Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

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

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

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