NC1042: Management Systems to Improve the Economic and Environmental Sustainability of Dairy Enterprises (Rev. NC-1119)

(Multistate Research Project)

Status: Inactive/Terminating

Project Menu

SAES-422 Reports

Annual/Termination Reports:

[12/13/2013] [12/19/2008] [12/07/2009] [12/14/2010] [12/02/2011] [01/16/2013]

Date of Annual Report: 12/13/2013

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 10/11/2013 - 10/13/2013
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2007 - 12/01/2013

Participants

California -Davis : University of California, Davis Ed DePeters

Idaho - University of Idaho Mireille Chahine

Idaho - University of Idaho Mireille Chahine

Illinois - University of Illinois Felipe Cardoso

Indiana - Purdue University Tamilee D Nennich

Indiana - Purdue University Michael Schutz

Iowa - Iowa State University Howard Tyler

Kentucky Cooperative Extension Jeffrey Bewley

Louisiana - Louisiana State University Bruce F. Jenny

Louisiana - Louisiana State University Cathleen C Williams

Maryland - University of Maryland Robert R. Peters

Michigan - Michigan State University David Beede

Minnesota - University of Minnesota Hugh Chester-Jones

Minnesota - University of Minnesota Marcia Endres

Minnesota - University of Minnesota Bradley Heins

Mississippi - Mississippi State University Stephanie Hill Ward

Nebraska - University of Nebraska Paul Kononoff

New Hampshire - University of New Hampshire Andre' F Brito

New Hampshire - University of New Hampshire Peter Erickson

New York -Ithaca : Cornell University Thomas R Overton

Pennsylvania - Pennsylvania State Arlyn J. Heinrichs

Pennsylvania - Pennsylvania State Lisa Holden

South Dakota State University Kenneth F Kalscheur

Wisconsin - University of Wisconsin Victor E Cabrera

Wisconsin - University of Wisconsin Patrick Hoffman

Brief Summary of Minutes

Accomplishments

Objective 1: To analyze management and nutrition strategies for replacement heifers as they pertain to production and profitability (heifers). Commercial Rearing of Dairy Heifers Program focus for the University of Minnesota Calf and Heifer Research and Extension Facility (CHREF) during the project period 2007-2013 has been with contract raising commercial dairy heifer calves from 3 dairies representing 2,000 dairy cows. Calves are picked-up twice weekly at 2-4 days of age and contract raised until 6 months of age. All calves receive 3 feedings of colostrum by 24 hours of age. In the current NC project period data has been collected from over 6,000 at the CHREF. One of the unique aspects of the project is the development of Excel spreadsheets for each dairy tracking every calf that enters and leaves CHREF are followed back to the dairies for first lactation production data. An average of 83% of the dairy heifers completed a first lactation. In this project period, calves involved in 17 milk replacer nursery studies (1,269) averaged 207 kg BW, 115 cm hip height and 0.87 kg/day gain by 6 months of age. Those that entered the milking herd averaged 716 days of age at first calving and 12,225 kg Std ME milk. A goal of doubling initial BW and gaining at least 10 cm frame growth by 2 months of age has been achieved with the standard program when calf starter (CS) intake was optimal. Feeding 20:20 vs. 24:18 or 28:16 MR at varying rates indicated the increase in feeding rate and feeding the 28:16 showed good response from d 1 to 14 but reducing the MR feeding rate and CP intake deceased ADG from d 15 to 28 without enhancing CS intake. Feeding a 20:20 MR at 0.68 kg/d for at least 28 days increased 56 d calf performance. Offering a high protein MR at 0.68 kg/d and balancing for amino acids did not affect calf performance which was surprising. Partially replacing all milk protein in MR with bovine animal plasma, hydrolzyzed wheat gluten, wheat protein isolate or peptide powder gave acceptable calf performances in a number of studies. Generally nursery calf performance in the summer months was lower than during other times of the year. Use of sodium butyrate in non-medicated MR (0.3%) and CS (0.33%) showed benefits in the summer months. Supplementing essential oils into a non-medicated MR resulted in similar calf performance compared to those fed a medicated MR and CS with rumensin (R). Supplementing natural yeast or various acids in MR and CS did not enhance calf performance. A control MR program with texturized CS containing 0, 33, 49.5, or 66 mg/kg R resulted in similar ADG but decreasing CS intake. The 49.5 mg/kg level is now preferred by the industry. Glycerol at 3 or 6% successfully replaced corn in pelleted nursery diets and post weaning grain mixes. Replacing steam flaked corn with whole corn, air or flame roasted corn in CS gave good calf performance. Studies have allowed for an improved 18% CP CS with digestible fiber levels that enhanced DMI. An automatic calf feeding system for group feeding calves was successfully implemented. Heritability estimates of performance and health traits were analyzed in 6,390 AI sire-identified heifer calves raised at CHREF. Performance traits to 2 months of age were moderately heritable (0.25 to 0.37) but health traits had low heritabilities (0.01 to 0.11). Grouping calves in the nursery prior to moving to the grower pens was not advantageous. Postweaning (PW) group-fed calves were offered CS then transitioned to a control limit fed 16% CP whole corn and pelleted grain mix (GM) with access to free choice hay from 9 to 25 wk of-age. Feeding different GM with or without hay for 14 d in group pens after moving from individual pens did not affect heifer performance. Feeding DM to calves PW at 3 or 2.7% of BW resulted in acceptable performances. Grain mixes containing 1% urea (0.024 kg/d) resulted in lower gains during d 1 to 28 vs. control or GM containing rumen fermentation enhancer. Feeding a TMR of ensiled hay, distillers grains and sweet corn cannery waste resulted in a lower cost alternative feed for 3 to 6 mth old heifer calves. Expected ADG by heifer calves PW from 9 to 25 wk of age has been 1 to 1.1 kg/day with DMI of 3% of BW. Colostrum and Colostrum Replacer Colostrum replacer (based on dehydrated colostrum) provides adequate immunity based on blood IgG concentration. Immunoglobulin G uptake was not affected in calves born of cows fed anionic salts compared to cows not fed anionic salts. Adding sodium bicarbonate to colostrum replacer increased uptake of IgG compared to calves not fed sodium bicarbonate. A study evaluating the effects of kelp meal on calf starter intake was conducted. Results indicated that calves do not prefer the taste of kelp. When given a choice, the calves on this experiment preferred the control (0 kelp) over the 30g or 60 g kelp treatments. Colostrum replacer (based on dehydrated colostrum) provides adequate immunity based on blood IgG concentration. Adding sodium bicarbonate to colostrum replacer did not increase uptake of IgG in this experiment. This does not agree with previous research from our laboratory where added sodium bicarbonate improved IgG uptake. If colostrum replacer is fed in 1 dose than 30 g of NaHCO3 is beneficial in enhancing IgG uptake. However, if 2 doses are fed, NaHCO3 is not beneficial in enhancing IgG uptake. These data suggest that how the dam is fed may impact IgG uptake in the calf. Neither chlortetracycline or lasalocid or the combination proved beneficial to dairy heifer performance. Feeding Biodiesel Co-products Feeding fat from distillers grain resulted in slightly smaller frame size, and greater BCS in growing dairy heifer diets. But ADG and feed efficiency were similar between treatments. Including fat from DDGS in growing heifer diets, while providing for recommended energy requirements, results in similar body growth compared to feeding concentrates containing corn and soybean meal. Dietary fat from DDGS can be used in replacement of starch from corn in diet of growing dairy heifers and maintain energy status. Feeding increased fat from DDGS may decrease the body weight at puberty, but can be fed as a replacement for starch from corn as an energy source for pre-pubertal heifers without detriment to first lactation milk production. Forage and Pasture Inclusion in Heifer Rearing Using pasture as the primary source of nutrition was compared to conventional diet and rearing in confined facilities. Pregnant heifers on pasture had increased (P = 0.04) average dairy gain, and reduced (P = .001) body condition score while skeletal growth rates as measured by whither height and hip height, were similar to conventionally fed heifers. Projected milk and fat yields did not differ while protein yields were increased (P = 0.04) by pasture. While pasture reduces body condition score, it can be used in pregnant heifers without detrimental effects on skeletal development or milk production. It appears there are no clear advantages or disadvantages for sand, straw, or wood shavings as bedding materials with respect to calf growth, general health and hide contamination during moderate summer conditions in the Midwest. However, fly breeding and fly counts on calves are affected such that fly control is more critical when using straw. Although ensiled forages are commonly included in diets of growing dairy heifers, little research has been conducted to evaluate feeding baleage as a primary forage source. Heifers fed hay were 6.7 kg heavier than heifers fed baleage at the conclusion of the study. Heifers fed hay also gained 0.63 kg/d compared to 0.56 kg/d for heifers fed baleage. Overall, heifers fed hay consumed 0.30 kg more DM/d than baleage, resulting in a tendency for a 5.4% improvement in gain to feed ratios for hay compared to baleage. In summary, feeding baleage decreased BW gain, but did not alter skeletal growth or rumen parameters in prepubertal dairy heifers. Feeding strategies that improve the growth and feed efficiency of dairy heifers can reduce costs to farmers when raising these animals. A study was conducted to evaluate the impact of increasing dietary grain:forage ratio on growth, dry matter intake (DMI), and feed efficiency of prepubertal dairy heifers. The ADG, DMI, feed efficiency, and skeletal growth were improved during the treatment period for 80% compared with 60% and 40% grain. Feed efficiency was improved for heifers fed 60% compared to 80% on d 84 of the common grain feeding period, with 60% averaging 0.166 compared to 0.125 kg ADG/kg DMI for 80%. Intake of total NDF was greater for 80% during the treatment period, but total NDF intake was greater for 40% on d 84 and 98 of the common period. Skeletal growth and BCS were similar between treatments during the common period from d 56 to 112. Dairy heifers had greater ADG when fed high amounts of grain, but ADG and feed efficiency were reduced compared with heifers fed moderate to low amounts of grain after switching to a high-forage diet. Objective 2: To optimize lactating and dry cow decision-making as it relates to animal health, nutrient utilization, milk production, reproduction, and profitability (cows). Utilization of Biodiesel Co-products Michigan State researchers conducted a meta-analysis of a large database showing that inclusion of corn distillers dried grains per se did not affect fat-corrected milk yield, unadjusted milk yield, or milk fat or protein percentage. However, when the fermentability of rations was factored into consideration (e.g., a more fermentable forage-base, greater proportion of grain, or greater fermentability of grain) with added corn distillers grains then fat-corrected milk yield declined compared with when distillers grains was included in less fermentable rations. At South Dakota, replacing dietary starch from corn with non-forage fiber from distillers grains and soyhulls did not affect ruminal and total tract digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, and crude protein, however, it did increase ruminal and total tract digestibility of neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber. The addition of a low-fat DDGS up to 30% of the diet did not affect milk production, however milk protein percentage decreased at the highest inclusion level as a result of a potential lysine deficiency. Dairy cows can be fed diets with lower starch concentrations that produce similar milk production with less feed. This improves profitability per cow by increasing income over feed costs. New distillers grains products available commercially have a wide range of rumen protein degradabilities. Intestinal digestibility of these products exceeded 92% demonstrating protein quality similar to protein products. Rumen-degradable protein was greater in wet than dried distillers grains, and increased when the inclusion of solubles in the distillers grains increased. Intestinal digestible protein was primarily affected by form and not by the addition of solubles. The addition of a reduced-fat DDGS or regular DDGS did not affect intake or milk production in early lactation, however milk protein yield increased when DDGS was included in the diets. Lower dietary lysine provided in the DDGS diets did not correspond to lower milk protein yield. The addition of DDGS as a replacement for ground corn or soybean feedstuffs at either a high or low level of forage in the diet did not affect milk production nor milk composition of lactating dairy cows. The concentration of forage in the diet affected milk production and milk composition, but the concentration of DDGS in the diet had no effect. The addition of DDGS as a replacement for ground corn or soybean feedstuffs alters rumen fermentation and nutrient digestibility at a low forage level compared to a high forage diet. Fiber digestibility of DDGS is lower when fed in a low forage diet. Higher concentrations of forage fiber may have a positive associative effect on the fiber digestibility of DDGS. The forage concentration of the ration explained the sorting behavior by lactating dairy cows. Feeding distillers grains had little effect on the sorting behavior by lactating dairy cows. Estimates of physically effective fiber of the total mixed ration by the Z-box method are similar to that of the dry sieving method. Holstein dairy cows fed increasing forage to concentrate ratios in conjunction with canola meal as the primary protein source did not affect milk yield, however, DMI decreased with increasing forage in the diet resulting in improved feed efficiency. Cows fed increasing concentrations of metabolizable protein lysine supply linearly increased in milk protein yield, energy-corrected milk, and feed efficiency. Members at University of Nebraska conducted a series of experiments that evaluated the use and inclusion rate of corn milling co-products. The aim of this research was to determine whether dairy cow can consume co-products at very high levels and maintain normal milk yield and composition. Our working hypothesis for these experiments was that feed intake would be equal or improved and that milk production would not be negatively affected when feeding corn milling co-product. Through this work we have determined that dairy cows may consume as much as 30% of the diet as DDGS and milk yield or composition is either maintained or improved. Utilization of by-product and alternative feeds for dairy cows A series of experiments were conducted feeding dietary coconut oil (a natural source of mainly medium chain fatty acids) to lactating dairy cows to reduce enteric methane production. Overall, coconut oil feeding reduced methane emissions. However, feeding greater than 3.3% of the diet dry as coconut oil also reduced feed intake, milk yield, and percentages of milk fat and lactose; whereas, feeding 1.0% was not very effective. Two experiments were conducted looking at the effects of brown mid-rib corn silage in lactating cow diets. Experiment 1 was conducted to determine the effects of corn silage (CS) hybrids and quality of alfalfa hay (AH) in high-forage dairy diets on N utilization, ruminal fermentation, and lactational performance by early-lactating dairy cows. Within square, cows were randomly assigned to a sequence of 4 diets: CCS with FAH, CCS with HAH, BMR with FAH, and BMR with HAH. Intake of DM and milk yield did not differ in response to CS hybrids or AH quality. Although feeding BMR-based diets decreased urinary N output by 24%, it did not affect fecal N output. Feeding HAH decreased urinary N output by 15% but increased fecal N output by 20%. Nitrogen efficiency [milk N (g/d)/intake N (g/d)] tended to increase for BMR treatments. Ruminal ammonia-N concentration was lower for cows fed BMR-based diets than for those fed CCS-based diets but was not affected by quality of AH. Feeding BMR-based diets or HAH decreased milk urea N concentration by 23 or 15%, respectively, compared with CCS-based diets or FAH. Total volatile fatty acid concentration increased with HAH but was not influenced by CS hybrids. Feeding BMR-based diets decreased urinary N-to-fecal N ratio (UN:FN), and it was further reduced by feeding HAH. Although cows fed the BMR-based diets tended to increase milk N-to-manure N ratio, the quality of AH did not affect the ratio. Experiment 2 was conducted to test a hypothesis that lactating dairy cows fed 35% brown midrib (BMR) corn silage and 25% alfalfa hay (dry matter (DM) basis) would consume more DM around peak lactation compared with those fed conventional corn silage (CS), resulting in longer peak milk production. Two dietary treatments were assessed in a completely randomized design: total mixed ration based on conventional CS (CCS) and total mixed ration based on BMR silage. Through peak lactation (160 DIM), DM intake was not different between dietary treatments, whereas DM intake post-peak lactation (61180 DIM) tended to increase by feeding the BMR diet compared with the CCS diet (25.8 vs. 24.7 kg/d). Cows fed the BMR diet tended to lose less body weight through peak lactation compared with those fed the CCS diet (-0.22 vs. -0.52 kg/d). Although milk yield was not different between dietary treatments through peak lactation, milk yield post-peak lactation increased by feeding the BMR diet compared with the CCS diet (41.0 vs. 38.8 kg/d). Feeding BMR silage with a high dietary concentration of alfalfa hay maintained more body weight, but did not affect milk production through peak lactation; however, cows fed the BMR diet post-peak lactation consumed more feed and maintained longer peak milk yield, leading to greater overall milk production and milk protein yield. Field peas can be fed up to 12% of the diet without negatively affecting production, but at higher levels of inclusion (24 and 36%), dry matter intake, milk production, and milk protein was decreased. Canola meal can replace distillers grains as a source of protein in high producing dairy cows diets without any significant effect on DMI, milk production, and milk composition. Holstein dairy cows fed increasing forage to concentrate ratios in conjunction with canola meal as the primary protein source did not affect milk yield, however, DMI decreased with increasing forage in the diet resulting in improved feed efficiency. Cows fed increasing concentrations of metabolizable protein lysine supply linearly increased in milk protein yield, energy-corrected milk, and feed efficiency. The forage concentration of the ration explained the sorting behavior by lactating dairy cows. Feeding distillers grains had little effect on the sorting behavior by lactating dairy cows. Estimates of physically effective fiber of the total mixed ration by the Z-box method are similar to that of the dry sieving method. Ferrous (Fe2+) iron is the common valence in drinking water and it may jeopardize Fe status and potentially cause toxicity. In short-term studies infusing about 1,000 mg of ferrous iron post-ruminally to mid-lactation dairy cows as a pulsed dose did not affect blood serum Fe, iron-binding capacity, percent Fe saturation, a-tocopherol, or copper concentrations, or liver iron, copper and zinc. In drinking water preference studies with lactating dairy cows ferrous iron concentrations greater than 4 ppm reduced consumption of free drinking water intake. Cow comfort and well being Rubber flooring in the feed alley for lactating cows may impact production, especially components, in first parity. Rubber flooring may affect cows surviving first lactation differently than those who do not. Future work with more cows is needed to ascertain results for traits like SCS and days open that inherently have higher environmental variation. Cortisol did not indicate an acute stress at any time in the first lactation, when evaluated by treatment or by a treatment for a condition that may lead to lameness in that lactation. The number of times that cows were given therapy for hoof or leg conditions was greater for cows housed on concrete. Changes in lymphocyte and total white blood cell counts in cows housed on concrete indicated chronic inflammation, but acute phase proteins did not. Flooring tends to affect cow hoof health, alters immune cell counts and influences production and herdlife. However, cost of rubber flooring to enhance cow comfort, which was not directly measured in this work, may not be justified solely in terms of yields and herdlife. Objective 3: To evaluate system components and integration of information into decision-support tools and whole farm analyses to improve efficiency, control variation, and enhance profitability, and environmental sustainability (whole farm) Decision Tools for Dairy Producers DairyVIP, a model that optimizes breeding and culling decisions, was used to study the effect of changing milk prices on optimal culling decisions and rule-of-thumb decisions like culling open cows when their daily milk production does not cover variable cost anymore. Contrary to common belief and practice, lower milk prices should reduce open cow culling. The Dairy Business Analysis Project (DBAP) has been continued with a survey of the 2008 data. Twelve dairy farms located in Florida and Georgia had contributed complete financial and production data by the end of September 2009. All DBAP data (1995-2008) are stored in a SAS database that allows for easy further analysis. For example, data from DBAP was used to calculate the weighted cost of capital on dairy farms in Florida. A large linear programming model (DairyPLAN) was developed to study optimal and non-optimal decisions regarding the use of type of semen (conventional, sexed, beef), culling decisions, heifer purchase decisions, and calf keep decisions. Seasonality can be simulated, which was used to study the economic value of using in-vitro fertilized embryos in cows to increase pregnancy rates under heat stress conditions in the summer. More recently, the value of genomic testing has been evaluated. The advantage of linear programming is that individual (group) decisions can be optimized while herd constraints may be implemented. For example, a closed herd without purchase of animals can be modeled. Results of these analyses have shown that herd constraints affect optimal decisions and should be considered. In particular, the use of sexed and beef semen could be advantageous while embryo transfer in the summer could be profitable. A simple spreadsheet (DairyCALC) has been developed to simulate the daily technical and economic performance of young stock and cows in parities 1 to 4+. Key are the virtually immediate results from changes in inputs. The results of two sets of inputs can be compared side by side. There is a screen with a limited set of inputs and a screen with an extended set of inputs, depending on user preference. The spreadsheet has been used to evaluate the economics of sexed semen, stocking density, Herd Navigator, and genomic testing. Lactation records received from DRMS in Raleigh, NC, were analyzed for risk of culling with specific disposal reasons. Results showed risks by parity, dim, and pregnancy status. The data set was also analyzed for the effect of days open on fresh cow culling in the subsequent parity. Ninety percent of the farms showed increased risks of culling and death with greater days open. Regression results showed approximately $0.25 extra cost per day open due to increased culling and disease. DHIA data analysis is continued to document the amount of seasonality in dairy cattle production in the Southeast US. Assessing Dairy Producer Preferences and Needs Dairy producer preferences for sources of advice and information, and the educational subject and delivery method priorities were identified in a state-wide 15 page mail survey. Dairy producers most valued dairy information from veterinarians, a person with general knowledge about many topics, and articles in dairy magazines. The 20 practices with the highest educational scores were in the areas of mastitis and milk quality, reproductive management, nutrition and feeding, and transition cow management. Most survey respondents were willing to travel <25 miles and most were not willing to pay for attending an educational event. Producers prioritized educational events in this order: half day session, field days, hands-on workshops, evening seminars, and specialized herd management training. Decision Support for Sustainable Practices As herd size continues to increase globally, new technology that allows NE farmers to remain sustainable is greatly desired. Automatic milking systems (AMS) represent the most recent technology available by offering improved management and production efficiency, quality of life and attractiveness to potential successors. However, the financial investment is substantial (~$minimum of $200,000 500,000) and farmers lack decision-making tools regarding the challenges and opportunities associated with the transition from conventional to AMS. This survey will help to identify the level of interest in AMS technology and the topics that are of most interest to them. Results will also serve as the basis for education programs designed to provide farmers with the decision-making tools required to estimate and quantify economic impacts, performance outcomes and lifestyle changes associated with AMS. Although the Grazing Merit Preference Index (GM) was closely correlated to USDA Lifetime Net Merit Dollar (NM$) there was a change in rank among the bulls. This is further compounded by the fact that the weights placed upon each trait differ significantly from GM to NM$. This leads to a possible conclusion that while the current bulls that rank highest for NM$ index are also bulls that score high in GM, it is possibly a coincidence and a tendency that may or may not continue. While popular vote to select index weights may not be the best course of action, scientifically; responses indicate that there may be a need for modifications to NM$ to create a comparable index more appropriate for use by graziers. Work continues to determine appropriate economic weights for a grazing merit index. Whole Farm Environmental Assessment Studies have been completed on nutrient management based on data from four CT dairy farms over 5 years for individual fields. One such study evaluates the implementation of nutrient management plans (NMPs) by comparing farmers reported practices with recommended manure and fertilizer management, and the feasibility of using soil and corn tissue tests to document improvements in such management (Tao et al., 2010). A second study estimated changes in costs of manure handling, costs of the fertilizer replacement value of manure, and expected changes in net revenues associated with the implementation of NMPs. New-England dairy farm data for 1980-2011, collected and summarized by the Farm Credit Bureau, has been assembled. Njuki et al. (2011b, 2012a, 2012b) have estimated a directional distance function model to measure the amount of pollution originating from these dairy farms. The pollution emanating from methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), carbon dioxide (CO2) and particulate matter was then converted to a carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) and aggregated in order to obtain the corresponding undesirable output. Short-term Outcomes: A total of 52 peer reviewed, journal articles; 98 abstracts; 26 presentations; 45 extension publications and tools, 9 popular press articles, and 5 theses or dissertations have been produced over the last six years as results of collaborative research. Outputs: The CHREF model with an all-in all out system in a naturally ventilated curtain side-wall barn has been of interest to producers and agricultural professionals with many requests for visits and building plans. Pre- and post weaning calf benchmarks for feed intake and growth parameters from 2 to 4 days up to 6 months of age provide useful tools for commercial dairies and the dairy industry. Calves can meet their growth goals up to 2 months of age by offering an economical conventional milk replacer program as long as calf starter intake is optimal. Offering alternative feeding strategies for pre - and post weaned calves provides options that meet individual producer preferences. Management systems used at CHREF are available that help to maintain an average mortality rate of 1.5 to 2%. Calves fed Maternal Colostrum (MC) achieved greater levels of Total Serum Protein and IgG than calves fed Maternal Colostrum plus serum colostrum derived supplement (MCS). In addition, calves fed MC experienced lower incidence of abnormal respiratory scores than calves fed MCS. The results of this on-farm study demonstrated that in this case, adding colostrum supplement to the maternal colostrum did not achieve any positive effect on performance and health parameters of dairy calves. In consequence, the dairy operators decided to discontinue the use of the colostrum supplement with an annual saving of $85,262 for one dairy alone. This type of savings is equivalent to 2.2 average dairy workers' annual salary. The lower ratio of UN:FN with a higher ratio of milk N-to-manure N ratio for the BMR-based diets indicates that feeding BMR may reduce manure ammonia-N by reducing excretion of urinary N and increasing secretion of milk N per unit of manure N excreted. As a result of the research conducted on several feedstuffs commonly used in the organic dairy industry such as kelp meal, flaxseed meal, whole flaxseed, and liquid molasses, organic dairy farmers in the Northeast are now able to make informed decisions about how much to feed or whether they should include these specific ingredients in their dairy diets. Much of the research has focused on application of the compost bedded pack barn in Kentucky. The economic impact of a compost bedded pack barn for an average (85 cows) dairy is estimated at an additional income of $18,000 annually with a potential capital investment savings of $60,000 per farm compared to freestall housing. With approximately 80 dairies in Kentucky now managing compost barns, the economic impact is $1,440,000 annually with $4,800,000 in capital savings. More than 30,000 decision support tool users of online decision support tools provided at the University of Wisconsin Dairy Management Website (DairyMGT.info). Results from modeling using the developed modeling tools continue to educate dairy producers and their advisors as evidenced by case studies with particular partners and speaking invitations. Economic models have been used to estimate technical and environmental efficiency of New England Dairy farms. The comprehensive analysis of NMP's for dairy farms is both agronomic and economic in scope, researchers have worked directly with CT farms to produce a comprehensive package of extension materials for farmers along with several research journal publications. Grants received: Land O' Lakes (in kind) -Effects of visitation on calf feed intake and performance, George Walker Milk fund $ 5,000 Saskatoon Colostrum - Feeding regimen and milk replacer addition to the diet of calves fed sodium bicarbonate in colostrum replacer -$10.000 Cargill- Milk replacer feeding and N efficency - $10,000 George Walker Milk fund- $ 14,000 Estimating colostrum quality using DHI data Lonza _$ 129,000 Niacin supplementation to prepartum cows Beede, D. K.2008-09. (for MSU Dairy Programs Group), Printing and Mailing of Michigan Dairy Review, MSU/CANR-AIC; $17,735. Beede, D. K., M. Hollmann, and W. J. Powers. 2007-09. Management tools to reduce methane and ammonia generation pre- and post-excretion from livestock farms, MSU/CANR; $30,000. Beede, D. K. 2007-08. Manipulation of lactation rations to reduce methane emissions. Meadows Endowment, $150,000. Powers, W. J., D. K. Beede and others. 2007-08. Development of a National Air Quality Self-Assessment Tool (NAQSAT) for Livestock Producers. National Resource Conservation Service, Conservation Innovation Grant, $1,000,000 (for all states and partners collaborating). Hippen, A. R., K. F. Kalscheur, and D. J. Schingoethe. New uses of distillers grains products in dairy cattle feeding. May 2007 - April 2012. USDA/ARS. $315,000. Kalscheur, K. F., A.R. Hippen, and D. J. Schingoethe. Evaluation of low-fat distillers grains in dairy cow diets. June 2007 - May 2009. VeraSun Energy Corporation. $77,282. Kalscheur, K.F. Use of alternative crops in dairy cow diets. Crop Integration and Production, SD. Sept. 2010 - Aug. 2012. USDA-NIFA-SRGP. $34,000. Schingoethe, D.J., A.R. Hippen, and K.F. Kalscheur. Maximize the use of canola meal in dairy feeds: Amino acid metabolism. July 2010 - March 2013. Canola Council of Canada. $299,000. Over $360,000 have been received in the current project period from industry partners and collaborators to partially support the research at CHREF. These dollars and the contract raising income from 1,000 heifers raised annually allows for a sustainable system for applied research. Activities: Field days (n = 2), pasture walks (n = 3), focus-group interviews (n = 3), and surveys (n = 2) were conducted to transfer research-based information to the organic dairy community in the Northeast and to assess the research and extension needs of organic dairy industry in the region. Development and maintenance of a premier website (DairyMGT.info) that provides information and scientific resources to dairy farm managers and decision makers. Four research projects were conducted to examine the effect of different management factors on health and performance of pre-weaned and post-weaned dairy calves. In addition, 24 workshops were conducted in Idaho to train dairy workers in appropriate dairy management tasks (feeding dairy calves, colostrum, health management. etc.) Presentations 2011 Midwest ASAS/ADSA Symposium Extension Dairy - Using Computerized Tools in Dairy Management Introduction. T. Nennich, Purdue University(Invited) Exploring methods to assess the economic value of dairy cattle reproductive programs. V. E. Cabrera*, University of Wisconsin, Madison (Invited) Linear programming to evaluate the economics of reproductive efficiency and sexed semen considering herd constraints.A. De Vries*, University of Florida, Gainesville (Invited) Stochastic modeling of the economic and biological risks associated with Precision Dairy Farming investment decisions. J. M. Bewley*, University of Kentucky, Lexington Kononoff, P.J. 2012. Overcoming nutritional challenges in dairy cattle by feeding reduced fat distillers grains. Distillers Grains Technology Council Annual Meeting. May 16, 2012. St. Louis. MO. Kononoff, P.J. and H. Paz. 2011. Practical nutrition: amino acid supply in diets containing corn silage and byproducts. Pages 15-18. Proceedings of 2011 The Pennsylvania State Universitys Department of Dairy and Animal Science annual feed industries seminar. Grantville, PA. Kononoff, P.J. and H. Paz. 2011. Practical nutrition: Amino acid supply in diets containing corn silage and byproducts. Pages 15-18. Proceedings of 2011 The Pennsylvania State Universitys Department of Dairy and Animal Science annual feed industries seminar. Grantville, PA. Ramirez-Ramirez, H.A. and P.J. Kononoff. 2011. Byproduct feeds and milk fat depression. Pages 75-79. Proceedings of 2011 The Pennsylvania State Universitys Department of Dairy and Animal Science annual feed industries seminar. Grantville, PA. Workshop: Training the Trainer in Ethanol Co-Product Storage and Utilization in Small Cattle Operations 2010 Producer Conference. Team Members: Brent Plugge, Dennis Bauer, Galen Erickson, Larry Howard, Rick Rasby, Trpy Walz, Rock, Funston, Paul Kononoff, Aaron Stalker, Sara Ellicott, Terry Klopfenstein. Milestones: To assess the research and extension needs of the organic dairy industry in the Northeast US by December 2011. This milestone was accomplished through surveys and focus-group interviews. The implementation of an automatic calf feeding system for group fed calves in 2011 allowed for direct comparison to individual housing systems. Reduce production costs, increase revenues, and improve net returns on dairy farm systems. A review article was published chronicling colostrum replacer and colostrum supplement research.

