Individual housing for pre-weaned calves has long been gold standard, since it was first introduced in the 40s. However, interest has emerged around paired and group housing for this phase of production. Intermittent research on this topic has been published over the past 25 years but has never been compiled, until now. Dr. Katarina Buckova from IA State University, and her team combed through research databases and compiled the results of several projects on paired housing, compared to individually housed calves. Research on production, health and behavior illuminated gaps in knowledge needed for producers to effectively move forward on this production practice. If your farm is considering paired or group housing, listen in for a compelling discussion about the impacts, perceived and measured, about how this calf development concept could impact the future of your herd. Topics of discussion 1:25      Introduction of Dr. Katarina Buckova  3:00      Why review / summarize paired housing research? 4:40      What age were calves paired  6:40       Performance & Health based observations of paired housing7:49       Body weight gain 8:58       Table 11 – Summary of all metrics 10:04     Volume of milk fed 11:31     Feed conversion ratio     12:22     Did you see scours? 13:50     Possible negative effects of paired housing 14:49    “No effect” is still important information 16:13    Calf behavior differences, coping18:58     Future research ideas20:29     What do you want “boots on the ground” dairymen to learn from this project?22:48     Discussion of paired vs group housing for new build25:20     Paired housing presence in FARM program?  Featured Article: Invited review: A systematic review of the effects of pair housing on dairy calf welfare and productivity #2xAg2030; #journalofdairyscience; #openaccess; #MODAIRY; #dairycalf; #socialhousing; #pairedhousing; #hutch; #preweaning; #calfbehavior; #dairysciencedigest; #ReaganBluel

DSD 6.9 | Surplus calves are a perishable commodity This robust beef market is having a direct impact on the bottom line of dairy calf buyers and possesses the ability to radically impact dairymen’s bottom line long term through low all milk prices. This month we talk to researcher Dr. Sam Locke from The Ohio State University about a survey launched to help better understand the workings of the current calf buyers, jockeys and marketers. All sectors of this parallel and complementary production stream must work together for the dairy industry to generate a stronger, longer - lasting foothold in the beef industry. If done well through this opportunity, the dairy surplus calf market will establish a foothold in the beef supply chain. Listen in to hear insightful quotes from these Midwest calf buyers to help maximize your operation’s innate revenue stream. Topics of discussion 1:06       Paper Title: Understanding 1:40       Introduction of Dr. Sam Locke 2:39       Description of research participants who were being interviewed 3:42       Description of operations 5:07       What are surplus calves 6:09        Percent of Beef on Dairy vs. Holstein calves 7:10       Date of survey / market effect on responses 8:12       Themes of responses 9:36       Number one issue: Long distance transporting 11:31     Gathering calves – the route12:42     Policies around calf transport in Canada 14:56     Premiums for ideal serum values 16:28     Expert advice needed18:52     Opinions on vertical integration 21:33     Long term contributions to the beef industry going forward 22:39     Health challenges – consider vaccination23:54     What do you want “boots on the ground” dairymen to learn from this project?24:52     Budget impacts Featured Article: Understanding challenges and strengths in the post–dairy farm surplus calf value chain: An interview study #2xAg2030; #journalofdairyscience; #openaccess; #MODAIRY; #bullcalves; #beefondairy; #surpluscalves; #growers; #Calfjockey; #dairysciencedigest; #ReaganBluel

