Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

October 12, 2006 Call to order and introductions: Chair Albert de Vries called the meeting to order at 1:00 PM at the New England Center at the University of New Hampshire. Albert de Vries asked each attendee to introduce themselves to the group. Pete Erickson welcomed the group to the University of New Hampshire. The agenda was reviewed, which included group station reports on Thursday afternoon, discussion of the rewrite on Friday and Saturday morning, and farm tours on Friday afternoon. Plans were made for dinner at Fosters Clambake on Friday evening. Dr. Bill Trumble, Dean of College of Life Science and Agriculture and Dr. Tom Foxall, Chair of Animal and Nutritional Sciences, welcomed the NC-1119 group to the University of New Hampshire. An overview of the College was provided and the development of new programs such as the one in organic dairying was discussed. Washington news and review: Charlotte Kirk Baer is the new USDA/CSREES Advisor for NC-1119. Charlotte discussed the role of USDA/CSREES in identifying priorities, addressing critical needs, and developing future directions for USDA/CSREES programs. Results from a recent USDA/CSREES survey on customer satisfaction were discussed. Federal agencies average score is seventy-two percent and CSREES scored comparably to the average with regard to overall customer satisfaction. Recommendations of the survey were to improve coordination and leadership in areas of national need. For the rewrite of the NC-1119 project, it was stated that the rewritten project must be multi-state, multidisciplinary, peer-reviewed, have clearly stated objectives, participants listed are directly involved, and have an orientation on outcomes and impacts. There was discussion on whether the project is a rewrite or a new project. As long as justification for continuation of the project is included, the project can be considered a rewrite. The rewritten proposal should consider stakeholder input if possible to justify new project. There was additional discussion regarding non-participating states that are listed as NC-1119 participants. Dr. Benfield stated non-participation should be included in the annual report. A project on eXtension for dairy was briefly discussed and handout was provided. Administrative advisor report: David Benfield reported on how to submit Annual Reports. There are character limits to each section and HTML tags that may need to be included. Dr. Benfield also reported on Create 21, a project of the Board on Agriculture Assembly of the National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges (NASULGC) that proposes to reframe the partnership between the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the university community. It calls for consolidating the elements currently within USDAs Research, Education, and Economics program area (and Forest Service R&D); sustaining existing intramural and university capacity funding; and providing new funding for competitively-awarded research, extension, and education grants. There will be more discussion on this in the future. Station project reports: Albert de Vries asked NC-1119 members to present their state project reports with a limit of 10 minutes per state to stay on schedule. The order in which the members presented their state reports were: 1) Minnesota, 2) Virginia, 3) Utah, 4) New Hampshire, 5) Nebraska, 6) Vermont, 7) California, 8) Pennsylvania, 9) Maryland, 10) Indiana, 11) South Dakota, 12) Florida. The meeting was adjourned for the day at 5:15 pm. October 13, 2006 Project re-write (2007-2012): Chair Albert de Vries called the meeting to order at 8 AM at the Dairy Nutrition Research Center, UNH. Registration costs were $115 per participant payable to UNH. Dr. Benfield outlined the requirements of the new project. We need justify why the project is a continuation of the previous project. We can keep the same multi-state project number if it is justified. Everyone needs to complete an Appendix E through NIMSS for NC_temp1119. Upcoming deadlines were discussed. The proposal needs to be completed and submitted to NIMSS by December 1. This includes peer-review. The annual report needs to be completed by December 15th. Specific objectives for the new proposal were discussed. The following objective was developed: To evaluate and develop management systems for dairy herds that address critical quality and variance control factors with implications to economic efficiencies and environmental impacts. Three sub-objectives were suggested: A) Heifer enterprise, B) Cow enterprise, and C) Whole farm business. Potential contributions from each station for sub-objectives A and B were discussed. The meeting was adjourned for lunch at noon. During the afternoon of Friday, October 13, the group toured the Stuart Farm, Ath-Mor Farm, the future organic dairy farm at UNH, and Fairchild Dairy Farm at UNH. October 14, 2006 Project re-write (2007-2012): Chair Albert de Vries called the meeting to order at 8 AM at the New England Center. Development of sub-objective C, whole farm business, was discussed among the entire group. The following new objective and sub-objectives were accepted: Objective: To evaluate and develop sustainable management systems for dairy herds that address critical quality and variance control factors with implications to economic efficiencies and environmental impacts. A - Heifer enterprise · Analyzing management and nutrition strategies for replacement heifers as