Article Collections available now on the Journal of Dairy Science website

The Journal of Dairy Science (JDS) has announced an enhancement to its Article Collections available online. There are now four collections available on the website. The collections are compilations of significant papers and research developments within a particular subject area, selected by experts in that area. All papers have been published in the JDS.
The collections that are now available are the following: the Estrus Technology; JDS Mastitis and Milk Quality; Pregnancy Diagnosis and Resynchronization; and Editor’s Choice.

Lallemand offers tips to avoid fall slump in dairy cow production

Dairy cows commonly fail to reach their full production potential during the fall. This is often caused by an abrupt change from old corn silage to freshly cut forage or recently fermented corn silage.
“A slump in production can be costly for a farm and frustrating for producers,” says Renato Schmidt, Ph.D., technical services – forage, Lallemand Animal Nutrition. “We often see otherwise unexplained decreases in milk production or an inability to reach production targets in the fall as producers switch from old silage to new material. This slump can also affect herd health with signs such as a decreased feed intake or loose manure.”
Contributing factors to a fall slump may include:


• Lower starch digestibility in fresh silage or forage. When harvested above 35 percent dry matter (DM), the starch in corn starts to become less digestible. Flint varieties also have lower starch digestibility than floury ones.
• High levels of fermentable sugars. Fresh forages can contain high levels of fermentable sugars, which can contribute to sub-acute rumen acidosis (SARA) in a herd.
• Differences in DM and nutrient content. Silages normally present a different composition from one silo to the next, and from one year to the next.
To avoid a fall slump, Schmidt recommends four strategies:


• Ideally allow silage to ensile for at least four months before feeding. As silage spends additional weeks in storage, the starch becomes more digestible.
• Change silos gradually over a two-week period.
• Test new forages for DM and nutrient content. If necessary, the ration should be adjusted to reflect the changing composition.
• Use a proven silage inoculant containing enzymes to help break down plant fiber and thus aid in fiber digestibility.
• Thinking ahead to next year, Schmidt recommends considering an inoculant that will help maintain feed quality.  The strain Lactobacillus buchneri 40788 is the only active bacteria reviewed by the FDA in preventing heating and spoilage – two factors that can greatly affect silage quality.
“Planning ahead and making gradual changes in feeding can help keep milk production steady and maintain cattle health,” Schmidt says. “Ultimately, it helps keep profits steady for the farm.”

H.J. Baker to sponsor webinar on amino acids in dairy rations Feb. 19

H.J. Baker is sponsoring an agriculture webinar on how limiting and balancing amino acids can improve dairy farm profitability. The webinar, "The Value of Amino Acids in Your Dairy Ration," will take place on Feb. 19 at 2 p.m. CST. Dr. William Chalupa, professor emeritus of nutrition at the University of Pennsylvania, and John Azzone of H.J. Baker's dairy sales will lead the discussion.
"The Value of Amino Acids In Your Dairy Herd Ration" will discuss the importance of limiting amino acids and how properly balancing for amino acids can improve milk quantity and quality, improving dairy farm profitability. The webinar will review an extensive body of research and development dedicated to helping dairy farmers achieve their optimum milk production and quality objectives.
The webinar will assess the extensive body of research on balancing for amino acids, particularly lysine. In a component market, where protein prices are high, obtaining optimal levels of lysine and methionine can be very cost effective. Chalupa and Azzone will discuss practical levels, optimal levels, and goal setting as part of an overall place to increase profits.
The webinar will be held live on Feb. 19 at 2 p.m. CST and will last approximately 60 minutes. The live event will include a question-and-answer session. Nutritionists, veterinarians, consultants and dairy producers are invited to participate and register at www.hjbaker.com.

JBS United announces dates for Midwest dairy producers' technical conference

JBS United announced it will host the sixth annual Technical Conference for Dairy Producers in the Midwest, providing critical education to dairy producers. The conference will focus on "Bridging the Gap: Optimizing Nutrition Throughout the Dairy Life Cycle."
The free conference will offer two dates and locations: January 14, 2014, at the James B. Henry Center for Executive Development at Michigan State University in Lansing, Mich., and January 15, 2014, at Sauder Village in Archbold, Ohio. Conferences run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and include lunch. Those interested in attending should register online.
One of the featured speakers is Dr. Mike Hutjens, an Animal Sciences professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He will present on "Broadening the Scope of Profitability: Maximizing Longevity and Lifetime Productivity in the Herd."
The other featured speaker is Dr. James Drackley, a professor of Animal Sciences at the University of Illinois. He will present on "Setting the Stage: Nutritional Management of the Dry Cow and Young Calf." There will also be a discussion of various other timely topics for dairy producers in the Midwest.
In addition to expert speakers and presentations, industry professionals and suppliers will be on hand to discuss producers' needs.