DSD 6.8 | That is where you should put your money For years researchers have sought out to better understand control mechanisms for a successful transition into lactation from the dry period. We’ve learned changing body condition score during the dry period is not acceptable, but what if it changes during late lactation?  How does this impact energy partitioning for the next lactation? Well managed high producing cows with high fertility might find themselves bred back in less than the “textbook ideal” condition score heading into the dry period. Can we alter the late lactation ration to successfully increase condition with little impact? Dr. Laura Hernandez from the University of Wisconsin worked with a team of researchers at the Forage Center to better understand what is happening if high energy is fed late in lactation through extensive data collection to determine the possible potential carry over effects for subsequent lactations. Listen into this compelling discussion as we learn more about the “black box” we know as the transition dairy cow and what phase to invest in to maximize your return. Topics of discussion 1:01       Goal of this month’s research1:40       Introduction of Dr. Laura Hernandez 2:52       Why is this topic important 5:09       Test ration design for increasing BCS in late lactation 3.25 vs 3.758:45       Cow responses to the ration 11:05     Figure 1a: BCS change over 12 weeks 11:45     Dry matter intake 10:27     Possible hormonal responses causing the    13:49     Energy partitioning16:12     Genetic analysis for response and non-response18:40     Dry cow and early ration following treatment19:19     High energy effect on dystocia20:50     Early lactation energy measurements 22:45     Close up - Intake differences of high and low energy23:23     Fig 3d: Early lactation intake difference 24:44     Visceral fat changes 26:54     Denovo fatty acids in milk, 70 days post treatment30:54     Concentration of Megalac in treatment ration31:57     Description of animals on treatment 32:47     What do you want “boots on the ground” dairymen to learn from this project? Featured Article: Effects of high-energy and low-energy diets during late lactation on the subsequent dry period and lactation of Holstein dairy cows #2xAg2030; #journalofdairyscience; #openaccess; #MODAIRY; #transition; #latelactation; #earlylactation; #dmi; #NEFA; #BHB; #drycow; #dairysciencedigest; #ReaganBluel

It’s always exciting to watch a group of replacement heifers develop and anticipate their performance in the milking string as the top genetics of your herd. There is just about nothing more devastating than freshening them in to find mastitis or even worse, a blind quarter. When a first calf heifer calves in with a high somatic cell count she is more likely to maintain the high count, and more likely to be culled. Heifer mastitis, or intramammary infection (IMI), is a common affliction yet we know very little about what stage of production it occurs and how to best diagnosis the root of the problem.  Pamela Adkins, DVM at the University of Missouri worked with a team to capture culture samples from a variety of stages of heifer development to fabricate standard protocols for sample collection and help producers better understand how to circumvent this disease cycle for their herd. Listen in to learn how to improve heifer development and limit the tragedy of damaged replacements. Topics of discussion 1:51       Introduction of Dr. Pamela Adkins2:26       Why is this topic important 4:17       Establishing standard sampling procedures 5:11       Cisternal puncturing 7:43       Comparison of sample collection 8:37       Grouping to determine when IMI begins in heifers 10:27     Causes and severity of infections 11:53     Feeding raw milk to hutch heifers12:51     Normal microflora vs mastitis causing 15:36     If you have a heifer mastitis problem, what’s the next steps 17:21     What’s the best way to collect a sample? 18:44     Where to send aseptic samples 19:54     To freeze or not to freeze 21:48     Why were gestating heifers 8x as likely to have IMI? 23:05     What do you want “boots on the ground” dairymen to learn from this project? Featured Article: Evaluation of intramammary infection status in dairy heifers using cisternal and teat end sampling techniques #2xAg2030; #journalofdairyscience; #openaccess; #MODAIRY; #HSCC; #heifer; #milksampling; #culture; #mastitis; #IMI; #infection; #dairysciencedigest; #ReaganBluel

