Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

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: 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 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.

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(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. 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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. 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