they pertain to production and profitability. B - Cow enterprise · Optimization of lactating and dry cow decision-making as it relates to animal health, nutrient utilization, milk production, reproduction, and profitability. C - Whole farm business · Evaluate system components and integrate information into decision-support tools and whole farm analyses to improve efficiency, control variation, and enhance profitability, and environmental sustainability. Material for each sub-objective will need to be sent by each participant to the leader of the respective sub-objective. The following individuals agreed to lead sub-objectives and compile materials from contributing participants: A) Heifer enterprise - Pete Erickson, B) Cow enterprise - Tim Johnson, and C) Whole farm business - Mike McGilliard. Mike McGilliard and Dave Beede agreed to be the reviewers of the proposal. Albert de Vries discussed the procedure involved in completing an Appendix E. Each participant needs to register and complete the appendix E for NC_TEMP1119 at the NIMMS website (http://nimss.umd.edu/). Albert de Vries will send out an email after the meeting describing this process. December 1, 2006 is the deadline for submission of the project, but if an extension is needed, Dr. Benfield should be contacted. Dr. de Vries agreed to submit the final proposal through NIMMS. Individual sections required for the new proposal were discussed. Dr. Benfield stated that states not present need to be notified of objectives and determine if they will be participants in the new project. With the new proposal, this is a good time for others with similar interests to join the project. Victor Cabrera (NM) will be joining NC-1119. The meeting was adjourned for lunch. Other discussion: After lunch, Jud Heinrichs reported on eXtension. This will be a clearing house for dairy-related publications. Educators, dairy specialists, and producers will be able to find dairy-related peer-reviewed publications at this website. Business meeting: Albert de Vries called the Business Meeting to order at 1:30 PM. The minutes of the 2005 NC-1119 meeting were approved as written. Election of Secretary: Doug Jose moved to nominate Dave Beede as Secretary for 2006-2007. Normand St-Pierre seconded the motion. The motion was approved and Dave accepted to be the new Secretary. Confirmation of 2006-2007 Chair: The NC-1119 committee confirmed that Kenneth Kalscheur is the new Chair for 2006-2007. Location for the 2007 NC-1119 meeting: Minnesota was nominated to host the 2007 NC-1119 Meeting. Hugh Chester-Jones (MN) was not present, but had previously agreed to host the meeting in Minnesota. Motion for Minnesota to host the 2007 meeting was approved. Normand St-Pierre offered Ohio State as a back-up site if Minnesota could not host. Possible dates for the 2007 meeting are October 11-13, 2007. There was discussion to move the meeting to another date because the current date conflicts with other events. Doug Jose moved to accepted October 11-13, 2007. Ken Kalscheur seconded. Motion carried. Website committee report: Mike McGilliard described the webpage on NIMSS website. Materials generated by NC-1119 such as spreadsheets and photographs can be added to the NIMSS NC-1119 webpage. A paragraph on history can be added. Mike McGilliard moved to put all important information form the old website to the new NC-1119 webpage on the NIMSS website and discontinue the use of the old website. Norm St-Pierre seconded the motion. The motion was approved. Mike McGilliard agreed to continue to be the webmaster for the NC-1119 webpage. Project historian report: Mike McGilliard passed out the history of the chairs and locations of the past meetings. Mike will take over role of project historian for Bob James (previous historian). Other items of business: Publications produced as a result of NC-1119 should include an acknowledgement to NC-1119 whenever possible. There is no specific requirement to do this. Normand St-Pierre moves to encourage members to include a statement or footnote in published materials to state contribution of NC-1119. Motion was seconded and approved. Ken Kalscheur discussed the possibility of developing a peer-reviewed journal publication discussing the contributions of NC-1119. This will be discussed further next year. Dave Beede suggested to tie this article with a symposium. NC-1119 have hosted symposium at Midwest ADSA/ASAS in previous years. This will be discussed next year. Lisa Holden suggested going to Holland in 2008. Lisa Holden and Dave Beede will develop a preliminary plan. This will be discussed at next years meeting. Doug Jose moved to express thanks to Pete Erickson and Chuck Schwab for hosting the meeting and arranging the tours. In addition, a motion was made to express thanks to Albert de Vries for chairing this years NC-1119 meeting. Both motions were seconded and approved enthusiastically. The meeting was adjourned at 2:30 PM. Minutes submitted by Kenneth Kalscheur on December 15, 2006.

Objective 1: Develop and integrate decision support systems to promote efficient, environmentally sound, and economically viable management systems for dairy young stock. 1A. To enhance the understanding of nutrient requirements of young calves and growing dairy heifers and identify nutritional strategies that maximize the efficient use of dietary nutrients and reduce excretion into the environment.

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

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