Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

The meeting was called to order by the Chair, L. Edwards (TN) at 8:30 am in the Blakely Room of the Riverview Plaza Hotel in Mobile, AL. The agenda was reviewed with participants before presentation of station reports. Thereafter, participants engaged in a general discussion relaying concerns about lack of participation from majority of members to attend annual meetings/submit station reports. Participants from GA, MS, TN, and USVI have served as the core of this group with some participation by individuals from NC and PR to attend annual meeting/submit station reports. While travel conflicts prevented members from PR and KS from attending this year, participation by others has been limited. Dr. Morrison (administrative advisor) informed the S-1023 that Department Heads review multi-state projects and inquire about faculty participation. It was agreed that additional effort was needed to determine non-participating members interest in being members of the S-1023. In addition, J. Bernard (GA) agreed to update listserve to reflect current membership. Ideas regarding how to increase collaborative efforts, increase member participation and overall membership were also discussed. As a continuum of this effort, the possibility of holding next years annual meeting with the W173 (August 2007 in St. Croix) was discussed at length. This option was initially posed by Dr. Hamernik (CSREES representative) via email as the W173 has a dairy heat stress sub-focus group and this group had previously extended an invitation for the S-1023 to meet jointly with them. As only a few members were present at annual meeting, it was decided that Edwards (TN) would query entire S-1023 membership via list serve after conclusion of annual meeting. Assuming that majority of members favored a joint meeting, it was agreed that an informal meeting of the S-1023 should still be scheduled for 2008 (Dallas, TX in association with SAAS meetings). Collaborative efforts of the past year were then highlighted and each project objective was reviewed for determining what has been done versus what was to be planned for the 2007 reporting period. Discussion also focused on collaborative efforts for development of an integrated research/extension grant on prepartum cooling and prepartum indicators of postpartum reproductive/production performance. In addition, development of a group paper or technical report highlighting comparative methods for monitoring body temperature by the techniques used by the participants was also discussed. Thereafter, the business portion of the meeting was initiated and entailed the following: (1) Election of Officers  S. Willard (MS) agreed to serve as incoming Secretary in case S. Whisnant (NC) was not able to accept appointment. Bob Godfrey (UVI) agreed to serve as Chair for the next annual meeting and reporting period. J. Bernard (GA) agreed to serve as Chair-Elect. (2) R. Godfrey (UVI) called for project members to submit shared protocols for posting on website. Protocols for data collection of coat color and measuring cow size have been developed and will be posted on the project web page soon. However, a protocol for reproductive and metabolic hormones still needs to be developed. (3) NRI-funding information previously distributed to S-1023 by Dr. Deb Hamernik via list serve was reviewed in her absence (4) L. Edwards (Chair; TN) requested that annual station reports be submitted to her via e-mail by March 1st so that the annual report and minutes can be compiled and sent to D. Morrison by April 1st in accordance with stated guidelines. No additional business was brought before the group so the meeting was adjourned at approximately 6:00 pm.

Note that the principal reporting station is indicated in relation to the stated accomplishment and subsequent impact, but may involve more than one investigator from that station. Multi-state collaborative projects are indicated within the Accomplishments under each sub-objective and are further reflected in the List of Publications and Plans for the Coming Year follow the Accomplishments. OBJECTIVE 1: DEFINING THE PHYSIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF HEAT-STRESSED DAIRY CATTLE 1A: Quantifying heat stress in dairy cattle. " Accomplishments: Mississippi is coordinating an effort to include S-1023 participants (TN, GA, NC, USVI and others interested) to develop a review paper or compendium on the effectiveness and comparative aspects of body temperature measures as applied to dairy cattle. It is hoped that this work will not only serve as a resource to investigators across the country, but also aid the group in standardizing body temperature measures across experiments to permit greater comparisons of body temperature measures and treatment effects across studies. Correlations of temperature readings among measurement methods (rectal thermometers, tympanic probes, rumen, implanted or intravaginal temperature recording devices and others) with ambient temperature and THI have been conducted among participating stations and are in the process of be consolidated into an outline for preparation of a body temperature measurement manuscript. Impact: Comparing the different body temperature assessments that have been conducted among participants will