicating that interlocking rubber flooring improves welfare of lactating cows. "Compost barns" for lactating cows in Minnesota resulted in superior comfort and better feet and leg health. Lameness was 3 times less in compost barns than free stall barns with concrete floors. Lying behavior, social interactions, and natural lying positions indicated that compost barns are an adequate housing system for cows. Mastitis infection rates were lower than in previous housing system for 67% of farms evaluated. Data were collected and analyzed to determine optimal samplings of concentrates and forages for nutritional management (Ohio). Then a total cost function for quality control process of forages was developed incorporating all costs associated with the process while in and out of control. Approach allows identification of optimal sampling schedule for all feeds on a specific farm. Forage quality had a significant effect on cow productivity and farm profitability. Forage sampling in combination with laboratory analyses reduced substantially variation in nutritional content of diets. Method developed is both scientifically coherent and robust. Other Ohio research studied impact of variation in nutrient supply on productivity of lactating cows. Two conclusions were: unless one can quantify response to supply variation, one can not design an economically efficient feed quality control program on farm; and, nutrient requirement tables have little value to predict effect of variation in daily supplies. Collaborators from New Hampshire, Ohio, Nebraska and South Dakota studied nutritional management of protein requirements and supply for lactating cows. New Hampshire results confirmed NRC requirements for rumen-degradable N. Metabolizable (MP) requirements of Jerseys for milk yield and protein production in Ohio were linear at least to 120% of rumen undegradable protein (RUP) requirements. Efficiency of MP utilization for milk synthesis was less in Jersey cattle than assumed by NRC (2001). Other New Hampshire RUP trials showed that less than 50% of 2-hydroxy-4-methylthio butanoic acid (HMBi) was available to cows as MP-Met. Increasing level (10 to 40% of DM) of corn milling co-products (wet corn gluten feed, DG, corn germ, or corn bran) replacing corn, soybean meal, and forages resulted in similar milk production and yield of fat and protein (Nebraska). Also, feeding very high levels of corn milling co-products in rations, in excess of N requirements, increases N excretion. Glycerol fed at 0, 5, 10, and 15% of ration DM, resulted in similar milk yields; but,. DMI suffered initially but BW gain was greatest with 15%. Sub-objective 2B. Strategies were developed for environmental challenges and to help achieve goals of dairy farms. The Farm Profit Model includes ration formulation, milk production, and manure utilization for plant nutrients (Georgia). In Michigan, a model that predicts P excretion is widely used to estimate P in manure for planning fertilization strategies and comprehensive nutrient management plans. In New Mexico, substantial seasonal variability in manure excretion exists and opportunities to better recycle nutrients through on-farm management practices were accomplished using a model to assess seasonal manure excretion (http://dairy.nmsu.edu: Tools). South Dakota validated previous work showing that 20% maximal inclusion of DG in lactation diets. Feeding some DG meets P requirements of high producing cows without supplemental P. Nebraska showed that RUP values for corn milling co-products were similar to assumed values, but estimated digestible RUP was 10 to15% greater; indicating greater N availability and need for lower supplementation to reduce N excretion. A California model based on characteristics of the cow herd and rations predicted whole farm input/output balances for N, Ca, P, K, Mg, S, Na, Cl, Mn, Zn, Cu, and Se. Sub-objective 2C. Financial, production, and management databases were built for analyses, and to integrate information into decision support systems. Dairy Business Analysis Project (DBAP) used financial and production data from Florida and Georgia farms (http://dairy.ifas.ufl.edu). DBAP reports are used farmers to secure loans and others interested in financial performance of dairies. In Pennsylvania, farm business analyses and management training programs resulted in improvements in farm profitability. Three key concerns emerged: low return on assets; too high investment per cow; and, too few cows per worker. Most profitable farms had both exceptional capital and financial efficiencies. In New York, Dairy Profit Monitor tracks short-term business performance and key drivers of profit: milk production; herd health; milk check; efficiencies; and, financial management (www.dairyprofit.cornell.edu). In New Mexico decision support systems were developed to optimize farm risk management, calibrate crop simulation models to analyze with whole farm systems, and create a universal nutrient management plan for record keeping and reporting to regulatory agencies (application available at http://dairy.nmsu.edu: Tools). Sub-objective 2D. Models were developed for more profitable culling, replacement, and breeding decisions in commercial farms (version 1.0 of DairyVIP is available at http://dairy.ifas.ufl.edu). Another model calculates optimal decisions for purchasing, insemination, and culling. In Utah analyses showed that breed, age and season affected age at death. Overall, impaired reproduction, leading to longer days in milk before getting pregnant, appears to predispose cows to an increased death rate. 