DSD 6.6 | How much variability is allowable? Timing of insemination is still one of the most common question Dr. Paul Fricke, Extension faculty for the University of Wisconsin, gets from farmers. This month he and coauthors Vanda Santos and Paulo Carvalho  discuss the ideal timing of insemination when using popular artificial insemination protocols and when producers use estrus detection devices. Additionally, how does this change if you choose to use sexed semen or a straw of beef? Listen in to learn how to improve the pregnancies / AI metric in YOUR herd. Topics of discussion 1:36       Introduction of Dr. Paul Fricke, Vanda Santos and Paulo Carvalho 2:48       OvSync history (1995):  0, 8, 16, 24 or 32 hours - timing of insemination 6:39       Exp. 1: Study Design – 0 vs 16 hour  7:55       Conception reductions due to cosync10:18     Exp. 2: Optimal time of sexed semen breeding11:43     Fig. 4: CR of Beef vs sexed semen    13:24     P/AI Results, sexed semen14:34     ReSync protocol - GGPPG 16:10    Exp. 3: Electronic estrus detection 18:00     Fig. 4: Conception, Early (0-2 hr) vs Late (20-25 hr) 19:49    Conception 13-23 hours after estrus detection 22:03     Raw data points on fig 3, Exp. 223:36     Fig 2: Early (0-2 hr) vs Ideal (15-16 hr) 24:27     Once a Day Breeding, killing the AM/PM rule 26:00     Expected pregnancy loss 28:49     What do you want “boots on the ground” dairymen to learn from this project?   Featured Article: Effect of timing of artificial insemination with conventional or sex-sorted semen on fertility of lactating dairy cows #2xAg2030; #journalofdairyscience; #openaccess; #MODAIRY; #conception; #ovsync; #doubleOvsync; #sexedsemen; #cosync; #resync; #pregnancyloss; #AM/PMrule; #dairysciencedigest; #ReaganBluel

For decades, ethanol production has generated affordable biproducts to feed. A new distilling method has generated a product with ~50% protein. Dr. Billy Brown, assistant professor of dairy science at Kansas State, wanted to understand how this feed would compare to soybean meal in a starter grain. To test this he developed rations substituting soybean meal 1:1. Graduate student Rachel Skinner measured intake, growth, effiency and metabolic and digestive parameters to best understand if this product would work in post weaning phase of production.   Topics of discussion 1:19       Introduction of Dr. Billy Brooks3:18       Nutrient composition of high pro corn coproduct 5:14       Study Design6:33       Limiting Amino Acids 7:53       Age of calves 8:34       Starter Digestibility   10:40     Average Daily Gain (ADG)13:30     Insulin measurements 15:36     CP concentrations for the rations16:25     Heat Stress17:58     Dry matter intake and feed efficiency 19:05     Pelleting feasibility/stability 20:05     Yeast bodies – Impact, source of and future research efforts22:53     What do you want Boots on the Ground dairy producers to gain from the project?  23:32     Breakeven analysisFeatured Article: Effects of a high-protein corn coproduct as a replacement for soybean meal in calf starter feed in the postweaning period #2xAg2030; #journalofdairyscience; #openaccess; #MODAIRY; #HPCC; #dairycalves; #DDGS; # Protomax; #dairysciencedigest; #ReaganBluel;  #Rachel Skinner

Most dairy farms are trying to push the envelope from the conventional 4L of milk replacer per day to a higher volume to support lean structural growth of replacement heifers. Concerns of ruminal leakage resulting in fermentation has been cited as a concern, but is that based on an incomplete picture?  We know microbial protein offers a nearly perfect alignment of amino acid requirements for the bovine, however nutrition programs have discounted milk replacer to exclusively providing rumen undegradable protein (RUP) – protein that skips the rumen and is absorbed in the abomasum. Marcos Marcondes, researcher from the Miner Institute, wanted to see if feeding higher volumes would change the flow of protein and energy to the calf and the physiology of the rumen, due to leakage. To test this question he fed a standard rate and double rate of milk replacer with colbalt to mark and track the flow of digestion through preweaned animals. Leakage was found in the rumen on both treatments, but the results were positive. Energy, in the form of volatile fatty acids, and microbial protein added to the fuel for these growing animals.  Listen in to better understand the kinetics of digestion and questions that still remain for this phase of production. Topics of discussion 1:44       Introduction of Dr. Marcos Marcondes2:50       Lambs as a model for bovine calves, 4 & 8L/day  4:07       Known info on the kinetics of milk protein 6:46       Relevance of microbial protein in fueling cattle8:17       Cobalt marker used in the research model   10:51     Rumen leakage for preweaned calves  13:14     Grain feeding during trial14:30     Milk replacer vs Whole milk 17:01    Retention rates 18:41    Colostrum protocol – no tubing20:02    VFA and Microbial protein production 25:37    Physiology and histology 27:32    What do you want Boots on the Ground dairy producers to gain from the project?  Featured Article: Influence of different amounts of milk replacer on esophageal leakage, rumen fermentation characteristics, gastrointestinal tract passage rate, and microbial crude protein synthesis of nursling animals #2xAg2030; #journalofdairyscience; #openaccess; #MODAIRY; #prewean; #dairycalves; #microbialprotein; #MinerInstitute; #kinetics; #dairysciencedigest; #ReaganBluel;   