Prince Agri Products launches new dairy cow nutrition website

Prince Agri Products Inc. has launched a new website, TheOmniGenDifference.com, which focuses on the role of dairy cow nutrition and management in maintaining a healthy immune system and greater productivity.
Research continues to demonstrate that a well-functioning immune system is vital to dairy cattle when dealing with stressful events such as calving, high milk production, social changes, weather changes and forage quality issues. The new website provides information on the company's nutritional supplement, OmniGen-AF, which is designed to help proper immune function when included as a regular part of a dry, transition and lactating dairy diets.
The website also includes other informational resources about stress management, as well as a video featuring Swiss Lane Dairy in Caledonia, Mich., which has reported improved herd health by feeding OmniGen-AF year-round to its dry, transition and lactating cows.

Kemin dairy technical services manager receives dairy science association award

Dr. Kevin Herrick, dairy technical services manager with Kemin Industries, has been awarded the 2013 American Dairy Science Association Graduate Student Paper Publication Award, presented at the organization's annual meeting held in Indianapolis, Ind., on July 10.
Herrick was awarded for his work appearing in the June 2012 issue of the Journal of Dairy Science. In the article, Herrick investigated feeding a sugar co-product to lactating Holstein cows and demonstrated the co-product improved fiber digestibility, particularly of the structural fiber fraction. Feeding this co-product has the potential to improve animal performance as well as allow producers to feed lower quality forages and maintain dietary energy.
Earlier in 2013, Herrick received the Midwest American Dairy Science Association's Young Scholar Award for his presentation, "Butyrate supplementation effects on metabolism and production in lactating dairy cows." In his presentation, Herrick offered research investigating supplementation of individual or intermediate volatile fatty acids as a potential treatment for metabolic diseases in the post-partum ruminant. The presentation featured trials in which rumen butyrate concentration was increased to investigate the performance and metabolic responses of lactating dairy cows. Results from Herrick's research demonstrate butyrate supplementation has the potential to improve the energy balance of lactating dairy cows.
Herrick joined Kemin in 2012 and serves as the technical service manager for dairy in North America. Prior to joining Kemin, he worked as a dairy production consultant for Land O' Lakes Purina Feed and as a herdsman for a large dairy in South Dakota. Herrick completed a Bachelor of Science in animal science, a Master of Science in ruminant nutrition from South Dakota State University and a Ph.D. in dairy science from South Dakota State University.

Global dairy market tightened by Chinese buying, supply contraction

The global dairy market tightened considerably in mid-March and is predicted to remain tight over the next six months, according to Rabobank’s latest dairy quarterly report.
While dairy market demand remained weak in the EU and U.S., importers continued to seek increased quantities, led by a surge in Chinese buying. Strong buying from China and a sharp drop in New Zealand created a large premium for whole milk powder over other product prices and for international market prices over domestic U.S. wholesale prices. The end of the season in the Southern Hemisphere has been poor, exacerbated by extreme weather in several regions, particularly New Zealand.
The weak end of the Southern Hemisphere season is expected to overlap with a weak supply peak in May in the Northern Hemisphere, which will cause total milk production in export regions to fall below prior-year levels in 1H 2013. According to Rabobank's projections, lower milk production will not be much of a problem in surplus regions with weak demand; but, it will reduce supply availability for the international market, even after accounting for stock sales from the U.S. Moreover, Chinese buying will slow somewhat in coming months, while buyers in other import regions will look for additional supply to meet local market requirements.
“The quest for additional supply should ensure a tight global market environment through Q2 and Q3, before a new Southern Hemisphere season and an easing of global feed prices enables the market to balance at somewhat lower prices in Q4,” said Tim Hunt, Rabobank global strategist. “The sharp divergences in prices evident between different product lines and regional markets should slowly abate as 2013 progresses. In particular, U.S. wholesale market prices, significantly discounted in early 2013, should move back to lower discounts by mid-year as the global market tightens and U.S. stocks are cleared. But, regional market rigidities will likely ensure that normal relativities are not fully restored until late in the year.”
Rabobank remains pessimistic on EU and U.S. consumption prospects, factoring in net growth of zero in consumption from these two markets in the first half of 2013. If either outperforms expectations, less product will be available for export, contributing to more market upside. The bank also assumes a better Northern Hemisphere crop year will allow for the potential of widespread planting of grains and oilseeds, driving down global feed costs in Q4. Another poor crop would generate further market upside, the report says. 