 Publications
 
 Publications Attachment:
 Attachment
 
 Impact Statements
 1. Leverage: During the 2002- 2007 reporting period with 10 of 23 stations reporting, other extramural and intramural support beyond, but associated with the NC-1119 regional project exceeded $6.2 million from 69 listed projects.
 2. Environmental consultants who serve 75% of dairy producers in New Mexico are using the application for planning and reporting purposes. Some of these consultants are also using the application with clients in other states. The New Mexico Environment Department is still reluctant to endorse and promote the application, but accepts its predictions on farmer‘s individual basis. 
 3. Information from the detailed economic comparisons of managed intensive grazing vs. feedlot confinement has been presented at 3 field days, 8 state, 1 regional and 1 national conference attended by over 1000 producers and agricultural professionals representing all Midwestern and Northeast dairy states. 
 4. Summary of the research has been presented at 16 states, regional and national meetings attended by over 2000 producers and agricultural professionals representing most of the top 20 dairy states. Benchmarks and options for calf feeding programs up to 60 days of age have been presented for the dairy industry. Optimizing growth and health of calves during this period has a profound affect on subsequent heifer performance. The key is to maintain consistency of nutritional management and provide the most beneficial balance between calf performance and economic efficiencies that best fits the needs of the individual operation. Information on the research is posted on the Minnesota dairy extension web page (www.extension.umn.edu/dairy) which is accessible nationwide. 
 5. Dairy farmers can wean calves successfully at 4 to 6 weeks of age and have no impacts on animal health or productivity yet can save $1 to 2 per day per calf in reduced feed costs by weaning earlier. 
 6. We demonstrated that the current NRC 2001 requirements for pre-weaned calves required refinement and developed a data base on which to make those refinements. New requirements have been developed and published and further refinements are being made. 
 7. Milk replacer formulations have been modified for use by the dairy industry and reflect the new requirement data generated from this research effort. These new milk replacers currently represent 20% of the U.S. market. 
 8. We demonstrated that the current NRC 2001 nutrient requirements for energy for post-weaned heifers are adequate provided the mature body weight is used in the equation, but that protein requirements still need refinement. We expect to publish new equations within the next year. 
 9. We evaluated the mineral requirements published by the NRC, 2001 and concluded that the macromineral requirements represented the data sets we used to conduct the evaluations. 
 10. We developed successful less expensive alternatives to milk proteins in formulating high protein milk replacers for dairy calves that result in a 30% savings in feed costs. 
 11. We developed a more scientifically sound approach to studying nitrogen metabolism in growing and lactating dairy animals. This approach has the potential to decrease nitrogen intake by up to 20% while maintaining financially viable animal performance and reducing the environmental impact of livestock in the environment. 
 12. Through the project research effort and education programs thereafter 8998 dairy producers, nutrition consultants, dairy educators and veterinarians increased their knowledge as to the potential to utilize limit feeding programs to reduce dairy heifer feed cost and manure excretion. An estimated 5 % of dairy producers and heifer growers have adopted some form of limit feeding. 
 13. Feed costs were reduced $0.32/d for heifers fed the wet distiller‘s grains blends compared to heifers fed traditional feeds with similar animal growth. 