facilitate a standardized temperature measurement procedure with the greatest resolution for broader comparisons among studies. This will enhance collaborative research through uniform measurements and provide a resource for other investigators regarding body temperature correlates in dairy cattle. " Accomplishments: A study was conducted in Mississippi to compare body temperature measures between Holstein and Gir x Holstein cows in relation to environment and stage of the estrous cycle. It has been previously shown that Gir x Holstein (GxH) cows have higher body surface and lower rectal temperatures (RT) than Holstein (HOL) cows under heat-stressed conditions. However the influence of coat color and stage of the estrous cycle on body temperatures (BT) have not been evaluated, therefore our objective was to compare BT responses of HOL vs. GxH cows in relation to these parameters (coat color and estrous cycle) during summer heat stress. Cows were fitted with the HeatWatch estrus detection system, an intravaginal temperature probe inserted, and cows received two injections of PGF2-alpha 11 d apart to synchronize estrus (d -10 and 0). From d -10 to d 46 (56 d), measurement periods were conducted weekly (three times AM and five times PM weekly) and included: ambient temperature, temperature-humidity index, rectal temperature, respiration rate, digital infrared thermography of the eye (maximum eye temperature), and a blood sample (serum) for progesterone (P4) by RIA. Cow body temperature measures were analyzed in relation to environmental measures and stage of the estrous cycle [luteal (LUT) vs. follicular (FOL) phases]. To summarize findings, HOL and GxH cows were similar in body temperature measures during the estrous cycle (LUT and FOL). For environmental measures, HOL cows exhibited higher body temperatures and respiration rates than GxH cows. These data demonstrate breed and time of day, but not stage of the estrous cycle differences, on body temperature measures that are important in assessing the relative impact of ambient environment and heat stress on cow responsiveness. Mississippi is collaborating with Tennessee to assess changes in body temperature in relation to stage of the estrous cycle and post-breeding in dairy cattle. Impact: Through an enhanced understanding of the interactions between physiological changes (e.g., the estrous cycle) and body temperature responses to environmental temperature we can more accurately interpret collected data in relation to economic end-points (e.g., fertility) and management criteria (e.g., use of cooling systems, synchronization protocols, etc.). 1B: The effect of various summer cooling strategies on symptoms of heat stress, endocrine status and lactation performance. No accomplishments to report for this Objective within this reporting year. 1C: Characterize the impact of prepartum cooling and identifying prepartum metabolic and endocrine markers as indicators of postpartum performance. " Accomplishments: A preliminary study was conducted in Mississippi to determine the endocrine parameters related to the prepartum period in Holstein dairy cattle in relation to cooling strategy (Fans vs. Fans and Sprinklers). Samples were collected starting 21 days prior to anticipated calving date through day 60 postpartum. In addition to environmental measures (ambient temperature and relative humidity), body temperature measures (rectal temperatures and coat surface thermal measurements) and postpartum production data (milk production, calf weights, postpartum reproduction etc.) were acquired. Data is being analyzed currently, and will be used as preliminary data for a multi-state effort with Georgia, North Carolina and Tennessee to address prepartum cooling effectiveness on postpartum production performance and rebreeding. Impact: Investigations of prepartum cooling may lead to changes in dry cow management strategies for improved postpartum milk production performance, enhanced reproductive function and general improvements in cow comfort/welfare. Costs of prepartum cooling may be off-set by improved postpartum performance, illustrating the economic benefits of this management change in relation to production end-points. 1D: Characterize the effect of genetic selection in heat tolerance. " Accomplishment/Impact: Virginia is in the process of collecting data to examine potential benefits of crossbreeding to improve milk yield and reproductive performance of heat-stressed dairy cows. 1E: Determining the relationships between coat color and cow body size on production performance in heat-stressed dairy cattle " Accomplishments: Mississippi, compared physiological responses between Holstein and Gir x Holstein cows of different coat color characteristics and assessed in relation to environmental parameters. Non-lactating Holstein [n=5 white (WH) and n=6 black (BH)] and GxH [n = 7 dark (DK) and n = 4 light (LT)] were fitted with intravaginal temperature probes to acquire vaginal temperatures at 5 min intervals from July to Sept 2006. During the 56 d measurement period, data was collected weekly (three times AM and five times PM weekly) and included: ambient temperature, temperature-humidity index, rectal temperature, respiration rate and digital infrared thermography of the eye. Cow body temperature was analyzed in relation