Cow standing, laying behavior can predict heat stress

The standing and laying behavior of cows can predict their heat stress, according to a study conducted by the University of Arizona and Northwest Missouri State University.
Predicting heat stress is vital for keeping cows healthy and productive, said Dr. Jamison Allen during a presentation at the 2013 American Dairy Science Association Midwest Branch/American Society of Animal Science Midwestern Section Meeting. Cows will pant, eat less and produce less milk when their core body temperature increases. The researchers used two tools to study the relationship between behavior and temperature. They fitted each cow with an intra-vaginal sensor to measure core body temperature, and fitted each cow with a special leg sensor to measure the angle of the leg and track whether the cow was standing or lying. After comparing data from cows in Arizona, California and Minnesota, the researchers concluded that standing behavior and core body temperature are strongly correlated. Allen said cows stood for longer bouts of time as their core body temperatures rose from 101 degrees Fahrenheit to above 102 degrees.
According to Allen, dairy producers could use standing behavior to improve well being and efficiency in their herds. He said producers could use coolers and misters to target a specific core body temperature. By encouraging cows to lie down, producers will also help their cows conserve energy. Allen recommended future studies to see how cows respond to different cooling systems.

2013 Joint Annual Meeting to present animal, dairy science

Registration is now open for the Joint Annual Meeting of the American Dairy Science Association and the American Society of Animal Science. The meeting will take place in Indianapolis, Ind., from July 8 to 12, 2013.
The Joint Annual Meeting will feature 35 symposia on topics such as animal genetics, food science and animal well-being. The organizers have planned additional high-level workshops, including a hands-on media training workshop on July 12.
Animal and dairy scientists work hard to protect animal health, food safety and the environment. The 2013 JAM is a chance for researchers to share their data and their passion for the field. Attendees will learn about scientific developments and new technologies used in research.
Attendees will also network with scientists from around the world. The organizers expect more than 3,000 attendees from more than 50 countries. There will also be special career development events for graduate students.
The organizers encourage professional scientists, veterinarians, producers, educators, policy makers and students to attend.

World Ag Expo Forage Challenge announces winners

A total of $18,000 in cash prizes was awarded on February 12, 2013, to winners of the 2013 World Ag Expo Forage Challenge, presented by Mycogen Seeds. Finalists were chosen from more than 90 entries submitted from the Western U.S. The competition challenged farmers to enter and see who produced the highest-quality forage in the West. Samples of the finalists' entries will be on display in World Ag Expo's Hospitality Center on East Greenbelt and Median Street.
Lallemand Animal Nutrition North America sponsored $18,000 in contest awards and prizes. First place winners in all three categories received $3,000; second place winners were awarded $2,000; and $1,000 was given to third place winners.
Farmers and ranchers from 11 Western states were invited to enter the competition. Entries were judged in three categories: alfalfa hay, standard corn silage and brown mid-rib, BMR, corn silage. Cash prizes were awarded based on forage lab analyses, along with a visual evaluation of the entries by experts in dairy nutrition and forage production.
2013 World Ag Expo Forage Challenge winners:
Alfalfa Hay

• 1st Place - David Hinman, Hardrock Farms Inc., Wheatland, Wyo.
• 2nd Place - Daryl Tiltrum, Dipper Tree Sheep LLC, Wheatland, Wyo.
• 3rd Place - Rick and Kim Perigo, Valiant Penny Hay Co., Lun, Nev.
Corn Silage BMR

• 1st Place - Jake Bosma, Bosma Milk Co. Tipton, Calif.
• 2nd Place - Mike Barcellos, Monster Dairy, Newman, Calif.
• 3rd Place - Tony Louters, Tony Louters Dairy, Merced, Calif.
Corn Silage Non-BMR

• 1st Place - Dino Giacomazzi, Giocomazzi Dairy/Farms, Hanford, Calif.
• 2nd Place - Kelly Callahan, Royal Turf Farms, Royal City, Wash.
• 3rd Place - Bert Weststeyn, Weststeyn Dairy, Linden, Calif. 