 14. Summary of the post weaning research has been presented at 8 state/regional workshops and conferences to 1100 producers and agricultural professionals representing the Midwestern states. Information on the research is posted on the Minnesota dairy extension web page (www.extension.umn.edu/dairy) which is accessible nationwide. It is also accessible via the new DAIRYeNET national dairy information data base. Raising dairy heifers represents 20 to 25% of the total costs of dairy operations. Providing guidelines and benchmarks will help to improve the economic efficiency of the critical period of raising dairy heifers from birth to 6 months of-age. Following the heifers back to the milking dairy herds will provide important relationships between nutritional management, growth and health profiles from birth to 6 months of-age on first lactation performance. 
 15. Prior to this most recent research mammary development of prepubertal heifers was thought to be negatively affected by high dietary energy intake when animals were harvested at constant body weights. We demonstrated that prepubertal mammary development is not negatively influenced by energy intake. Faster growing animals have less time to develop specific tissue beds, and the mammary gland like other reproductive organs, grows at a genetically pre-determined rate and not in response to nutrient supply. 
 16. Tail docking of heifers has been shown to cause increased cold and heat sensitivity, likely in response to development of neuromas, which have been associated with phantom limb pain in other species. Dairy producers must weigh the impacts on animal well being of tail docking against purported benefits in assessing its need and use on dairy farms. Thus, the impact of tail docking lies, not in the financial cost-benefit ratio, but in the intrinsic value of the practice assigned by the non-farm community. 
 17. Prepartum milking of dairy heifers milked beginning at 21 days prior to calving has apparent benefits in increased milk production and improved health (lower somatic cell counts and less udder swelling) at and shortly after calving. Aside from loss of colostrum quality at calving detrimental impacts have not been observed. Given production of more than 600 additional pounds of milk from prepartum milked heifers, and using $8.00 of income over feed costs, additional revenue would exceed $48.00 per heifer without consideration of the possibly more important factors of improved health and longevity. 
 18. Through the project research effort and education programs thereafter 3112 dairy producers, nutrition consultants, dairy educators and veterinarians increased their knowledge as to the potential to utilize an on farm milk pasteurizer to supply liquid feed for dairy calves. The number of Wisconsin dairy calves feed pasteurized waste milk has increase from approximately 50,000 (2002) to 200,000(2007) over the time frame of this project. 
 19. The importance of parturition-related transitions for both maternal and neonatal well-being is illustrated by the high morbidity and mortality of offspring and the high incidence rate of metabolic problems in the dam. The data generated by our projects is already being used to reduce costs and enhance productivity on farms. 
 20. Many farms have also implemented variations on our feeding strategies to enhance feed efficiency and potentially reduce age at weaning for pre-weaned calves. Increasing forage inclusion of a controlled particle size is beneficial to rumen function, enhances feed efficiency, and does not adversely affect age at weaning. 
 21. In year 5, the data from our work on irradiation of colostrum replacers has changed the way that commercial products are processed in the industry. 
 22. U.S. Patent No.6,939,864 was issued September 6, 2005. This patent was filed for Eicher-Johnson-McKee by Purdue Research Foundation for use of findings resulting from NC-1119 research undertaken as a part of Objective 1. Reduction of calf mortality losses at current calf prices has the potential to save about $5,150 per 1% reduction of death loss for a 1000-cow dairy farm. Economic value of improved growth rates and well being are additional. 
 23. Results of studies on compost barns helped generate construction of about 40 new compost barn dairies with an average of 75 cows per herd in MN. Thus, about 2625 cows were added (or stayed) in MN which generates about $13,737 in economic activity per cow (per University of WI research estimates). This research and outreach effort resulted in $36,059,625 (2625 cows x $13,737 per cow) in economic activity in MN. Also, new facilities have greatly improved the lifestyle of dairy farmers. Labor efficiency is improved and farmers and laborers have fewer health (back, shoulder and knee) problems associated with milking cows in tie stall barns. Cow welfare also improved, especially with a reduction in lameness prevalence. 