to environmental measures. Ambient temperature differed AM vs. PM, with THI ranging from 69.8 to 90.6. DK and LT GxH cows did not differ in BT AM or PM. While BH was similar to WH in the AM, they differed from one another in the PM. Body temperature of Holstein cows increased from AM to PM, while GxH cows decreased or increased only slightly depending on the body temperature measure. Holstein cows had a greater increase in respiration rate from AM to PM than GxH cows. In summary, non-lactating HOL and GxH cows were similar in body temperature measures in the AM environment. However for PM measures, Holstein cows exhibited higher body temperatures and respiration rates which were further influenced by coat color. Mississippi has continued their collaboration with Virgin Islands to examine the extent to which coat color in dairy cattle correlates with body temperature and physiological responses. Also during this reporting period, Virgin Islands received images from Puerto Rico; analysis will be performed after technician is hired. Impact: Understanding the influence of secondary characteristics such as coat color and cow body size on production performance under heat stressed conditions assists in establishing selection criteria for dairy cows for specific environments to maximize the balance between production and economic efficiency. OBJECTIVE 2: IMPROVING FERTILITY OF HEAT-STRESSED DAIRY COWS WITHOUT DECREASING MILK PRODUCTION 2A: Use of supplemental hormone administration pre- and post-breeding to improve fertility of heat-stressed dairy cattle " Accomplishments: Previous efforts have shown that the size of the ovulatory follicle may be reduced in heat-stressed cows and that the oocyte contained within that follicle may mature faster than in cows not experiencing heat-stressed. A research project at Tennessee was initiated in October 2006 to test the efficacy of various strategies to enhance size of ovulatory follicle and to alter timing of ovulation. Impact: Information gained from these studies is an important first step towards the development of management strategies for minimizing the negative effects of environmental heat stress to reduce reproduction in dairy cows and in other agriculturally-important animals. Doing so would allow for more efficient livestock production, thereby ensuring an ample and economical food supply. 2B: Establishing hormone markers pre-breeding as predictors of reproductive success in heat-stressed and non-heat-stressed dairy cows " Accomplishment: North Carolina, using low doses of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), attempted to improve follicle development and oocyte competence in heat stressed cows. In the experiment lactating dairy cows were synchronized using the Ovsynch protocol and then assigned to either FSH (N=23) or control (N=22) groups. The Ovsynch protocol consists of an injection of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) followed seven days later by an injection of prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF) and then 48 hours after PGF another injection of GnRH. This protocol has been shown to reliably induce a synchronized ovulation in lactating dairy cows. FSH-treated cows received injections of 30 mg FSH twice daily on days 3-6 after ovulation in response to the Ovsynch protocol and in the AM of day 7 after Ovsynch induced ovulation for a total of 210 mg FSH. Luteolysis was induced with 25 mg of PGF at 40 hours after the final FSH injection. Cows were inseminated 12 hours after estrus detection or if not detected in estrus at 72 hours after PGF and simultaneously treated with 100 ug GnRH. Ultrasonography was used at day eight after insemination to determine the number of corpora lutea (CL) and again 30 days after insemination to determine if cows were pregnant and if so the number of embryos in each. Multiple ovulations were more common in FSH treated cows. The average number of CL were greater in FSH treated cows (2.21 ± 0.3 FSH vs. 1.09 ± 0.1 controls). One FSH treated cow had five CL. No control cows had more than two CL. However the number of embryos was not affected by FSH treatment. Average number of embryos per cow for those that became pregnant was 1.0 ± 0.1 for controls vs. 1.3 ± 0.2 for FSH treated. No cows had more than two embryos. Pregnancy rates were not different between groups (26.1% FSH vs. 18.2% controls) due to low numbers per treatment. It was encouraging that the FSH treatment did not induce more multiple births or any greater than twins. FSH treatment had no effect on milk production. Repetition of the experiment this year will enable us to determine if pregnancy rates will be different for the treatment groups. Israeli researchers had reported that FSH could improve follicular quality and oocyte competence in heat stressed dairy cows (Roth et al., 2002) but further research is needed. Impact: Making summer breeding possible and reducing days open through hormonal manipulation would improve dairy producer profitability. 