Novus Mintrex trace minerals may improve dairy cow immune response

A recent University of Delaware study of early lactation dairy cows revealed improved immune response when treated with Novus International Inc.'s Mintrex chelated trace minerals. Cows fed Mintrex were able to generate an elevated antibody response to a pathogen, which better enabled them to fight infection, according to the study, which was published in the August edition of Journal of Dairy Science.
The trial was conducted at the university with the objective to compare performance, plasma and milk mineral levels, and to measure innate and adaptive immune function in early lactation cows fed copper, manganese and zinc by either inorganic trace minerals or Mintrex. Cows supplemented with the Novus product showed a more robust antibody response to the model vaccination, according to the study. They also showed numerically increased neutrophil phagocytosis, which means the animals' white blood cells were better able to ingest bacterial pathogens. Additionally, increased levels of copper were seen in milk concentrations of cows fed Mintrex, demonstrating a higher bioavailability than inorganic minerals.

New animal feed increases milk production by 30 percent

*Uganda's Makerere University has created an animal feed that increases milk production in dairy cattle by 30 percent consistent intake, according to reports.
The milk booster feed was developed from research funded by the World Bank Millennium Science Initiative through the government of Uganda and coordinated by the National Council for Higher Education. "The feed doubles as milk and manure booster as the quality and quantity improves to boost both crop and animal husbandry in a bid to curb extreme poverty and hunger," said Dr. Fred Kabi, the principal investigator from the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences. "The milk booster costs Ushs 10,000 (US$4) and is mixed with other animal feeds to get the animals used to it."

Cattle prices drop on US mad-cow disease news

Cattle futures for June delivery fell by the exchange limit of 3 cents, or 2.6 percent, to settle at $1.11575 a pound at 1 p.m. April 24 on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange after news broke of a dairy cow infected with mad-cow disease in California. The price is the lowest level since July 1, 2011 and the biggest percentage drop on a most-active contract since May 23, 2011.
“It’s all fear,” said Chad Henderson, a market analyst for Prime Agricultural Consultants Inc. “I don’t know if it’s going to affect beef demand much. The problem is the perception will run this market right now.” Prices fell 21 percent in December 2003, when the U.S. government confirmed a case of mad-cow disease had been found. U.S. beef shipments then dropped 82 percent to 460.3 million pounds in 2004 as importers shunned the meat.
A chain reaction could affect grain prices, as well. Corn futures dropped 0.7 percent to close at $6.08 a bushel at 1:15 p.m. April 24 on the Chicago Board of Trade.

Sodium butyrate in calf milk replacer shows positive effects

The addition of encapsulated sodium butyrate in milk replacer and prestarter has been shown to improve the performance and health of suckling calves, according to research published in the Journal of Dairy Science. Sodium butyrate increased the average daily weight gain during the first 21 days of life and avoided weight loss during the first week of life, according to the data. In addition, the sodium butyrate increased the intake of prestarter feed during the first 21 days. Calves fed sodium butyrate had longer ruminal papillae, and the rumen weight compared to the total body weight was also modified. The need for antibiotic or electrolyte therapies were reduced when butyrate was used and the treated animals had improved fecal scores, according to the research.

Wine dregs boost cow milk production, cut methane emissions

Adding the stems, seeds and skins from wine grapes to a dairy cow's feed boosts milk production by 5% and cuts methane emissions by 20%, according to research conducted by Australian scientists.
"We've managed to utilize what is currently a waste product for the wine industry and turn it into a very valuable feed source," said scientist Peter Moate. The data also showed an increase in healthy fatty acids in the milk, six times higher than with standard autumn feed. "These particular fatty acids are extremely potent in their ability to benefit heart health and are also known to help fight cancer, diabetes and arthritis," said Moate.
The research is part of a wider program looking at the use of feed supplements to reduce methane emissions. Other possibilities have included brewers' grains and cold-pressed canola meal.