Publications

Peer Reviewed/Journal Article Goodier, G.E., J.C. Williams, K.L. OReilly, T.G. Snider, C.C. Stanley, A.H. Dolejsiova, and C.C. Williams. 2012. Effects of supplemental vitamin E and lasalocid on growth and immune responses of calves challenged with Eimeria bovis. Prof. Anim. Sci. 28:97-107. Sabbia, J. A., K. F. Kalscheur, A. D. Garcia, A. M. Gehman, and J. M. Tricarico. 2012. Soybean meal substitution with a yeast-derived microbial protein source in dairy cow diets. J. Dairy Sci. 95:5888-5900. Silva, P.R.B, J.G.N. Moraes, L.G.D. Mendonca, A.A. Scanavez, J. Fetrow, M. I. Endres, and R.C. Chebel. 2013. Effects of weekly regrouping of prepartum dairy cows on metabolic, health, reproductive, and productive parameters. J. Dairy Sci. 96:4436-4446. Husfeldt, A.W. and M.I. Endres. 2012. Association between stall surface and some animal welfare measurements on dairy herds using recycled manure solids for bedding freestalls. J. Dairy Sci. 95: 5626-5634. Husfeldt, A.W., M.I. Endres, K.A. Janni, and J.A. Salfer. 2012. Management and characteristics of recycled manure solids used for bedding in Midwest freestall dairy herds. J. Dairy Sci. 95:2195 -2203. Lobeck, K.M., M.I. Endres, K.A. Janni, S.M. Godden, and J. Fetrow. 2012. Environmental characteristics and bacterial counts in bedding and milk bulk tank of low profile cross-ventilated, naturally ventilated, and compost bedded pack dairy barns. Appl. Eng. Agric. 28: 117-128. Cabral, R.G., C.E. Chapman, and P.S. Erickson. 2013. Review: Colostrum supplements and replacers for dairy calves. Prof. Anim.Sci. 29:449-456. Quigley, J.D., A. Lago, P. Erickson, and J. Polo. 2013. Evaluation of the Brix refractometer testimate immunoglobulin G concentration in bovine colostrum. J. Dairy Sci. 96:1148- Norell, R., S. Hines, M. Chahine, T. Fife, M. E. de Haro Martí, S. Parkinson. 2013. Comparing Three Different Methods for Assessing Corn Silage Density, Journal of Extension. Vol. 51-5: Article 5RIB9. Peterson, S. E., P. Rezamand, J. E. Williams, W. Price, M. Chahine, and M. A. McGuire. 2012. Effects of dietary betaine on milk yield and milk composition of mid-lactating Holstein dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 95: 6557-6562. Hines, S., A. Moore, B. Brown, M. Chahine, R. J. Norell, M. E. de Haro Martí, C. Falen, T. Fife, S. Parkinson, and J. Ippolito. 2012. Using Extension Phosphorus Uptake Research to Improve Idaho's Nutrient Management Planning Program, Journal of Extension. 50-5: Article RIB10. EXTENSION CURRICULA DEVELOPED: Two days Animal Care/welfare training in English and Spanish Raising Healthy Calves School in English and Spanish Herrick, K. J., A. R. Hippen, K. F. Kalscheur, J. L. Anderson, S. D. Ranathunga, R. S. Patton, and M. Abdullah. 2012. Lactation performance and digestibility of forages and diets in dairy cows fed a hemicellulose extract. J. Dairy Sci. 95:3342-3353. De Vries, A., J. D. Olson, and P. J. Pinedo. Reproductive risk factors for culling and productive life in 727 large dairy herds in the eastern USA between 2001 and 2006. J. Dairy Sci. (Accepted). Inchaisri, C., A. De Vries, R. Jorritsma, H. Hogeveen. 2012. Improved knowledge about conception rates influences the decision to stop insemination in dairy cows. Reproduction in Domestic Animals 47: 820 -826 Heins, B. J., L. B. Hansen, and A. De Vries. 2012. Survival, lifetime production, and profitability of Normande × Holstein, Montbéliarde × Holstein, and Scandinavian Red × Holstein crossbreds versus pure Holsteins. J. Dairy Sci. 95:1011-1021 Galvão, K. N., P. Federico, A. De Vries, and G.M. Schuenemann. 2013. Economic comparison of reproductive programs for dairy herds using estrus detection, timed artificial insemination, or a combination. J. Dairy Sci. 96:2681-2693 Dennis, T. S., J. E. Tower, and T. D. Nennich. 2012. Effects of feeding hay and baleage on growth and rumen parameters in prepubertal Holstein heifers. Prof. Anim. Sci. 28:648-656. Dennis, T. S., L. J. Unruh-Snyder, M. K. Neary, J. E. Tower, and T. D. Nennich. 2012. Effects of mixed grazing with goats on dairy heifer performance and pasture competition. J. Anim. Sci. 90:4467-4477. Shroer, R. C., T. D. Nennich, T. S. Dennis, M. M. Schutz, S. S. Donkin, and D. Little. Intake and growth of prepubertal dairy heifers fed reduced fat dried distillers grains. Prof. Anim. Sci. In press. Pereira, A. B. D., A. F. Brito, L. L. Townson, D. H. Townson. Assessing the research and education needs of the organic dairy industry in the northeastern United States. J. Dairy Sci. 96:7340-7348. Kokko, C., K. J. Soder, A. F. Brito, R. C. Hovey, and R. Berthiaume. 2013. Effect of time of cutting and maceration on nutrient flow, microbial protein synthesis, and digestibility in dual-flow continuous culture. J. Anim. Sci. 91:1765-1774. Soder, K. J., A. F. Brito, and M. D. Rubano. 2013. Effect of supplementing orchardgrass herbage with a total mixed ration or flaxseed on fermentation profile and bacterial protein synthesis in continuous culture. J. Dairy Sci. 96:3228-3237. Soder, K. J., A. F. Brito, and M. D. Rubano. 2013. Short communication: Effect of oilseed supplementation of an herbage diet on ruminal fermentation in continuous culture. J. Dairy Sci. 96:2551-2556. Chapman, C. E., R. G. Cabral, S. P. Marston, A. F. Brito, and P. S. Erickson. 2012. Short communication: Addition of sodium bicarbonate to maternal colostrum: Effects on immunoglobuling absorption and hematocrit in neonatal calves. J. Dairy Sci. 95:3961-3969. Soder, K. J., A. F. Brito, M. D. Rubano and C. J. Dell. 2012. Effect of incremental flaxseed supplementation of an herbage diet on methane output and ruminal fermentation in continuous culture. J. Dairy Sci. 95:3961-3969. Myers, Z. H., and D. K. Beede. 2009. Evaluating estimates of phosphorus maintenance requirement of lactating Holstein cows with different dry matter intakes. J. Dairy Sci. 92:708-719. Davidson, J. A., and D. K. Beede. 2009. Exercise training of late-pregnant and nonpregnant dairy cows affects physical fitness and acid-base balance. J. Dairy Sci. 92:548-562. Hollmann, M., M. S. Allen, and D. K. Beede. 2011. Diet fermentability influences lactational performance responses to distiller's grains: A meta analysis. J. Dairy Sci. 94: 2007 - 2021. Hollmann, M., M. S. Allen, and D. K. Beede. 2011. Dietary protein quality and quantity affect lactational responses to distiller's grains: A meta analysis. J. Dairy Sci. 94: 2022 - 2030. Hollmann, M., W. J. Powers, A. C. Fogiel, J. S. Liesman, and D. K. Beede. 2012. Enteric methane emissions and lactational performance of Holstein cows fed different concentrations of coconut oil. J. Dairy Sci. 95:2602-2615. Hollmann, M., and D. K. Beede. 2012. Comparison of effects of dietary coconut oil and animal fat blend on lactational performance of Holstein cows fed a high-starch diet. J. Dairy Sci. 95:1484-1499. Hollmann, M., W. J. Powers, A. C. Fogiel, J. S. Liesman, and D. K. Beede. 2013. Response profiles of enteric methane emissions and lactational performance during habituation to dietary coconut oil. J. Dairy Sci. 96:1769-1781. Genther, O. N., and D. K. Beede. 2013. Preference and drinking behavior of lactating dairy cows offered water with different concentrations, valences, and sources of iron. J. Dairy Sci. 96:1164-1176. Halachmi I, M.Klopcic, P.Polak, D.J.Roberts, and J.M. Bewley. 2013. Assessment of dairy cattle body condition score using thermal imaging. Computers and Electronics in Agriculture. (Accepted). Eckelkamp, E.A., C. N. Gravatte, C. O. Coombs, and J.M. Bewley. 2013. Case Study: characterization of lying behavior in dairy cows transitioning from a freestall barn with pasture access to a compost bedded pack barn. Professional Animal Scientist. (Accepted). Black, R.A., J.L. Taraba, G.B. Day, F. A. Damasceno, and J.M. Bewley. 2013. Compost bedded pack dairy barn management, performance, and producer satisfaction. J. Dairy Sci. (Accepted). Liang, D., C.L. Wood, K.J. McQuerry, D.L Ray, J.D Clark, and J.M Bewley. 2013. Influence of breed, milk production, season, and ambient temperature on dairy cow reticulorumen temperature. J. Dairy Sci. 96: 5072-5081 Sterrett, A.E. and J.M. Bewley. 2013. Characterization of management practices used by low somatic cell count Kentucky dairy herds. Professional Animal Scientist 29: 359-366. Smith, A.C., C.O. Coombs, and J.M. Bewley. 2013. Management practices employed by top Kentucky milk production herds. Professional Animal Scientist 29: 367-371. Smith, S.M., E.A. Chaney, and J.M. Bewley. 2013. Short Communication: Planning Considerations for On-Farm Dairy Processing Enterprises. J. Dairy Sci. 96: 4519-4522. Sterrett, A.E., C.L. Wood, K.J. McQuerry, J.M. Bewley. 2013. Changes in teat end hyperkeratosis after installation of an individual quarter pulsation milking system. J. Dairy Sci. 96: 4041-4046. Russell, R.A. and J.M. Bewley. 2013. Characterization of Kentucky dairy producer decision making behavior. J. Dairy Sci. 96: 4751-4758 Mirando, M. A., J. M. Bewley, J. Blue, D. M. Amaral-Phillips, V. A. Corriher, K. M. Whittet, N. Arthur, and D. J. Patterson. 2012. "EXTENSION EDUCATION SYMPOSIUM: Reinventing extension as a resource-What does the future hold?." Journal of Animal Science 90. 3677-3692. Holt, M.S., K. Neal, J.-S. Eun, A.J. Young, J.O. Hall and K.E. Nestor. 2013. Corn silage hybrid type and quality of alfalfa hay affect dietary nitrogen utilization by early lactating dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 96: 6564-6576. Holt, M. S., Eun, J.-S., Thacker, C. R., Young, A., Dai, X., Nestor, K. E. 2013. Effects of feeding brown midrib corn silage with a high dietary concentration of alfalfa hay on lactational performance of Holstein dairy cows for the first 180 days of lactation. J. Dairy Sci. 96: 515-523. Shahinfar, S. C. Page, J. Guenther, V. E. Cabrera, P. Fricke, and K Weigel. Accepted 10 September 2013. Prediction of insemination outcomes in Holstein dairy cattle using alternative Machine Learning algorithms. Journal of Dairy Science 00-00. Giordano, J. O., P. M. Fricke, and V. E. Cabrera. 2013. Economics of resynchronization strategies including chemical tests to identify non-pregnant cows. Journal of Dairy Science 96:949-961. Kalantari, A. S., and V. E. Cabrera. 2012. The effect of reproductive performance on the dairy cattle herd value assessed by integrating a daily dynamic programming with a daily Markov chain model. Journal of Dairy Science 95:6160 -6170. Book Chapters Knowlton, K. F., D. K. Beede, and E. Kebreab. 2009. Phosphorus requirements and nutrition of ruminants. In: Phosphorus Nutrition of Ruminants. E. Kebreab, ed. CABI Publishing, CAB International, Wallingford, Oxfordshire, OX10 8DE, UK. (accepted). Christenson, D. R., D. D. Warnick, J. E. McCarhty, D. K. Beede, D. W. Rozeboom, and A. G. Sollman. 2009. Field Crops (Chapter 36, page 545-565); (Focus Box, Dairying in Michigan, page 554). In: Michigan Geography and Geology. Schaetzl, R. J. Darden, J. T., and D. Brandt (eds). Pearson Custom Publishers, Upper Saddle River, NJ. Beede, D. K. 2013. Animal Agriculture: How Can It Be Sustainable In the Future? (Chapter 18). In: Sustainable Animal Agriculture. E. Kebreab, ed., CABI Publishing, CAB International, Wallingford, Oxfordshire, OX10 8DE, UK. pp. In Press. Kalscheur, K.F., A.D. Garcia, D.J. Schingoethe, F. Diaz Royón, and A.R. Hippen. 2012. Feeding biofuel co-products to dairy cattle. Pages 115-153 in Biofuel Co-products as Livestock Feed - Opportunities and Challenges. H.P.S. Makkar, ed. FAO, Rome, Italy. http://www.fao.org/docrep/016/i3009e/i3009e.pdf Non-peer reviewed (e.g., proceedings articles, abstracts, articles for client and lay audiences): Nennich, T. 2012. Feeding distillers grain to young dairy heifers. Purdue University AS-609-W. Nennich, T., T. Dennis, H. Schmitz, and J. Tower. 2012. Supplementing young grazing dairy heifers with lick tubs - A case study. Purdue University AS-610-W. Hollmann, M., D. K. Beede, M. S. Allen. 2007. Increased diet fermentability reduces production response to corn distiller's grains in lactating cows: A statistical analysis. J. Dairy Sci. 90(Suppl. 1): 452. VandeHaar, M. J., H. F. Bucholtz, D. K. Beede, M. S. Allen, and R. D. Kriegel. 2007. Spartan dairy ration evaluator/balancer version 3: A user-friendly, windows-based software program for dairy nutrition management. J. Dairy Sci. 90(Suppl. 1):604. Beede, D. K. 2007. Dietary cation-anion difference for dairy rations. Proc. Prince Summit 2007, 27th Annual Animal Nutrition Conf., CD medium. Beede, D. K., M. Hollmann, and H. F. Bucholtz. 2007. Tips for feeding corn distiller's grains to dairy cattle, Michigan Dairy Review, 12: 10-11. Rozeboom, D. W., B. Stunadjusted, H. Li, and D. K. Beede. 2007. Antibiotics in the environment and antibiotic resistance. Michigan State University Extension Bulletin for Animal Agriculture and the Environment Forum (March, 2007).www.msue.msu.edu/.../download.cffm.revision_id.377728/workplace_id.27335/Tech%20Bulletin%20Antibiotics.pdf/; also found at: www.thecattlesite.com; www.thepigsite.com; and, in MSU Pork Quarterly. Hollmann, M. and D. K. Beede. 2008. Dietary coconut oil and animal fat blend decrease lactational performance of Holstein cows fed a high starch diet. J. Dairy Sci. 91 (E-Suppl 1):331; J. Anim. Sci. 86: (E-Suppl 2):331. Hollmann, M., D. K. Beede, and M. S. Allen. 2008. Inclusion of corn distiller's grains reduces unadjusted and fat-corrected milk yields but not milk fat concentration in more fermentable diets: A statistical analysis. Proc. Tri-State Nutrition Conf. pp 131. Powers, W.J., D.M. Panetta, B.S. Oldick, A. Fogiel, J. Roth, J.R. Russell, M. Hollmann, D.K. Beede, J.A. Davidson, and D. Meyer. 2008. Impact of diet modification on performance and air emissions from dairy cattle. Proc. International Livestock Environment Symposium VIII. September 1-5, Iguasso Falls, Brazil. Beede, David K. 2008. Provide plenty of water. Dairy Herd Management 45(4), April (2nd Quarter/Spring), 10-13. www.ManejoLechero.com Hollmann, Marcus, Beede, David K., Allen, Michael. 2008. Ration fermentability: key factor for inclusion level of distiller's grains in lactation rations. Michigan Dairy Review 13(2), April (2nd Quarter/Spring), 6-8. Hollmann, Marcus, Beede, David K. 2008. Dietary coconut oil and animal fat blend decrease lactational performance of Holstein cows fed a high starch diet. 91 (E-Suppl. 1). Hollmann, Marcus, Beede, David K., Allen, Michael. 2008. "Hollmann, M., D. K. Beede, and M. S. Allen. (April 2008). Inclusion of corn distiller's grains reduces raw and fat-corrected milk yields but not milk fat concentration in more fermentable diets: A statistical analysis. Proc. Tri-State Nutrition Conf. page 155, Ft. Wayne, IN." April (2nd Quarter/Spring). Rozeboom, Dale W., Beede, David K. 2009. How much root zone is needed for livestock nutrients. MSU Pork Quarterly 14(1), January (1st Quarter/Winter), 6-7. Hollmann, M. and D. K. Beede. 2010. Source of dietary saturated fatty acids and parity influence dry matter intake and energy partitioning in Holstein dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 93 (E-Suppl. 1): 234. Hollmann, M. and D.K. Beede. 2010. Limited suitability of dietary coconut oil to reduce enteric methane emissions from dairy cattle. Pg.112 in Proc. 4th Greenhouse Gases and Anim. Agric. Conf. Banff, Alberta, Canada. Beede, D. K., M. H. Hollmann, and M. S. Allen. 2011. Lactational response to corn distillers grains: A meta-analysis with focus on diet fermentability and protein quality. Proc. 72nd Minnesota Nutr. Conf. pp. 108 - 123. Hollmann, M., M. S. Allen, and D. K. Beede. 2011. Chain length of saturated fatty acids affects intake and ruminal turnover of NDF and chewing activity in lactating cows varying in milk yield. Abstract submitted for presentation at ASAS-ADSA Joint Meetings in New Orleans, LA, July 2011. J. Dairy Sci. (E-Suppl. 1): Hollmann, M., M. S. Allen, and D. K. Beede. 2011. Chain length of dietary saturated fatty acids affects meal patterns and plasma metabolite and hormone concentrations of cows varying in milk yield. Abstract submitted for presentation at ASAS-ADSA Joint Meetings in New Orleans, LA, July 2011. J. Dairy Sci. (E-Suppl. 1): Utsumi, S., D. K. Beede, S. Zimmerman, and P. Zimmerman. 2011. Whole herd enteric methane emission estimates in three contrasting dairy systems. J. Dairy Sci. (E-Suppl. 1): Beede, D. K., M. H. Hollmann, and M. S. Allen. 2011. Lactational response to corn distillers grains: A meta-analysis with focus on diet fermentability and protein quality. Proc. 72nd Minnesota Nutr. Conf. pp. 108 - 123. Hollmann, M., M. S. Allen, and D. K. Beede. 2011. Chain length of saturated fatty acids affects intake and ruminal turnover of NDF and chewing activity in lactating cows varying in milk yield. J. Dairy Sci. (E-Suppl. 1) 94:201. Hollmann, M., M. S. Allen, and D. K. Beede. 2011. Chain length of dietary saturated fatty acids affects meal patterns and plasma metabolite and hormone concentrations of cows varying in milk yield. J. Dairy Sci. (E-Suppl. 1) 94:200. Utsumi, S., D. K. Beede, S. Zimmerman, and P. Zimmerman. 2011. Whole herd enteric methane emission estimates in three contrasting dairy systems. J. Dairy Sci. (E-Suppl. 1) 94:607. Genther, O. N., J. A. Zyskowski, T. H. Herdt, and D. K. Beede. 2011. Effects of abomasal dosing of ferrous lactate in lactating dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. (E-Suppl. 1) 94:126. Genther, O. N., J. A. Zyskowski, T. H. Herdt, and D. K. Beede. 2011. Effects of abomasal dosing of ferrous or ferric sulfate on short-term iron status of lactating dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. (E-Suppl. 1) 94:768. Beede, D. K. 2012. What can we do about water quality? Proc. Tri-State Dairy Nutr. Conf. pp. 17 - 22. Hollmann, M., T. H. Herdt, J. A. Zyskowski, and D. K. Beede. 2012. Hepatic triglyceride concentration and fatty acid profile in early lactation Holstein cows fed saturated medium- or long-chain fatty acids. J. Dairy Sci. (E-Suppl. 1) 95:103. Hollmann, M., M. S. Allen, T. H. Herdt, J. A. Zyskowski, K. M. Lebbin, J. P. Steibel, and D. K. Beede. 2012. Fates of medium-chain fatty acids fed to lactating dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. (E-Suppl. 1) 95:434. Genther, O. N., and D. K. Beede. 2012. Effects of water iron concentration, valence and source on drinking water preference of lactating cows. J. Dairy Sci. (E-Suppl. 1) 95:102. Utsumi, S. A., and D. K. Beede. 2012. Performance of dairy cows managed with automatic milking and three contrasting feeding systems. J. Dairy Sci. (E-Suppl. 1) 95:581. Nieman, C., S. Utsumi, D. K. Beede, and J. Rowntree. 2012. Effects of stocking rate, supplement strategy and breed in a pasture-based automatic milking system. J. Dairy Sci. (E-Suppl. 1) 95:235. DeLand, K. E., M. Hollmann, J. C. Ploetz, W. J. Powers, D. K. Beede, and A. L. Lock. 2012. Potential use of specific milk fatty acids to predict enteric methane emissions from lactating dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. (E-Suppl. 1) 95:433. Beede, D. K. 2012. What can we do about water quality? Proc. Tri-State Dairy Nutr. Conf. pp. 17 - 22. Hollmann, M., T. H. Herdt, J. A. Zyskowski, and D. K. Beede. 2012. Hepatic triglyceride concentration and fatty acid profile in early lactation Holstein cows fed saturated medium- or long-chain fatty acids. J. Dairy Sci. (E-Suppl. 1) 95:103. Hollmann, M., M. S. Allen, T. H. Herdt, J. A. Zyskowski, K. M. Lebbin, J. P. Steibel, and D. K. Beede. 2012. Fates of medium-chain fatty acids fed to lactating dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. (E-Suppl. 1) 95:434. Genther, O. N., and D. K. Beede. 2012. Effects of water iron concentration, valence and source on drinking water preference of lactating cows. J. Dairy Sci. (E-Suppl. 1) 95:102. Utsumi, S. A., and D. K. Beede. 2012. Performance of dairy cows managed with automatic milking and three contrasting feeding systems. J. Dairy Sci. (E-Suppl. 1) 95:581. Nieman, C., S. Utsumi, D. K. Beede, and J. Rowntree. 2012. Effects of stocking rate, supplement strategy and breed in a pasture-based automatic milking system. J. Dairy Sci. (E-Suppl. 1) 95:235. DeLand, K. E., M. Hollmann, J. C. Ploetz, W. J. Powers, D. K. Beede, and A. L. Lock. 2012. Potential use of specific milk fatty acids to predict enteric methane emissions from lactating dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. (E-Suppl. 1) 95:433. Beede, D. K. 2012. What can we do about water quality? Proc. Cornell Nutr. Conf. for Feed Manufacturers. pp 77 - 84. Beede, D. K. 2013. What Can We Do about Water Quality? Proc. Penn. Dairy Cattle Nutr. Workshop. In Press. Shire, J. A., and D. K. Beede. 2013. DCAD Revisited: Prepartum Use to Optimize Health and Lactational Performance. Proc. Southwest Nutrition and Management Conf. pp 1 - 18. Shire, J. A., and D. K. Beede. 2013. Revisiting Prepartum DCAD: Reducing Hypocalcemia in Transition Cows. Proc. Penn. Dairy Cattle Nutr. Workshop. In Press. Shire, J. A., and D. K. Beede. 2013. Influence of DCAD on Lactational Performance: A Review of Some Practical Considerations. Proc. Penn. Dairy Cattle Nutr. Workshop. In Press. Ziegler, D., D. Schimek, B. Ziegler, H. Chester-Jones, M. Raeth-Knight, and G. Golombeski. 2012. Intake and performance of Holstein heifers transitioned to group housing from individual pens using different grain mixes with or without hay the first two weeks after moving. J. Dairy Sci. 95(Suppl. 2):110. Abstract M293. Chester-Jones, H., S. Moreland, D. Ziegler, M. Raeth-Knight, and J. van Eys. 2012. Pre- and postwweaning performance of dairy calves when sodium butyrate is fed in milk replacer and/or calf starter during the summer months. J. Dairy Sci. 95 (Suppl. 2): 113. Abstract M303. Chester-Jones, H., D. Dean. D. Ziegler. K. Halpin, M. Raeth-Knight, and D. Carlson. 2013. Performance and health of Holstein dairy calves fed Peptide Powder 80 or hydrolyzed wheat protein as alternative protein sources in milk replacers. J. Dairy Sci. 96(E-Suppl.1): 251. Abstract W70. Ziegler, D., B. Ziegler, H. Chester-Jones, D. Schimek, and M. Raeth-Knight. 2013. Impact of fiber and monensin in texturized calf starters when fed in the nursery phase on calf health and performance in both the nursery and grower phases. J. Dairy Sci. 96(E-Suppl.1):251. Abstract W72. Mousa, M., A. Seykora, H. Chester-Jones, D. Ziegler, and J. Cole. 2013. Heritability estimates of performance and health traits of Holstein calves. J. Dairy Sci. 96(E-Suppl.1):291. Abstract W194. Kalantari, A., and V. E. Cabrera. 2013. Stochastic economic evaluation of dairy farms' reproductive performance. Journal of Animal Science 91 (E-Suppl. 2):791. Shahinfar, S., A. S. Kalantari, V. E. Cabrera, and K. A. Weigel. 2013. Retention pay-off prediction using machine learning algorithms. Journal of Animal Science 91 (E-Suppl. 2):709. Kalantari, A., and V. E. Cabrera. 2013. Agreement of dairy cattle replacement policies by two models: Optimization and simulation. Journal of Animal Science 91 (E-Suppl. 2):TH380. Hardie, C. A., M. Dutreuil, R. Gildersleeve, M. Wattiaux, N. S. Keuler, and V. E. Cabrera. 2013. Impact of feeding strategies on milk production and profitability on Wisconsin organic dairy farms. Journal of Animal Science 91 (E-Suppl. 2):TH378. Souza, A. H., P. A. Carvalho, R. D. Shaver, M. C. Wiltbank, and V. E. Cabrera. 2013. Epidemiology of synchronization programs for breeding management in US dairy herds. Journal of Animal Science 91 (E-Suppl. 2):W182. Souza, A. H., P. A. Carvalho, R. D. Shaver, M. C. Wiltbank, and V. E. Cabrera. 2013. Impact of timed AI use on reproductive performance and culling rate in Wisconsin dairy herds. Journal of Animal Science 91 (E-Suppl. 2):W303. Cabrera, V. E., P. M. Fricke, P. L. Ruegg, R. D. Shaver, M. C. Wiltbank, K. A. Weigel, and M. Cordoba. 2013. An integrated approach to improve dairy cow fertility. Pp. 48-51 in Proceedings USDA Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Animal Reproduction Project Director Meeting. Montreal, QC. 26 July 2013. Contreras-Govea, F. E., V. E. Cabrera, L. E. Armentano, R. D. Shaver, and P. M. Crump. 2013. Constraints for nutritional grouping in Wisconsin dairy farms. Journal of Animal Science 91 (E-Suppl. 2):TH192. Cordoba, M. C., P. M. Fricke, P. L. Ruegg, R. D. Shaver, K. A. Weigel, and V. E. Cabrera. 2013. An update on the Repro Money Program: A farmer-directed team-based extension program to improve reproductive performance in Wisconsin dairy herds. Journal of Animal Science 91 (E-Suppl. 2):TH198. Hardie, C. A., M. Dutreuil, R. Gildersleeve, and V. E. Cabrera. 2013. A comparison of feeding strategies on Wisconsin organic dairy farms. In Proceedings The Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service Conference. La Crosse, WI. 23 February 2013. Cabrera, V. E. 2012. DairyMGT: A suite of decision support systems in dairy farm management. IN Decision Support Systems. Jao C. (Ed.), INTECH, Rijeka, Croatia. De Vries, A. 2012. Economics of Heat Stress: Implications for Management. DAIReXNET, available on http://www.extension.org/pages/63287/economics-of-heat-stress:-implications-for-management Last Updated: April 03, 2012 Kaniyamattam, K., K. D. Gay, E. J. Diepersloot, D. R. Bray, C. R. Staples, and A. De Vries. 2012. Accuracy of the Afilab real time milk analyzer to predict DHIA fat, DHIA protein, and lactose. J. Anim. Sci. Vol. 90, Suppl. 3/J. Dairy Sci. Vol. 95, Suppl. 2:476 (abstract 533). De Vries, A. 2012. Regression meta-models to predict the value of pregnancy in dairy cows. J. Anim. Sci. Vol. 90, Suppl. 3/J. Dairy Sci. Vol. 95, Suppl. 2:475 (abstract 531). De Vries, A. 2013. Cow longevity economics: The cost benefit of keeping the cow in the herd. Pages 22-52 of Proceedings DeLaval Cow Longevity Conference, Tumba, Sweden, August 28+29 Arriolo, K. G., and A. De Vries. 2013. Pedometer activity predicts probability of pregnancy after timed-artificial insemination. Pages 165-166 in: Proceedings first US Precision Dairy Management Conference, Rochester, MN, June 26-27. De Vries, A., K. D. Gay, L. F. Barbosa, F. Du, K. Kaniyamattam, and E. Maltz. 2013. Prediction of body condition scores of dairy cows from daily measurements of body weights, milk yields, and milk composition. Pages 163-164 in: Proceedings first US Precision Dairy Management Conference, Rochester, MN, June 26-27. De Vries, A., J. B. Cole, and D. T. Galligan. 2013. Regression metamodels of an optimal genomic testing strategy in dairy cattle when selection intensity is low. J. Anim. Sci. Vol. 91, E-Suppl. 2/J. Dairy Sci. Vol. 96, E-Suppl. 1:74 (abstract T207) De Vries, A., K. D. Gay, L. F. Barbosa, F. Du, K. Kaniyamattam, and E. Maltz. 2013. Prediction of body condition scores in dairy cattle from daily measurements of milk yield, milk composition and body weights. J. Anim. Sci. Vol. 91, E-Suppl. 2/J. Dairy Sci. Vol. 96, E-Suppl. 1:599 (abstract TH365) Du, F., K. Gay, M. Sowerby, Y. Newman, C. Staples, C. Lacy, and A. De Vries. 2013. Survey of milk production, and feeding and reproduction management on pasture based dairy farms in Florida and Georgia. J. Anim. Sci. Vol. 91, E-Suppl. 2/J. Dairy Sci. Vol. 96, E-Suppl. 1:599 (abstract TH372) Gobikrushanth, M., A. De Vries, C. A. Risco, J. E. Santos, and K. N. Galvão, 2013. Effect of delaying breeding during the summer on profitability of dairy cows. J. Anim. Sci. Vol. 91, E-Suppl. 2/J. Dairy Sci. Vol. 96, E-Suppl. 1:599 (abstract TH377) Kaniyamattam, K., J. Schneider, and A. De Vries. 2013. Development of a Monte Carlo simulation model to quantify genetic progress from an emerging IVF embryo transfer dairy reproduction system. J. Anim. Sci. Vol. 91, E-Suppl. 2/J. Dairy Sci. Vol. 96, E-Suppl. 1:291 (abstract W193) De Vries, A., and J. Salfer. 2013. Profitability of combined use of sexed semen and genomic testing in dairy heifers. J. Anim. Sci. Vol. 91, E-Suppl. 2/J. Dairy Sci. Vol. 96, E-Suppl. 1:291 (abstract 545) De Vries, A., F. Du, K. Gay, T. Bilby, J. Block, and P. Hansen. 2013. Optimization of breeding decisions for dairy cattle subject to long periods of seasonal heat stress. J. Anim. Sci. Vol. 91, E-Suppl. 2/J. Dairy Sci. Vol. 96, E-Suppl. 1:291 (abstract 605) Dresch, A., P. Silva, H. Hooper, C. Spies, P. Lau, K. Lobeck, K. Machado, M. Endres, and R. Chebel. 2013. Effect of stocking density in the prepartum period on health and productive parameters of Jersey cows. J. Dairy Sci. 96 (Suppl. 1):212. Dresch, A., J. Moraes, P. Silva,H. Hooper, C. Spies, P. Lau, K. Lobeck, K. Machado, M. Ballou, M. Endres, and R. Chebel. 2013. Effect of stocking density in the prepartum period on innate immune parameters and hemogram of dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 96 (Suppl. 1):46. Lobeck, K.M., M. I. Endres, A. R. Dresch, and R. C. Chebel. 2013. Effect of stocking density on lying behavior of dairy cows. 2013. J. Dairy Sci. 96 (Suppl. 1):431. Salfer, J.A., and M. I. Endres. 2013. Association between stall surface and some dairy welfare measurements on farms using automatic milking systems. J. Dairy Sci. 96 (Suppl. 1):469. Salfer, J.A., M. I. Endres, and D. W. Kammel. 2013. Housing and management characteristics of 53 farms using automatic milking systems. J. Dairy Sci. 96 (Suppl. 1):662. Heins, B.J., J.C. Paulson, M.I. Endres, and R.D. Moon. 2013. Effect of organic grain supplementation on production, body weight, body condition score, and profitability of organic dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 96 (Suppl. 1):662. Heins, B.J., J.C. Paulson, M.I. Endres, and R.D. Moon. 2013. Effect of organic grain supplementation on pasture and total mixed ration dry matter intake and fatty acid profiles of organic dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 96 (Suppl. 1):600. Salfer, J.A., M.I. Endres, and D.W. Kammel. 2013. Housing, management and animal welfare characteristics of farms using automatic milking systems. In Proc. Precision Dairy Conference and Expo, pp. 35. Lobeck, K.M., M.I. Endres, A.R. Dresh, and R. Chebel. 2013. Effect of stocking density on lying behavior of dairy cows. In Proc. Precision Dairy Conference and Expo, pp. 159. Endres, M.I., K. Lobeck, P.B. Silva, and R.Chebel. 2013. Association of social rank with health, reproduction, and milk production of dairy cows. Pg 84 in Proc. 47th Congress of ISAE, Florianopolis, Brazil, Wageningen Acad. Publ., The Netherlands. Lobeck, K.M., M.I. Endres, P.R.B. Silva, and R. Chebel. 2012. Effect of prepartum grouping strategy on agonistic behavior of dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 95 (Suppl. 2):219. Lobeck, K.M., M.I. Endres, P.R.B. Silva, and R. Chebel. 2012. Association of social rank during the prepartum period with health, reproduction, and milk production of dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 95 (Suppl. 2):505. Silva, P.R.B., J.G.N. Moraes, L.G.D. Mendonça, A.A. Scanavez, G. Nakagawa, M.I. Endres, M. A. Ballou, and R. C. Chebel. 2012. Effects of prepartum grouping strategy on immune parameters of peripartum dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 95 (Suppl. 2):43. Silva, P.R.B., J.G.N. Moraes, L.G.D. Mendonça, A.A. Scanavez, G. Nakagawa, M.I. Endres, J. Fetrow, and R. C. Chebel. 2012. Effects of prepartum grouping strategy on health, reproductive, and productive parameters of dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 95 (Suppl. 2):330. Silva, P.R.B., J.G.N. Moraes, L.G.D. Mendonça, A.A. Scanavez, G. Nakagawa, M I. Endres, and R.C. Chebel. 2012. Effects of prepartum grouping strategy on body condition score and metabolic parameters of peripartum dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 95 (Suppl. 2):331. Chahine, M., Pozo, O. and M. E. de Haro Marti. 2013. Appropriate Milking Routine (Rutinas apropiadas de ordeño). eXtension fact sheet. http://www.extension.org/pages/Materiales_en_español Acharya, I. P., D J. Schingoethe, and K. F. Kalscheur. 2012. Response of different concentrations and sources of dietary protein on lactating dairy cows. Midwest ADSA/ASAS. J. Dairy Sci. 95 (Suppl. 1):121-122. (Abstr.) Albrecht, J .J., K. F. Kalscheur, A. R. Hippen, and D. J. Schingoethe. 2012. Evaluation of replacing corn and soybean meal in lactating dairy cow diets with field peas (psium sativum) on ruminal pH, ammonia and volatile fatty acid (VFA). Midwest ADSA/ASAS. J. Dairy Sci. 95 (Suppl. 1):90-91. (Abstr.) Ranathunga, S. D., K. F. Kalscheur, A. R. Hippen and D. J. Schingoethe. 2012. (Invited ADSA Young Dairy Scholar) Dried distillers grains with solubles as a non-forage fiber source in lactating dairy cow diets. Midwest ADSA/ASAS. J. Dairy Sci. 95 (Suppl. 1):37. (Abstr.) Acharya, I. P., D. J. Schingoethe, K. F. Kalscheur, and D. P. Casper. 2012. Response to different concentrations and sources of dietary protein on blood urea nitrogen concentrations and plasma amino acid utilization for milk production. J. Dairy Sci. 95 (Suppl. 2):41. (Abstr.) Albrecht, J. J., K. F. Kalscheur, A. R. Hippen, D. J. Schingoethe, and D. P. Casper. 2012. Replacing corn and soybean meal in lactating dairy cow diets with field peas (pisum sativum) on milk production and nitrogen utilization. J. Dairy Sci. 95 (Suppl. 2):202. (Abstr.) Herrick, K. J., A. R. Hippen, K. F. Kalscheur, D. J. Schingoethe, D. P. Casper, S. C. Moreland and J. E. van Eys. 2012. Metabolism of butyrate infused in the rumen or abomasum of lactating dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 95 (Suppl. 2):175. (Abstr.) Ranathunga, S. D., K. F. Kalscheur, and D. P. Casper. 2012. A comparison of methods to analyze physical effective factor and physically effective NDF in TMR and orts. J. Dairy Sci. 95 (Suppl. 2):345. (Abstr.) Ranathunga, S. D., K. F. Kalscheur, and D. P. Casper. 2012. Effect of different forage and dried distillers grains with solubles concentrations on sorting behavior of lactating dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 95 (Suppl. 2):607. (Abstr.) Extension publications Casper, D. P, K. Kalscheur, A. Garcia. 2012. Soybeans as forage for dairy cattle. SDSU Extension. iGrow Publication #: 02-2043-2012. Anderson, J.L., and K.F. Kalscheur. 2013. (Invited ADSA Young Dairy Scholar) Effects of feeding fat from distillers grains on growth, metabolic profile, and long term performance of dairy heifers. J. Dairy Sci. 96 (Suppl. 1):35. (Abstr.) Anderson, J.L., K.F. Kalscheur, J.A. Clapper, G.A. Perry, D.H. Keisler, A.D. Garcia, and D.J. Schingoethe. 2013. Metabolic profile and onset of puberty of growing dairy heifers fed increased dietary fat from dried distillers grains. J. Dairy Sci. 96 (E-Suppl. 1):34. (Abstr.) Anderson, J.L., K.F. Kalscheur, A.D. Garcia, and D.J. Schingoethe. 2013. Long-term performance of growing dairy heifers fed increased dietary fat from dried distillers grains. J. Dairy Sci. 96 (E-Suppl. 1):262. (Abstr.) Herrick, K.J. and K.F. Kalscheur. 2013. (Invited ADSA Young Dairy Scholar) Butyrate supplementation effects on metabolism and production in lactating dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 96 (Suppl. 1):35. (Abstr.) Manthey, A.K., K.F. Kalscheur, A.D. Garcia, and K. Mjoun. 2013. Effect of yeast-derived microbial protein in low and high forage diets on lactation performance of dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 96 (E-Suppl. 1):447. (Abstr.) Ranathunga, S.D., M.M. Abdelqader, and K.F. Kalscheur. 2013. Nutrient digestion by dairy cows fed diets replacing starch with non-forage fiber. Pages 51-63 in Energy and Protein Metabolism and Nutrition in Sustainable Animal Production. EAAP Publication No. 134. J.W. Oltjen, E. Kebreab, and H. Lapierre, eds. Wageningen Academic Publishers, Wageningen, The Netherlands. (Abstr.) Schuler, A.M., K.F. Kalscheur, D.P. Casper, and J.L. Anderson. 2013. Determination of the optimum dietary forage concentration when using canola meal as a primary protein source in lactating dairy cow diets. J. Dairy Sci. 96 (E-Suppl. 1):397. (Abstr.) Schuler, A.M., K.F. Kalscheur, F. Diaz-Royon, S.E. Boucher, and F.R. Valdez. 2013. Production responses to increasing MP lysine supply in lactating Holstein cows. J. Dairy Sci. 96 (E-Suppl. 1):695-696. (Abstr.) Smith, M.L., K.F. Kalscheur, J.L. Anderson, D.P. Casper, and D.L. Prentice. 2013. Rumensin in dairy cows diets containing high and low levels of linoleic acid from corn distillers grains and high and low fractions of physically effective fiber. J. Dairy Sci. 96 (E-Suppl. 1):695. (Abstr.) Dennis, T. S., J. E. Tower, and T. D. Nennich. 2012. Evaluation of feed delivery methods for transitioning prepubertal dairy heifers to higher forage diets. J. Dairy Sci. 95(Suppl. 1):98. Dennis, T. S., J. E. Tower, and T. D. Nennich. 2012. Evaluation of feed delivery methods for prepubertal dairy heifers during the growing period. J. Dairy Sci. 95(E-Suppl. 2):45. Fraley, S. E., M. B. Hall, and T. D. Nennich. 2012. Effect of dietary potassium on water intake and rumen dynamics. J. Dairy Sci. 95(E-Suppl. 2):482-483. Fraley, S. E., J. E. Townsend, and T. D. Nennich. 2012. Effects of sudden additions of condensed distillers solubles to diets of lactating dairy cows on milk production and milk components. J. Dairy Sci. 95(E-Suppl. 2):607. Gay, K. D., N. J. Olynk, T. D. Nennich, A. P. Schinckel, and M. M. Schutz. 2012. Development of a Merit-Based Genetic Selection Index for Dairy Grazing Systems. J. Dairy Sci. 95 (Suppl. 2):234. McCullough, S. A., T. S. Dennis, and T. D. Nennich. 2012. Effect of calf starter form and milk source on growth and intake of dairy calves. J. Dairy Sci. 95(E-Suppl. 2):215. Dennis, T. S., H. Schmitz, A. Mosiman, J. Tower, T. Nennich. 2013. Impact of providing shade on grazing dairy heifer performance. J. Dairy Sci. 96(Suppl. 1):90. Dennis, T. S., J. E. Tower, H. Schmitz, A. Mosiman, and T. D. Nennich. 2013. Impact of increased dietary grain inclusion on growth performance of prepubertal dairy heifers. J. Dairy Sci. 96(E-Suppl. 1):717. McCullough, S. A., T. S. Dennis, S. E. Fraley, B. Houin, and T. D. Nennich*. 2013. Effect of milk feeding frequency and weaning age on growth and intake of dairy calves. J. Dairy Sci. 96(E-Suppl. 1):221. A.R. Ervin, R. Peters, T. McCoy, K.M. Moyes. 2013. A survey on the challenges and opportunities regarding the transition from conventional to automatic milking systems (AMS) in the Northeastern (NE) United States. J. Anim. Sci. Vol. 91, E-Suppl. 2/J. Dairy Sci. Vol. 96, E-Suppl. 1: 179. Peters, R. R., K. M. Wilson, M. R. Bell, R. A. Erdman, S. W. Fultz, J. E. Hall, R. A. Kohn, W. D. Lantz, J. W. Semler, and M. A. Varner. 2007 Maryland dairy producer education needs assessment study. J. Anim. Sci. 85 (Suppl. 1)/ J. Dairy Sci. 90 (Suppl. 1)/ Poult. Sci. 86 (Suppl. 1): 26. Peters, R. R., K. M. Wilson, M. R. Bell, R. A. Erdman, S. W. Fultz, J. E. Hall, R. A. Kohn, W. D. Lantz, J. W. Semler, and M. A. Varner. 2007 Trends in Maryland dairying and future prospects. J. Anim. Sci. 85 (Suppl. 1)/ J. Dairy Sci. 90 (Suppl. 1)/ Poult. Sci. 86 (Suppl. 1): 26. Peters, R. R., S. W. Fultz, J. W. Semler, and R. A. Erdman. 2010. Body growth of pregnant Holstein heifers reared on pasture or conventional diet. J. Anim. Sci. 88 (E-Suppl. 2)/ J. Dairy Sci. 93 (E-Suppl. 2)/ Poult. Sci. 89 (E-Suppl. 1): 414 Fultz, S.W., Erdman R.A, Peters, R.R., and Semler, J.W. 2011. Body growth rates and first lactation milk production of pregnant Holstein heifers reared on pasture or conventional diet. National Association of County Agricultural Agents Annual Meeting and Professional Conference Proceedings, Overland Park, KS. Page 47. Peters, R. R., S. W. Fultz, J. W. Semler, and R. A. Erdman. 2012. Body growth and first lactation milk production of pregnant Holstein heifers reared on pasture or conventional diets. J. Anim. Sci. Vol. 90, E-Suppl. 3/J. Dairy Sci. Vol. 95, E-Suppl. 2: 27. Theses and Dissertations Anderson, J. 2012. Growth, nutrient utilization, metabolic profile and long term performance of dairy heifers fed distillers grains. Ph.D. Disseration. South Dakota State University, Brookings. Smith, M. 2013. Monensin in dairy cow diets containing high and low levels of linoleic acid from corn distillers grains and high and low fractions of physically effective neutral detergent fiber. M.S. Thesis, South Dakota State University, Brookings. Schuler, A. 2013. Amino acid supply and utilization by lactating dairy cows in diets when canola meal is fed as the primary protein source or in diets supplemented with rumen-protected lysine. M.S. Thesis, South Dakota State University, Brookings. Herrick, K. 2012. Sugar and butyrate supplementation effects on metabolism and production in lactating dairy cows. Ph.D. Dissertation, South Dakota State University, Brookings. Albrecht, J. 2012. Replacing corn and soybean meal in lactating dairy cow diets with field peas (Pisum sativum). M.S. Thesis, South Dakota State University, Brookings. 2012-2013