2C: Use of interval cooling (i.e., immediately before and after breeding) to improve fertility of problem breeders and heat-stressed dairy cows No accomplishment to report for this Objective within this reporting year. 2D. Use of targeted vitamin and mineral supplementation in conjunction with estrous synchronization and timed-AI to improve fertility in heat-stressed dairy cows No accomplishment to report for this Objective within this reporting year. OBJECTIVE 3. IMPROVING MILK PRODUCTION OF HEAT-STRESSED DAIRY COWS WITHOUT DECREASING FERTILITY 3A: The effect of heat stress on nutritional requirements of high-producing dairy cows " Accomplishment: Heat increment (HI) is the rise in digestive and metabolic heat production following a meal, and greater heat production is a liability during hot weather. More digestible feeds generally have a higher TDN and NEL and lower HI. This inverse relationship is generally applicable to all feeds. A more digestible feed or ration will require less energy to metabolize thereby reducing the HI value The high heat increment diet was formulated using cottonseed hulls, cottonseed meal, and higher forage content; low heat increment was formulated by using less total forage, more whole cottonseed, no cottonseed meal or hulls, and a rumen inert fat (Georgia). Thirty-two lactating Holstein cows averaging 169 ±35 days-in-milk were used to determine changes in energy use due to ration heat increment (HI) and resulting changes in production. Mean maximum and minimum temperature, relative humidity, and temperature-humidity index (THI) during the treatment period were 31.2 and 22.7oC; 99 and 61%; and 82.2 and 72.8, respectively. Dietary treatments were high HI offered ad libitum (HA), low HI offered ad libitum (LA), and low HI offered at restricted caloric intake (LR). The LR cows were paired individually with HA cows to achieve similar NEL intake (Mcal/100 kg BW). The HA diet was formulated with a greater proportion of forage and fibrous byproducts whereas the low HI diets were formulated using less forage, no fibrous byproducts, and increased proportions of grain and fat. For DMI, HA (24.6 kg) was greater than both LA (22.8 kg) and LR (20.5 kg). Milk yield/100 kg body weight (1.4, 1.5, 1.6 kg/kg) and energy-corrected milk yield/100 kg body weight (1.3, 1.4, 1.5 kg/kg) for HA, LA, and LR, respectively, were different for HA versus LR. Contrasts were not different for body weight or tissue change. Milk yield and concentration of fat, protein, and total solids were similar across dietary treatments. Treatment group LR demonstrated greater net energy efficiency, measured as intake energy/ milk yield (Mcal/kg). Net energy balance was not different for treatments. The data suggest that treatment group LR converted feed energy into milk energy more efficiently than treatments HA and LA, suggesting that heat stress was reduced and feed efficiency improved with the low HI, restricted diet. Impact: Feed efficiency for the dairy industry is often measured as the increase in milk yield observed because of an increase in feed consumed, but this ratio does not consider the percentage of the feed energy that is converted to milk energy. Feeds with lower HI that are more digestible have the potential for more efficient conversion to milk energy and could reduce metabolic heat production. Even though high HI treatment cows consumed more feed than their low heat increment counterparts, both groups consumed a similar amount of energy and produced similar quantities of milk (average of 34.5 kg/day). There was a minor trend for improved efficiency of energy use for cows fed the low heat increment diet. In addition, the low heat increment cattle had an improved energy balance over the high heat increment fed cattle. Additional research is needed to determine if feeding lower heat increment, or cooler diets will lead to improved production due to lower heat stress, and greater efficiency of production. However, results suggest that there is potential to feed diets formulated for reduced metabolic heat production in dairy cattle during hot weather, which may help to alleviate heat stress and contribute to improved efficiency of production and greater economic returns. The data suggest that cows offered the LR treatment converted feed energy into milk energy more efficiently than cows receiving the HA or LA treatments, suggesting that heat stress was reduced and feed efficiency improved with the low HI, restricted diet. 3B: The effects of high protein diets on production performance and summer breeding in dairy cows. This sub-objective is not being investigated currently, but may be addressed in future years of this project by collaborating stations or as coupled with other sub-objectives. 3C. The effect of dietary supplements (antioxidants, minerals and probiotics) to enhance nutrient intake and digestibility " Accomplishment: A trial was performed in Puerto Rico where eight lactating Holstein cows in early lactation were assigned to one of four dietary treatments in a 4x4 latin square design. Experiment was replicated twice. Diets were be based on corn silage and perennial peanut hay with or without the application of exogenous enzymes Promote (Cellulase and Xylanase, Biovance Technology Inc, Omaha NE) Biocellulase A (Cellulase; Loders Croklaan, Channahon IL) or Combo (Lipase, amylase and cellulose; American Biosystems, Roanoke VA) and applied at the manufacturers recommended rate. Cows were be housed in an open-sided barn fitted with free stalls and feed gates (Calan Gates) to determine individual feed consumption. Each treatment period consisted of 10 