Dairy science professor Arnold Hippen dies at 58

Arnold R. Hippen, Ph.D., an expert in dairy science, passed away Saturday, July 9, at the age of 58.
Hippen became a professor at South Dakota State University in 1998, where he taught dairy farm management and dairy cattle nutrition. Hippen was recently recognized by the American Dairy Science Association with the Dairy Nutrition Research Award, for accomplishments that include publishing more than 30 manuscripts and patenting two products for ketosis prevention in cattle. Hippen began his career as a dairy farmer, and later attended Iowa State University for his bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees in nutritional physiology.
Hippen is survived by his wife, Pat, and his son, Eric.

China dairy industry recovering from 2008 Melamine incident

China's dairy industry has finally recovered to the level it fell from during 2008's Melamine incident, but consumer confidence has yet to be fully restored, according to reports.
The industry currently has 12.6 million cows in stock and 35.75 millions of milk were produced in 2010. Milk output for 2011 is likely to reach 40 million tons. However, consumers are still lacking confidence in the local dairy products. “It has been three years since the Melamine incident happened, but consumers’ confidence has yet to recover,” said Gao Hongbin, vice minister of China's agricultural ministry.
According to statistics, the industry is fully recovered in output and price, but for areas such as baby milk powder, the numbers still have a long way to go before they reach 2008 levels. China imported almost 300,000 tons of baby milk powder in the first half of 2011, according to Hongbin, and a lot of families went to Japan, New Zealand and Australia to buy milk powders. Such a move leads to sky-high prices in the domestic market, and it is difficult for consumers to find confidence back if the same incidents happen again and again, said Hongbin.

Diamond V presents Dr. Tom Oelberg with President's Award

Diamond V Dairy Field Technical Specialist Tom Oelberg, Ph.D., (2nd from right) receives the Diamond V President’s Award from John Bloomhall, Diamond V President and CEO (2nd from left); Curtis Harms, DVM, Diamond V Central Region Manager (far left); and Gerald Poppy, DVM, MBA, Diamond V Director of North American Dairy (far right).

Tom Oelberg, Ph.D., dairy field technical specialist for Diamond V, received the Diamond V’s President’s Award in recognition of outstanding leadership, dedication, contribution and service to the company.
Oelberg was recognized in a ceremony on Feb. 5, for his development and implementation of the dairy total mixed ration audit system. Oelberg has traveled throughout the United States and Canada performing TMR audits. The TMR Audit Program helps dairymen make better nutritional choices for healthier cows and improved production efficiency.
Oelberg has worked in the Upper Midwest dairy industry for more than 24 years and has been with Diamond V for four years.

Schothorst Feed Research opens two new facilities

Schothorst Feed Research opened two new facilities geared toward nutrition research on Oct. 1, 2010.
A new layer facility will focus on testing an environment that will become common in the European Union (EU) after cages are banned. The Veranda aviary system will house 26,000 chickens in 80 experimental units of 330 layers each. Studies will include those on the interaction between nutrition and behavior, ammonia emission and registration for the EU.
The dairy facility will house 220 milking cows with 120 individual feeding units. This setup allows for nutrition experiments with fresh cows year-round.

US cottonseed crop expected to exceed forecast

The United States Department of Agriculture predicts that the U.S. cottonseed crop will exceed the original July forecast and double the available supply to dairy producers compared to the 2009-2010 harvest season.
July's forecast predicted 18.3 million bales of cottonseed, but the revised estimate increases that number to 18.5 million bales, a 52% increase over last season's harvest. "What this means for dairy producers is an anticipated 100% increase in the amount of whole cottonseed available for feeding," said Tom Wedegaertner, director of cottonseed research and marketing at Cotton Incorporated. "If favorable weather continues, we will net 6.3 million tons of cottonseed this year, up from last year's 4.1 million tons. After the crush, which will use 2.5 million tons, 3.8 million tons will be available for dairy cows, compared to just 1.9 million tons last year."
The reality of the harvest, however, will continue to depend on the weather. While prices are expected to be low by harvest time due to the large availability, "the new crop may already have seen its low," said Wedegaertner. "Right now, it's all about the weather."