DSD 6.3 | Big Picture Management Decisions Matter Timeless dairy management decisions, such as voluntary waiting period & days dry, have recently been the topic of interest across the globe. Scrutiny to illuminate the ideal to maximize productive life has left the industry questioning convention.   Michael Overton, DVM at Zoetis worked with co-author Steve Eicker to tease out the answers to these questions from a a massive dataset of 109,000 cows across 60 herds nationwide. This retrospective, observational research project was recently published in the Journal of Dairy Science titled, “Associations between days open and dry period length versus milk production, replacement, and fertility in the subsequent lactation in Holstein dairy cows”. All dairymen should pause to determine the unintended consequences of their management decisions on optimal performance and ultimately the economic success of the herd. Listen in to learn ways to apply concepts from this project to your operation. Topics of discussion 1:33       Introduction of Dr. Overton 2:54       Difference between association vs causation 4:28       Description of data set 4:51       Genomic testing, background 6:31       Advising herds on selection indices DWP$10:02     Different measurements collected – carry over impact of days dry and days open11:50     Figure 4: Impact of previous days open and previous days dry on cumulative milk 14:04     Risk of replacement and impact of mastitis18:05     How many sins is a dairyman willing to forgive? 19:46    What does your data say for optimal VWP 22:27     Twin events or sex of calf 24:59     Figure 7: Risk of pregnancy  28:46     What do you want Boots on the Ground dairy producers to gain from the project?  Featured Article: Associations between days open and dry period length versus milk production, replacement, and fertility in the subsequent lactation in Holstein dairy cows #2xAg2030; #journalofdairyscience; #openaccess; #MODAIRY; #daysdry; #milk; #previousdaysopen; #VWP; #daysdry; #DWP$; #Zoetis; #dairysciencedigest; #ReaganBluel; 

Colostrum, the life-giving liquid-gold first milk that builds the calves’ immune function. The dairy industry has made amazing strides on colostrum management, however we’ll always have a small number of cows that come in with enough colostrum, just moderate quality. What can we do to enhance the colostrum to ensure the calf’s success? Dr. Sandra Godden, from the University of MN Vet Med, and her team of researchers sought to better understand what would happen if they directly added dry colostrum replacer to the moderate quality colostrum? Is it better to reconstitute and feed separately? Listen in to learn ways to improve your colostrum program and how to enhance that moderate quality colostrum. Topics of discussion 1:47       Introduction of Dr. Sandra Godden2:29       Experimental design and “why” for the project 4:23       Efficiency of absorption 4:55       Abomasal emptying relative to osmolality 7:56       4 treatments 9:52       IgG concentrations at time 0 (Table 3) 10:52     Results discussion - IgG at 24 hours 12:21     General discussion of plasma derived colostrum vs maternal derived replacer15:05    Discussion of  the actual product you used  and how it is different from other products on the market17:45     Impact on health, behavior and appetite for the first 3 days 20:46     Importance of Total Coliform Counts (TCC) in colostrum and how to test25:26     What do you want Boots on the Ground dairy producers to gain from the project?  26:26     Goals for serum brix readings and serum total protein Featured Article: Controlled Field Study Investigating Two Methods of Enriching Moderate-Quality Maternal Colostrum on Transfer of Passive Immunity and Wellbeing of Neonatal Dairy Calves #2xAg2030; #journalofdairyscience; #openaccess; #MODAIRY; #colostrum; #colostrumreplacer; #colostrumenhancement; #premolac; #Zinpro; #dairysciencedigest; #ReaganBluel;   