Publications Attachment:

Attachment

Impact Statements

Implementation of altered and proper feeding practices for dried corn distillers grains based on diet fermentability can be done immediately and continuously. The magnitude of benefit and impact will be depend upon the corn distillers grains supply and price nationally. Research demonstrated that biofuel co-products could be included in dairy cow diets up to 30% of the diet depending on formulation. However, diets containing biofuel co-products may result in lower milk fat percentage and yield.
Coconut oil reduced methane emissions markedly (39%). However, in the life cycle context, more cows and replacements would be needed in the national dairy herd to maintain the same milk production level because feed intake and milk yield were reduced per cow; thus, off-setting much of the benefit of reduced enteric methane emissions.
Water is a critical nutrient for dairy cows. Drinking water of lactating cows with 4 ppm or greater iron reduced preference for and consumption of water. It is not known if drinking water with iron concentrations between 1 and 4 ppm would be detrimental, as these concentrations were tested. Increasing dietary K in the diets of lactating dairy cows increased water consumption, and milk production was increased when moderate amounts of K were fed. Even though water consumption increased, the total water weight in the rumen decreased.
Technology research provides new insight into the utility of new technologies for monitoring cows. Decision support tools will help dairy farmers understand decision economics and make more informed decisions toward improved profitability.
The compost bedded pack barn work has resulted in an increased understanding of the compost bedded pack barn and associated best management practices.
The results of survey work focused on milk quality can provide valuable information for extension professionals to utilize in efforts to increase milk production in Kentucky by demonstrating actual practices employed by top dairy producers.
We conclude that feeding BMR corn silage increases production and also may have a positive effect on nitrogen excretion into the environment.
More than 30,000 dairy farm decision-makers or advisers have been exposed and used decision support tools that could attain improved economic decision-making and dairy farm management.
The impacts from the NC 1042 work performed by Florida with collaborating states in the area of software development and analyses are primarily in educating dairy producers and other stakeholders regarding economic decision making with respect to reproduction and replacement on dairy farm. These effects are difficult to quantify, but indirect measures are the use of tools, speaking invitations, and one-on-one consulting
Based on personal interviews with dairy producers in Idaho, we have seen a significant improvement in the usage of adequate amount of colostrum on calf ranches and dairies. In addition we have seen a significant improvement in dairy workers knowledge as measured by pre-post tests. This will result in an improvement in dairy calves health and overall dairy profitability.
Research allowed producers to reduce feed costs while maintaining milk production. Diets high in biofuel co-products have been successfully included in dairy heifer diets without affecting growth and health. Adoption of biofuel co-products by dairy producers into dairy diets has been high, resulting from research demonstrating its feeding value.
Alternative protein sources including canola meal, field peas, and microbial protein has been shown to successfully replace soybean meal in dairy cow diets while maintaining or increasing milk production and milk composition.
Feeding heifers dry hay as compared to baleage improved average daily gain. Co-grazing dairy heifers and meat goats helped reduce the presence of weeds in pastures without negatively affecting gains of the heifers. A third study found that component feeding using a hay feeder increased average daily gain; however, the manner of feed delivery did not affect feed efficiency or growth in prepubertal dairy heifers. In another study, results demonstrated that feeding heifers 80% grain increased growth, but intake and growth rate slowed when they transitioned to a higher forage diet.
The efficacy of storing WDGS with corn or hay crop silage before ensiling provides an opportunity for small or medium-sized dairy farms to utilize WDGS in their feeding and feed cost control strategies. Large farms are able to better utilize WDGS because they can feed the product quickly and before spoilage may occur. Farms unable to utilize an entire load of WDGS quickly will benefit from alternative storage opportunities without negative consequences on dairy cattle performance.
A Grazing Merit index (GM$) parallel to the US NM$ index was constructed using costs, revenues, and management characteristics representative of grazing systems. Inputs were obtained from surveys, literature, and financial record summaries. It appears that NM$ may provide guidance for grazersrs, however a GM$ index based upon appropriate costs and revenues, is more beneficial.
Improved understanding of the nutrient composition of corn based co-products with focus on nitrogen utilization. Studies manipulating the level on inclusion of DDGS and other ingredients will help dairy nutritionists formulate rations that do not result in excessive excretion of nutrition by the cow and output into the environment.
We have established that rations may be balanced to contain co-products and to effectively replace common feeds and more expensive feeds such as forages, corn and soy-based protein and maintain normal milk production and composition. This research has changed how many producers and nutritionists view co-products. In the past many believed that because co-products are low lysine content or high fiber and fat, feeding high levels would be detrimental. We estimate that at these levels dairy producers may save as much as $ 0.06 - $ 0.09 per cow per day in feeding costs.
Similar growth and first lactation milk production can be achieved using pasture as the primary source of nutrition as compared to conventional diet and rearing in confined facilities. Pregnant heifers on pasture had similar average dairy gain, body condition score and skeletal growth rates as measured by whither height and hip height, as conventionally fed heifers. Neither somatic cell counts nor projected milk, fat, or protein yields were different between pasture and conventionally fed heifers.
Technical and environmental efficiency benchmarking for dairy farmers, which can be used as a tool for regulators who seek to direct policy.
Increased implementation of NMPs by the dairy sector in CT and regionally (New England).

Date of Annual Report: 12/19/2008

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 10/16/2008 - 10/18/2008
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2007 - 09/01/2008

Participants

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

The following stations sent a report, but were not represented: LA, OH
Stations not represented: IA, KY and NM.

Brief Summary of Minutes

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Call to order and introductions: Chair David Beede called the meeting to order at 1:15 p.m. He asked attendees to introduce themselves and reviewed the agenda. Agenda is attached to meeting minutes. Mike Schutz and Tamilee Nennich, local hosts, welcomed the group to Indiana and explained plans for dinner and the farm tour on Saturday.

Washington update: Charlotte Kirk-Baer; USDA/CREES advisor for NC-1042 addressed several topics regarding the reorganization of USDA and impacts of the new Farm Bill. The budget for CSREES will continue until March 2009. Changes in farm bill specify reorganization within USDA to create a Research Education and Extension office with an Undersecretary of Agriculture (6 divisions). The Under secretary of REE will be a USDA chief scientist. A National Institute of Food and Agriculture will replace CSREES by Oct 2009. It will establish an Agricultural and Food Research Initiative that combines NRI and Initiative for future agriculture and food systems. Secretary must prepare a roadmap for agricultural research, extension and education. NIFA will have new funding for specialty crops, organic, and beginning farmer and rancher programs (for extension). Funding will be 60% fundamental: 40% applied research and multi-institutional grants will be important. Integrated grant proposals will look closely at extension role in terms of involvement and budgeting. Strong extension components will get extra emphasis.

David Beede added at the end of the Washington update that MSU has done a dairy survey that gave producer information relevant to this discussion (http://www.mdr.msu.edu).

Administrative advisor report: Dave Benfield: Stakeholder input is very important. The new NRI will have more flexible programs more emphasis on integrated and applied projects. There will still be 406 programs with earmarks for states. Difference now is that those programs will become competitive. Could change some state programs. Adding a leverage section for annual reports will help show impact. Papers that are collaborative between stations needed to be highlighted. Cross disciple funding is very important.

2009 Oversea Meeting Plans Lisa Holden reported for the planning committee on their finding for an overseas meeting in 2009 or 2010. The on-line member survey had 18 total responses with 11 negative 7 positive; of the positive Netherlands, France, Spain, Italy, and UK were listed as locations of interest. Several options were considered in terms of cost and it was determined that a minimum of $2000+ per person would be needed. Some trips were over $3000 per person. The consensus was to not try an overseas trip in 2009, but maybe 2010.

Station reports: Dave Beede asked members to present their state project reports with a limit of 10 minutes per station. States were asked to report in the same order as the project objectives. Stations reporting on Thursday afternoon were: Objective 1: MN, NH, Purdue, PA, Objective 2: PA, MD, Purdue, NH, SD.

The group had an excellent dinner at the Lafayette Brewing Company.

Friday, October 17, 2008

Welcome by: Marshall Martin, Asst. to Director of Agricultural Research programs, Purdue University.

Station reports: Objective 2: NE, MI, CA, FL,
Objective 3: PA, VA, FL, GA, UT, WI.

12:20 p.m.: Invited speaker Dr. Susan Eicher with USDA Livestock Behavior Research unit (Purdue) reported on the different research projects being conducted at their facility and possible areas of collaboration.

1:15 a.m.: Members were asked about plans for future work. Areas listed were: energy use by a dairy conventional vs organic; heifer raising benchmarking; coproducts environmental twist; new and beginning farmer plus small and medium farms; nutrition vs greenhouse gases (cuts across areas but more on the manure side); distillers grains and methane production; imaging to determine body condition of cows, heifers/deaths/size; sustainability of a dairy; and lameness/environment/cow comfort.

1:30 p.m. The committee was divided into two groups with the charge to come up with a concept for future work/grants to come from NC-1042. The general concept developed by each group is given below.

Group 1

Title: Strategies for Sustaining Multi-generational Family Farms: Developing Internal Herd Growth.

Hypothesis: Sustainability of the family farm depends on the ability to growth herd numbers in order to incorporate the next generation into the business.

Objectives: To develop decision systems to support viability of multi-generation family farms through nutrition and management decisions that enhance internal herd growth such as: a. utilize heifer database data to predict herd performance; b. projection of cow numbers (culling rates, use of sexed semen, heifer); c. profitability indicators for growth and production (from birth of calves through calving); d. common tools to be presented in multiple states through extension education; and e. need to incorporate expertise in family decision making (maybe someone from NE 177).

Group 2:

Title: Long-term Sustainability of Dairy Farm Systems in the United States

Objectives: 1) assess management strategies that concurrently optimize resource use efficiency and environmental quality, and 2) encourage adoption of multifunctional management strategies to promote long-term dairy farm sustainability in the U.S.

Research Objectives: 1) Identify, understand, quantify, and characterize dairy farm systems and their interrelated ecosystem services and community interactions; 2) Define, conceptualize, and represent dairy farm agroecosystems into innovative empirical predictive computer models that include farm biophysical production systems, environmental impacts, ecological services, and social and economic indicators; 3) Collect, analyze, and parameterize field observations to calibrate and validate models. 4) Integrate stochastic analysis and portfolio theory to develop agroecosystem indicators to assess dairy farm long-term sustainability.

Extension Objectives: 1) Encourage, engage, and involve key stakeholders to participate in project inception, development, and implementation through a participatory systems model approach; 2) Promote extensive dissemination of multifunctional management strategies through eXtension, and Cooperative Extension channels; 3) Promote innovative incentive programs to dairy farm managers adopt multifunctional management strategies; and 4) Prepare six one-day workshops in each one of the involved locations to (i) educate dairy producers and other pertinent stakeholders on multifunctional management strategies of dairy agroecosystems sustainability and to (ii) evaluate project effectiveness by assessing changes in knowledge, attitude, management, and adoption practices; document success histories; and propose continuation of work. The focus will be on long-term effect.

Business Meeting

David Beede called the Business meeting to order at 3:30 p.m. Minutes of the 2007 NC-1119 meeting were approved as written. He made a few comments relative to the ending of NC1119 and its final report. Due to limited space, the final report had to be pared down considerably. If anyone wants to read the report they can go to the NIMSS site. A vote of thanks was given to Dave for his efforts in putting together the final report.

Location and date for 2009 meeting: As stated earlier, Lisa Holden reported for the planning committee on options and costs to have the 2009 meeting in Europe. Based on the survey taken of the members, the 2009 will not be held in Europe, but will try for 2010. After discussion on alternate sites, a motion to go to British Columbia for the 2009 meeting was put forward. The motion was approved. Paul Kononoff will make the initial contacts and Steve Berry, and Allen Young will help make any additional arrangements for the meeting. The tentative date was set for ~Oct. 15, 16, 17, 2009. It was suggested to maybe start on Thursday morning to allow more free time to sight-see.

Website and Historian report: Mike McGilliard reported that the historian report needs to be updated and will be done soon. He also reported that the NC1042 website has been updated by adding links to spreadsheets developed by VA and PA members. He also stated that if anyone has other links they want put on this site, let him know.

Publications and symposia report Hugh Chester-Jones reported that this group has been involved with symposiums at the Midwest Dairy Sectional meeting. He also suggested that there may be a possibility to write a journal article on some topic for the meeting (possibly a literature review). He suggested that the group develop a symposium for the Midwest meeting of March 2010 with the idea ready by August 15, 2009. The Long-term Sustainability of Dairy Ecosystems group will go first and the other group will go the next year.

Election of Secretary for 2008-09 Ken Kalscheur moved to nominate Paul Kononoff as secretary for 2008-2009. Motion approved. Committee confirmed that Allen Young is the new chair for the 2009 meeting.

Other business: It was moved to thank both Mike Schutz and Tamilee Nennich for hosting an excellent meeting. In addition a motion was made to thank David Beede for chairing this years NC-1042 meeting. Both motions were seconded and approved enthusiastically.

Meeting was adjourned by 4:30 p.m.

The group had an excellent meal at Brunos in West Lafayette.

October 18, 2008 (Saturday): Farm Tours

7:00 a.m.: Depart for tour.

The group visited the Purdue Dairy, Forgey and Foergs Riverview Dairy (pasture-based), Sam and Pam Jones Robotic Dairy, and Fair Oaks Dairy. All dairies were very interesting, making for an enjoyable tour.

Returned to Lafayette at around 4:00 p.m. EDT.

Accomplishments

Objective 1: To analyze management and nutrition strategies for replacement heifers as they pertain to production and profitability (heifers) A series of projects on feeding calves were conducted by MN. A limited feeding study with young heifers did not improve feed efficiency, but offered acceptable growth and body weight gain. Another study to reduce milk replacer (MR) feeding rate and/or the number of MR feedings resulted in similar performance and health compared to the control calves. Calves fed MR supplemented with animal plasma and nutritional additives APL showed similar performance and health to calves fed all milk protein milk replacers. Another study looked at including a rumen fermentation enhancer in the grain mix did not improve heifer performance. Another looked at the form of corn in the calf starter (CS) or milk feeding schedule. Once a-day milk feeding did not change CS intake as was anticipated. Also delaying socialization for 14 d resulted in similar growth as compared to calves grouped housed for 112 d. Finally, feeding a MR containing organic trace minerals with or without organic Se did not affect pre- and immediate post weaning calf performance and health compared to calves fed MR with inorganic trace minerals. Researchers from VA and PA have developed a computer spreadsheet for dairy farm managers to determine cost-effective methods of feeding milk diets to calves during their first two months of life. The spreadsheet takes individualized farm costs and produces comparison charts. Sensitivity of the recommendations can be tested for rapidly rising or declining energy and feed costs. The decision is influenced significantly by herd size, with large herds more capable of spreading pasteurizer investment costs over more calves. Small family farms, for instance could save $5,000 per year pasteurizing waste milk for half their calves, whereas farms ten times as large could save 20 times that amount. Studies were conducted at NH on addition of sodium bicarbonate to colostrum replacer fed to calves of dams fed anionic salts. Data is currently being analyzed. A study was conducted in LA to determine effects of differing fat and protein levels in commercial milk replacers on the growth performance and rumen development of neonatal Holstein calves. These data indicate that increasing the dietary protein content of milk replacer without reducing fat content improved growth in young dairy calves without compromising health or rumen development. Another study was conducted to determine the effects of probiotics and yeast culture on rumen development and growth of neonatal Holstein dairy calves. Calves consuming feed containing P had an increase in acetate, with females showing a greater increase over males. Incorporating YC into starter may result in an increase in growth. However, this effect did not continue after weaning. Rumen development remains unaffected by the addition of YC and P to grain diets. Work was continued at IN on the physiological impact of stress on dairy calves. Cortisol levels and other indicators of stress were evaluated in calves undergoing stress brought on by alternating isolation and mixing into novel groups on subsequent days for 10 days. Molasses intake, as a putative indicator of stress, was measured along with fecal samples for culturing of gut microflora and jugular blood samples to assess presence of stress hormones. Laboratory analysis and statistical association of stress with the various indicators continues. Other projects such as evaluating bedding substrates for calves in hutches in Midwest summer conditions and diets Dry Distillers Grains with Solubles (DDGS), and two diets with different inclusion rates of de-oiled DDGS are on-going. Several studies were conducted in PA that pasteurization reduced the bacteria counts of waste milk. However, 2 farms did not reduce the bacterial population in approximately 50% of the samples, suggesting that incomplete pasteurization may be a common problem and monitoring pasteurizer performance is an important step in assuring the quality of waste milk after pasteurization. Other studies found that differences in N utilization between high concentrate (HC) and high forage (HF) diets were small and not evident until nitrogen intake increased to impractical levels. Also, feeding different ratios of forage to concentrate did not change total viable bacteria population. Objective 2: To optimize lactating and dry cow decision-making as it relates to animal health, nutrient utilization, milk production, reproduction, and profitability (cows) A computer program that calculates projected cash flows for individual dairy cows and optimizes breeding and replacement decisions was developed at FL. The program idea fits within the idea of precision agriculture, where management is fine-tuned based on individual cow performance. The program is also used to evaluate the profitability of crossbred vs. purebred cows. Other NC-1042 related projects focus on analysis of culling in DHIA records and economics of pregnancy diagnosis and sexed semen. Research on the effects of feed sorting on chewing behavior, production, and rumen fermentation in lactating dairy cows was conducted in PA. Despite drastic differences in particle size between diets, there were no changes in chewing behavior, production, and rumen fermentation found in this study. Several experiments were conducted in IN to determine the effectiveness of co-ensiling wet distillers grains with solubles (WDGS). When haycrop forage was direct cut, ensiled and mixed with WDGS at feeding, the cows ate less feed and produced significantly less milk than when the same silage was co-ensiled with WDGS. In addition, several studies have been undertaken to evaluate automatic recording of reticular temperatures of dairy cows. Care must be taken to ensure cows have not consumed large amounts of water before recording of reticular temperatures. The use of image identification for the assessment of body condition is being conducted. Also, an automated activity monitoring sensor was utilized in a study to examine various management factors affecting lying behavior of confined Holstein-Friesian dairy cows. Production level, time from most recent calving, day, and week were significant predictors of lying time, day, and week impacted the number of lying bouts. Ohio research looked at 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. Their 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. Researchers in CA studied lameness in dairy cows. Monthly lesion specific incidence reports of participating dairies are given to the dairy producer and claw trimmer. These are used to monitor claw health and make management decisions regarding preventative programs. A database is currently being analyzed for incidence rates and type of problem. Several experiments were conducted by NE looking at effects of feeding distillers grains. They found that rations can be balanced for dairy cattle to include up to 25% DM WDGS and increase milk production and protein, maintain nutrient digestibility, and reduce nitrogen excretion. Also, inclusion of HPDDG at 20 % DM may increase milk production and efficiency without negatively affecting component concentration. Analytic methods for evaluating corn (co)products were developed as well as a measurement of to quantify the production of ruminal bacteria; which may enable us to measure the ruminally undegradable protein. Work in MD has focused on building a system to continuously monitor body temperature (BT) within the vagina of postpartum cows. With correction factors, efficiency for detecting fever increased to 65%. Two research areas were reported by MI. In the first, inclusion of distillers grains reduces unadjusted and fat-corrected milk yield but not milk fat percentage in more fermentable diets. Positive response of FCM to DG inclusion is greatest when overall diet fermentability is limited. In contrast, in more fermentable diets inclusion of DG reduced milk yield. In the second, feeding coconut oil at 5% of the dry matter in a high starch diet to lactating dairy cows had dramatic negative effects on feed intake and milk yield, reducing intake by 39% by 3 days after introducing coconut oil in the basal diet. We conclude that the 5% feeding rate is too much for practical feeding. Wisconsin reported developing several different decision tools. The first was a "prototype" decision support system to assess the income over feed cost and the optimal utilization of corn grain for entire lactations diets. Preliminary results support largely the opportunity to decrease corn grain in the diet and increase the use of forage and grazing practices to improve net income over feed costs under multiple farm and current market situations. The next was a tool to compare lactation curves to Wisconsin benchmark lactation curves according to defined herd rolling herd average (RHA) and parity. The last is a decision tree tool to evaluate the economics of early post-partum mastitis test and treatment. This is still in the developmental stage. Minnesota is conducting research on the comparison of cross-ventilated freestall barns and compost bedded pack barns with naturally ventilated freestall barns. Incidence of lameness and alternative bedding materials are being considered. Data is being collected. South Dakota also reported work with de-oiled dried distillers grains with solubles. They found that the efficiency of N utilization for milk protein synthesis was not affected by including dDGS up to 30%. Also non-forage fiber from DG can partially substitute for starch from corn in dairy cow diets without affecting milk production and milk composition. Researchers in New Hampshire evaluated in vitro methods to estimate digestibility of amino acids in the RUP fraction of blood meal and found that the guanidination method does not appear to be adequate to predict intestinal digestibility of Lys or RUP-Lys in BM samples. They also found that by treating wet brewers grain with a silage inoculant could increase shelf life increasing the opportunity for smaller dairy producers to feed a product that otherwise would be difficult due to spoilage. Objective 3: To evaluate system components and integration of information into decision-support tools and whole farm analyses to improve efficiency, control variation, and enhance profitability, and environmental sustainability (whole farm) Several studies from WI were reported. A whole farm simulation model for dairy farm expansion is in the process of being developed as well as a tool to evaluate (i) the convenience of Livestock Gross Margin insurance product over traditional milk puts and feed calls and (ii) the opportunity of using seasonal climate predictions to better hedge. Work has also begun on studies to measure the impact of six major dairy herd diseases to the income over feed costs (IOFC). In addition, energy and environmental impact will be used to create a model to quantify the energy intensity and environmental impacts of integrating bio-fuels production systems, new technologies and management practices on the energy, green-house-gas (GHG) and nutrient balance of individual farms. The Dairy Business Analysis Project (DBAP) has been continued with FL and GA where complete financial and production data are maintained for participating dairies and available for analysis. 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. DBAP data is also used in reports that describe the financial feasibility of environmental regulations proposed by the Florida Legislature. Researchers from IN have developed a stochastic simulation model to assess the potential economic benefits associated with investments in precision dairy farming technologies, such as temperature monitoring or automatic body condition score (BCS). Preliminary results revealed that estrus detection and change in estrus detection rates are far and away the most important determinants of the decision to invest in an automatic temperature monitoring system and those assumptions about the desired changes in managing BCS are crucial to long term benefits of investing in an automatic BCS system. The efficacy of storing WDGS with corn or hay crop silage before ensiling provides an opportunity for small or medium-sized dairy farms to utilize WDGS in their feeding and feed cost control strategies. Large farms are able to better utilize WDGS because they can feed the product quickly and before spoilage may occur. Farms unable to utilize an entire load of WDGS quickly will benefit from alternative storage opportunities without negative consequences on dairy cattle performance. Work at UT collected production and continuous environmental data from commercial dairies. A high correlation in temperature was found between sites. However, average humidity percent may be more variable than temperature and can alter several measures under the summer conditions. Also breed effects need to be considered as evidences by the differences between variables for Jersey and Holstein herds.