 24. The forage sampling optimization model can reduce the total quality cost in dairy production by an average of $91/cow per year, which equates to $837 million dollars per year for the national dairy herd. 
 25. The dairy farm model has evaluated the impact of nutrient management plans on the cost and returns for a dairy farm producing 70 or 90 pounds of milk per cow and double or triple cropping. If the limits for N and P are set at the minimum (most restrictive) values, the cost to the producer is $1.40 to $2.34 per cwt of milk sold. If the limits are set at 1.5 times the minimum N level and 2.5 times the minimum P level, there is no cost to the producer. 
 26. Implemented P-prediction model developed and tested in research for field application to improve the accuracy of P management and comprehensive nutrient management planning compared with previous approaches (e.g., sampling and analysis of P in manure lagoons). This facilitated more precise and accurate feeding of P in dairy rations and increased the accuracy of and number of nutrient management plans (voluntary) written in Michigan. Ultimately, this work will reduce the amount of manure P excreted and reduce the risk of P being a pollutant in/from dairy farms in neighboring aquatic ecosystems. 
 27. Verified the NRC (2001) phosphorus (P) feeding recommendations for late, pregnant (close-up) dairy cows, and incorporated reduced P-feeding requirements in recommendations given to professional dairy nutritionists and farmers in Michigan and across the United States. Compared with previous practice, the new practice reduces the amount of P excreted in manure during this stage of the lactation cycle (dry period) and improves the metabolic well-being of cows during the transition from pregnancy to lactation. Overall, this contributes to an improvement in the health of animals and the efficiency of milk production, benefiting dairy farmers and consumers. 
 28. Implemented P-prediction model developed and tested in research for field application through the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) to improve the accuracy of P management and comprehensive nutrient management planning compared with previous approaches (e.g., sampling and analysis of P in manure lagoons). This facilitated more precise and accurate feeding of P in dairy rations and increased the accuracy of and number of nutrient management plans (voluntary) written in Michigan. Ultimately, this work has led to a reduction in the amount P excreted in manure and reduces the risk of P being a pollutant in/from dairy farms in neighboring aquatic ecosystems. 
 29. Research on phosphorus feeding recommendations for late, pregnant (close-up) dairy cows has impacted practical feeding on farms by professional dairy nutritionists and farmers in Michigan and across the United States. This information also has been implemented in the Spartan 3.0 Ration Evaluator Program that will be released in 2006. Compared with previous practice, the new practice reduces the amount of P excreted in manure during this stage of the lactation cycle (dry period) and improves the metabolic well-being of cows during the transition from pregnancy to lactation. Overall, this contributes to an improvement in the health of animals and the efficiency of milk production, benefiting dairy farmers and consumers. 
 30. The collected DBAP data helped dairy farmers to secure loans and motivated investors to invest in the Florida and Georgia dairy industry. The combined impacts are in the millions of dollars. 
 31. Use of Dairy Profit Teams resulted in a 16% increase in milk production per cow and a 25% increase in milk production overall. Farms using teams in the pilot phase of the project had a $250 increase in profit per cow. Monthly monitoring tools were effective in managing information and tracking positive progress with teams. Pre and post evaluations of formal training programs showed significant increases in participants‘ knowledge, understanding and ability to implement practices at the farm level following the training. 
 32. We have 140 dairy producers who have signed up as consistent users who enter information every month. That represents approximately 100,000 dairy cows in the first year of the program. This program allows them to track profitability and management benchmarks on a monthly basis to make more current financial and management decisions. 
 33. The computer program DairyVIP supports decision making in reproductive and culling management; these decisions are worth millions of dollars to the Florida and Georgia dairy industry. 
 34. Death loss in dairy cows represents an economic loss on dairies not only in the salvage value of the animal, but future income and genetic potential. Death loss on dairies has been increasing linearly over the past 10 years and is estimated to be approximately 10 to 12% of animals in the herd. Reducing those losses by half could save Utah dairy producers almost $9 million in 2002 dollars. 
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