DSD 6.1 | Management to create the invisible cow If you pause and think about a list of cows –  chances are the list that pops into mind is a group of troublemakers that didn’t breed back or need another round of treatment or are on this week’s cull list. What if you could create a herd of unmemorable cows – ones who just do their job; make milk, breed back, no mastitis – the "Invisible Cow". Dr. Krogstad’s research program’s goal is to create more invisible cows; ones you only see at calving, breeding and dry off. This month he shares with us a dataset analyzed for associations of hyperketonemia (HYK) with body condition, milk production, pregnancy loss, mastitis and ultimately culling. It turns out that the timing of lipolysis determines if it is healthy or harmful and ultimately has a big impact on her success through transition. It all boils down to are the free fatty acids being mobilized to fuel early lactation being completely oxidized or partially oxidized?   Listen in to learn more about our featured article: Associations of Body Condition Score, Body Condition Score Change, and Hyperketonemia with Mastitis, Reproduction, and Milk Production  Topics of discussion 1:40       Introduction of Kirby Krogstad2:39       Definition of hyperketonemia (HYK)4:22       Frequency of HYK 5:16       Milk yield decrease due to hyperketonemia 7:36       Figure 3: Prepartum BCS by lactation9:39       Ideal range of prepartum BCS 10:17     Impact of BCS loss on pregnancy loss 12:04     What’s the biology behind the pregnancy losses? 13:58     How does hyperketonemia impact odds risk mastitis? 14:44     Cellular rationale behind increased mastitis risk16:36     Figure 5: Health status impact on milk yield18:16     “Healthy” Lipolysis  18:58     Were cows with high BHB treated? 19:43     Week one vs week two – Timing of Lipolysis 20:40     Healthy Lipolysis generates the invisible cow 22:11     Can you suppress inflammation to improve transition?  23:08     Lipolysis in week one 25:24     Culling association to hyperketonemia 26:15     BCS association to culling 27:27     Impact of stable BCS 28:14     Prevalence and goals for HYK 29:07     Rumen protected niacin for the transition herd 31:01     Transition BCS recommendations32:05     Take away for boots on the ground dairy producers Featured Article: Associations of Body Condition Score, Body Condition Score Change, and Hyperketonemia with Mastitis, Reproduction, and Milk Production #2xAg2030; #journalofdairyscience; #openaccess; #MODAIRY; #InvisibleCow; #BCS; #ketosis; #pregnancyloss; #Maturecow; #transitiondairy; #HYK; #lipolysis; #dairysciencedigest; #ReaganBluel; 

Ever heard the adage, “It takes money to make money”? Well, the research highlighted this month shows that it also takes time, to make time. Dr. Zelmar Rodriguez discusses the importance of parlor training and how to make your on farm training as effective as possible. The featured article summarizes results of pre- and post-training assessments he and his team at MI State Vet Med recently completed. Listen in to be motivated, a small effort can ultimately create a large impact in parlor performance and BTSCC. Topics of discussion 1:49       Introduction of Dr. Zelmar Rodriguez2:45       What was the aim of the training project? 3:30       How to integrate photographs into training4:08       The difference in employees’ learning process.   5:13       The two curriculum sections, pathogens and milking processes 6:04       Where did you find the resources to use to make the training exams? 7:09       Specifics about the workers being trained and farms. 8:32       Results discussion 10:02     Should the manager/owner be present?  10:44     What question came up at every farm? 11:35     Cross Training 12:24     Pre-test knowledge level 13:05    Typical turnover rates 13:49     Average prep lag time, adequate prep 14:15     Time reduction in milking 15:36     BTSCC prior vs after intervention (April-Sept) 16:46     Clinical Mastitis identification  18:21     What is DeLaval PASS? 19:47     What is Cattle Care20:55     What do you want Boots on the Ground dairy producers to gain from the project?   Featured Article: Impact of training dairy farm personnel on milking routine compliance, udder health, and milk quality Recommended Resources  – National Mastitis Council   #2xAg2030; #journalofdairyscience; #openaccess; #MODAIRY; #Training; #parlor; #dairylabor; #nmc; #DeLaval; #parlorturn; #milking; #dairysciencedigest; #ReaganBluel;   