Publications

California S. L. Berry, J. M. Pinos-Rodriquez, P. H. Robinson, and C. B. Tucker. Lesion Specific Lameness Incidence on Three California Dairies During 2007. Charlotte, NC:American Association of Bovine Practitioners. 41:52, 2008. Florida De Vries, A., and J. B. Cole. Profitable Dairy Cow Traits for Hot Climatic Conditions. Chapter in EAAP book 126. Wageningen Academic Publishers, Wageningen, The Netherlands, in press. De Vries, A., and S. Feleke. Prediction of future uniform milk prices in Florida Federal Milk Marketing Order 6 from milk futures markets. J. Dairy Sci., in press. Bell, A. O.A. Rodríguez , L.A. de Castro e Paula, M.B. Padua, J. Hernández-Cerón, C.G. Gutiérrez, A. De Vries, and P.J. Hansen. 2008. Pregnancy success of lactating Holstein cows after a single administration of a sustained-release formulation of recombinant bovine somatotropin. BMC Veterinary Research 4:22 (26 Jun 2008) De Vries, A., M. Overton, J. Fetrow, K. Leslie, S. Eicker, and G. Rogers. 2008. Exploring the impact of sexed semen on the structure of the dairy industry. J. Dairy Sci. 91:847856. De Vries, A. 2007. Economics of the voluntary waiting period and value of a pregnancy. Pages 1-9 in: Proceedings of the Dairy Cattle Reproduction Conference, November 2-3, Denver, CO. (sponsored by Dairy Cattle Reproduction Council). De Vries, A., R. Giesy, L. Ely, M. Sowerby, B. Broaddus, and C. Vann. 2008. Dairy Business Analysis Project: 2006 financial summary. EDIS Document AN196. De Vries, A. 2008. What is improved dairy cattle reproductive performance worth? Pages 145-154 in: Proceedings 13th International Congress of ANEMBE (Spanish National Association of Specialists in Bovine Veterinary Medicine). Salamanca, Spain, May 9-10. De Vries, A. 2008. Optimal culling and breeding decisions for individual dairy cows. Pages 165-176 in: Proceedings 13th International Congress of ANEMBE (Spanish National Association of Specialists in Bovine Veterinary Medicine). Salamanca, Spain, May 9-10. De Vries, A. 2008. Survival rates and risk factors for culling in dairy herds. Pages 255-266 in: Proceedings 13th International Congress of ANEMBE (Spanish National Association of Specialists in Bovine Veterinary Medicine). Salamanca, Spain, May 9-10. Lima, F., A. De Vries, M.J. Thatcher, C. A. Risco, and W. W. Thatcher. 2008. Direct comparison of natural service vs. timed AI: reproductive efficiency and economics. Pages 54-65 in: Proceedings 45th Annual Florida Dairy Production Conference. Gainesville, FL, April 29. De Vries, A. 2008. Sexed semen economics. Pages 67-82 in: Proceedings 45th Annual Florida Dairy Production Conference. Gainesville, FL, April 29. De Vries, A. 2008. Value of pregnancy and economics of breeding decisions in dairy cattle. Pages 121-135 in: Proceedings of the 10th Intermountain Nutrition Conference, Salt Lake City, UT, January 29-30. De Vries, A. 2008. Optimization of insemination decisions and value of pregnancy in dairy cattle. Abstract book of the 59th Annual Meeting of the European Association for Animal Production. Vilnius, Lithuania, August 24-27. Page 241. De Vries, A. and J. Olson. 2008. Survival curves and reproductive risk factors for culling in dairy herds. of Animal Science 86 (E-Suppl. 2) / Journal of Dairy Science 91 (E-Suppl. 1):256. Sanders, A. H. and A. De Vries. 2008. Comparison of pregnancy diagnosis strategies by stochastic simulation. Journal of Animal Science 86 (E-Suppl. 2) / Journal of Dairy Science 91 (E-Suppl. 1):257. De Vries, A. 2008. Improved accuracy of computer programs that optimize breeding and replacement decisions for dairy cattle. Journal of Animal Science 86 (E-Suppl. 2) / Journal of Dairy Science 91 (E-Suppl. 1):105. Ely, L. O., A. De Vries, R. Giesy, M. Sowerby, B. Broaddus, and C. Vann. 2008. Financial performance of dairies in Florida and Georgia in 2006. Journal of Animal Science 86 (E-Suppl. 2) / Journal of Dairy Science 91 (E-Suppl. 1):23. Georgia Giesy, R., L. Ely, B. Broaddus, C. Vann, A. Bell and A. deVries. 2007. Dairy Business Analysis Project: 2005 financial Summary. University of Florida, IFAS Extension, AN179. Giesy, R., L. Ely, B. Broaddus, C. Vann, A. Bell and A. deVries. 2007. Dairy Business Analysis Project: 2005 Summary for Florida and Georgia Dairies. University of Georgia Cooperative Extension. Bulletin B-1205-2. DeVries, A., R. Giesy, L. Ely, M. Sowerby, B. Broaddus and C. Vann. 2008. 2006 Financial Summary of the Georgia Florida Dairy Busines Analysis Project. Georgia Dairyfax, Jan, Feb, Mar 2008. Ely, L., R. Giesy and A. deVries. 2007. Milk Prices and Expenses: An 11 Year Summary. Southeast Georgia Regional Dairy meeting, Dec 2007. Ely, L., A. deVries, R. Giesy, M. Sowerby, B. Broaddus and C. Vann. 2008. Financial Performance of Dairies in Florida and Georgia in 2006. Indiana Eicher, S.D., M Schutz, F Kearney, S Willard, S Bowers, S Gandy and K Graves. 2007. Prepartum milking effects on parlour behaviour, endocrine and immune responses in Holstein heifers. Journal of Dairy Research. 74:418-425. Kalbasi, A., M. Schutz, and W. Auvermann. 2008. Carcass Rendering Systems for Farm Mortalities: A Review. Journal of Environmental Engineering and Science. 7:199-211. Wilcox, C.S., M.M. Schutz, D.C. Lay, S.S. Donkin, and S.D. Eicher. 2008. Short Communication: Effect of Temporary Glycosuria on Molasses Consumption in Holstein Calves. Journal of Dairy Science 91: 3607-3610. Bewley, J.M., A.M. Peacock, O. Lewis, R.E. Boyce, D.J. Roberts, M.P. Coffey, S.J. Kenyon, and M.M. Schutz, 2008. Potential for Estimation of Body Condition Scores in Dairy Cattle from Digital Images Journal of Dairy Science 91: 3439-3453. Bewley, J.M., M.W. Grott, M.E. Einstein, and M.M. Schutz. 2008. The impact of intake water temperatures on reticular temperatures of lactating dairy cows. Journal of Dairy Science 91: 3880-3887. Bewley, J.M., and M.M. Schutz. 2008. An Interdisciplinary Review of the Role of Body Condition Scoring in Dairy Cattle Management. Professional Animal Scientist (In Press). Bewley, J.M., M.E. Einstein, M.W. Grott, and M.M. Schutz. 2008. Comparison of reticular and rectal core-body temperatures in lactating dairy cows. Journal of Dairy Science (In Press). Bewley, J.M., M. D. Boehlje, A.W. Gray, H. Hogeveen, S.D. Eicher, and M.M. Schutz. 2008. Assessing the potential value of automated body condition scoring using stochastic simulation. J. Dairy Sci. (Suppl. 1) (Abstr.) Bewley, J.M., M. D. Boehlje, A.W. Gray, H. Hogeveen, S.D. Eicher, and M.M. Schutz. 2008. A stochastic simulation model for assessment of investments in Precision Dairy Farming technologies: model enhancements and utility demonstration. J. Dairy Sci. (Suppl. 1) (Abstr.) Bewley, J.M., M.E. Einstein, M.W. Grott, M.M. Schutz. 2008. Description of factors influencing reticular temperatures in lactating dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. (Suppl. 1) (Abstr.) Wilcox, C. S., M. M. Schutz, S. S. Donkin, and S. D. Eicher. 2008. Temporary glycosuria alters molasses consumption in Holstein calves. J. Dairy Sci. (Suppl. 1) (Abstr.) O'Driscoll. K., M. M. Schutz, and S. D. Eicher. 2008. Effect of rubber flooring on cow locomotion and immunological activity. J. Dairy Sci. (Suppl. 1) (Abstr.) O'Driscoll. K., M. M. Schutz, and S. D. Eicher. 2008. Effect of rubber flooring on cow locomotion and gene expression. J. Dairy Sci. (Suppl. 1) (Abstr.) Eicher,S. D., M. M. Schutz, J. R. Townsend, K. J. Daniels, and S. S. Donkin. 2008. Analysis of locomotion scores with altered periparturient management. J. Dairy Sci. (Suppl. 1) (Abstr.) Schmelz, N.S., S. Lake, R.P. Lemenager, D. Buckmaster, M.M. Schutz, and S.S. Donkin. 2008. Feeding Value of Wet Distillers Grains for Lactating Dairy Cows When Co-ensiled with Corn Silage or Haycrop Silage. Proceedings of Purdue University Forage Day. Louisiana Bridges, A.J., C.C. Williams, C.F. Hutchison, J.M. Laborde, A.N. Howard, and C. Leonardi. 2008. Effect of Milk Replacer Composition on Growth and Rumen Development of Neonatal Holstein Calves. J. Dairy Sci. 91 (Suppl. 1): 123. Maryland Peters, R. R., B. Erez, L. A. Bornt, F. Siewerdt, and M. E. Iager. 2008. Monitoring body temperature of postpartum dairy cows using an intravaginal device. J. Anim. Sci. 86, E-Suppl. 2/J. Dairy Sci. 91, E-Suppl. 1: 2. Michigan Hollmann, M., D. K. Beede, M. S. Allen. 2007. Increased diet fermentability reduces production response to corn distillers grains in lactating cows: A statistical analysis. J. Dairy Sci. 90(Suppl. 1): 452. VandeHaar, M. J., H. F. Bucholtz, D. K. Beede, M. S. Allen, and R. D. Kriegel. 2007. Spartan dairy ration evaluator/balancer version 3: A user-friendly, windows-based software program for dairy nutrition management. J. Dairy Sci. 90(Suppl. 1):604. Beede, D. K. 2007. Dietary cation-anion difference for dairy rations. Proc. Prince Summit 2007, 27th Annual Animal Nutrition Conf., CD medium. Hollmann, M. and D. K. Beede. 2008. Dietary coconut oil and animal fat blend decrease lactational performance of Holstein cows fed a high starch diet. J. Dairy Sci. 91 (E-Suppl 1):331; J. Anim. Sci. 86: (E-Suppl 2):331. Hollmann, M., D. K. Beede, and M. S. Allen. 2008. Inclusion of corn distillers grains reduces unadjusted and fat-corrected milk yields but not milk fat concentration in more fermentable diets: A statistical analysis. Submitted to be presented at Tri-State Nutrition Conf., Ft. Wayne, IN, April 22nd, 2008. Beede, D. K., M. Hollmann, and H. F. Bucholtz. 2007. Tips for feeding corn distillers grains to dairy cattle, Michigan Dairy Review, 12: 10-11. Rozeboom, D. W., B. Stunadjusted, H. Li, and D. K. Beede. 2007. Antibiotics in the environment and antibiotic resistance. Michigan State University Extension Bulletin for Animal Agriculture and the Environment Forum (March, 2007). www.msue.msu.edu/.../download.cffm.revision_id.377728/workplace_id.27335/Tech%20Bulletin%20Antibiotics.pdf/; also found at: www.thecattlesite.com; www.thepigsite.com; and, in MSU Pork Quarterly. Minnesota Raeth-Knight, M , H. Chester-Jones, S. Hayes, J. Linn, R. Larson, D. Ziegler, B. Ziegler, and N. Broadwater. 2008. Impact of Conventional or Intensive Milk Replacer Programs on Holstein Heifer Performance through Six Months of Age and During First Lactation. J. Dairy Sci. 91 (accepted). Johnson, D.G., C. Jergenson and H. Chester-Jones. 2008. Group feeding dairy calves. J. Dairy Sci. 91: (Suppl. 1):464. Abstract TH187. Raeth-Knight, M. B. Ziegler, R. Larson, S. Hayes, D. Ziegler, H. Chester-Jones, G.Golombeski, and J. Linn. 2008. Impact of an acidifier in milk replacer or calf starteron Holstein heifer performance and health. J. Dairy Sci. 91: (Suppl. 1):464. Abstract TH188. Hayes, S., B. Ziegler, R. Larson, D. Ziegler, H. Chester-Jones, M. Raeth-Knight, J. Linn, and G. Golombeski. 2008. Pre- and post weaning performance and health of calves fed different milk replacer programs using non-medicated additives and different feeding rates. J. Dairy Sci. 91: (Suppl. 1):465. Abstract TH189. Ziegler, B., R. Larson, D. Ziegler, H. Chester-Jones, M. Raeth-Knight G. Golombeski3and J. Linn. 2008. Pre- and post weaning performance and health of calves fed texturized calf starters with different processed corn or on a different milk replacer feeding schedule.. J. Dairy Sci. 91:(Suppl. 1):465. Abstract TH190. Ziegler, D., B. Ziegler, M. Raeth-Knight, R. Larson, G. Golombeski, J. Linn, and H. Chester-Jones. 2008. Performance of post weaned Holstein heifer calves transitioned to group housing using different management strategies while fed a common diet. J. Dairy Sci. 91:(Suppl. 1):465. Abstract TH191. ,p> Larson, R., B. Ziegler M. Raeth-Knight, G. Golombeski, J. Linn, H. Chester-Jones, and D. Ziegler. 2008. Performance and growth of Holstein dairy heifers fed grain mixes supplemented with differing protein and non-protein nitrogen sources. J. Dairy Sci. 91:(Suppl. 1):465. Abstract TH192. Chester-Jones, H., D. Ziegler, R. Larson, B. Ziegler, M. Raeth-Knight, and G. Golombeski. 2008. Performance and growth of young Holstein dairy heifers limit-fed diets based on body weight. J. Dairy Sci. 91:(Suppl. 1):466. Abstract TH193. Golombeski, G., S. Hayes, M. Raeth-Knight, B. Ziegler, R. Larson, D. Ziegler, H. Chester-Jones, and J. Linn. 2008. Pre- and post weaning performance and health of calves fed milk replacers supplemented with trace minerals from differing sources. J. Dairy Sci. 91:(Suppl. 1):466. Abstract TH194. Chester-Jones, H., D. Ziegler, R. Larson, B. Ziegler, C. Soderholm, S. Hayes, J.G. Linn, M. Raeth-Knight, G. Golombeski and N. Broadwater. 2008. Applied calf research from birth to six months: University of Minnesota Southern Research and Outreach Center (SROC), 2004-2007. Proceedings Four State Dairy Management Conference, pp 106-112, June 10-12, Dubuque, IA. Chester-Jones, H., D. Ziegler, R. Larson, B. Ziegler, C. Soderholm, S. Hayes, J.G. Linn, M. Raeth-Knight, G. Golombeski and N. Broadwater. 2008. Variation in calf growth at the Southern Research and Outreach Center (SROC). Proceedings 69th Minnesota Nutrition Conference, p 32, September 16-17, Owatonna, MN. Minnesota Extension Service, St., Paul, MN. Endres, M.I. and A.E. Barberg. 2007. Behavior of dairy cows in an alternative bedded pack housing system. J. Dairy Sci. 90:41924200. Compost bedded pack barns for dairy cows, Marcia Endres and Kevin Janni, http://www.extension.org/pages/Compost_Bedded_Pack_Barns_for_Dairy_Cows, October 2007. Shane, E. M., M. I. Endres, D. G. Johnson, and C. J. Rosen. 2008. Compost: A potential value-added product for dairy operations? J. Dairy Sci. 91(Suppl. 1):252. Shane, E. M., M. I. Endres, D. G. Johnson, and J. K. Reneau. 2008. Bedding options for an alternative housing system for dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 91(Suppl. 1):294. Endres, M.I. and L.A. Espejo. 2007. Ration sorting in freestall dairy herds. J. Dairy Sci. 90 (Suppl. 1):230. Endres, M.I. 2008. Cow comfort: what have we learned lately? In: Proc. 4-State Dairy Nutrition and Management Conference, pp 60. Endres, M.I. and A. E. Barberg. 2008. Behavior of dairy cows in an alternative bedded-pack housing system. In: Proc.VII Int. Livestock Environ. Symposium, ASABE, Brazil. Garcia, A. and M.I. Endres. 2008. Welfare and comfort in dairy cattle: indexes and economic impact. In: Proc.VIII Int. Livestock Environ. Symposium, ASABE, Brazil. Endres, M.I. 2008. Dairy cattle behavior. In Five-Minute Veterinary Consult: Ruminant. Blackwell Publishing. (book chapter). Endres, M.I. 2007. Progress in compost barns and bedding sources. 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Jones, Coleen, Jud Heinrichs, Bob James, Chase Scott. Using the Calf Milk Pasteurization Evaluation Spreadsheet and Considerations for Using a Pasteurizer. DAS08-126 Penn State Cooperative Extension. James, R. E. Why do we feed calves the way we do? Is it time to change? Dairy Production Medicine Seminar. University of California, Davis. February 11, 2008. Tulare, CA James, R. E. Current Issues with feeding pre-weaned heifers. Tri-State Dairy Nutrition Conference. April 23, 2008. Fort Wayne, IN. James, R. E. Feeding management to reduce the environmental impact of dairy farms. Florida Dairy Production Conference. April 29, 2008. Gainesville, FL. James, R. E. Labor Efficient Pasture Management for Dairy Heifers. University of Illinois Dairy Grazing Brown Bagger. Teleconference. March 21, 2008. James, R.E. Agriview (Madison, WI newspaper with North Central U.S. distribution) July - Current Issues in Calf Feeding James, R.E. Heard in the Hutch Dairy Calf and Heifer Association monthly newsletter. October - Is it time to reconsider milk replacer for your calves? February - How successful is your calf enterprise? June - Did you change your calf management with warmer weather? James, R.E. Progressive Dairyman January How clean is your colostrum? July - James, R. E. and M. C. Scott. Management and economics of on farm pasteurizers August- Get a better handle on forage quality September - Alternatives to high-priced corn. James, R.E. Virginia Dairyman May - Feed prices are important for calves and heifers too! Wisconsin Liu, J., Men, C., Men, C., Cabrera, V.E., Uryasev, S., Fraisse, C.W. Accepted. Optimizing crop insurance under climate variability. Journal of Applied Meteorology and Climatology 00, 00-00. Cabrera, V.E., Hagevoort, R., Solis, D., Kirksey, R., Diemer, J.A. 2008. Economic Impact of Milk Production in the State of New Mexico. Journal of Dairy Science 91:2144-2150. Cabrera, V.E., Mathis, C.P., Kirksey, R.E., Baker, T.T. 2008. Development of a seasonal prediction model for manure excretion by dairy cattle. The Professional Animal Scientist 24(2):175-183. Cabrera, V.E., Breuer, N.E., Hildebrand, P.E. 2008. Participatory modeling in dairy farm systems: a method for building consensual environmental sustainability using seasonal climate forecasts. Climatic Change 89, 395-409. Cabrera, V.E., S. Jagtap, and P.E. Hildebrand. 2007. Strategies to limit (minimize) nitrogen leaching on dairy farms driven by seasonal climate forecasts. Agriculture, Ecosystems, and Environment 122, 479-489. Cabrera, V.E., Letson, D., Podesta, G. 2007. The value of the climate information when Farm Programs matter. Agricultural Systems 93, 25-42. Cabrera, V.E., Solis, D. 2008. Managing the newly created LGM-Dairy insurance under seasonal climate variability. J. Dairy Sci. 91 (Suppl. 1):557. Valvekar, M., Cabrera, V.E., and Gould, B.W. 2008. LGM-Dairy: livestock gross margin for dairy, a new risk management tool available for Wisconsin dairy producers. Dairy Management White Paper August 2008. Cabrera, V.E. 2008. Optimal corn grain feeding in Wisconsin dairy diets. Dairy Management White Paper August 2008. Gould, B.W., Mitchell, P., and Cabrera, V.E. 2008. USDA's gross margin insurance program for dairy: what is it and can it be used for risk management? Marketing and Policy Briefing Paper 95, Aug. 2008.

Publications Attachment:

Attachment

Impact Statements

Leverage: During the 2007-2008 reporting period 13 stations reporting extramural and intramural support beyond, but associated with the NC-1042 regional project exceeded $3.4 million plus donations in-kind.
Benchmarks have been developed for calf performance parameters that have been used for on-farm comparisons across the US. A computer spreadsheet has been developed for dairy farm managers to determine cost-effective methods of feeding milk diets to calves during their first two months of life. Small family farms, for instance could save $5,000 per year pasteurizing waste milk for half their calves, whereas farms ten times as large could save 20 times that amount.
Monitoring the intake of molasses shows initial promise as an indicator of stress in calves, driven by the energy demand as glucose is more rapidly metabolized by the liver.
Proper feeding practices for dried corn distillers grains (DG) could be worth as much as $1.80 net profit per cow per day at a milk price of $20/ cwt. Storing wet DGS with corn or hay crop silage before ensiling provides an opportunity for small or medium-sized dairy farms to utilize WDGS. Feeding dairy cows a diet containing as much as 25% byproducts from the dry milling industry can be effective and diets high in alfalfa may be most complimentary. Digestibility of fiber differs between co-products from different milling processes. The addition of a low-fat DDGS up to 30% of the diet did not affect milk production; however, milk protein percentage decreased at the highest level due to a potential lysine deficiency. Wet brewers grain can be mixed with a silage inoculant and increase shelf life.
Dairy cows can be fed diets with lower starch concentrations that produce similar milk production with less feed. This improves profitability per cow by increasing income over feed costs.
Automatic temperature recording may be beneficial if true changes in temperature are measured and may be associated with changes in health, estrus, pregnancy status, or impending parturition. Reticular temperatures may be reflective of core body temperature, but have the drawback of being impacted by water and feed intake. Reticular temperature was quite consistent following 40 to 60 minutes in the holding pen and milking parlor without access to water. Use of image analysis for routine body condition scoring, a subjective measure, is still in its infancy, but shows promise for this emerging technique.
Many producers have seen substantial improvements in feet and leg health and longevity of their cattle using a compost barn system. This can translate in increased profitability of dairy operations. Reduction of heat stress with cross-ventilated barns can potentially translate into more milk production, better reproduction and less lameness, with again major implications on profitability.
Variation in the delivery of nutrients increases feed costs, reduce milk yields, and increase excretion of environmentally important elements (e.g., nitrogen). Quantifying variation in nutrient composition of feeds and diets and developing tools and strategies to manage and control that variation can improve profitability by an estimated $0.25 to $0.27/cow per d, or about $ 840 million per year for the U.S. dairy industry. The control of diet variation reduces N excretion by an estimated 44 g/cow per d, or an aggregated 147,752 metric tons on N per year for the U.S. dairy industry.
A database is being established regarding amino acid digestibility and will allow for advancements in nutritional models to more accurately meet amino acid requirements of dairy cows. Establishment of an in vitro technique to estimate digestibility of amino acids in feeds will allow for more precise ration formulation to meet amino acid requirements of dairy animals. This should reduce feed costs and result in increased herd profitability. Additionally, feeding ruminant animals for more efficient use of dietary protein will decrease animal nitrogen excretion which reduces the impact of milk production on the environment.
The database from the Dairy Business Analysis Project was used to update dairy budgets. These budgets have been used by Farm Services and commercial banks to evaluate loans and to work with current customers. Comments from the bankers say the budgets allow them to make realistic evaluation for producers. DBAP data has also had an impact in the Florida legislature when new environmental regulations were discussed. These combined impacts are in the millions of dollars. Results from the gtr. dairy program have helped dairy farmers and allied industry understand the benefits of cow-specific decision making.
Management information systems are increasingly important for helping in decision-making of dairy systems. Simulation techniques help to overcome these shortcomings assessing cost-efficiency and profitability even under highly uncertain scenarios. Programs are being developed that allow farmers to make management decisions (http://www.uwex.edu/ces/dairymgt/).

Date of Annual Report: 12/07/2009

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 10/14/2009 - 10/16/2009
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2008 - 09/01/2009

Participants

Young,Allen(allen.young@usu.edu)-Utah State University;Beede,David(beede@msu.edu)-Michigan State University;Berry,Steven(slberry@ucdavis.edu)-University of California,Davis;
Cabrera,Victor(vcabrera@wisc.edu)-University of Wisconsin;
Chester-Jones,Hugh(chest001@umn.edu)-University of Minnesota;
De Vries,Albert(devries@ufl.edu)-University of Florida;
Ely,Lane(laneely@uga.edu)-University of Georgia;
Heinrichs,Jud(ajh@pru.edu)-Pennsylvania State;
Kalscheur,Ken(kenneth.kalscheur@sdstate.edu)-South Dakota State University;
Kononoff,Paul(pkononoff2@unl.edu)-University of Nebraska,secretary;
McGilliard,Mike(mcg@vt.edu)-Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University;
Nennich,Tamilee(tnennich@purdue.edu)-Purdue University;
Peters,Bob(bobp@umd.edu)-University of Maryland;
Erickson,Pete(peter.erickson@unh.edu)-University of New Hampshire;
Bravo-Ureta,Boris E.(boris.bravoureta@uconn.edu)-Storrs;

Brief Summary of Minutes

October 14, 2009

Call to order

Chair Allen Young called the meeting to order at 1:30 PM at UBC Dairy Education and Research. Paul Kononoff welcomed the group to Canada. Nelson Dinn, Herdsman of the UBC dairy facility was also introduced and gave a brief outline of the facility and research conducted. Brief logistical items were reviewed. The agenda was reviewed, which included group station reports on October 14, to be concluded on October 15. The meeting would be concluded with area farm tours on October 16th. Plans for dinner at Crazy Fish Bistro in Harrison Hot Springs were also outlined.

Washington Update:
David A. Benfield (OH; administrative advisor): Although not attending Dr. Benfield sent news that Dr. Ronald N. Beachy has been named the first director of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA).

USDA/CSREES Advisor was unable to attend but Adele Turzillo, National Program Leader - Animal Production Systems forwarded information related to the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) program. This included a description of NIFA, REE priorities and associated budget. In addition, information on the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI), associated proposal submission deadlines and information on the Integrated Solutions for Animal Agriculture Program was distributed.

Station Reports:
Allen Young asked members to present their state project reports with a limit of 10 min per station. States were asked to report in reverse order of project objectives (3, 2, and 1). Stations reporting on Wednesday:

Objective 3: States presenting: GA, MD, PA, VA, WI, CA, FL

Adjourned at 5:30 PM

October 15, 2009
Station Reports Continued

Objectives 2 and 1. States presenting: SD, NE, PA, MN

Invited Speaker
Dr. Dan Weary of the UBC behavior and welfare group reported on research projects which have been conducted at their facility. Dan presented data pertaining to lactating cow, dry cow and calf behavior and welfare. He noted the need for collaboration related to the economic impact of their findings.

Station Reports Continued

Objectives 2 and 1. States presenting: UT, NH, MI, IN

Future Work

The committee was divided into three groups by objective and given the charge of developing concepts and ideas for future work and grants associated with NC 1042.

Objective 1: Calves and Heifers: To analyze management and nutrition strategies for replacement heifers as they pertain to production and profitability (heifers)

To accomplish stated objective the group plans to undertake two actions: 1) update and develop a measuring tape for heifer growth. A.J. Heinrichs (PA) will take lead to update the relationships between weight, age and height of dairy heifers. The group will be involved in developing a new tape for dairy heifers and plan to co-author an article to be submitted to the Professional Animal Scientist. 2) Develop a definitive management tool on transitional management (2mo- breeding). The group plans to co-author an NC 1042 bulletin in the areas of transition management, confinement and grazing.

Other long range areas they will work include the use of by-products DDGS for heifers (publication), limit feeding, colostrum feeding as it related to quality and health, weaned heifer requirements for rumen degradable (RDP) and undegradable (RUP) protein, grazing and environment impacts and relationships, and colostrum feeding and health.

Objective 2: Cows and Dry Cows To optimize lactating and dry cow decision-making as it relates to animal health, nutrient utilization, milk production, reproduction, and profitability (cows).

To accomplish stated objective the group plans to undertake two actions 1) to perform and publish a meta-analysis evaluating N excretion in heifers and cows consuming corn milling co-products from data that may be available from IN, MI, SD, NE and PA. 2) CT, FL and CA plan to study and determine the costs of lameness to dairy producers.

Objective 3: Whole Farm Systems Approach To evaluate system components and integration of information into decision-support tools and whole farm analyses to improve efficiency, control variation, and enhance profitability, and environmental sustainability (whole farm)

To accomplish stated objective the group plans to undertake two actions 1) Using farm data and farm as the unit of observation, this group will study cost and profits of dairy operations over time and space. Different farm systems will be evaluated including both conventional and organic operations. The group plants to develop average estimates of different farm groups of diverse but defined geography. FL and GA currently have data available and WI and CT are collecting and plan to merge all available data. WI has data from individual farms and will merge datasets. Important issues related to climate change and economics will be included. 2) The group also plans to organize a symposium at the Midwest Animal Science and Dairy Science Associations on decision and risk management tools with GA, FL and WI taking leadership. A Methodological symposium looking at dairy production from different disciplines will also be included.

Business Meeting
Allen asked if we would approve the minutes from 2008. Beede (MI) moved the minutes be approved, Erickson (NH) seconded motion, motion carried.

Location for 2010 meeting: After a discussion a decision to go to Twin Falls, ID was made. Mireille Chahine , University of Idaho Dairy Extension Specialist was contacted by Young (UT) and she agreed to host the group. Projected Date: Oct 14-16, 2010.

Website and Historian Report: McGilliard (VA) reported that the website now includes posted information on the Penn St / Virginia Tech Pasteurizer Evaluation Spreadsheet, as well as the Georgia / Florida Dairy Business Analysis Project. In addition, historical documents beginning from 1972 up to 2000 are posted and include title of projects and a listing of who has participated in the project. Some photos are also posted. McGilliard also suggested some information on the feeding and use of DDGS as well as heifer growth may be useful to post.