days of adjustment to the treatments and 4 days for data collection. Experimental cows were be assigned to treatments according to date of calving and were be trained to open their feed gates two weeks before parturition. Prior to calving, animals received a standard diet. Diets were formulated to contain at least 18% crude protein and followed NRC (2001) recommendations. Chromic oxide was used as an internal marker to determine digestibility. Feed was offered after the morning and afternoon milking; the amount fed was adjusted daily based on 10% orts. Feed was weighed individually for each cow prior to feeding, and orts removed and weighed prior to the morning feeding. Milk production was recorded individually at each milking by the use of DHI approved methods. Milk samples were collected during four consecutive milkings during the data collection period. Milk samples were analyzed for fat and protein content, and somatic cell count by the PR DHIA milk laboratory. Cows were weighed three times per week. Feed samples were collected twice weekly to monitor DM and diet composition. A sample of grass and concentrate was be collected daily during the data collection period and composite for each period to determine CP, ADF, NDF, NEL and mineral content. During the last week of each experimental period an intra-vaginal device fitted with a HOBO thermometer was inserted in each cow to determine vaginal temperature every five minutes. Relative humidity and air temperature were determined also every five minutes. The trial was completed at the end of august 2006. Preliminary data show relatively low dry matter intakes with no differences among treatments (14.69, 15.18, 15.28 and 14.84 kg/day for the control, Biocellulase A, Promote and Combo respectively). Milk production (14.94, 15.76, 15.04, 15.84 kg/day for the control, Biocellulase A, Promote and Combo, respectively) was not affected by treatments. The information on milk composition, diet digestibility and relationships between ambient temperature and animal temperature are still under analysis. " Accomplishment: Tifton 85 bermudagrass is the latest cultivar released by Dr. Glen Burton. It is more digestible and produces greater yields than other bermudagrass cultivars. Previous research has shown a decline in intake and milk yield as the proportion of Tifton 85 in the diet increased compared with comparable diets containing alfalfa hay; however, milk fat percentage, dairy efficiency, and income over feed cost improved. Tifton 85 is more economical to produce locally compared with purchasing alfalfa hay, so its use in dairy rations could potentially reduce production costs. Tifton 85 also reduces soil erosion compared to planting annuals and can effectively use nutrients from dairy waste in support of growth. Commercial enzyme products currently available could potentially improve fiber digestibility supporting improved DMI and nutrient supply in support of improved milk yield and reduce the amount of waste. Limited data are available on the use of Tifton 85 bermudagrass in diets for lactating dairy cows or the potential return for use of enzymes. To determine if a cellulase enzyme applied to the TMR would improve milk production of lactating cows fed diets containing different forages, forty-four Holstein cows were used in an 8 wk randomized block design trial with 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments in Georgia. Cows were trained to eat behind Calan doors before beginning the trial. Experimental treatments included diets formulated to provide equal concentrations of NDF, CP, and energy using either Tifton 85 bermudagrass haylage or alfalfa hay at 12% of the ration DM with 0 or 4 g/d of a commercial cellulase enzyme. Total intake and milk yield were measured daily and composition of milk was determined weekly. Impact: Cows fed the indicate that Tifton 85 can be effectively used in rations for high producing dairy cows. Since Tifton 85 is more economical to produce, this could reduce feed cost compared to purchasing alfalfa hay. No gains in intake or producer were observed with using the cellulase enzyme. The trial did not examine the ration of application or other factors that could influence enzyme activity. PLANS FOR THE COMING YEAR  ESTABLISHED COLLABORATIONS AND ON-GOING PROJECTS " Coat color studies and determination of percentages of black vs. white hair coat. (OBJ 1E; PR, MS, TN and others?; USVI Lead) " Enzyme enhancements in diets while grazing southern forages. (OBJ 3C; PR, GA, Others?, GA - Lead) " Body temperature and estrous cycle - data mining and/or implementation of a summer study (OBJ 1A - MS, TN; TN- Lead) " Body temperature correlates among different measurement techniques, and the proposed coordination of S-1023 to compose a review article (i.e., for Southern Cooperative Series Bulletin; OBJ 1A - All stations - MS  Lead) " Prepartum Cooling - metabolic/postpartum/cooling methods will be investigated along with nutrition x reproduction interactions related to prepartum cooling (OBJ 1C - GA, TN, NC, MS - Lead). Mitch Hockett from NC attended meeting and will join as a member to collaborate on this objective. Mississippi agreed to take lead effort to organize/develop a research proposal to be submitted as an integrated research and extension project to NRI-CGP.