Reproductive physiologists are always trying to improve conception rates for the dairy herd. Double ovsync is one of the best tools in our toolbox to submit cows to first insemination. However, as estrus detection technology becomes more affordable and we learn more about physiology, perhaps combining the expression of estrus at insemination may improve fertility through optimizing ovulation timing. Dr. Julio Giordano and Ana Laplacette worked with their Cornell reproduction team to investigate this theory on over 4600 cows in 2 commercial herds. “We are trying to take advantage of the power of sync of ovulation and the power of estrus” Giordano explains. “To get the best of both, synergize the two.” The only change to the well-known Double ovsync protocol includes a delay in the final administration of GnRh before breeding. The goal, allowing the cows more time to show estrus. Take a moment to listen in to better understand the physiology of this synchronization program and how to improve your herd’s reproductive management.   Topics of discussion 2:03       Introduction of Dr. Julio Giordano & Ana Laplacette3:37       Why introduce Estrus detection to double ovsync? 6:25       Treatment description, Double ovsync9:12       Did you cherry pick? 10:04     What metrics do you focus in on to determine the success of synchronization protocol11:36     Considerations to grouping animals to best understand the data 13:57     How did you determine “heat” 15:23     Specific difference between G56 and G80 treatments 16:38   Increase in Estrus observed 2.2% vs 29.9% 17:09     Three types of cows –                (1) Show estrus without GnRh, 1/3               (2) Show estrus after GnRh, 1/3               (3) Never show estrus, 1/3  20:01     Anestrus cows – table 5 22:16     Follicle size differences between treatment26:12     Did it work? Take home message for boots on the ground dairy producers 30:41     What is the difference between the estrus and non-estrus cows? 32:16     Follow up project: Give cows 1 week to show estrus after PGH of breeding OvSync Featured Article: Delaying induction of ovulation and timed AI in a Double-Ovsynch protocol increased expression of estrus and altered first service reproductive outcomes of lactating dairy cows   #2xAg2030; #journalofdairyscience; #openaccess; #MODAIRY; #DoubleOvSync; #G56; #G80; #cherrypick; #sync; #estrus; #dairy; #Lut; #GnRH; #conceptionrate; #dairysciencedigest; #ReaganBluel; 

DSD 5.10 | Rumen friendly fatty acids in High Oleic Beans Soybeans and dairy cows have walked hand for decades. These oil beans are known specifically for the amino acid sequence in their high-quality protein and energy to support lactation. Recent developments in plant breeding has shifted the fat profile of the bean contain a higher amount of Oleic fat, which is easier for the rumen to digest, in certain varieties.  Substituting linoleic acid for higher concentrations of oleic allows nutritionists to increase the inclusion rate in the diet and therefore support the herd during times of high production. This month we feature an article from  Dr. Adam Lock and his team at Michigan State University as highlighting research generated from on-farm questions. Ensuring producers know how much to feed, and how to feed high oleic soybeans to the herd was the objective of a series of research projects in the pipeline of publications due to come from MSU in the coming months and years. Listen in to here if growing this new variety of bean makes sense for your operation. Topics of discussion 1:56       Introduction of Adam Lock  3:37       What’s the difference between conventional beans and HOSB?7:41       Raw vs Roasted10:38     Research Treatments, 4 rations 12:28     Table 2 – Statistical Contrasts13:24     ECM impacts 16:48     Sourcing HOSB18:45     Future research questions19:34     Palmitic acid for milk fat improvements 21:03     Upcoming transition cow research 22:43     HOSB impacts on metabolism – research in works24:10     DMI/ECM25:03     Take home message for boots on the ground dairy producers27:28   On-Farm Roasting Featured Article: Effects of raw and roasted high oleic soybeans on milk production of high-producing dairy cows   Supporting Article: Effects of increasing dietary inclusion of high oleic acid soybeans on milk production of high-producing dairy cows             #2xAg2030; #journalofdairyscience; #openaccess; #MODAIRY; #HighOleic ; #soybean; #Plenish; #soyleic; #HOSB; #ration; #dairy; #rumen; #FA; #oleic; #dairysciencedigest; #ReaganBluel; 