Kalscheur (SD) requested abstracts related to calves and heifers would be of great interest to those attending the 2009 Annual Meeting ASAS ADSA Midwestern Sections. This year's meeting will be held at the Polk County Convention Center, Des Moines, Iowa on March 16 - 18, 2009. This is a low travel cost meeting and abstracts are due on the end of October. The meeting also includes presentations from Young scholars, and undergraduate posters and paper competitions.

Election of secretary: Kalscheur (SD) nominated Erickson (NH) as secretary for 2010, Beede (MI) seconded and committee approved.

Beede (MI) thanked this year's secretary Kononoff (NE) and chair Young (UT).

Beede (MI) requested the group send a letter to UBC faculty and staff to thank them for the use for the facility. McGilliard seconded and motion carried. The letter was sent by Young (UT).

Meeting Adjourned 5:30 PM

Farm Tours October 16, 2008

Stop 1, UBC Dairy Centre

Stop 2 Suplesse Farms Ltd, Agassiz BC

Stop 3 Cedarbrink Dairy, Chilliwack BC

Stop 4 Meadowgold Farms, Chilliwack BC

Accomplishments

Accomplishments: Objective 1: Calves and Heifers: To analyze management and nutrition strategies for replacement heifers as they pertain to production and profitability (heifers) A series of projects on feeding calves were conducted by MN. (1) Performance of Holstein heifer fed grain mixes containing glycerin (as an energy source) was explored. Results of the study suggested that up to 6% glycerin can effectively replace corn in grain in rations fed to post-weaned heifers. (2) The influence of altering conventional milk replacer feeding rate and protein source on pre- and post-weaning performance and health of dairy calves was explored. Results indicated that decreasing feeding rate of a conventional milk replacer resulted in similar performance because calves consumed more starter. (3) Performance and health of heifer calves fed bovine spray dried animal plasma (SDP) was compared to a traditional milk replacer program. Results indicated that the inclusion of 4 or 8% SDP in a 20:20 milk replacer resulted in similar calf performance and health to those fed an all-milk protein milk replacer. (4) Performance and health of post weaned Holstein heifer calves fed grain mixes containing varying levels of bovine spray dried plasma protein during the initial transition to group pens was explored. Results indicated that offering a complete pellet grain mix that contained spray-dried plasma protein did not enhance heifer performance during the initial 28 d transition period to group pens when compared to a grain mix without supplemental plasma protein. (5) Performance of post weaned Holstein heifer calves fed limit or free-choice pelleted grain mixes with differing fiber levels along with free-choice hay (FC) was explored. Feeding FC hay with pellet mix resulted in weight gain and growth advantages. An additional four studies have been conducted evaluating the nutrition of dairy calves and results are currently being investigated. In PA two studies were conducted with neonatal dairy heifer calves. In the first it was determined that feeding colostrum with an esophageal feeder does not reduce IgG absorption in neonatal dairy heifer calves. In the second it was determined that in contrary to common belief, high bacterial concentration in colostrum does not interfere with IgG absorption in neonatal dairy bull calves. In this study, a high load of naturally occurring bacteria in colostrum did not interfere with IgG absorption, and heat treating colostrum significantly improved IgG absorption. A study was also conducted in PA that evaluated the growth of dairy heifers fed limited amounts of high concentrate diets. Investigators observed that dairy heifers that are limit-fed or limit-fed high concentrate diets often have greater diet digestibility, lower levels of environmental excretion, and greater feed efficiency. In NH investigators evaluated the use of anionic salts in the prepartum diet and addition of sodium bicarbonate to colostrum replacer and examined effects on IgG absorption in the neonate. Results suggested that feeding anionic salts to the dam has no effect on passive transfer while adding sodium bicarbonate increased IgG uptake in calves. IN continues to evaluate bedding substrates for calves in hutches in Midwest summer conditions. Investigators observed that calves housed in hutches bedded with sand and straw grew better than those on sawdust. Fly prevalence in hutches tended to be greater for calves bedded with sawdust, but presence of larvae in bedding appeared to be greatest for straw bedding. An additional project evaluated the effects of increased ventilation in calf hutches on calf performance. Initial analyses of calf growth and body temperature did not indicate any differences between treatments. An additional study evaluated feed intake and growth of heifers fed diets containing deoiled dried distillers grains. Feed efficiency, intake, body condition and hip height was not different between treatments thus the inclusion of deoiled distillers grains appears to be a viable option for the rearing of replacement heifers. IN also evaluated different supplementation and grazing strategies for replacement heifers with results to be forthcoming. WI investigators explored feeding and management practices to reduce feed cost and environmental impact of dairy heifer operations. Overall, limit feeding or limit feeding in combination with supplementing an ionophore, improved heifer growth, increased feed efficiency during the growth phase and did not have detrimental effects on rumen volume. Limit feeding heifers did not result in any deleterious carry-over affects during lactation. Secondly WI explored the effect of dietary phosphorus on bone development in dairy heifers and observed that supplementing P to heifers had no effect on extent of frame development, bone density, or bone metabolism. Supplementation of P to heifers modestly increased bone P content but increased bone P was not reflected in frame growth, bone density or bone metabolism. For addition studies were completed with statistical analysis in progress. WI also studied the cost-benefit of accelerated liquid feeding program for dairy calves and concluded that under normal Wisconsin conditions there is a benefit of using an accelerated feeding program. The economic value of sexed semen programs for dairy heifers. In general if the conventional for herds with conception rates is between 31% and 44%, the use of sexed semen would bring additional economic value if used only in the first service. Objective 2. Cows and Dry Cows To optimize lactating and dry cow decision-making as it relates to animal health, nutrient utilization, milk production, reproduction, and profitability (cows). To characterize the management of dairy operations, a survey was distributed buy KY investigators to all licensed milk producers in the state. Two hundred and twenty-nine producers responded to the survey. Mean 2008 herd size (milking and dry cows) was 83.0 (± 101.8). Mean daily milk yield (pounds per cow) was 52.6 (± 11.8). Mean somatic cell count (cells/ml) was 304,824.2 (± 123,580.0 ). When asked to describe how much of their income came from farming, 54.9% reported all of their income was from farming, 30.1% said more than half of their income was from farming, 9.3% indicated their income was evenly split between farm and off-farm sources, and 5.8% said most of their income came from off-farm sources. An additional survey was conducted at an off-farm meeting attendance with the goal of examining extension programming. Producers reported that the most effective methods for extension to communicate with them were (1) printed farm magazines (81.0% of respondents), (2) agricultural newspapers (77.4%) and (3) printed newsletters from a county agriculture agent (75.7%). Respondents indicated that the most important management topics for extension programming were (1) mastitis and milk quality, (2) animal well-being, (3) disease prevention and vaccinations, (4) cow comfort and (5) disease treatment. A third survey was conducted to determine criteria used to evaluate the success of their dairy operation. highest percentage of respondents were (1) ability to pay operating expenses without incurring unnecessary debt, (2) well-being of animals in the herd, (3) producing superior quality milk, (4) keeping a balance in the checking account and (5) quality of life. CA is in the midst of completing the 3rd year of collecting lameness and production records on 3 commercial dairies in California. Along with quantifying lameness lesions effects on milk production, reproduction, and culling of dairy cows economic costs are being explored. Investigators have conducted an in-depth lameness analysis on one of the dairies and will complete the analyses on the others by the end of the year. WI conducted an on-farm trial (16 farms) in a sequential treatment with a crossover design to test the impacts of a slow-release N product (Optigen®) on milk production. The trial found that Optigen® promoted an increase in milk production of 0.5 kg/cow/day. Analyses to dynamically fine-tune the inclusion of energy and protein supplement was also conducted. A quadratic optimization algorithm was developed to finds the optimal levels of a list of potential energy and protein sources. A decision tree analyses was conducted to evaluate the economics of early post-partum mastitis test and treatment. Possible management decisions that included the option to segregate or culling positive-tested cows were found not to be economically favorable when tested inside a wide range of biological and economic variables. In MI investigators have sought methods to reduce enteric methane emissions for the U.S. dairy herd by feeding supplemental coconut oil. Based on observed results investigators concluded that it is possible to markedly reduce enteric methane emissions of lactating dairy cows but when doing so by feeding coconut oil, feed intake and milk production also declined. As a consequence cows and replacements would be required to maintain the same national milk production, thus erasing much of the reduction in enteric methane emissions of individual cows and the national dairy herd. In FL work on DairyVIP model was conducted. This model optimizes breeding and culling decisions and was used to study the effect of changing milk prices on optimal culling decisions and rule-of-thumb decisions such culling open cows when their daily milk production does not cover variable cost anymore. Investigators observed that contrary to common belief and practice, lower milk prices should reduce open cow culling. Work is in progress to simulate the current lactation performance in more detail. A linear program is also being built in Excel to determine the optimal use of sexed semen in closed herds. Both heifers and cows are simulated. Genetic progress in milk production, fertility, and productive life are included. A study to investigate the dose response of quebracho condensed tannins (CT) on ruminal pH, fermentation, and methane production in mixed ruminal cultures was conducted in by UT investigators. Although ruminal pH linearly decreased with increasing CT supplementation, actual difference between control and HCT was small. Methane production increased in response to increasing CT, whereas ammonia-N concentration decreased. Total VFA increased by increasing CT supplementation. The supplementation of CT resulted in accelerated microbial production, as was seen in increased VFA and methane production and decreased ammonia-N. Supplementing CT to barley based-high concentrate dairy TMR had no negative impact on in vitro microbial fermentation, but sizably shifted its fermentation patterns due possible to the stimulation of cellulolytic bacteria. UT also conducted an in vitro study to determine the effects of feeding birdsfoot trefoil (BFT hay on microbial metabolism by mixed rumen cultures. Feeding BFT altered the metabolic pathways of in vitro ruminal fermentation, and it was beneficial for the use of N by mixed cultures of ruminal microorganisms. In SD a series of three projects evaluated the nutritional value of corn milling co-products and impacts on milk production. The first study established that the protein availability in corn distillers grains and solubles is relatively comparable to soybean products. In the second study it was discovered that distillers grains in the dry form contribute more by pass protein that the wet form but less total protein is available to the animal. The third study tested the lactation performance and amino acid utilization of early lactating cows fed regular or reduced-fat dried distillers grains with solubles. Investigators observed that although diets containing these co products resulted in an apparent deficiency of lysine, milk production and milk components were similar to a soybean-based diet. IN conducted two experiments to determine the effectiveness of co-ensiling wet distiller's grains with solubles (WDGS). Milk production, milk composition, and feed intake did not differ for cows fed WDGS that were mixed in the diet at the time of feeding or when WDGS was mixed with the corn silage at harvest. When haycrop forage was direct cut, ensiled and mixed with WDGS at feeding, the cows consumed less feed and produced significantly less milk than when the same silage was co-ensiled with WDGS. In NE data from five experiments were utilized in a meta-analysis to determine how ration ADIN concentration affects ADIN digestibility and N digestibility. Overall, results suggested that there was a negative relationship between ADIN and N digestibility, and a good correlation exists between them (R2 = 0.49). Acid detergent insoluble nitrogen is digestible and should not be used to measure the amount of indigestible N. A new method to estimate bacterial crude protein in vitro utilization real-time PCR was also developed. A study was conducted that evaluated the effects feeding wet distillers grains plus solubles (WDGS) on milk production and also to investigate the potential of storing WDGS mixed with other feeds. These results indicated that dairy rations can be formulated to include stored WDGS at 30% DM without negative effects on milk production and composition and that this feed may be co-stored with feeds such as ground hay, corn or corn silage. The last study investigated the feeding of a low lignin corn silage with a diets containing 30% DDGS was also explored. Although having a positive impact on protein yield milk fat yield was negatively affected. Objective 3. To evaluate system components and integration of information into decision-support tools and whole farm analyses to improve efficiency, control variation, and enhance profitability, and environmental sustainability (whole farm) CT has recently joined the project (October 2009). Progress has been made in the organization of the Dairy Farm Summary data for New England that will be used for the productivity studies. Work is underway in the estimation of econometric models to analyze the factors that explain a farmer's choice when implementing nutrient management plans. In PA established focus groups utilized specialized software to enter responses regarding barriers and opportunities for dairy farm transition to new and beginning producers. Those key areas that were identified by participants were: ability to increase equity, followed by planning for management succession and adequate financial position to allow for a complete transfer of assets. Those key areas, along with gaps in knowledge or resources that were identified, were used to develop interactive webinars for new and beginning dairy producers. Focus groups also indicated that effective communication along with opportunities for training and development would result in the most positive returns on investments in terms of employee satisfaction and retention. FL and GA continued collaboration in the cooperative Dairy Business Analysis Project (DBAP). In this project complete financial and production data are maintained for participating dairies and available for analysis. Twelve dairy farms located in Florida and Georgia had contributed complete financial and production data by the end of September 2009. In the most recent analysis farms with average herd size of 1399 cows and 708 heifers with 17,455 lbs. milk sold per cow. The average culling rate was 35%. The average milk price was $22.59. Average total revenues were $24.67 per cwt. milk sold. Total expenses averaged $21.09 per cwt. sold. The largest items were purchased feed, $9.20, and personnel costs, $3.57. Net farm income from operations averaged $3.58 per cwt. sold. Rate of return on equity was 26%. Net farm income was $3.57 per cwt sold. IN and KY conducted a stochastic simulation model to assess the potential economic benefits associated with investments in precision dairy farming technologies. Preliminary results revealed that estrus detection and change in estrus detection rates are the most important determinants of the decision to invest in an automatic temperature monitoring system and that assumptions about the desired changes in managing BCS are crucial to long term benefits of investing in an automatic BCS system. MN conducted field study were to describe animal welfare and environmental characteristics in low profile cross-ventilated freestall barns (CV) compared to conventional naturally ventilated freestall barns (NV). Aerial ammonia and hydrogen sulfide concentrations were lower than recommended standards for human exposure in both types of barns, although concentrations were significantly higher in CV barns than NV barns. Light intensity was significantly lower in CV barns, but cows appeared to not be affected in any way. Hydrogen sulfide concentrations (ppb) were 17 for NV barns and 31 for CV barns. Light intensity (lux) was 429 for NV barns and 118 for CV barns. Air velocity (m/s) was 0.7 for NV barns and 0.9 for CV barns. A second study described management practices of dairy operations utilizing alternative bedding materials for partial or total replacement of sawdust in their compost dairy barns. Data suggests that any of the bedding to substitute or partially substitute for sawdust can work well in compost dairy barns if the pack is consistently well managed by tilling twice daily, providing proper ventilation to keep surface of pack dry, and adding new material when it is visually adhering to the cows. VA developed a planning spreadsheet which may be used to determine the number of cows needed on individual farms. This may be used to plan facilities and estimate income and expenses for projected budgets. The objective was to use Dairy Herd Improvement (DHI) records to determine the most accurate method of calculating annual number of calvings in dairy herds. This research demonstrates that the number of calvings in a herd for a year will be nearly the same as the number of cows in the herd (all cows, past 12 mo). This indicates that more complicated estimates may under-estimate or over-estimate the number of calvings by as much as 10%, which will leave some herds many cows different from projected numbers, leading to more expense or less income than planned. This method, developed with 2467 herds, is simple and accurate. MD conducted a needs assessment study of dairy producers with an objective to identify preferences for sources of advice and information, and the educational subject and delivery method priorities. Dairy producers scored the following sources for dairy information according to importance: veterinarians, 3.95; local farm and feed supply dealers, 3.46; other dairy producers in the area, 3.30; regional or national sales representatives, 2.97; county extension agents, 2.72; private consultants, 2.55; and close relatives who own dairies, 2.49. Producers scored the following 5 sources as the most frequent for obtaining information: dairy magazines, 3.75; cattle/farm magazines, 3.68; observations of other producers, 3.22; county extension newsletters, 2.86; one-on-one consulting, 2.71. Dairy respondents scored 97 practices in educational importance. The 20 practices with the highest scores were in the areas of mastitis and milk quality, reproductive management, nutrition and feeding, and transition cow management. A second objective of this study was to identify characteristics of Maryland dairy operations. The average herd size was 108 cows with 84 replacements and calves. Most survey respondents indicated they operated the following type of dairy: whole herd (72%); free stall (68%); and grade cattle (59%) with an average of 124 hectares of tillable cropland. Respondents indicated that business management practices including keeping cost of production, up-to-date business records, herd health records and accurate production records as their top priorities. The five most important limiting factors to improving and/or growing the dairy operation were in order of rank were: land costs, low profits, encroachment of development, labor availability and government regulations. WI conducted four projects. In the first, investigators developed a large model framework to be used in decision-making in several areas of management of dairy farming. It is has been found that consistent replacement policies were to: (1) keep pregnant cows, (2) keep primiparous cows longer than multiparous, and (3) decrease replacement rates when milk and feed prices are favorable. In the second project WI investigators also positioned Wisconsin as a national leader in the analysis of the new dairy farm insurance product. They have developed a Website with information related to LGM-Dairy, including extensive documentation, spreadsheet and online tools. Extensive seminars and workshops were performed in Wisconsin and other states. In the third project Wisconsin dairy farms were also used to examine the extent to which technical efficiency is related to practices commonly used by dairy farmers and the effect of intensification on the performance of the farms. The empirical analysis showed that at a commercial level the administration of bovine somatotropin hormone to lactating cows increases milk production. In addition, farm efficiency is positively related to farm intensification, the level of contribution of family labor in the farm activities, the use of a total mixed ration feeding system and the milking frequency. The fourth project currently underway evaluated the impact of six major dairy herd diseases to the income over feed costs (IOFC) was evaluated. We expect to find a correlation between incidence and prevalence of these diseases with the IOFC and be able to better understand the overall economic impacts associated with each one of these diseases.