Refereed Journals and Peer-Reviewed Proceedings: Bowers, S., S. Gandy, K. Graves, A. Moore and S. Willard. 2006. Relationships between measurements of vaginal electrical impedance, uterine involution and hormonal profiles in postpartum dairy cows. J. Anim. Vet. Advances 5(7): 552-558. Deng, X., B. J. Barnett, D. V. Vedenov, and J. W. West. 2007. Hedging dairy production losses using weather-based index insurance. Ag. Econ. 36:271-280. Chandler, J.E., T.M. Taylor, A.L. Canal, R.K. Cooper, E.B. Moser, M. E. McCormick, S.T. Willard, H.E. Rycroft and G.R. Gilbert. 2006. Calving sex ratio as related to the predicted Y-chromosome-bearing spermatozoa ratio in bull ejaculates. Theriogenology, doi:10.1016/j.theriogenology. 2006.09.006 (on-line). Smith, T.R., A. Chapa, S. Willard, C. Herndon, R. J. Williams, J. Crouch, T. Riley and D. Pogue. 2006. Evaporative tunnel cooling for dairy cows in the Southeastern United States. I: Cooling characteristics and their effect on body temperature and respiration rate. J. Dairy Sci. 89: 3915  3923. Smith, T.R., A. Chapa, S. Willard, C. Herndon, R. J. Williams, J. Crouch, T. Riley and D. Pogue. 2006. Evaporative tunnel cooling for dairy cows in the Southeastern United States. II: Impact on lactation performance. J. Dairy Sci. 89: 3904-3914. Schmidt, S.J., S.D. Bowers, T. Dickerson, B.S. Gandy, F. Holholm, K.B. Graves, J. White, R.C. Vann and S.T. Willard. 2006. Gestational, periparturient and preweaning growth traits of Holstein versus Gir x Holstein F1 crossbred dairy calves born to Holstein dams. Tropical Animal Health and Production 38: 249-260. Wildman, C. D., J. W. West, and J. K. Bernard. 2007. Effects of dietary cation-anion difference and potassium to sodium ratio on lactating dairy cows in hot weather. J. Dairy Sci. 90:970-977. Popular Press Articles/Meeting Abstracts/Experiment Station Reports/Others: Freitas, M. S., I. Misztal, J. Bohmanova, and J. West. 2006. Utility of on- and off-farm weather records for studies in genetics of heat tolerance. Livestock Sci. 105:223-228. Pacetti, L. M., J. W. West, and J. K. Bernard. 2006. Using dietary heat increment to alter energy use in dairy cows during hot weather. J. Dairy Sci. 89(Suppl. 1):129. (Abstr.) Payton, R.R., L.A. West-Rispoli, and J.L. Edwards. 2006. Analysis of RNA profiles in bovine oocytes versus cumulus and granulosa cells. Biol. Reprod. Special Issue p 152. Schrock G.E., J.L. Lawrence, R.R. Payton, F.N. Schrick, and J.L. Edwards. 2006. Development of heat-stressed bovine oocytes after chemical activation versus fertilization. Biol. Reprod. Special Issue p 134. West, J. W., 2006. Relationship of heat stress and acidosis in dairy cattle. In Proc. 1st Seminario Actualizacion en Ganado Lechero. Phibro Animal Health. May 17-18, Torreon, Mexico. West, J. W. 2006. Important considerations when preparing for heat stress. Dairyfax. April/May. West, J. W. 2006. Battle the summer acidosis syndrome. Hoards Dairyman. June, p. 409. West-Rispoli, L.A., C.R. Rozanas, T.A. Stoming, J.L. Edwards. 2006. Proteomic analysis of bovine oocytes during maturation using 2-D fluorescence difference gel electrophoresis (DIGE). Biol. Reprod. Special Issue p 152. White, M.B., M. Jones, S. Schmidt, A. Chromiak and S. T. Willard. 2006. The use of digital infrared thermography for monitoring environmental physiology in dairy cattle. J. Anim. Sci. 84 (Suppl. 1): 212 (Abstr. # T164)  ASAS Nationals, Minneapolis, MN. Willard, S. 2006. Invited Talk: Indicators of heat stress and environmental monitoring of animal responses. American Society of Animal Science  Southern Section Meeting, February, 2006. Worley, J. W., and J. K. Bernard. 2006. Comparison of high volume low speed (HVLS) vs. conventional fans in a free stall dairy barn in a hot humid climate. ASABE Paper No. 064033. ASABE, St. Joseph, MI.. Worley, J. W. and J. K. Bernard. 2006. Are HVLS fans right for your farm? Hoards Dairyman Vol. 151, No. 10, pg 370.