Publications

Peer Reviewed Moreira, V. H. and B. E. Bravo-Ureta. Technical Efficiency and Technological Gap Ratios for Dairy Farms in Three Southern Cone Countries: A Stochastic Meta-Frontier Model. Journal of Productivity Analysis (2010): Forthcoming. Tao, H., T, F. Morris B. E. Bravo-Ureta and R. Meinert. A Partial Budget Analysis for Phosphorus-Based Nutrient Management Plans for Connecticut Dairy Farms. Agronomy Journal (2009): Forthcoming. Moreira, V. H. and B. E. Bravo-Ureta. "A Study of Dairy Farm Technical Efficiency Using Meta-Regression: An International Perspective." Chilean Journal of Agricultural Research 69-2(2009): 214-223. De Vries, A., J. D. Olson, and P. J. Pinedo. Reproductive risk factors for culling and productive life in 727 large dairy herds in the eastern USA between 2001 and 2006. J. Dairy Sci. (Accepted). Bell, A.A., P. J. Hansen, and A. De Vries. 2009. Profitability of bovine somatotropin administration to increase first insemination conception rate in seasonal dairy herds with heat stress. Livestock Science 126:38-45. Sanders, A. H., J. K. Shearer, and A. De Vries. 2009. Seasonal incidence of lameness and risk factors associated with thin soles, white line disease, ulcers, and sole punctures in dairy cattle. J. Dairy Sci. 92:3165-3174. De Vries, A., and S. Feleke. 2008 Prediction of future uniform milk prices in Florida federal milk marketing order 6 from milk futures markets. J. Dairy Sci. 91:4871-4880. De Vries, A. 2009. Economics of sexed semen in dairy heifers and cows. Univ. Florida EDIS Document AN214. De Vries, A., R. Giesy, M. Sowerby, and L. Ely. 2009. Dairy Business Analysis Project: 2007 financial summary. Univ. Florida EDIS Document AN213. Bewley, J.M., M.W. Grott, M.E. Einstein, M.M. Schutz. 2008. Impact of intake water temperatures on reticular temperatures of lactating dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 91:3880-3887. Bewley, J.M., and M.M. Schutz. 2008. An interdisciplinary review of body condition scoring for dairy cattle. The Prof. Animal Scientist 24:507-529. Bewley, J.M., M.E. Einstein, M.W. Grott, and M.M. Schutz. 2008. Comparison of reticular and rectal core-body temperatures in lactating dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 91:4661-4672. O'Driscoll, K., S.D. Eicher*, M.M. Schutz, and A.C. Lossie. 2009. The effect of floor surface on dairy cow immune function and locomotion score. J. Dairy Sci.. 92:4249-4261. Bewley, J.M., R.E. Boyce, L. Munksgaard, S.D. Eicher, M.E. Einstein, and M.M. Schutz. 2009. An exploratory study of management factors influencing lying behavior using an automated activity monitoring sensor. Journal of Dairy Res. (Accepted). Bewley, J.M., R.E. Boyce, D.J. Roberts, M.P. Coffey, M.M. Schutz. 2009. A comparison of visual and palpation-based body condition scoring systems. J. Dairy Res. (Accepted). Bewley, J.M., R.E. Boyce, D.J. Roberts, M.P. Coffey, and M.M. Schutz. 2009. Comparison of two methods of assessing dairy cow body condition score. Journal of Dairy Research (Accepted) Bewley, J.M., R.E. Boyce, J. Hockin, L. Munksgaard, S.D. Eicher, M.E. Einstein, and M.M. Schutz. 2009. The influence of milk yield, stage of lactation, and body condition on dairy cattle lying behavior using an automated activity monitoring sensor. Journal of Dairy Research (Accepted) Bewley, J.M., A.M. Peacock, O. Lewis, R.E. Boyce, D.J. Roberts, M.P. Coffey, S.J. Kenyon, and M.M. Schutz. 2008. Potential for estimation of body condition scores in dairy cattle from digital images. J. Dairy Sci. 2008 91: 3439-3453. Bewley, J.M. and M.M. Schutz. 2008. An interdisciplinary review of body condition scoring for dairy cattle. The Professional Animal Scientist. 24:507-529 Bewley, J.M., M.E. Einstein, M.W. Grott, and M.M. Schutz. 2008. Comparison of reticular and rectal core-body temperatures in lactating dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 91: 4661-4672 Bewley, J.M., M.W. Grott, M.E. Einstein, and M.M. Schutz. 2008. Impact of intake water temperatures on reticular temperatures of lactating dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 91:3880-3887. Bewley, J.M. and J.L. Taraba. Compost Bedded Pack Barns in Kentucky. Extension Fact Sheet ID-178. Myers, Z. H., and D. K. Beede. 2009. Evaluating estimates of phosphorus maintenance requirement of lactating Holstein cows with different dry matter intakes. J. Dairy Sci. 92:708-719. Davidson, J. A., and D. K. Beede. 2009. Exercise training of late-pregnant and nonpregnant dairy cows affects physical fitness and acid-base balance. J. Dairy Sci. 92:548-562. Knowlton, K. F., D. K. Beede, and E. Kebreab. 2009. Phosphorus requirements and nutrition of ruminants. In: Phosphorus Nutrition of Ruminants. E. Kebreab, ed. CABI Publishing, CAB International, Wallingford, Oxfordshire, OX10 8DE, UK. (Accepted). Christenson, D. R., D. D. Warnick, J. E. McCarhty, D. K. Beede, D. W. Rozeboom, and A. G. Sollman. 2009. Field Crops (Chapter 36, page 545-565); (Focus Box, Dairying in Michigan, page 554). In: Michigan Geography and Geology. Schaetzl, R. J. Darden, J. T., and D. Brandt (eds). Pearson Custom Publishers, Upper Saddle River, NJ. Machacek, K.J., and P.J. Kononoff. 2009. The effect of acid detergent insoluble nitrogen on nitrogen digestibility in lactating dairy cows. Prof. Anim. Sci. In Press. Hubbard, K.J., P.J. Kononoff, A. M. Gehman, J. M. Kelzer, K. Karges, and M. L. Gibson. 2009. The effect of feeding high protein dried distillers grains on milk production. J. Dairy Sci. 92: 2911-2914. Kelzer, J.M., P.J. Kononoff, A.M. Gehman, K. Karges, and M.L. Gibson. 2009. Effects of feeding three types of corn milling co-products on ruminal fermentation and digestibility in lactating Holstein dairy cattle. J. Dairy Sci. 92: 5120-5132. Hall, M.B. and Kononoff, P.J. By-Products. Encyclopedia of Dairy Sciences, Second Edition, In Press. Elsevier LTD, Oxford, England. Shea, E.C., N.L. Whitehouse, and P.S. Erickson, 2009. Effects of colostrum replacer supplemented with lactoferrin on the blood plasma immunoglobulin G concentration and intestinal absorption of xylose in the neonatal calf. J. Anim. Sci. 87:2047-2054. Morrill, K.M., S.P. Marston, N.L. Whitehouse, M.E. Van Amburgh, C.G. Schwab, D.M. Haines and P.S. Erickson. 2009. Anionic salts in the prepartum diet and addition of sodium bicarbonate to colostrum replacer and their effects on IgG absorption in the neonate. J. Dairy Sci. submitted. Hyde, Jeffrey, Richard Stup, and Lisa Holden, (2008) "The Effect of Human Resource Management Practices on Farm Profitability: An Initial Assessment," Economics Bulletin, Vol. 17 no. 12 pp. 1-10. Lascano, G. J., G. I. Zanton, M. L. Moody, P. A. Topper, E. F. Wheeler, and A. J. Heinrichs. 2008. Effect of changing the ration of forage to concentrate on ammonia emissions by dairy heifers. J. Dairy Sci. 91:4301-4306. Elizondo-Salazar, J. A., B. M. Jayarao, and A. J. Heinrichs. 2008. Colostrum pasteurization: effect on bacterial count and immunoglobuin G concentration. REDVET. Revista electrónica de Veterinaria. Volumen IX Número 9 www.veterinaria.org/revistas/redvet/n090908/090903.pdf Straley B.A., S. I. Kehoe, A. J. Heinrichs and B. M. Jayarao. 2008. A survey of bacteriological quality and the occurrence of Salmonella in raw bovine colostrum. Foodborne Pathogens and Disease. 6:853-858. Elizondo-Salazar, J. A., and A. J. Heinrichs. 2008. A review: Heat treating bovine colostrum. Prof. Anim. Sci. 24: 530-538. Heinrichs, A. J., S. S. Costello, and C. M. Jones. 2009. Control of heifer mastitis by nutrition. Veterinary Microbiology. 134:172-176. Lascano, G. J., and A. J. Heinrichs. 2009. Rumen fermentation pattern of dairy heifers fed restricted amounts of high, medium, and low concentrate diets with and without Saccharomyces Cervaisiae. Livestock Sci. 124:48-57. Zanton, G.I., and A. J. Heinrichs. 2009. Digestion and nitrogen utilization in dairy heifers limit-fed a low or high forage ration at four levels of nitrogen intake. J. Dairy Sci. 92:2078-2094. Terrill, S. J. and A. J. Heinrichs. 2009. A review of symbiotic supplements on fecal immunoglobulin A in bovine neonates. CAB Reviews. Perspectives Agric. Vet. Sci. Nutr. Natural Resources 4 No. 3. 1-6. www.cababstractsplus.org/cabreviews. Zanton, G. I., and A. J. Heinrichs. 2009. Evaluation of modeling procedures for fitting in situ feed degradation profiles. J. Animal Sci. 89:2080-2088. Elizondo-Salazar, J. A., and A. J. Heinrichs. 2009. Feeding heat-treated colostrum to neonatal dairy heifers: effects on growth characteristics and blood parameters. J. Dairy Sci. 92:3265-3273 Heinrichs, A. J., C. M. Jones, J. A. Elizondo-Salazar, and S. J. Terrill. 2009. Effects of a probiotic supplement on health of neonatal dairy calves, Livestock Sci. 125:149-154. Zanton, G. I., and A. J. Heinrichs. 2009. Review: Limit-feeding with altered forage-to-concentrate levels in dairy heifer diets. Prof. Anim. Sci. 25: 393-403. Heinrichs, A. J. and J. A. Elizondo-Salazar. 2009. Reducing failure of passive immunoglobulin transfer in dairy calves. Revue. Med. Vet. 160:436-440. Lascano, G. J., G. I. Zanton, and A. J. Heinrichs. 2009. Concentrate levels and Saccharomyces cerevisiae affect rumen fluid-associated bacteria numbers in dairy heifers. Livestock Sci: 126:189-194. Elizondo-Salazar, J. A., and A. J. Heinrichs. 2009. Feeding heat-treated colostrum or unheated colostrum with two different bacterial concentrations to neonatal dairy calves. J. Dairy Sci. 92: 4565-4571. Lascano, G. J., G. I. Zanton, F. J. Suarez-Mena, and A. J. Heinrichs. 2009. Impact of limit feeding high and low concentrate diets with Saccharamyces cervisiae on digestibility and on dairy heifer growth and first lactation performance.. J. Dairy Sci. 92:5100-5110. Heinrichs, A. J., and C. M. Jones. 2009. Colostrum substitutes and milk replacers. in: Large Animal Internal Medicine. Ed. B. P. Smith.. Fourth Ed. Mosby Elesevier. Pp. 367-373. Heinrichs, A. J. 2009. Managing calf health through nutrition. In Ruminant Formula for the Future: nutrition or pathology. Ed. S. Andrieu and H. Warren. Wageningen Academic Publishers. Pp. 25-31. Abdelqader, M. M., A. R. Hippen, K. F. Kalscheur, D. J. Schingoethe, K. Karges, and M. L. Gibson. 2009. Evaluation of corn germ from ethanol production as an alternative fat source in dairy cow diets. J. Dairy Sci. 92:1023-1037. Anderson, J. L., K. F. Kalscheur, A. D. Garcia, D. J. Schingoethe, and A. R. Hippen. 2009. Ensiling characteristics of wet distillers grains mixed with soybean hulls and evaluation of the feeding value for growing Holstein heifers. J. Anim. Sci. 87:2113-2123. Cao, Z. J., J. L. Anderson, and K. F. Kalscheur. 2009. Ruminal degradation and intestinal digestibility of dried or wet distillers grains with increasing concentrations of condensed distillers solubles. J. Anim. Sci. 87:3013-3019. Williams, C.M., J.-S. Eun, C.M. Dschaak, A.J. Young and J.W. MacAdam. 2009. Effects of replacing alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) hay with birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.) hay on ruminal fermentation and nitrogen metabolism in continuous culture: Short communication. J. Dairy Sci. (submitted). Velayudhan, B. T., K. M. Daniels, D. P. Horrell, S. R. Hill, M. L. McGilliard, B. A. Corl, H. Jiang, and R. M. Akers. 2008. Developmental histology, segmental expression and nutritional regulation of somatotropic axis genes in small intestine of prepubertal dairy heifers. J. Dairy Sci. 91:3343-3352. Daniels, K. M., M. L. McGilliard, M. J. Meyer, M. E. Van Amburgh, A. V. Capuco, and R. M. Akers. 2009. Effects of Body Weight and Nutrition on Histological Mammary Development in Holstein Heifers. J. Dairy Sci. 92:499-505. Cabrera, V.E. Accepted. A large Markovian linear program for replacement policies to optimize dairy herd net income for diets and nitrogen excretion. Journal of Dairy Science 00-00. Cabrera, V.E., Solis, D., del Corral, J. Accepted. Determinants of Technical Efficiency among Dairy Farms in Wisconsin. Journal of Dairy Science 00-00. Cabrera, V.E., D. Solís, G.A Baigorria and D. Letson. 2009. Chapter 7th:Managing Climate Variability in Agricultural Analysis. IN Long, J.A. and Wells D.S. (Eds), Ocean Circulation and El Niño: New Research, p. 163-179, Nova Science Publishers, Inc, Hauppauge, NY. Cabrera, V.E., Stavast, L.J., Baker, T.T., Wood, M.K., Cram, D.S., Flynn, R.P., and Ulery, A.L. 2009. Soil and runoff response to dairy manure application on rangeland. Agriculture, Ecology, and Environment 131:255-262. Cabrera, V.E., Solis, D., Letson, D. 2009. Optimal crop insurance under climate variability: contrasting insurer and farmer interests. Transactions of the ASABE 52, 623-631. AitSahlia, F., Wang, C., Cabrera, V.E., Uryasev, S., Fraisse, C.W. 2009. Optimal crop planting schedules and financial hedging strategies. Annals of Operations Research DOI: 10.1007/s10479-009-0551-2. Liu, J., Men, C., Men, C., Cabrera, V.E., Uryasev, S., Fraisse, C.W. 2009. Optimizing crop insurance under climate variability. Journal of Applied Meteorology and Climatology DOI: 10.1175/2007JAMC1490.1. Cabrera, V.E., Hagevoort, R., Solis, D., Kirksey, R., Diemer, J.A. 2008. Economic Impact of Milk Production in the State of New Mexico. Journal of Dairy Science 91:2144-2150. Cabrera, V.E., Mathis, C.P., Kirksey, R.E., Baker, T.T. 2008. Development of a seasonal prediction model for manure excretion by dairy cattle. The Professional Animal Scientist 24:175-183. N.M. Esser, P.C. Hoffman, W.K. Coblentz, M.W. Orth and K.A. Weigel. 2009. The effect of dietary phosphorus on bone development in dairy heifers J. Dairy Sci. 92: 1741-1749. Non Peer Reviewed K. M. Morrill, S. P. Marston, N. L. Whitehouse, and P. S. Erickson. J. Dairy Sci. 92 E- Suppl.1: 127. Feeding anionic salts in the prefresh period, the addition of sodium bicarbonate to colostrum replacer and their effects on IgG absorption in the neonate. Kruse, K.A., N. M. Esser, P. C. Hoffman, and D.K. Combs, 2009. Effects of limit feeding and ionophore supplementation on replacement heifer growth, rumen function and manure excretion. J. Dairy Sci. 92(Suppl. 1):abstr. Hoffman P.C. 2008. The potential to limit feed dairy replacement heifers. Pp. 77 in the Proceedings of the Tri-State Dairy Nutrition Conference, Fort Wayne, IN, Pp. 119 in the Proceedings of Dairy Calf and Heifer Growers Association. Rochester, MN, Pp. 85 inVirginia State Feed Association 62nd Annual Convention Proceedings, Blacksburg, Va. Hoffman P.C. 2008. Novel nutrition for dairy replacement heifers. Pp. 74 in Four-State Dairy Nutrition and Management Conference, Dubuque, IA, Penn State Dairy Cattle Workshop, Grantville, PA. Hoffman P.C. 2008. Cost of raising dairy calves and replacement heifers. Pp. 80 in Four-State Dairy Nutrition and Management Conference, Dubuque, IA. Zwald. A, T. L. Kohlman, S. L. Gunderson, P. C. Hoffman1 and T. Krieg. 2008. Economic costs and labor efficiencies associated with raising dairy herd replacements on Wisconsin dairy farms and custom heifer raising operations. http://www.wisc.edu/dysci/ Huibregtse, A. T. Anderson, P. Hoffman and A. Zwald. 2008. In just nine yearsheifer-raising cost jumped over 50 percent. Hoards Dairyman. Vol 153(5):169. Kohlman, T., S. Gunderson, P. Hoffman and A. Zwald. 2008. Caring for calves; an expensive business. Hoards Dairyman. Vol 153(1):40. Kohlman, T., and P. Hoffman. 2008. Ten things to do when caring for calves. Hoards Dairyman Vol153(18):694. Huntzicker, S. J.Zander, T. Kohlman, P. Hoffman, and A.Zwald. 2008. Big spread exist on hours needed to raise calves. Hoards Dairyman. Vol153(4):134. Kohlman, T., S. Gunderson, P. Hoffman and A. Zwald. 2008. Feed expenses eat heifer-raising budgets. Hoards Dairyman. Vol153(2):55. S. L. Berry, J. M. Pinos-Rodriquez, P. H. Robinson, and C. B. Tucker. Lesion Specific Lameness Incidence on Three California Dairies During 2007. Charlotte, NC:American Association of Bovine Practitioners. 41:52, 2008. S.L.Berry and A. Ahmadi. 2009. Rolling yearly incidence report of lesions specific lameness on 3 commercial dairies in California. Unpublished for private distritbution. Bewley, J.M., and M.M. Schutz. 2009.Potential of using new technology for estimating body condition scores.Proc. Tri-State Dairy Nutr. Conf.Fort Wayne, IN. Schutz, M.M., and J.M. Bewley. 2009. Implications of changes in core body temperature. Proc. Tri-State Dairy Nutr. Conf.. Ft. Wayne, IN. Bewley, J.M., M.D. Boehjle, A.W. Gray, H. Hogeveen, S.D. Eicher, Schutz, M.M., 2009. Modeling precision dairy farming technology investment decisions. In: Bregt, A., Wolfert, S., Wien, J.E., Lokhorst, C. (Eds.), EFITA conference '09. Proceedings of the 7th EFITA Conference, Wageningen,The Netherlands, 6-8 July 2009, Wageningen Academic Publishers, Wageningen, pp. 107-114. Schroer, R. C., T. D. Nennich, D. Little, and S. S. Donkin. 2009. Intake and growth of dairy heifers fed deoiled dried distillers grains. Page 175 in Proc. 2009 Tri-State Dairy Nutrition Conference, Fort Wayne, IN. Rozeboom, Dale W., Beede, David K. 2009. How much root zone is needed for livestock nutrients. MSU Pork Quarterly 14(1), January (1st Quarter/Winter), 6-7. Powers, W.J., D.M. Panetta, B.S. Oldick, A. Fogiel, J. Roth, J.R. Russell, M. Hollmann, D.K. Beede, J.A. Davidson, and D. Meyer. 2008. Impact of diet modification on performance and air emissions from dairy cattle. Proc. International Livestock Environment Symposium VIII. September 1-5, Iguasso Falls, Brazil. Beede, David K. 2008. Provide plenty of water. Dairy Herd Management 45(4), April (2nd Quarter/Spring), 10-13. www.ManejoLechero.com Hollmann, Marcus, Beede, David K., Allen, Michael. 2008. Ration fermentability: key factor for inclusion level of distiller's grains in lactation rations. Michigan Dairy Review 13(2), April (2nd Quarter/Spring), 6-8. Hollmann, Marcus, Beede, David K. 2008. Dietary coconut oil and animal fat blend decrease lactational performance of Holstein cows fed a high starch diet. 91 (E-Suppl. 1). Hollmann, Marcus, Beede, David K., Allen, Michael. 2008. "Hollmann, M., D. K. Beede, and M. S. Allen. (April 2008). Inclusion of corn distiller's grains reduces raw and fat-corrected milk yields but not milk fat concentration in more fermentable diets: A statistical analysis. Proc. Tri-State Nutrition Conf. page 155, Ft. Wayne, IN." April (2nd Quarter/Spring). Bewley, J.M. 2009. Precision Dairy Farming: The Next Dairy Marvel? Abstract 5652. 60th Annual Meeting of the European Association for Animal Production. Barcelona, Spain. Bewley, J.M., M.D. Boehjle, A.W. Gray, H. Hogeveen, S.D. Eicher, and M.M. Schutz. 2009. Modeling precision dairy farming technology investment decisions . In: Bregt, A., Wolfert, S., Wien, J.E., Lokhorst, C. (Eds.), EFITA conference '09. Proceedings of the 7th EFITA Conference, Wageningen, The Netherlands, 6-8 July 2009, Wageningen Academic Publishers, Wageningen, pp. 107-114. Halachmi I, P.Polak, D.J.Roberts, M.Klopcic, J. Bewley. 2009. Thermally sensed, automatic cow body condition scoring. Precision livestock farming '09. edited by: C. Lokhorst and P.W.G. Groot Koerkamp. 2009, 368 pages, Wageningen Academic publishers. The Netherlands. Pages 193-200. Russell, R.A. and J.M. Bewley. 2009. Description of Kentucky dairy management systems and producer demographics. Abstract W103. American Dairy Science Association Annual Meeting. Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,p> Russell, R.A. and J.M. Bewley. 2009. Characterization of the decision making behavior of Kentucky dairy producers. Abstract W104. American Dairy Science Association Annual Meeting. Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Peters, R. R., K. M. Wilson, M. R. Bell, R. A. Erdman, S. W. Fultz, J. E. Hall, R. A. Kohn, W. D. Lantz, J. W. Semler, and M. A. Varner. 2007 Maryland dairy producer education needs assessment study. J. Anim. Sci. 85 (Suppl. 1)/ J. Dairy Sci. 90 (Suppl. 1)/ Poult. Sci. 86 (Suppl. 1): 26. Peters, R. R., K. M. Wilson, M. R. Bell, R. A. Erdman, S. W. Fultz, J. E. Hall, R. A. Kohn, W. D. Lantz, J. W. Semler, and M. A. Varner. 2007 Trends in Maryland dairying and future prospects. J. Anim. Sci. 85 (Suppl. 1)/ J. Dairy Sci. 90 (Suppl. 1)/ Poult. Sci. 86 (Suppl. 1): 26. K. M. Lobeck, M. I. Endres, E. M. Shane, S. M. Godden, and J. Fetrow. 2009. Animal welfare in cross-ventilated and naturally ventilated dairy barns in the upper Midwest USA. J. Dairy Sci. 92(Suppl. 1):334. K. M. Lobeck ,M. I. Endres, E. M. Shane, and K. A. Janni. 2009. Environmental characteristics in cross-ventilated and naturally ventilated dairy barns in the upper Midwest USA. J. Dairy Sci. 92(Suppl. 1):334. M.I. Endres. 2009. Research on cow comfort. Dairy Star, August 2009. M.I. Endres. 2009. What do we know about cow 'friendship'? Dairy Star, May 2009. M.I. Endres. 2009. Compost bedded pack barns - Can they work for you? Pp. 271 in Proc. 2009 Western Canadian Dairy Seminar, Alberta, March 2009. M.I. Endres. 2009. Are your cows comfortable? Dairy Star, February 2009. M.I. Endres. 2008. Human-cow interactions. Dairy Star, November 2008. Raeth-Knight, M.L., H. Chester-Jones, S. Hayes, J. Linn, R. Larson, D. Ziegler, B. Ziegler, and N. Broadwater. 2009. Impact of conventional or intensive milk replacer programs on Holstein heifer performance through six months of age and during lactation J. Dairy Sci. 92:799-809. Golombeski, G., M. Raeth-Knight, B. Ziegler, R. Larson, D. Ziegler H. Chester- Jones, and J. Linn. 2009. Performance of post-weaned Holstein heifer calves fed grain mixes with glycerin as an energy source. J. Dairy Sci. 92 (E-Suppl. 1): 87. Abstract M271. Carlson, D. , S. Hayes, B. Ziegler, R.Larson, M. Raeth-Knight, G. Golombeski, J. Linn, D. Ziegler, and H. Chester-Jones. 2009. Influence of altering conventional milk replacer feeding rate and protein source on pre- and post-weaning performance and health of dairy calves. J. Dairy Sci. 92 (E-Suppl. 1): 450. Abstract W221. Hayes, S., D. Carlson, D. Ziegler, M. Raeth-Knight, G. Golombeski, B. Ziegler, R. Larson, J. Linn, and H. Chester-Jones. 2009. Pre- and post weaning performance and health of heifer calves fed different levels of bovine spray dried animal plasma in a traditional milk replacer program. J. Dairy Sci. 92 (E-Suppl. 1): 454. Abstract W234. Chester-Jones, H., S. Hayes, R. Larson, B. Ziegler, D. Ziegler, M. Raeth-Knight, G. Golombeski, and J. Linn. 2009. Performance and health of post weaned Holstein heifer calves from 9 to 25 weeks of age fed grain mixes containing varying levels of bovine spray dried plasma protein during the initial transition to group pens. J. Dairy Sci. 92 (E-Suppl. 1): 455. Abstract W235. Ziegler, D., R. Larson, B. Ziegler, M. Raeth- Knight, G. Golombeski, H. Chester-Jones, and J. Linn. Performance of post weaned Holstein heifer calves fed limit or free-choice pelleted grain mixes with two differing fiber levels along with free-choice hay. J. Dairy Sci. 92 (E-Suppl. 1): 455. Abstract W236. Hyde, J. A., S. A. Roth and L. A. Holden. 2009. Human Resource Management on Dairy Farms: Does investing in people matter? Northeastern Agricultural and Resource Economics Association Meetings. June 7-9, 2009, Burlington, VT. Holden, L. A., J. A. Hyde, B. J. Hilty, E. Cowan and J. Frey. 2009. Pennsylvania New and Beginning Dairy Producer Initiative. International Farm Management Association Meetings. July 12-16, Bloomington, IL. J. A. Elizondo-Salazar, C. M. Jones, R.F. Leuer, and A. J. Heinrichs. 2009. Replacing milk proteins with nucleotides in milk replacers for pre-weaned dairy calves. J. Dairy Sci. 93: E-Suppl. 1: 11. J. A. Elizondo-Salazar and A. J. Heinrichs. 2009. Feeding colostrum with an esophageal feeder does not reduce IgG absorption in neonatal dairy heifer calves. J. Dairy Sci. 93: E-Suppl. 1: 13. J. A. Elizondo-Salazar and A. J. Heinrichs. 2009. High bacterial concentration in colostrum does not interfere with IgG absorption in neonatal dairy bull calves. J. Dairy Sci. 93: E-Suppl. 1: 14.,p> K. E. Griswold, P. H. Craig, R. C. Goodling, and A. J. Heinrichs. 2009. Subjectivity of qualitative assessment of corn silage by dairy nutritionists. J. Dairy Sci. 93: E-Suppl. 1: 34. Heinrichs, A. J. 2009. Mastitis prevention: the nutritional approach. Feed Mix: The International Journal of Feed, Nutrition, and Technology. 16:15-17.<p. Heinrichs, A. J. 2009. Dalla nascita allo svezzamento della vitella. (From Birth to weaning of calves) Lallevatore Trentino. Pp 32-33. Heinrichs, A. J. 2009. Dairy calf nutrition issues. Primus Agr Magazin. Munchen, Germany. Pp. 26-30. Heinrichs, A. J. 2009. Manage your calf health through nutrition. Progressive Dairyman. 23(6):42-43. Zanton, G. I., and A. J. Heinrichs. 2009. Limit-feeding heifers: what we have learned and what we recommend. Hoards Dairyman. 154(7): 252. Heinrichs, A. J. and G. J. Lascano. 2009. Rumen development and health for optimal growth and rumen microbial production in dairy replacements. In XIV ISAH Congress 2009 Sustainable animal husbandry: prevention is better than cure. Vol 1 pp 89-82. Abdelqader, M. M., J. L. Anderson, A. R. Hippen, D. J. Schingoethe, and K. F. Kalscheur. 2009. In situ ruminal degradability of dry matter and protein from corn germ, distillers grains, and soybean meal. J. Dairy Sci. 92 (5):2362. (Abstr.) Rosentrater, K. A., F. Teymouri, and K. F. Kalscheur. 2009. Quantifying livestock feed value of AFEX-treated DDGS and subsequent biorefinery byproducts. 31st Symposium on Biotechnology for Fuels and Chemicals, San Francisco, CA, May 4, 2009. Poster 9-55. p.148. (Abstr.) Christen, K. A., D. J. Schingoethe, K. F. Kalscheur, A. R. Hippen, K. Karges, and M. L. Gibson. 2009. Response of lactating dairy cows to high protein distillers grains or three other protein supplements. J. Dairy Sci. 92(E-Suppl. 1):559. (Abstr.) Mjoun, K., K. F. Kalscheur, A. R. Hippen, and D. J. Schingoethe. 2009. In situ ruminal degradability and intestinal digestibility of protein in soybean and dried distillers grains with solubles products. J. Dairy Sci. 92(E-Suppl. 1):84. (Abstr.) Mjoun, K., K. F. Kalscheur, A. R. Hippen, and D. J. Schingoethe. 2009. Lactation performance and amino acid utilization of early lactating cows fed regular or de-oiled dried distillers grains with solubles. J. Dairy Sci. 92(E-Suppl. 1):559. (Abstr.) Garcia, A. D., K. F. Kalscheur, A. R. Hippen, and K. Rosentrater. 2009. O problema resultante da presença de micotoxinas em grãos de destilaría destinados a rumiantes. Albeitar: publicacion veterinaria independendiente, Portugal, March/April, No. 2. pp. 48-53.<p. Schingoethe, D. J. 2009. Low starch diets with distillers grains can maximize dairy profits. Distillers Grains Quarterly 4 (1):22-25. Schingoethe, D. J., A. D. Garcia, K. F. Kalscheur, A. R. Hippen, and K. Rosentrater. 2009. El azufre en los granos de destilería para el ganado lechero. South Dakota State University, Cooperative Extension Service. ExEx4039S. Dschaak, C.M., J.-S. Eun, F. H. Bhushan, and A. J. Young. 2009. Shift in in vitro microbial fermentation in response to condensed tannin supplementation in mixed ruminal cultures. J. Dairy Sci. 92: W274 (Suppl. 1)(abst.) Williams, C.M., C. M. Dschaak, J.-S. Eun, A. J. Young, and J. W. MacAdam. 2009. Ruminal metabolism during continuous culture fermentation when replacing alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) hay with birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.) hay. Proc. Western Section, ASAS 60: James, Robert E. 2009. Clean Colostrum and Ig Absorption. Proceedings of Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Association Meeting. Madison. James, Robert E. and M. C. Scott . 2009. Management of on Farm Pasteurizers in Calf FeedingPrograms. Proceedings Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Association Meeting. Madison.<p. James,Robert E. 2009. Management of the pre-weaned calf. Proceedings of Western Canada Dairy Seminars. Red Deer, AB. James, Robert E. and S. Godden. 2009. Managing a pasteurizer system for feeding milk to calves. Bovine Alliance on Management and Nutrition (BAMN) publication. Cabrera, V.E., Gould, B.W., Valvekar, M. 2009. Livestock gross margin insurance for dairy Cattle: an analysis of program performance and cost under alternative policy configurations. AAEA, CAES, & WAEA Joint Annual Meeting. Milwaukee, WI, 26-28 July 2009. Cabrera, V.E. 2009. A large Markovian linear program model for dairy herd decision-making. Joint ADSA-CSAS-ASAS Annual Meeting. Montreal, Canada, 12-16 July 2009. (Invited) J. Dairy Sci. 92 (E-Suppl. 1):661.<p. Cabrera, V.E. Shaver, R.D., Wattiaux, M.A. Optimizing income over feed supplement cost. 4-State Dairy Nutrition & Management Conference. 10-11 June 2009. (invited) Cabrera, V.E., Pantoja, J., Ruegg, P., Shook, G. 2009. Decision-making for early postpartum subclinical mastitis. J. Dairy Sci. 92 (E-Suppl. 1):T13.<p. Ruiz, M., Cabrera, V.E. 2009. The economic impact of five dairy cattle clinical diseases as measured by the correlation between Lactational incidence risk and the income over feed cost in Wisconsin dairy herds. J. Dairy Sci. 92 (E-Suppl. 1):W1. Valvekar, M., Cabrera, V.E., Gould, B. 2009. Analysis of program performance and cost under alternative policy configurations and market conditions. J. Dairy Sci. 92 (E-Suppl. 1):W102. Janowski, J., Cabrera, V.E. 2009. A stochastic decision support system tool for dairy expansion. J. Dairy Sci. 92 (E-Suppl. 1):T236. Inostroza, J. F., Cabrera, V.E., Shaver, R.D., Tricarico, J.M. 2009. Evaluation of the economic impact of Optigen use in commercial dairy herd diets with varying feed and milk prices. J. Dairy Sci. 92 (E-Suppl. 1):M131. Inostroza, J. F., Shaver, R.D., Cabrera, V.E., Tricarico, J.M. 2009. Effect of Optigen on milk yield composition and component yields in commercial Wisconsin dairy farms. J. Dairy Sci. 92 (E-Suppl. 1):T297. Inostroza, J. F., Cabrera, V.E., Shaver, R.D., Tricarico, J.M. 2009. Evaluation of the economic impact of Optigen use in commercial dairy herd diets with varying feed and milk prices. Alltech 25th International Symposium, 17-20 May 2009, Lexington, KY. De Vries, A., and R. Nebel. 2009. National heifers supply and the effects of sexed semen. Pages 131-140 in: Proceedings Western Dairy Management Conference, Reno, NV, March 9-13. De Vries, A. 2006. How much can you afford to spend on treating a broken cow? Pages 79 to 92 in: Proceedings Southeast Dairy Herd Management Conference. Macon, GA, November 14-15. De Vries, A. 2009. Application of statistical process control techniques to monitor changes in animal production systems. J. Anim. Sci. Vol. 87, E-Suppl. 2/J. Dairy Sci. Vol. 92, E-Suppl. 1: 35. De Vries, A. 2009. To keep or cull a cow. J. Anim. Sci. Vol. 87, E-Suppl. 2/J. Dairy Sci. Vol. 92, E-Suppl. 1: 541. Lima, F., A. De Vries, and C. Risco. 2009. Financial analysis of direct comparison of natural service sires and timed artificial insemination in a dairy herd. J. Anim. Sci. Vol. 87, E-Suppl. 2/J. Dairy Sci. Vol. 92, E-Suppl. 1: 138. Ely, L. O., A. De Vries, R. Giesy, M. Sowerby, B. Broaddus, and C. Vann. 2009. Financial performance of dairies in Florida and Georgia in 2007. J. Anim. Sci. Vol. 87, E-Suppl. 2/J. Dairy Sci. Vol. 92, E-Suppl. 1: 414 Pinedo, P. J., and A. De Vries. 2009. Effect of days open in the previous lactation on the risk of culling or death around calving. J. Anim. Sci. Vol. 87, E-Suppl. 2/J. Dairy Sci. Vol. 92, E-Suppl. 1: 336

Impact Statements

Leverage: During the 2008-2009 reporting period station reported extramural and intramural support beyond, but associated with the NC-1042 regional project exceeded $2.4 million.
The collected DBAP data 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. The other work has not yet had an impact.
The database from the Dairy Business Analysis Project was used to update dairy budgets. These budgets have been used by Farm Services and commercial banks to evaluate loans and to work with current customers. Comments from the bankers say the budgets allow them to make realistic evaluation for producers.
Several new intervention technologies show great promise for adoption on dairy farms. Automatic temperature recording may be beneficial if true changes in temperature are measured and may be associated with changes in health, estrus, pregnancy status, or impending parturition.
The efficacy of storing WDGS with corn or hay crop silage before ensiling provides an opportunity for small or medium-sized dairy farms to utilize WDGS in their feeding and feed cost control strategies. Large farms are able to better utilize WDGS because they can feed the product quickly and before spoilage may occur. Farms unable to utilize an entire load of WDGS quickly will benefit from alternative storage opportunities without negative consequences on dairy cattle performance.
The results of the Kentucky dairy industry survey can be utilized to help focus extension and research efforts toward meeting the indicated needs of target clientele.
Dairy producers living in a urbanized state such as Maryland report that high land costs and urban encroachment limit their ability to grow and improve their dairy herds. While the majority of dairy producers operate conventional operations, some non-traditional types of farms such as grazing and value added were projected to increase in the future.
Coconut oil at the concentrations used in this research reduced methane emissions markedly; but, in the life cycle context, more cows and replacements would be needed in the national dairy herd to maintain the same milk production because feed intake and milk yield were reduced per cow; thus, off-setting much of the benefit of reduced enteric methane emissions.
Using a compost barn system, many producers saw a substantial improvement in feet and leg health and longevity of their cattle. This can translate in increased profitability of dairy operations. Reduction of heat stress with cross-ventilated barns can potentially translate into more milk production, better reproduction and less lameness, with again major implications on profitability.
The use of commercial dairy calves for nutritional and management studies up to 6 months of age and the ability to follow these calves back to their respective dairy herds for first lactation performance provides a critical base towards attaining objective 1 of the NC-1042 project. In terms of application of the results to the field, benchmarks have been developed for calf performance parameters that have been used for on-farm comparisons across the US.
When determining the quality of feed protein, field dairy nutritionists should not consider ADIN to be completely indigestible. By doing so diet formulations will contain less N will be greater and actual excretion of N by the animal should be reduced.
Cows which consume corn milling co-products produce more milk protein because they are able to consume more energy. This is useful for producers who aim to produce food and support a growing world population. When including these feeds producers should be mindful of the amount of fat included in the diet as this may have an effect on milk fat synthesis.
Colostrum replacer (based on dehydrated colostrum) provides adequate immunity based on blood IgG concentration. Immunoglobulin G uptake was not affected in calves born of cows fed anionic salts compared to cows not fed anionic salts. Adding sodium bicarbonate to colostrum replacer increased uptake of IgG compared to calves not fed sodium bicarbonate.
Improving management by way of using esophageal feeders and pasteurizing colostrum can improve immunoglobulin absorption and thus calf health for newborn dairy calves.
Although the digestibility was increased for heifers limit-fed high concentrate diets, retention and excretion of N was not consistently affected. It is concluded that limit feeding high concentrate diets does not need to be excluded as a management option and may offer an opportunity for heifer growers to reduce feed costs and environmental output under certain circumstances.
Key aspects for successful dairy business transition are building equity through cows, adequate financial position and management succession planning to allow for transfer of business. Effective communication along with investing in training and development of the dairy workforce will likely have more positive impact on employee satisfaction and retention than other areas of human resource management.
Improving management practices in key areas of human resource management and production management should result in positive employee recruitment and retention as well as overall financial benefits.
Pasteurizing bovine colostrum can raise immunoglobulin absorption by up to 20%, thereby reducing the percentage of dairy calves that have failure of passive transfer of antibodies.
Dairy heifers can be fed restriclted amounts of dry matter, that while meeting their nutrient requirements, will improve feed efficiency by 3 to 6% over conventional feeding systems.
Successful strategies for new and beginning producers entering into the dairy industry and helping them make positive investments in workforce development and management are key elements in an overall system for long term dairy farm profitability and viability.
New distillers grains products available commercially have a wide range of rumen protein degradabilities. Intestinal digestibility of these products exceeded 92% demonstrating protein quality similar to protein products.
Rumen-degradable protein was greater in wet than dried distillers grains, and increased when the inclusion of solubles in the distillers grains increased. Intestinal digestible protein was primarily affected by form and not by the addition of solubles.
The addition of a reduced-fat DDGS or regular DDGS did not affect intake or milk production in early lactation, however milk protein yield increased when DDGS was included in the diets. Lower dietary lysine provided in the DDGS diets did not correspond to lower milk protein yield.
Dairy industries have been challenged to meet increasing public demands for environmentally responsible nutrient management. Consequently, one of the major objectives of the U. S. dairy production system is to develop a sustainable farming system with environmentally-friendly production management. Condensed tannins in forages such as Birdsfoot trefoil have the potential to improve both the economic and environmental sustainability of grazing-based dairy operations, but could become a value-added hay product marketed to confinement dairies wishing to improve N use efficiency and reduce the N content of urine
A study of 2,467 dairy herds has demonstrated that projection of calvings for new herds and expanding herds may be much simpler than expected. Rather than account for herd size in combination with reproduction and culling measures, the number of calvings each year is very close to the number of cows in the herd. This makes the projection of future cow numbers in a herd a simpler and more accurate process, leading to more realistic budgets and less risk of financial difficulties.
Dairy producers in Wisconsin and elsewhere are always looking for cost-efficient and profitable management strategies to improve their bottom-line and guarantee their long-term economic and environmental sustainability. Dairy producers have indicated that they need support in making complex planning decisions to improve their efficiency of production, profitability, and for the dairy industry to remain sustainable.
Management information systems are increasingly important for helping in the decision-making of dairy systems. Indeed, dairy farming is a decision-intensive enterprise where profitable decisions cannot be made without the use of decision aids. The dynamics of dairy farm systems warrants the utilization of sophisticated techniques to assess the impacts of management strategies to farm economics, which at the same time need to be user-friendly and ready to be applied at the farm level. Simulation techniques help to overcome these shortcomings assessing cost-efficiency and profitability even under highly uncertain scenarios.
Our programs are committed to provide relevant, up-to-date, research based, and field tested decision aids to farmers and Extension agents.
Dairy producers and heifer growers are now adopting limit feeding as viable dairy management tool to reduce feed cost, improve feed efficiency and decrease manure excretion. Adoption rate is slow and is limited by existing dairy heifer rearing facilities which we not originally designed for limit feeding.

Date of Annual Report: 12/14/2010

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 10/14/2010 - 10/16/2010
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2009 - 10/01/2010

Participants

Kononoff, Paul -NE; Erickson, Pete -NH, secretary; Bewley, Jeff -KY; Brova-Ureta, Boris-CT; Brito, Andre-NH; Cabrera, Victor-WI; de Vries, Albert-FL; Ely, Lane-GA; Heinrichs, Jud-PA; Hill, Stephanie-MS; Kalscheur, Ken-SD; Mcgilliard, Mike -VA; Nennich, Tamilee-IN; Peters, Bob-MN; Schutz, Mike-IN

Brief Summary of Minutes

Date of Annual Report: 12/14/10
Report Information: 10/14/10- 10/16/10
Period the Report Covers: 10/2009- 09/2010
Participants: NH, CT, PA, MD, VA, GA, FL, IN, KY, WI, MS, NE, SD.
The following stations sent a report, but were not represented at the meeting: MN, LA, NY.
Brief Summary of Minutes of annual Meeting
Participants attending
Paul Kononoff (NE), Pete Erickson (NH; secretary), Jeff Bewley (KY), Boris Bravo-Ureta (CT), Andre Brito (NH), Victor Cabrera (WI), Albert de Vries (FL), Lane Ely (GA), Jud Heinrichs (PA), Stephanie Hill (MS), Ken Kalscheur (SD), Mike McGilliard (VA), Tamilee Nennich (IN), Bob Peters (MD), and Mike Schutz (IN).
October 14, 2010
Call to order
Chair Paul Kononoff called the meeting to order at 1:15 PM at the College of southern Idaho, Twin Falls, ID. Marielle Chahine (Professor and Extension Dairy Specialist) welcomed the group to Idaho. A discussion about the farm tours on Saturday occurred. Plans were to visit a large calf ranch, and two large dairies in the Jerome, ID area.
Introductions of members took place next. Dr. Kononoff asked the group to describe a positive that has occurred at our respective home institutions when they present their station reports.
USDA/CSREES Advisor was unable to attend. It was stated that station reports need to report impacts and leverage.
Other news:
A large AFRI grant was submitted in the area of feed efficiency. Several members of the research group were part of the project. The project was led by Dr. Nennich. Another letter of intent was submitted by several members of the group, but a full proposal was not requested by USDA.
NC-1042 is sponsoring a symposium to be held at the Midwest meeting in March 16, 2011. Sponsor(s) for the symposia are requested. Four speakers from the research group will be presenting information during the symposium: Victor Cabrera, Albert de Vries, Jeff Bewley, and Joe Harrison.
Other Business:
Dr. Kononoff recommended that we meet as a group in D.C. in 2011. Dr. Hill suggested that we collaborate on a USDA/NIH grant.
Station Reports
Objective 1 states presenting: MD, IN, NH, MS, PA, VA
Objective 2 states presenting: IN, PA, SD, NE
Objective 3 states presenting: IN, PA, VA, KY, WI, FL, GA
Invited Speaker
Dr Marielle Chahine describe the dairy industry in Idaho and at the U of I. Idaho currently ranks third in the nation in dairy cow population (573,000 cows). The dairy industry is located in the Southern Idaho-Snake River Valley.
The university is located 300 miles from the center of the states dairy industry. The Idaho dairy industry provides grant money for research and the United Dairymen of Idaho are a strong lobby group within the state. There are geographic challenges with the campus being located far from the dairy industry. Because of the growing industry, the governor allocated $10,000,000 to develop a new research dairy with a total cost of $40,000,000. Currently, there are 223 undergraduates 22 MS candidates and 13 Ph.D. candidates in the animal science program. Due to the financial problems, the state reduced funds were reduced by $8,000,000.
The primary educational programs from extension is directly to the employee such as, milker schools, hoof and calf care, AI school, and Spanish for dairy managers.
Update on plans from 2009
Objective 1: Calves and Heifers: to analyze management and nutrition strategies for replacement heifers as they pertain to production and profitability (heifers)
Developing a new weight tape is underway (project led by Heinrichs). An AFRI transition management/ grazing grant may include members of the research group (project led by Hill). A review article evaluating colostrum supplements will be written for submission to ARPAS (project led by Erickson).

Objective 2: Cows and Dry Cows: To optimize lactating and dry cow decision-making as it relates to animal health, nutrient utilization, milk production, reproduction, and profitability (cows).
A meta-analysis is underway evaluating N efficiency on corn and corn co-products. An evaluation of the costs of lameness is being planned.
Objective 3: Whole farm systems approach to evaluate system components and integration of information into decision-support tools and whole farm analyses to improve efficiency, control variation, and enhance profitability, and environmental sustainability (whole farm)
A study evaluating costs and profits over time and space is proceeding (project led by Drs. Cabrera and Bravo-Ureta). A manuscript has been readied and will be submitted evaluating climate change on dairy farms over time and space (led by Dr. Bravo-Ureta).
Business Meeting
Minutes of the 2009 meeting were approved and accepted. Paul suggested that the location of the 2011 meeting be in Washington, DC. Bob agreed to host. Discussion ensued and it was suggested that we meet with USDA program leaders. The location may allow for more members from the east to be present. The combined USDA/NIH grant for using farm animals as a model for research in human health was discussed. The project needs to have a basic component. Possibly an individual from our group could be involved. Mike moved to have the meeting in the DC area. Jud seconded and the group in attendance voted unanimously for having it at that location. It was realized that due to the rewrite a two day meeting isa necessary other than a 1.5 d meeting. The meeting dates will be October 13-15 with the 15th being for tours. Bob will look into the logistics and costs.
Paul then recognized Drs. Lane Ely and Mike McGilliard for their many years of service to the group.
Website report- Mike
Mike reported that Victor has posted a new report on the site. Victor volunteered to take over the website.
Historian report-Mike
Mike mentioned that Jack Albright kept a review up to 2000. It was stated that minutes need to be part of the history. Albert deVries volunteered to serve as historian.
Victor Cabrerra was nominated as secretary and he was elected unanimously. The group thanked Dr. Marielle Chahine for her work in organizing the meeting.
Old business
None
Paul and Pete were commended for their work in organizing the meeting.

Accomplishments

Accomplishments: Sub-objective 1: Calves and Heifers: To analyze management and nutrition strategies for replacement heifers as they pertain to production and profitability (heifers) A series of projects evaluating calf feedings were conducted by MN. (1) Pre- and post weaning performance of calves fed texturized calf starters with different levels of monensin. Results if the study suggested that monensin did not affect ADG, but calf starter intake decreased linearly as monensin increased. All calves were fed monensin from wk 9-25; gain was greater for calves previously fed monensin in their calf starter. No effect of monensin on overall health was observed. Results of this study indicated that calves fed monensin in the nursery phase showed performance compensation when fed in group pens. (2) The effects of essential oils on the health of calves in the pre-and post weaning phases were evaluated. Results of this study indicated that there were no benefits of offering a non-medicated milk replacer without essential oils and a calf starter with essential oils or a combination of non-medicated milk replacer and calf starter with essential oils. (3) An evaluation of the addition of yeast to milk replacers and yeast to milk replacer and calf starter on pre- and post weaning performance. Results indicated that supplementing calves with yeast added to milk replacer or calf starter or both was not beneficial. (4) Due to new regulations on the use of medicated milk replacers containing neomycin sulfate and oxytetracycline a study was conducted to evaluate the feeding of these medications for 0, 14, 26 or 42 d. Calves were fed lower amounts (400 g of neomycin and 200 g of oxytetracycline/ton of milk replacer over the entire 42 d study (TRT1), or the higher amounts of medication 1600 g of each medication for 2 weeks followed by 2 d off followed by 12 d on (TRT 4). Control calves were fed 0 g of medication throughout the study (TRT 2), while the other treatment was the same as the high medication treatment but fed for only the first 14 d (TRT 1). Average daily gain was lower for the control treatment compared to treatments 1 and 4. Calves on the control diet were less efficient than calves on treatments 1 and 4. Days on which calves experienced diarrhea were also greater for control calves. Results indicate that calves fed increasing amounts of neomycin sulfate and oxytetracycline grew more efficiently, ate more starter, and had fewer days sick than calves fed the non-medicated treatment. (5) An evaluation of milk replacer feeding rate (elevated from d 1-14, reduced from d 15-35 and further reduced from d 36-42) and the feeding of various concentrations of crude protein (20%, 24%, 28 %) on the growth and health of calves was investigated. Results indicate that calves fed increasing rates of milk replacer and feeding 28 % CP milk replacer had increased gain from d 1-14 followed by depressed growth from d 15-28 which occurred when the feeding rate of milk replacer was reduced. (6) This experiment evaluated whether different bedding sources affected parasitic wasp effectiveness in controlling filth flies. Bedding sources were pine shavings, hardwood sawdust, or grain straw. Results indicated that the calf pens bedded with the wood products produced fewer flies, but there were greater fly pupae in the straw. Although greater numbers of fly pupae were present in straw, the difference was partially counterbalanced by beneficial wasps, which attacked disproportionately more pupae in straw. Indiana conducted 3 experiments under sub-objective 1. (1) This study evaluated the effects of calf hutch ventilation on calf performance. The back of the calf hutch was raised either 0 or 20 cm off the ground. Results indicated that raising the back of the calf hutch did not improve calf performance. (2) Calf hutches are often bedded with straw, but sand, and shavings are becoming more common. Results indicated that there were no clear advantages or disadvantages to any of the bedding sources on calf performance. (3) In this study the Purdue researchers evaluated either 0, 20 % dried distillers grains, or 20 % deoiled dried distillers grains fed to post weaned heifers. Results indicated that there were no differences among the treatments suggesting that these distillers products are a viable feed option for dairy producers feeding heifers. ( 3) This study evaluated the effect of co-grazing heifers with goats. Treatments were heifers or heifers with goats. Heifers were also supplemented at 0.9 % of body weight with either soybean hulls or distillers dried grains. Results indicated that there were no differences in heifer performance based on the presence of the goats. However, heifers fed the distillers dried grains had improved growth and feed efficiency compared to heifers fed the soybean hulls. Three experiments were evaluated in PA under sub-objective 1. (1) A series of 5 experiments were conducted to determine the effects of distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) in calf diets. Levels of DDGS ranged from 0 to 49 % of the calf starter grains. Results indicated that feeding calves high concentrations of DDGS in calf starter reduced the growth of calves. (2) A second study evaluated the amount of starch (30% or 15%) and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (yeast culture; 0, 10, 30, 50 g/d) to 8 (432 kg BW) limit-fed heifers. The high starch treatment decreased ADF digestibility and increased hemicellulose digestibility. Yeast culture quadratically increased dry matter digestibility with the highest digestibility observed for the 30 g/d treatment. As yeast culture was increased, digestibility of NDF, ADF and hemicellulose increased or tended to increase quadratically. Thirty grams of of yeast culture improved digestibility of dry matter, ADF, NDF and hemicellulose. (3) In a 10 year longitudinal study investigating how management during the first 16 wk of life influences performance as cows. Results indicated that delivery score, weaning dry matter intake, days of illness before 4 mos, days treated before 4 mos, and body weight at first calving all had effected the first lactation production. Delivery score and grain intake at a young age affected lifetime production. Age at culling was only affected by early grain intake. In NH, 2 studies were conducted under sub-objective 1. (1) A study evaluating the optimum dose of sodium bicarbonate to add to colostrum replacer was conducted. Calves received 0, 15, 30, or 45 g of sodium bicarbonate in their first dose of colostrum replacer. Calves received all of their colostrum replacer near the time of birth. Results indicated that 24 h blood IgG concentrations tended to be linearly reduced as sodium bicarbonate dosage increased. Similarly, apparent efficiency of absorption of IgG, and area under the curve for IgG were linearly reduced, as sodium bicarbonate was increase. The results were due to the highest dosage of sodium bicarbonate profoundly reducing IgG uptake. (2) A study evaluating the effects of kelp meal on calf starter intake was conducted. Results indicated that calves do not prefer the taste of kelp. When given a choice, the calves on this experiment preferred the control (0 kelp) over the 30g or 60 g kelp treatments. In LA, 2 studies were conducted under sub-objective 1. (1)This study involved the use of cottonseed hulls on rumen development in dairy calves. Calf starter grain contained either 0, 10, 15 or 20 % cottonseed hulls. Calves were fed the respective treatment beginning on d 8 and continuing for 56 d. Results indicated that incorporating cottonseed hulls into calf starter grains showed no advantages or disadvantages based on calf performance. (2) A study evaluating time of feeding milk replacer was conducted. Calves were either fed at a regular or an irregular time. Results indicated that feeding time had little effect on overall growth, but insulin was higher in calves fed irregularly suggesting that some of the control mechanisms that affect growth can be altered by feeding schedule. In MD, 1 study was conducted under sub-objective 1. This experiment evaluated the performance of conventionally fed versus pasture fed pregnant heifers. Conventionally fed heifers received a balanced diet containing corn and rye silage, grass hay, and a grain mix containing monensin. The pasture fed heifers were fed only pasture. Paddock size was 0.1 to0.3 ha and heifers were rotated into a new pasture daily. Heifers fed pasture only had lower average daily gains and body condition scores, whereas; wither height gain was similar between the treatments. Researchers in VA conducted 1 study under sub-objective 1. This study was conducted in CA to evaluate milk solids intake and housing type on growth and health of calves. Calves were fed pasteurized waste milk with solids added to provide 13-15% solids. Calves were fed 3 quarts of normal or the solids supplemented milk daily. Calves were housed in either plastic calf hutches or elevated calf stalls. The study has not been analyzed statistically, but total plate counts of the pasteurized waste milk varied between 14,000 and 4,000,000 cfu/mL indicating frequent failure of the pasteurizer. Researchers in MS have completed 1 study under sub-objective 1. The study evaluated the effects of different yeast additives, mannanoligosaccharides, beta-glucans added to calf diets. The data are being analyzed statistically. Sub-objective 2: Cows: To optimize lactating and dry cow decision making as it relates to animal health, nutrient utilization, milk production, reproduction and profitability. Nebraska researchers conducted 6 experiments under sub-objective 2. (1) The purpose of this experiment was to determine if the yeast cells contained within DDGS escaped degradation in the rumen. Two ruminally fistulated cows were used in this sequential experiment. Treatments were fed for 21 d and included a TMR without DDGS and a TMR with 30% of the diet containing DDGS. Omasal contents were taken for determination of the presence of yeast DNA escaping the rumen. Results indicated that yeast DNA was present in higher amounts in digest from cows fed the TMR with DDGS and that the yeast from this source is not completely degraded in the rumen. (2) Estimation of rumen microbial crude protein (MCP) using purine analysis is commonly done. However, a more direct approach is needed as purines not originating from microbial DNA may confound the results. Conducting an in vitro experiment, these researchers evaluated the effect of DDGS at a low inclusion rate (33%) and a high inclusion rate (100%) along with a control diet with no DDGS. Results indicated that differences were obtained for purine analysis and real-time PCR. Results suggest that real-time PCR may be a feasible approach for analyzing MCP. (3) An in vitro study was conducted to evaluate DDGS on microbial populations. Treatments were no DDGS, 33% DDGS, or 100% DDGS. Results indicated that treatment did not affect the estimates of bacterial crude protein or yeast crude protein. However, as DDGS inclusion was increased protozoal crude protein was reduced. Overall results indicated that DDGS may affect in vitro microbial growth. (4) Nine experiments which included 778 observations from 29 treatment diets were used in a meta analysis to evaluate the impacts of observed intakes of diet net energy by lactating cows. Results suggested that net energy of lactation intake was a weak predictor of NEl use and is not a good predictor of NEl use by the animal. (5) In this experiment the researchers evaluated the in vitro gas production and ruminal bacterial populations fermenting corn milling (co) products (low-heat dried DDGS or a high protein DDGS). Results indicated that processing methods (heating and defatting) affect the populations of rumen bacteria. The defatting increased the fibrolytic and proteolytic bacteria and reduced the lactate-utilizing bacteria. These data indicate that more innovative processing may improve the utilization of DDGS. (6) Twenty mid-lactation cows were used to evaluate brown midrib (BMR) and DDGS (30% of diet DM) as compared with corn silage on milk production and N utilization. Five, 4 X 4 Latin squares utilizing a 2 X 2 factorial arrangement of treatments; treatments were: no DDGS ,no BMR; no DDGS, BMR; 30% DDGS, no BMR; 30% DDGS, BMR. Total N intake increased with the addition of DDGS, but the amount of N excreted was not. This is likely due to more N excreted in the milk from DDGS. More N was retained in the cow due to the BMR. The proportion of N observed to go into productive purposes was highest for cows consuming the DDGS and BMR. Researchers at FL conducted 4 studies under sub-objective 2. (1) In this experiment, the researchers used pedometers as a measurement of activity to determine timed artificial insemination (AI). Activity was measured as steps /hr. Data were collected from 632 breeding records. Results indicated that activity is a good indicator for timed AI and is a good indicator of pregnancy. (2) A study to evaluate the economic benefits of timed AI or natural service (NS), the following experiment was conducted. Results indicated that NS costs the dairy producer $100.49/cow per year and for the timed AI program the costs were $67.80/cow per year. When voluntary waiting period and pregnancy rate are considered, the economic benefits for timed AI were $9.73/cow per year as compared to using NS. Costs per day were $1.45/cow for NS and $1.06 for timed AI. If marginal feed costs increased to $5.00/cwt, the advantage of timed AI increased to $48.32/cow per year. When semen price increased from $6 to $22 the NS method of breeding had resulted in an economic benefit of $33.29/cow per year. If each NS bull was replaced by an additional cow, the cost benefit of timed AI increased to $60.81/cow per year. (3) To evaluate the economic aspects of sexed semen, the following experiment was conducted. A linear programming model was developed considering sexed dairy, conventional dairy and conventional beef semen types, 5 levels of milk production, 10 parities including heifers. The model contained 2,425 decision variables. Results indicated that the optimal decision to use conventional semen resulted in $ 335/profit/cow per year. Additional choice of sexed semen resulted in profit/cow per year to $339 with sexed semen being used in the first inseminations in heifers and higher producing first parity cows. Profit/cow per year increased to $368 when beef semen was used, but fewer dairy calves were available to replace the culled cows. The optimal insemination mix often included sexed semen but depended greatly on the relative value of dairy bull calves, dairy heifer calves and crossbred calves. (4) A linear program has been developed containing 70,000 variables and 200,000 constraints. The objective of this program is to evaluate optimal strategies in seasonal herd. The model has been used to evaluate the use of sexed semen and beef semen, embryo transfer and the value of improved fertility in Israel. Kentucky researchers conducted 3 studies under sub-objective 2. (1) Using 321 cows from 15 herds were used to study lying time. An Icetag (measures posture) was put on each cow. Mean lying time was 11 h/cow. As milk production increased, lying time decreased and as days in milk increased, lying time increased. (2) To evaluate the lying behavior of cows transitioning from a freestall barn to a compost bed pack barn a case study was conducted using 11 Cows fitted with Icetag monitors. Cows in the compost bed pack barn spent more time lying (12.7 h) than cows in the freestall barn (9.7 h). (3) This study was to evaluate management practices of Kentucky Holstein Dairy herds. The herds used (N =23) had an average milk production in excess of 10,000 kg. Average herd size was 191 cows. All herds practiced regular forage testing, used veterinarians for reproductive management , 91% used fans or sprinklers, 86 % used AI for cows, 87% used AI for heifers, 87 % used ration balancing at least annually, 86% used a hoof trimmer at least once per year, 74 % used sexed semen, and 70% had separate groups for far-off and close-up dry cows. All herds practiced drying teats before machine application, 95 % practiced pre-dipping, 83 % of employees wore gloves, and 83 % of the farms had automatic take-offs. When asked to identify the management practice that contributed most to their milk production level the most often cited reason was attention to detail(n=8), followed by nutrition (n=5), with cow comfort (n=4), and forage quality(n=4). New York researchers conducted 3 experiments under sub-objective 2. (1) Using 32 multiparous cows 50 d prior to parturition, the effects of 2, 4-thiazolidinedione (TZD) was evaluated in cows fed a high or low energy diet. During the final 2 weeks prepartum, 4.0 mg TZD/kg BW was treated daily vs. saline. Cows fed the lower energy diet had lower intake and higher plasma NEFA than cows fed the high energy diet. Results indicated that cows treated with TZD (an insulin sensitizing agent) increased plasma glucose. An insulin challenge was conducted; TZD cows had a more negative area under the curve than cows treated with saline. These data suggest that TZD treated cows had greater responses to insulin. These results indicate that energy level and insulin sensitizing agents can affect glucose and lipid metabolism in the dry period. (2) To evaluate overstocking during the dry period the following study was conducted. Four groups of 10 cows/group were exposed to 2 treatments control (1 cow/stall; 0.67 m of bunk space) or overstocked (0 .5 stalls/cow; 0.34 m bunk space). Results indicated that NEFA and glucose concentrations were higher in the crowded groups. (3) Using blood and fecal samples from 414 cows beginning 3 weeks prepartum until 1 week postpartum were evaluated for cortisol, haptoglobin, and NEFA. Results indicated that for multiparous cows +1 week postpartum with NEFA > 600 mEq/L had 517 kg lower projected 305ME. For primiparous cows, haptoglobin > 1.1 g/L had projected 305ME 1322 kg lower during wk -3 and multiparous cows with haptoglobin concentration >1.1 g/L during wk -2, -1 +1 had on average 1496 kg lower projected ME. These data indicate that high concentrations of these metabolites suggest opportunities to improve milk yield. Researchers at Purdue University conducted 2 studies under sub-objective 2. (1) The first study evaluated the impact of rubber flooring on productivity and herdlife of dairy cows. This study used first and second parity cows assigned to either rubber or concrete flooring at the feed alley. Cows were fed once daily through headlocks. Feed was pushed up five times a day. Cows entered the experiment 60 d prior to their first lactation and were observed through 2 lactations. Results indicated that rubber flooring improved ME fat and protein, and milk lactation curve persistency compared to concrete. However, during the second lactation concrete tended to increase ME fat and protein. (2) In a similar study immune cells were evaluated to determine if rubber or concrete flooring impacted these cell counts. Results appeared to be inconclusive based on flooring. South Dakota State University researchers conducted 1 experiment under sub-objective 2. In this experiment 12 cows were used in a replicated Latin square design using a 2 X2 factorial arrangement of treatments to evaluate high forage (60 %) or low forage (41 %) diets with either 0 or 18 % DDGS. Forage consisted of 80 % corn silage and 20 % alfalfa hay. Average DMI was not affected by treatment. Milk yield, protein content and yield were greater for the low forage fed cows regardless of DDGS addition. Fat content was lower in cows fed the low forage diet. Cows on the high forage diet had an improved feed efficiency, compared to cows on the low forage diet. The presence of DDGS did not have any effect on the results in this study. Researchers at Wisconsin conducted 1 experiment under sub-objective 2. A decision tree model was developed to study the economic outcomes of testing and managing early postpartum cows. The California Mastitis Test was used to detect intramammary infection at defined prevalences of subclinical mastitis. The overall optimal pathway suggested that it was not economically beneficial to neither perform the CMT nor provide treatment for postpartum subclinical mastitis. Researchers at CA conducted 1 study that is currently underway to evaluate the use of milk fatty acids as a tool to investigate low milk on dairy farms. It is assumed that the increase in C18:1 trans 10 in milk fat is an indication that the rumen biohydrogenation pathway is shifting from Butyrivibrio spp. through Propionibacterium acnes. So far, factors that shift the rumen biohydrogenation pathway include periods of time when the feed bunk is empty, diets that are high in free oil, and feeds containing molds. Mississippi researchers are in the process of conducting an experiment to evaluate heat stress in Jerseys and Holstein cows managed in the same facility. Days spent outside the thermoneutral zone on milk production and components are being evaluated, udder health and reproductive measurements are being evaluated. Sub-objective 3: To evaluate system components and integration of information into decision-support tools and whole farm analyses to improve efficiency, control variation, and enhance profitability, and environmental sustainability (whole farm). Wisconsin researchers developed or conducted 10 projects under sub-objective 3. (1) In December, 2009, DairyMGT.uwex.edu was launched to provide real-time interactive decision support tools for the dairy industry. A tools section contains more than 30 applications. (2) A framework program is being developed to analyze the economics of different synchronization programs, heat detection programs and a combination. This tool is web based and is available at DairyMGT.info. (3) A large project is being developed which has 4 components: database mining and simulation, mastitis and reproduction, nutrition and reproduction and extension: ReproMoney. Monthly data are being collected from AgSource Cooperative Services is being analyzed in selected reproductive parameters to use in dynamic programming approaches of economic assessment of reproductive programs. (4) To study the economic, productive and environmental impact of feed supplementation in different systems a 50 page questionnaire has been developed and will be sent to 200+ producers. The study will investigate the impact of feed supplementation in the income over feed cost and nutrient balance of the farm. (5) An income over feed cost benchmarking tool has been developed. There are > 40 registered users. (6) To evaluate best replacement policies in dairy herds a large model was developed that studied the options of keeping or replacing an animal. Results indicated that: 1) open, primiparous cows should be replaced between 270 and 360 days in milk and open multiparous cows between 240 and 300 days in milk, 2) it is not economical to voluntary replace pregnant cows, 3) under favorable market conditions higher net revenues are realized by longer lactations and under unfavorable market conditions higher net revenues are realized under shorter lactations, 4) higher cull rates could be justified when market conditions are unfavorable, 5) diets with higher levels of concentrates will maximize net revenue with shorter lactations and diets with higher levels of forages will maximize net revenue with longer lactations, 6) lower cull rates could be justified with high forage diets, 7) in favorable market conditions, high concentrate diets are more profitable and high forage diets are more profitable in unfavorable market conditions, 8) to limit N excretion, feed diets that are high in forage. (7) A model has been developed to help producers choose the best strategy to incorporate the Livestock Gross Margin for Dairy Insurance. (8) Data from 273 dairies were used to examine technical efficiency. Farm intensification is positively related to farm efficiency. The level of contribution of family labor, the use of a TMR and milking frequency are all positively correlated with farm efficiency. Technical efficiency increases as family savings and investment per cow increase and decreases as debt per cow increases. (9) Dairy farm ratio benchmarking is being investigated using 15 financial ratios. Applications are available at DairyMGT.info. (10) To evaluate cash flow for dairies a financial forecaster has been developed to assess the impact of expansion investments. Minnesota researchers conducted 3 experiments under sub-objective 3. (1) Dairy cattle welfare was investigated in low profile cross-ventilated freestall barns compared to conventionally ventilated barns. Results indicated similar welfare conditions between both barn types. (2) A study was conducted to evaluate mattresses versus deep-bedded stalls on hock lesions, hygiene scores m and lameness prevalence. Results indicated that deep bedded stalls provide better animal welfare that mattresses. (3) Infrared technology was used to evaluate hoof temperatures of hoof lesions. Results indicated that coronary band temperatures were higher for all hoof lesions than for healthy hooves. Pennsylvania researchers reported on 2 projects under sub-objective 3. (1) Using return on assets (ROA) as the primary indicator of dairy farm profitability, data from 63 herds were analyzed to identify key differences between unprofitable (UP, ROA 0 or <0 %), marginally profitable (MP, 0 <ROA<5%), and highly profitable (HP, ROA >5%). UP farms tend to be over capitalized, achieve lower efficiencies in feeding management, internal herd growth, labor efficiency and milking center management when compared to MP and HP farms. The only significant differences between the MP and HP herds were milk price, acres tilled/cow, labor efficiency and internal herd growth. (2) To evaluate the PA dairy workforce, a survey was conducted. 296 dairy farms responded. Results indicated that only 13.3 % of owners were very satisfied with the quality of applicants for new milker positions and 7 % were satisfied with the skill level of the milker. Only 15.48 % indicated that milkers had written job descriptions, and 21.6 % gave any monetary bonus. Results of this survey indicate that opportunities exist for improving workforce practices. Virginia completed 2 projects under sub-objective 3. (1) Improved feeding accuracy can reduce the whole-farm nutrient balance through the use of feed management software. Eighteen dairy herds were studied. Results indicated large variations in P and N surpluses suggesting that the use of feed management software did not have an effect on whole farm nutrient balance. (2) A spreadsheet was developed to determine the marginal value of an additional cow. This was developed to aid dairy producers to project the costs and returns from adding cows to their herd. Results from the spreadsheet indicate that a dairy producer can spend $2000 for a cow and receive only $12.00/cwt and still receive a return of $300/cow/yr if the cows produce 75 pounds/day with no additional facilities. Added stalls would increase the minimum production to 95 pounds/day. Florida researchers had 1 project under sub-objective 3. DHI data were analyzed for the effect of days open on culling in the subsequent lactation. Results indicated that 90% of the farms showed increased risks of culling and death with greater days open. Regression results indicate that approximately $0.25 extra cost /day open due to culling and disease. Indiana researchers developed a simulation model to assess the potential economic benefits associated with investing in technologies such as temperature monitoring or automatic BCS measurements. Preliminary results indicate that estrus detection and change in estrus detection rates are the most important determinants of the decision to invest in these technologies. Kentucky researchers had 1 project under sub-objective 3. A survey was used to evaluate automatic temperature monitoring systems for dairy farms. The benefits of purchasing a system were ranked as follows: 1) heat stress, 2) mastitis detection, 3) estrus detection, 4) metritis detection, 5) pneumonia and respiratory disease detection, 6) animal well-being, 7) and pregnancy detection. Georgia had 1 project under sub-objective 3. The long-term dairy business analysis project is continuing. The average herd size in the study is 1584 cows with 17,558 pounds of milk sold/cow at a price of $ 22.59/cwt. Average total revenues were $ 24.67/cwt milk sold. Researchers in CT have several projects underway including a yield response to corn using liquid manure with varying levels of N. Another study is underway with collaborators from GA and FL to investigate econometrically the impact of climatic conditions on milk production and dairy farm efficiency. Wisconsin is collaborating in this effort as well. Researchers in CA are conducting a survey of dairy housing and manure management practices in CA with a goal to develop tolls that will assist dairy producers with making manure management related decisions.

Publications

REFERENCES NC-1042 2009-2010 Peer Reviewed Moreira, V. H. and B. E. Bravo-Ureta. Technical Efficiency and Technological Gap Ratios for Dairy Farms in Three Southern Cone Countries: A Stochastic Meta-Frontier Model. Journal of Productivity Analysis 33(2010): 33-45. Tao, H., T, F. Morris, B. E. Bravo-Ureta, R. Meinert, K. Zanger, and J. Neafsey. A Partial Budget Analysis for Phosphorus-Based Nutrient Management Plans for Connecticut Dairy Farms. Agronomy Journal 102(2010):231-240. Christen, K. A., D. J. Schingoethe, K. F. Kalscheur, A. R. Hippen, K. Karges, and M. L. Gibson. 2010. Response of lactating dairy cows to high protein distillers grains or 3 other protein supplements. J. Dairy Sci. 93:2095-2104. Hippen, A. R., D. J. Schingoethe, K. F. Kalscheur, P. Linke, D. R. Rennich, M. M. Abdelqader, and I. Yoon. 2010. Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation product in dairy cow diets containing dried distillers grains plus solubles. J. Dairy Sci. 93:2661-2669. Mjoun, K., K. F. Kalscheur, A. R. Hippen, and D. J. Schingoethe. 2010. Performance and amino acid utilization of early lactation dairy cows fed regular or reduced-fat dried distillers grains with solubles. J. Dairy Sci. 93:3176-3191. Mjoun, K., K. F. Kalscheur, A. R. Hippen, and D. J. Schingoethe. 2010. Ruminal degradability and intestinal digestibility of protein and amino acids in soybean and corn distillers grains with solubles products. J. Dairy Sci. 93:4144-4154. Mjoun, K., K. F. Kalscheur, A. R. Hippen, D. J. Schingoethe, and D. Little. 2010. Lactation performance and amino acid utilization of cows fed increasing concentration of reduced-fat dried distillers grains with solubles. J. Dairy Sci. 93:288-303. Mulrooney, C. N., D. J. Schingoethe, K. F. Kalscheur, and A. R. Hippen. 2009. Canola meal replacing distillers grains with solubles for lactating dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 92:5669-5676. Ranathunga, S. D., K. F. Kalscheur, A. R. Hippen, and D. J. Schingoethe. 2010. Replacement of starch from corn with non-forage fiber from distillers grains and soyhulls in diets of lactating dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 93:1086-1097. Schingoethe, D. J., K. F. Kalscheur, A. R. Hippen, and A. D. Garcia. 2009. Invited review: The use of distillers products in dairy cattle diets. J. Dairy Sci. 92:5802-5813. Gehman, A.M. and P.J. Kononoff. 2010. Utilization of N in cows consuming wet distillers grains with solubles in alfalfa and corn silage based dairy rations. J. Dairy Sci. 93: 3166-3175. Williams, W., Tedeschi, L.O., T. Callaway, P.J. Kononoff. 2010. Evaluation of in vitro gas production pattern and bacteria population of corn milling (co)products using 16S rDNA bacterial tag-encoded FLX amplicon pyrosequencing. J. Dairy Sci. 93: 4735-4743. Gehman, A.M. and P.J. Kononoff. 2010. Nitrogen utilization, nutrient digestibility, and excretion of purine derivatives in dairy cattle consuming rations containing corn milling co-products. J. Dairy Sci. 93: 3166-3175. ODriscoll, K., S.D. Eicher, M.M. Schutz, and A.C. Lossie. 2009. The effect of floor surface on dairy cow immune function and locomotion score. J. Dairy Sci. 92:4249-4261 Bewley, J.M., R.E. Boyce, J. Hockin, L. Munksgaard, S.D. Eicher, M.E. Einstein, and M.M. Schutz. 2010. Influence of milk yield, stage of lactation and body condition on dairy cattle lying behaviour using an automated activity monitoring sensor. Journal of Dairy Res. 77:1-6. Bewley, J.M., R.E. Boyce, D.J. Roberts, M.P. Coffey, M.M. Schutz. 2010. Comparison of two methods of assessing dairy cow body condition score. J. Dairy Res. 77:95-98. Bewley, J.M., M.D. Boehlje, A.W. Gray, H. Hogeveen, S.J. Kenyon, S.D. Eicher, and M.M. Schutz. 2010. Stochastic Simulation Using @Risk for Dairy Business Investment Decisions. Agricultural Finance Rev. 70:97-125. Bewley, J.M., M.D. Boehlje, A.W. Gray, H. Hogeveen, S.J. Kenyon, S.D. Eicher, and M.M. Schutz. 2010. Assessing the Potential Value for an Automated Dairy Cattle Body Condition Scoring System through Stochastic Simulation. Agricultural Finance Rev. 70:126-150. Morrill, K.M., S.P. Marston, N.L. Whitehouse, M.E. Van Amburgh, C.G. Schwab, D.M. Haines and P.S. Erickson. 2010. Anionic salts in the prepartum diet and addition of sodium bicarbonate to colostrum replacer and their effects on IgG absorption in the neonate. J. Dairy Sci. 93:2067-2075. Elizondo-Salazar, J. A., and A. J. Heinrichs. 2009. Feeding heat-treated colostrum or unheated colostrum with two different bacterial concentrations to neonatal dairy calves. J. Dairy Sci. 92: 4565-4571. Lascano, G. J., G. I. Zanton, F. J. Suarez-Mena,and A. J. Heinrichs. 2009. Impact of limit feeding high and low concentrate diets with Saccharamyces cervisiae on digestibility and on dairy heifer growth and first lactation performance. J. Dairy Sci. 92:5100-5110. Elizondo-Salazar, J. A., B. M. Jayarao, and A. J. Heinrichs. 2010. Effect of heat treatment of bovine colostrum on bacterial counts, viscosity, and immunoglobulin G concentration. J. Dairy Sci. 93:961-967. Lascano, G. J., G. I. Zanton, A. J. Heinrichs, and W. P Weiss. 2010. Technical note: A noninvasive urine collection device for female cattle: Modification of the urine cup collection method J. Dairy Sci. 92:2691-2694. Maulfair, D. D. and A. J. Heinrichs. 2010. Technical note: Evaluation of procedures for analyzing ration sorting and rumen digesta particle size in dairy cows. J. Dairy. Sci. 93: 3784-3788. Zanton, G. I. and A. J. Heinrichs. 2010. Short communication: Analysis of milk yield and composition for dairy heifers limit-fed lower forage diets during the rearing period . J. Dairy Sci. 93: 4730-4734. Maulfair, D. D., G. I. Zanton, M. Fustini, and A. J. Heinrichs. 2010. Effect of feed sorting on chewing behavior, production, and rumen fermentation in dictating dairy cows. J. Dairy. Sci. 93: 4791-4803. Vallimont, J. E., C.D. Dechow, J.M. Daubert, M.W. Dekleva, J.W. Blum, C.M. Barlieb, W. Liu, G.A.Varga, A.J. Heinrichs, C.R. Baumrucker. 2010. Genetic parameters of feed intake, production, body weight, body condition score, and selected type traits of Holstein cows in commercial tie-stall barns. J. Dairy. Sci. 93: 4892-4901. Elizondo-Salazar, J. A., C. M. Jones, and A. J. Heinrichs. 2010. Evaluation of calf milk pasteurizing systems on six Pennsylvania dairy farms. J. Dairy Sci. 93: 5509-5513. Daniels, K.M., A.V. Capuco, M.L. McGilliard, R.E. James, R.M. Akers. 2009. Effects of milk replacer formulation on measures of mammary growth and composition in Holstein heifers. Dairy Sci. 92:5937-5950. Lima, F. S., A. De Vries, C. A. Risco, J. E. P. Santos, and W. W. Thatcher. 2010. Economic comparison of natural service and timed artificial insemination breeding programs in dairy cattle. J. Dairy Sci. 93:44044413. De Vries, A., and J. K. Reneau. 2010. Application of statistical process control charts to monitor changes in animal production systems. J. Animal Sci. 88 (E. Suppl.): E11-E24. Kalantari, A.S., H. Mehrabani-Yeganeh, M. Moradi, A. H. Sanders, and A. De Vries. 2010 Determining the optimum replacement policy for Holstein dairy herds in Iran. J. Dairy Sci. 93:2262-2270. Pinedo, P. J., D. W. Webb, and A. De Vries. 2010. Dynamics of culling risk with disposal codes reported by DHI dairy herds. J. Dairy Sci. 93:2250-2261. Pinedo, P. J., and A. De Vries. 2010. Effect of days to conception in the previous lactation on the risk of death and live culling around calving. J. Dairy Sci. 93: 968977 De Vries, A., J. D. Olson, and P. J. Pinedo. 2010. Reproductive risk factors for culling and productive life in large dairy herds in the eastern United States between 2001 and 2006. J. Dairy Sci. 93 :613623. Endres, M.I. and L.A. Espejo. 2010. Feeding management and characteristics of rations for high producing dairy cows in freestall herds. J. Dairy Sci. 93:822-829. E.M. Shane, M.I.Endres, and K.A. Janni. 2010. Alternative bedding materials for compost bedded pack barns in Minnesota: A descriptive study. Appl. Eng. Agric. 26:465-473. Shane, E.M., M.I. Endres, D.G. Johnson, and J.K. Reneau. 2010. Bedding options for an alternative housing system for dairy cows: A descriptive study. Appl. Eng. Agric 26: 659-666. Ospina, P.A., D.V. Nydam, T. Stokol, and T.R. Overton. 2010. Associations of elevated nonesterified fatty acids and beta-hydroxybutyrate concentrations with early lactation reproductive performance and milk production in transition dairy cattle in the northeastern United States. J. Dairy Sci. 93:1596-1603. Ospina, P.A., D.V. Nydam, T. Stokol, and T.R. Overton. 2010. Evaluation of nonesterified fatty acids and beta-hydroxybutyrate in transition dairy cattle in the northeastern United States: Clinical thresholds for prediction of clinical diseases. J. Dairy Sci. 93:3595-3601. Ospina, P.A., D.V. Nydam, T. Stokol, and T.R. Overton. 2010. Association between the proportion of sampled transition cows with increased nonesterified fatty acids and beta hydroxybutyrate and disease incidence, pregnancy rate, and milk production at the herd level. J. Dairy Sci. 93:3595-3601. Soberon, F., J.L. Lukas, M.E. Van Amburgh, A.V. Capuco, D.M. Galton, and T.R. Overton. 2010. Effects of increased milking frequency on metabolism and mammary cell proliferation in Holstein dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 93:565-573. Non-Peer Reviewed Huzzey, J.M., T.R. Overton, D.V. Nydam, and R.J. Grant. 2010. Association between prepartum cortisol, haptoglobin, non-esterified fatty acids and milk yield in Holstein cows. J. Dairy Sci. 93(Suppl.1):673. (Abstr.) Schoenberg, K.M., K.L. Perfield, S.L. Giesy, Y.R. Boisclair, and T.R. Overton. 2010. Prepartum 2,4-thiazolidinedione alters gene expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma and leptin in adipose tissue of dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 93(Suppl.1):82. (Abstr.) Van Amburgh, M.E., E.B. Recktenwald, D.A. Ross, R.J. Higgs, T.R. Overton. and L.E. Chase. 2010. Nitrogen recycling and rumen degradable protein requirements: quantitative updates to describe microbial requirements, sources, and applications in ration formulation. J. Dairy Sci. 93(Suppl.1):467. (Abstr.) Winkelman, L.A., D.M. Barbano, M.E. Van Amburgh, and T.R. Overton. 2010. The effect of insulin glargine on the metabolism of lactating Holstein cows. J. Dairy Sci. 93(Suppl.1):869. (Abstr.) Nydam, D.V., P.A. Ospina, T. Stokol, and T.R. Overton. 2009. Evaluation of the effect of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and B-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) concentrations on health, reproduction, and production in transition dairy cattle from the Northeast USA. Proceedings, Cornell Nutrition Conference for Feed Manufacturers. Syracuse, NY. pp.103-109. Overton, T.R., and D.V. Nydam. 2009. Integrating nutritional and grouping management for transition cows. Proceedings, Cornell Nutrition Conference for Feed Manufacturers. Syracuse, NY. pp. 111-117. Van Amburgh, M.E., T.R. Overton , L.E. Chase, D.A. Ross and E.B. Recktenwald. 2009. The Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System: Current and future approaches for balancing amino acids. Proceedings, Cornell Nutrition Conference for Feed Manufacturers. Syracuse, NY. pp. 29-38. Overton, T.R., M.E. Van Amburgh, and L.E. Chase. 2010. Using models to optimize the efficiency of nitrogen and amino acid use in lactating cows. Proceedings, California Animal Nutrition Conference, Fresno, CA. pp93-100. A. Orman and M.I. Endres. 2010. Infrared thermography for detection of hoof lesions in dairy cattle. J. Dairy Sci. 93(Suppl. 1):772. M.Q. Shahid, E.M. Shane and M.I. Endres. 2010. Relationship between leg and udder hygiene score and somatic cell count. J. Dairy Sci. 93(Suppl. 1):772. A.W. Husfeldt and M.I. Endres. 2010. Association between stall surface and various welfare measurements on dairy herds utilizing recycled manure solids for bedding freestalls. J. Dairy Sci. 93(Suppl. 1):772. K. M. Lobeck, M. I. Endres, E. M. Shane, S. M. Godden, and J. Fetrow. 2010. Associations between housing systems and animal welfare measurements assessed by survival analysis. J. Dairy Sci. 93(Suppl. 1):773. K. M. Lobeck, M. I. Endres, E. M. Shane, S. M. Godden, and J. Fetrow. 2010. Assessment of Animal Welfare in Cross-Ventilated vs. Naturally Ventilated Freestall Barns using Survival Analysis . pp. 87. Minnesota Dairy Health Conference. Janowski, J., Cabrera, V.E. 2010. Differences between expanding and non-expanding Wisconsin dairy farms. J. Dairy Sci. 93 (E-Suppl. 1):T321. Giordano, J. O., P.M Fricke, M.C. Wiltbank, V.E. Cabrera. 2010. A stochastic evaluation of reproductive management programs for dairy herds. J. Dairy Sci. 93 (E-Suppl. 1):807. Valvekar, M., V.E. Cabrera, B.W. Gould. 2010. Optimal livestock gross margin for dairy insurance contract design. J. Dairy Sci. 93 (E-Suppl. 1):1016. Giordano, J.O., P.M. Fricke, M.C. Wiltbank, V.E. Cabrera. 2010. An Economic Decision-Making Model for Comparing Reproductive Management Programs in Dairy Herds. ADSA Midwest Meeting, March 15-17, 2010. Cabrera, V.E. 2010. Dairy Management Website Development. Cooperativa Agrícola Regional de Servicios de Inseminación Meeting. Osorno, Chile, 5-9 April, 2010. Cabrera, V.E. 2010. Dairy Management Decision Making Website in Wisconsin. Reunión Internacional sobre Sustentabilidad en Sistemas de Producción de Leche. Tepatitlán, Mexico, 22-24 March, 2010. Gildersleeve, R., Cabrera, V.E. 2010. To grain or not to grain. Wisconsin 2010 Grazing Conference. Wisconsin Rapids, WI, 18-20 February, 2010. Cabrera, V.E., Solis, D., del Corral, J. 2010. The effect of traditional practices in the efficiency of dairy farms in Wisconsin. Southern Agricultural Economics Association Annual Meeting. Orlando, FL, 6-9 February, 2010. Cabrera, V.E. 2010. Dairy Management Decision Tools. Southwest Climate Consortium Open Agro-Climate. Gainesville, FL, 2-3 February, 2010. Cabrera, V.E., Gould, B.W., Valvekar, M. 2009. Livestock gross margin insurance for dairy Cattle: An analysis of program performance and cost under alternative policy configurations. AAEA, CAES, & WAEA Joint Annual Meeting. Milwaukee, WI, 26-28 July 2009. Cabrera, V.E. 2009. A large Markovian linear program model for dairy herd decision-making. Joint ADSA-CSAS-ASAS Annual Meeting. Montreal, Canada, 12-16 July 2009. (Invited) J. Dairy Sci. 92 (E-Suppl. 1):661. Cabrera, V.E. Shaver, R.D., Wattiaux, M.A. Optimizing income over feed supplement cost. 4-State Dairy Nutrition & Management Conference. 10-11 June 2009. (invited) Cabrera, V.E., Pantoja, J., Ruegg, P., Shook, G. 2009. Decision-making for early postpartum subclinical mastitis. J. Dairy Sci. 92 (E-Suppl. 1):T13. Ruiz, M., Cabrera, V.E. 2009. The economic impact of five dairy cattle clinical diseases as measured by the correlation between Lactational incidence risk and the income over feed cost in Wisconsin dairy herds. J. Dairy Sci. 92 (E-Suppl. 1):W1. Valvekar, M., Cabrera, V.E., Gould, B. 2009. Analysis of program performance and cost under alternative policy configurations and market conditions. J. Dairy Sci. 92 (E-Suppl. 1):W102. Janowski, J., Cabrera, V.E. 2009. A stochastic decision support system tool for dairy expansion. J. Dairy Sci. 92 (E-Suppl. 1):T236. Inostroza, J. F., Cabrera, V.E., Shaver, R.D., Tricarico, J.M. 2009. Evaluation of the economic impact of Optigen use in commercial dairy herd diets with varying feed and milk prices. J. Dairy Sci. 92 (E-Suppl. 1):M131. Inostroza, J. F., Shaver, R.D., Cabrera, V.E., Tricarico, J.M. 2009. Effect of Optigen on milk yield composition and component yields in commercial Wisconsin dairy farms. J. Dairy Sci. 92 (ESuppl. 1):T297. Inostroza, J. F., Cabrera, V.E., Shaver, R.D., Tricarico, J.M. 2009. Evaluation of the economic impact of Optigen use in commercial dairy herd diets with varying feed and milk prices. Alltech 25th International Symposium, 17-20 May 2009, Lexington, KY. Starcevich, J., R. Moon, B. Clymer, H. Chester-Jones and D. Ziegler. 2010. Choice of bedding material affects production of pestiferous stable flies and house flies in replacement heifer housing. Research poster, 21st Annual Organic Farming Conference, Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service (MOSES), February 25-27, LaCrosse, WI. Litherland, N., B. Ziegler, D. Schimek, D. Carlson, D. Ziegler, M. Raeth-Knight, G. Golombeski, H. Chester-Jones and J. Linn. July 11-15, 2010. Growth and health of calves pre- and post-weaning fed milk replacers with differing levels of neomycin sulfate and oxytetracycline. 2010 Joint Annual Meeting, ADSA-PAS-ASAS, Denver, CO. J. Dairy Sci. 93(Suppl.1):391. Abstract 397. Carlson, D., B. Ziegler, D. Schimek, M. Raeth-Knight, G. Golombeski, J. Linn, D. Ziegler, and H. Chester-Jones. July 11-15, 2010. Influence of milk replacer feeding program on pre- and post-weaning performance and health of dairy calves. 2010 Joint Annual Meeting, ADSA-PAS-ASAS, Denver, CO. J. Dairy Sci. 93(Suppl.1):419. Abstract T345. Chester-Jones, H., J. Tricarico, D. Ziegler, K. Dawson, P. Groenewegen, M. Raeth-Knight and G. Golombeski. July 11-15, 2010. Pre- and post weaning performance and health of calves fed milk replacers and calf starters with or without yeast supplementation (Nupro) and growth performance from 9 to 25 weeks of age. 2010 Joint Annual Meeting, ADSA-PAS-ASAS, Denver, CO. J. Dairy Sci. 93(Suppl.1):420. Abstract T349. Chester-Jones, H., T. Steiner, M. Watkins, D. Taylor, D. Ziegler, M. Raeth-Knight and G. Golombeski. July 11-15, 2010. Pre- and post weaning performance and health of calves fed milk replacers and calf starters with or without essential oils. 2010 Joint Annual Meeting, ADSA-PAS-ASAS, Denver, CO. J. Dairy Sci. 93(Suppl.1):421. Abstract T350. Chester-Jones, H., B. Ziegler, D. Schimek, D. Ziegler, M. Raeth-Knight, G. Golombeski and J. Linn. July 11-15, 2010. Pre- and post weaning performance and health of calves fed texturized calf starters with different levels of monensin and affect on growth from 9 to 25 weeks of age. 2010 Joint Annual Meeting, ADSA-PAS-ASAS, Denver, CO. J. Dairy Sci. 93(Suppl.1):419. Abstract T351. Golombeski, G., B. Ziegler, D. Schimek, D. Ziegler, H. Chester-Jones, M. Raeth-Knight and J. Linn. March 15-17, 2010. Performance of post-weaned Holstein heifer calves fed grain mixes supplemented with essential oils at differing levels. 2010 ADSA/ASAS Midwest Meeting, Des Moines. Abstract 311. Stewart, B.A., B. Cox, R. E. James, K. F. Knowlton, and C. C. Stallings. The effect of feed management software on whole farm nutrient balance and precision feeding. Poster 2010 ADSA meeting in Denver. Stewart, B. A., B. Cox, R. E. James, K. F. Knowlton, and C. C. Stallings. The Effect of Feed Management Software on Whole Farm Nutrient Balance and Precision Feeding. 2010 Land Grant and Sea Grant National Water Conference. Hilton Head, SC. February, 21 James, R. E. Managing the Preweaned Calf. Transition Cow Management. 4 seminars presented at two locations in the Czech Republic. March 2 and 4. James, R. E. Impact of feed management software on feeding management and whole farm nutrient balance. Livestock and Poultry Environmental Learning Center Webinar titled. Advances in Precision Phosphorus Feeding. March 19. James, R. E. Managing the Pre-Weaned Calf. Dairy Focus Meeting. Atlantic Dairy Provinces, Nova Scotia. March 24 25. James, R. E. New Practices in Dairy Cattle Nutrition. 17th Annual Conference. VVS, Mistrovice, CZ Republic. September 30. Fustini,M., A. Palmonari, A. J. Heinrichs, and A. Formigoni. 2010. Chewing and ruminating with various forage qualities in non-lactating dairy cows. J. Dairy. Sci. 93, E-Suppl. 1:49. Suarez-Mena, F. X., G. I. Zanton, and A. J. Heinrichs. 2010. Effect of forage particle length on rumen fermentation and chewing activity of late lactating and dry dairy cows. J. Dairy. Sci. 93, E-Suppl. 1:177. Suarez-Mena, F. X., A. J. Heinrichs, T. M. Hill, H. G. Bateman II, J. M. Aldrich, and R. L. Schlotterbeck. Effect of including corn distillers dried grains in calf feeds. J. Dairy. Sci. 93, E-Suppl. 1:421 Zanton, G. I., and A. J., Heinrichs. 2010. Effects of level of rumen degradable protein and corn distillers grains in corn silage-based diets on milk production and ruminal fermentation in lactating dairy cows. J. Dairy. Sci. 93, E-Suppl. 1:426. Maulfair, D. D., G. I. Zanton, and A. J. Heinrichs. 2010. The effect of feed sorting on NDF, starch, and particle intake. J. Dairy. Sci. 93, E-Suppl. 1:515. Maulfair, D. D., G. I. Zanton, and A. J. Heinrichs. 2010. The effect of feed sorting on NDF, starch, and particle intake. J. Dairy. Sci. 93, E-Suppl. 1:515. Lascano, G.J, and A.J. Heinrichs. 2010. Nutrient utilization of different levels of dietary fiber to dairy heifers using controlled intakes of high and low concentrate diets. J. Dairy Sci. 88, E-Suppl. 1:516. Lascano, G.J., Tricarico, J.M., and Heinrichs, A.J., 2010. Dietary starch level and dose response of Saccharomyces cerevisiae for control fed-dairy heifers. J. Dairy. Sci. 93, E-Suppl. 1:517. Lascano, G.J., Velez, M., Tricarico, J.M., and A.J. Heinrichs. 2010. Digestibility of fresh sugarcane-based diets with slow-release non protein nitrogen addition for limit-fed dairy heifers in the tropics. J. Dairy Sci. 88, E-Suppl. 1:643. Maulfair, D. D., G. I. Zanton, and A. J. Heinrichs. 2010. Evaluating various meal criteria methods for analyzing chewing data. J. Dairy. Sci. 93, E-Suppl. 1:727. Heinrichs, A. J., and C. M. Jones. 2010. Pasteurizing colostrum: the next step to controlling disease. Hoards Dairyman. Vol. 155: 589. Heinrichs, A. J., and C. M. Jones. 2010. Whats in colostrum these days? Hoards Dairyman. Vol. 155: 692. Holden, L. A., R. E. Bechtel and G. A. Varga. 2010. Examining the dairy workforce in order to improve labor efficiency. J. Dairy Sci. 88:E-Supple. 1:611 Sheaffer, C.M. and J.M. Bewley. 2010. Compost Bedded Pack Barns: Opportunities, Challenges, and Management Considerations. Abstract 242. American Dairy Science Association Annual Meeting. Denver, Colorado. Gravatte, C.N., C.O. Coombs, and J.M. Bewley. 2010. Evaluation of dairy cattle lying behavior in commercial freestall barns. Abstract 248. American Dairy Science Association Annual Meeting. Denver, Colorado. Coombs, C.O. and J.M. Bewley. 2010. Management practices utilized by high producing Kentucky dairy herds. Abstract W88. American Dairy Science Association Annual Meeting. Denver, Colorado. Gravatte, C.N., C.O. Coombs, and J.M. Bewley. 2010. Case Study: Characterization of lying behavior in dairy cows transitioning from a freestall barn to a compost bedded pack barn. Abstract W96. American Dairy Science Association Annual Meeting. Denver, Colorado. Bewley, J.M. and M.M. Schutz. 2010. Recent studies using a reticular bolus system for monitoring dairy cattle core body temperature. The First North American Conference on Precision Dairy Management. Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Bewley, J.M. and R.A. Russell. 2010. Reasons for slow adoption rates of precision dairy farming technologies: evidence from a producer survey. The First North American Conference on Precision Dairy Management. Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Schutz, M.M., J.M. Bewley, and H.D. Norman. 2010. Derivation of factors to estimate daily milk yield from one milking of cows milked three times daily. Abstract W32. American Dairy Science Association Annual Meeting. Denver, Colorado. Bewley, J.M. and R.A. Russell. 2010. Dairy farming 3.0. Hoard's Dairyman (May 25): 377. Bewley, J.M. and M.M. Schutz. 2009. Pictures, not pencils, could record body condition scores. Hoard's Dairyman. (July): 443. Bewley, J.M. 2010. 5 Common Parlor Mistakes You Should Avoid to Keep Somatic Cell Counts Low. Kentucky Dairy Notes (September). Bewley, J.M. 2010. Strategies for Dealing with New Somatic Cell Count (SCC) Requirements. Kentucky Dairy Notes (July). Bewley, J.M. 2010. Ventilation and Heat Stress. Kentucky Dairy Notes (June). Bewley, J.M. 2010. Observing Dairy Cows in Freestalls: Stop, Watch, Listen, Think, Change. Kentucky Dairy Notes (April). Bewley, J.M. 2010. Minimizing Emergency Calls from Freestall Housed Cows by Providing Adequate Lunge Space. Kentucky Dairy Notes (February). Bewley, J.M. 2009. Do Your Cows Have a Comfortable Place to Rest? Kentucky Dairy Notes (December). Bewley, J.M. 2009. When Using Green Sawdust, Take These Precautions to Minimize Risk. Kentucky Dairy Notes (November). Peters, R. R., S. W. Fultz, J. W. Semler, and R. A. Erdman. 2010. Body growth of pregnant Holstein heifers reared on pasture or conventional diet. J. Anim. Sci. 88 (E-Suppl. 2)/ J. Dairy Sci. 93 (E-Suppl. 2)/ Poult. Sci. 89 (E-Suppl. 1): 414 Bewley, J.M., M.E. Einstein, M.W. Grott, and M.M. Schutz. 2009. Deviation of reticular temperatures in association with mastitis and estrus. J. Dairy Sci. 92 (Suppl. 1):209. Schutz, M.M., J.M. Bewley, and H.D. Norman. 2009. Derivation of factors to estimate daily fat, protein, and somatic cell score from one milking of cows milked twice daily. J. Dairy Sci. 92 (Suppl. 1):272. Gay K. D., S.D. Eicher, C.S. Wilcox, J.A. Bridges, M.H. Rastagno, S.E. Charley, and M.M. Schutz. 2010. Effect of bedding material on performance, health, and hide contamination of calves reared in hutches. Midwest ADSA/ASAS annual meeting. J. Anim. Sci. 88(E-Suppl. 3)19 (Abstr.) Schmelz N.S., M.M. Schutz, T.D. Nennich, R.P. Lemenager, D. Buckmaster, and S.S. Donkin. 2010. Effects of re-ensiling corn silage or haycrop silage with wet distillers grains with solubles on aerobic stability of feed mixtures. Midwest ADSA/ASAS annual meeting. J. Dairy Sci. 93(E-Suppl. 1): Gay K.D. , S.D. Eicher*, C S. Wilcox, J.A. Bridges, M.H. Rostagno, S.E. Charley, M.J. Grott, R.E. Williams, M.M. Schutz. 2010. Effect of bedding material on flies, and behavior and innate immunity of calves reared in hutches. J. Dairy Sci. 93(E-Suppl. 1): 611. Schutz M.M. and H.D. Norman. 2010. Derivation of factors to estimate daily, fat, protein, and somatic cell score from one milking of cows milked three times daily J. Dairy Sci. 93(E-Suppl. 1): 595. Schutz, M.M., J.M. Bewley, H.D. Norman. 2010. Derivation of factors to estimate daily milk yield from one milking of cows milked three times daily. J. Dairy Sci. 93(E-Suppl. 1): 595. Schutz, M.M. and S.D. Eicher. 2010. Rubber flooring impact on production and retention of dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 93(E-Suppl. 1): 14. Eicher, S.D., D.C. Lay, Jr., J.D. Arthington, and M.M. Schutz. 2010. Rubber flooring impact on health of dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 93(E-Suppl. 1): 14. Bewley, J.M. and M.M. Schutz. 2010. Assessing the potential economic value of an automated temperature monitoring system using stochastic simulation. J. Dairy Sci. 93(E-Suppl. 1): 190. Schroer, R. C., T. D. Nennich, D. Little, and S. S. Donkin. 2009. Intake and growth of dairy heifers fed deoiled dried distillers grains. J. Dairy Sci. 91(Suppl.):87. Pezzanite, L. M., T. S. Dennis*, R. C. Schroer, M. M. Schutz, S. D. Eicher, and T. D. Nennich. 2010. Effects of increased hutch ventilation on dairy calf performance. J. Anim. Sci. 88(E-Suppl. 3)6. (Abstr.) Schmelz, N. S., M. M. Schutz, T. D. Nennich, R. P. Lemenager, D. Buckmaster, and S. S. Donkin. 2010. Effects of re-ensiling corn silage or haycrop silage with wet distillers grains with solubles on aerobic stability of feed mixtures. J. Anim. Sci. 88(E-Suppl. 3):35. (Abstr.) Dennis, T. S., L. J. Unruh-Snyder, M. K. Neary, J. E. Tower, and T. D. Nennich*. 2010. Evaluation of dairy heifer performance and pasture composition when co-grazing heifers and goats. J. Dairy Sci. In press. (Abstr.) Bewley, J.M., and M.M. Schutz. 2009. Potential of using new technology for estimating body condition scores. Proc. Tri-State Dairy Nutr. Conf.. Fort Wayne, IN. Schutz, M.M., and J.M. Bewley. 2009. Implications of changes in core body temperature. Proc. Tri-State Dairy Nutr. Conf.. Ft. Wayne, IN. Bewley, J.M., M.D. Boehjle, A.W. Gray, H. Hogeveen, S.D. Eicher, Schutz, M.M., 2009. Modeling precision dairy farming technology investment decisions. In: Bregt, A., Wolfert, S., Wien, J.E.,Lokhorst, C. (Eds.), EFITA conference 09. Proceedings of the 7th EFITA Conference, Wageningen,The Netherlands, 6-8 July 2009, Wageningen Academic Publishers, Wageningen, pp. 107-114. Schroer, R. C., T. D. Nennich, D. Little, and S. S. Donkin. 2009. Intake and growth of dairy heifers fed deoiled dried distillers grains. Page 175 in Proc. 2009 Tri-State Dairy Nutrition Conference, Fort Wayne, IN. Dennis, T. S., L. J. Unruh-Snyder, M. K. Neary, J. E. Tower, and T. D. Nennich. 2010. Evaluation of dairy heifer performance and pasture composition when co-grazing heifers and goats. Page 149 in Proc. 2010 Tri-State Dairy Nutrition Conference, Fort Wayne, IN. (Abstr.). Ramirez-Ramirez, H.A., P.J. Kononoff, K. Nestor. 2010. Effects of feeding brown midrib corn silage and dried distillers grains with soluble on performance of lactating dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. (Suppl 1): 487. Clark, K. J., P.J. Kononoff, L.O. Tedeschi. 2010. Evaluation of estimated diet energy intake and impact on energy use of the lactating dairy cow. J. Dairy Sci. (Suppl 1): 719. Castillo-Lopez, E. P. J. Kononoff, J.L. Miner. 2010. The impact of DDGS on the presence of ruminal bacteria, rumen protozoa, and yeast during in vitro fermentation. J. Dairy Sci. 93: (Suppl 1): 425. Castillo-Lopez, E. P. J. Kononoff, J.L. Miner. 2010. Estimating rumen microbial protein in vitro using purine analysis or real-time PCR. J. Dairy Sci. 93: (Suppl 1): 160. Williams, W.L., , L. O. Tedeschi, P. J. Kononoff, T. R. Callaway, S. E. Dowd, K. Karges, and M. L. Gibson. 2009. Evaluation of in vitro gas production pattern and bacteria population of corn milling (co)products using 16S rDNA bacterial tag-encoded FLX amplicon pyrosequencing. J. Animal Science. Southern Section. Submitted. Castillo-Lopez, E., P. J. Kononoff, J. L. Miner. 2010. Detection of yeast cells in omasal digesta of dairy cows consuming dried distillers grains and solubles. Mid-Western Section of The American Dairy Science Association. J. Dairy Sci. Abstract No. 303 93:2307. Chizzotti, M.L., P.J. Kononoff,.O. Tedeschi, 2009. Evaluating the in situ and in vitro anaerobic fermentation profiles of corn milling co-products. XI International Symposium on Ruminant Physiology. Clermont-Ferrand, France, September 6-9, 2009.

Impact Statements

1. Leverage: During the 2009-2010 reporting period, stations reported extramural and intramural support beyond, but associated with the NC-1042 regional project exceeding $5.1 million.
2. Reduction of heat stress with cross-ventilated barns can potentially translate into more milk production, better reproduction and less lameness, with major implications on profitability. Use of recycled solids for bedding can result in cost savings for dairy operations while improving animal well-being compared to certain types of freestall systems. Earlier detection of lameness can help reduce the incidence of this major animal welfare and economic problem in the dairy industry.
3. Dairy producers need ways to improve their economic and environmental sustainability. Support is needed in making decisions to improve production, profitability, and sustainability. Management information systems are used in decision-making. Dairying is an intensive enterprise where decisions cannot be made without the use of these aids. Dairies need ways to evaluate these strategies, which are applicable. Simulation techniques assess costs and profits under these scenarios. Our programs provide, timely, research based, field tested decision aids to agriculturalists.
4. Use of sexed semen estimates has received considerable press coverage.
The use of commercial dairy calves for nutritional and management studies up to 6 months of age and the ability to follow these calves back to their respective dairy herds for first lactation performance provides a critical base towards attaining objective 1 of the NC-1042 project. In terms of application of the results to the field, benchmarks have been developed for calf performance parameters that have been used for on-farm comparisons across the US.
6. Spreadsheets such as this one that allows producers to determine whether they can profitably add cows to their herd are sufficiently accurate, easy to use, and customizable by the producer. With large fluctuations common in milk and cow prices, as well as feed cost, use of this or a similar tool leads to more positive cash flows, and avoidance of unprofitable expansions. Obviously, the dollar benefit is not known unless people use the sheet, although much can be earned from using it even once.
7. Dystocia score, intake at weaning, days ill and days treated d 4 mo, and body weight at calving affects first lactation production. Dystocia and intake by calves affect lifetime production. Calf diets should have d 20% distillers grains to maintain growth. Lactating cows have low milk fat and altered rumen function with e 20% distillers grains in diets. When evaluating intake by cows, calculate component intake to determine if cows are sorting. Improvements in labor efficiency and profitability are through investment, internal herd growth and milk sold/ worker.
8. Continued emphasis on growth and development of heifers will ultimately add to improved production efficiency in dairy operations. These animals are the future milking cows, and research must continue to identify management strategies that can improve performance of these valuable animals.
9. New Precision Dairy Farming technologies, such as IceTag accelerometers , can provide information for understanding cow behavior and the impact of facilities in cow lying behavior. Results of recent studies provide us new insight into lying behavior that can be utilized by dairy producers to improve cow environments and comfort. The results of recent survey work focused on milk production can provide valuable information for extension professionals to utilize in efforts to increase milk production in Kentucky by demonstrating actual practices employed by top dairy producers.
10. Colostrum replacer (based on dehydrated colostrum) provides adequate immunity based on blood IgG concentration. Adding sodium bicarbonate to colostrum replacer did not increase uptake of IgG in this experiment. This does not agree with previous research from our laboratory where added sodium bicarbonate improved IgG uptake. Adding kelp to calf starter was not beneficial to increase calf starter intake.
11. The heifer enterprise on dairy farms is usually considered to be approximately 20% of the cost of operating a dairy herd and 70% of that heifer raising is made up of feed costs. Thus, this research is aimed at reducing a significant aspect of the dairy farm operation through reduced feeding costs.
12. The database from the Dairy Business Analysis Project was used to update dairy budgets. These budgets have been used by Farm Services and commercial banks to evaluate loans and to work with current customers. Comments from the bankers say the budgets allow them to make realistic evaluation for producers.
13. Temperature recording is beneficial and is associated with health, or reproduction. Reticular temperature reflects body temperature, and is affected by water and feed intake. Reticular temperature was impacted for e 3 h by water intake. Reticular and rectal temperature was consistent following 40 -60 min in holding pen and parlor without water access. The efficacy of ensiling wet distillers grains with corn or haylage allows dairy farms to feed it. Farms unable to use wet distillers will benefit from these storage methods without negative effects on cattle performance.
14. When dairy cows in early lactation consume corn milling co-products such as DDGS the amount available to the host animals from the flow of microbes from the rumen may be affected. The addition of DDGS in dairy diets may result in an increase in N intake. However, cows consuming DDGS do not excrete more N because more is partitioned to productive purposes. This is useful for producers who aim to produce food and support a growing world population. When including these feeds producers do note have to be more mindful of the amount of N excreted in the manure.
15. Research conducted at South Dakota State University demonstrated that: - The addition of DDGS as a replacement for ground corn or soybean feedstuffs at either a high or low level of forage in the diet did not affect milk production nor milk composition of lactating dairy cows. The concentration of forage in the diet affected milk production and milk composition, but the concentration of DDGS in the diet had no effect.
16. Studies determined that overfeeding in the early dry period and overstocking result in physiological changes in cows that predispose them to metabolic health issues, excessive loss of condition, and impaired reproductive performance during the transition period and early lactation. Inflammation and stress in transition cows are associated with decreased production. These results solidify recommendations to control energy intake to meet but not exceed energy requirements, maintain stocking densities, and minimize stressors during the dry period of dairy cattle.
17. The data will be used to develop tools that will allow dairy producers to maintain overall sustainability by increasing profits and meeting environmental regulations.

Date of Annual Report: 12/02/2011

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 10/13/2011 - 10/15/2011
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2010 - 09/01/2011

Participants

Jud Heinrichs, Andre Brito, Paul Kononoff, Jeffrey Bewley, Stephanie Hill Ward, Lisa Holden, Peter Erickson (President), Victor Cabrera (Secretary), Ken Kalscheur, Allen Young, Hugh Chester-Jones, Cathleen Williams, David Beede, Albert De Vries, Boris Bravo-Ureta, Tamilee Nennich, Robert Peters (Host), David Benfield (Administrative Advisor), Rossi (Peter Erickson's PhD Student).

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Accomplishments

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Publications

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Impact Statements

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Date of Annual Report: 01/16/2013

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 10/10/2012 - 10/13/2012
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2012 - 09/01/2013

Participants

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Brief Summary of Minutes

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