Despite decades of dedicated research, the rumen still remains a bit of a ‘black box’. This month we feature an article from  Dr. Gonzalo Ferreira and his team at Virginia Tech as they try further define how undegradable fiber impacts the rumen's flow rate, and therefore productivity. Comprehending the kinetics of degradation will assist in identifying the ideal combination of ingredients to create a profitable ration for your herd. Could this help you make future planting decisions, as the nation is repairing from several rounds of drought? Does the ‘queen of forages’ belong in your cropping program? Listen in to learn more! Topics of discussion 1:48       Introduction of Dr. Gonzalo Ferreira 3:33       Impact of Fiber in the ration4:15       Compare Alfalfa to temperate grasses 5:16       Segregating Fiber, pdNDF vs uNDF8:04       Design of research rations 9:23       Feeding grasses to lactating dairy cows 12:40     Main variable of interest, ruminal passage rate 13:34     Dry matter intake 16:03    Ration strategy around flow rates and rumen pool size 19:08     Forage sample analysis selection 21:21     Cost of the rations23:32     Plant more Alfalfa or Orchard Grass? 26:36     Take home message for boots on the ground dairy producers Featured Article: Ruminal passage rate and digestibility of fiber from dairy cows consuming diets containing alfalfa and orchardgrass hays with different concentrations of undegradable neutral detergent fiber (uNDF) #2xAg2030; #journalofdairyscience; #openaccess; #MODAIRY; #queenofforages; #Alfalfa; #NDF; #uNDF; #pdNDF; #orchardgrass; #ration; #kinetics; #dairy; #rumen; #dairysciencedigest; #ReaganBluel; 

Seems like calcium and phosphorus gather up all the attention, but there is growing awareness of the importance of magnesium – the “runner up mineral” in the dairy cow diet. Some sources of magnesium are simply more available than others. This fact has the ignited the interest of ruminant nutritionists looking to focus their research efforts on determining the most available Mg source so you can get the biggest bang for your buck. This month we featured an article from Dr. Noelia Silva Del Rio, from UC Davis. She describes her research on the rumen availability of different popular magnesium sources and explains the importance of magnesium and how to improve the mineral status of your herd. Listen in to learn more! Topics of discussion 1:32       Introduction of Dr. Noelia Silva 3:28       How does vitamin D impact mineral absorption? 3:42       Regulation of bone mineral mobilization 3:55       relationship of Mg normalizing blood vitamin D4:53       Human mineral deficiencies 6:21       5 forms of Mg researched:               Most soluble, most common and a proprietary blend 7:57       Bolus vs pre-mix8:51       How magnesium is absorbed in the cow9:42       Solubility trial: popular is not the same as available 12:18     Why were open, non-lactating dairy cows tested? 13:11     Urine results over 24 hour15:22     MgS most available (Figure 2)16:27     Adjust for pre-treatment Mg excretion (Figure 3) 18:09     Recommendations for Nutritionists20:17     Quick field test for Mg availability 20:57     Take home message for boots on the ground dairy producers Featured Article: Relative availability of 5 inorganic magnesium sources in non-pregnant, non-lactating Holstein cows. Additional Information:Dr. Goff’s field test - https://www.dairyherd.com/news-news-news/magnesium-most-critical-mineralRecommended mineral paper for producers: https://avmajournals.avma.org/view/journals/javma/222/11/javma.2003.222.1518.xml   #2xAg2030; #journalofdairyscience; #openaccess; #MODAIRY; #Magnesium; #Mg; #Ca; #P; #mineral; #dairy; #hypocalcemia; #dairysciencedigest; #ReaganBluel; 

Subacute Ruminal acidosis, commonly referred to as SARA, could be robbing your herd of production. When pH dips too low for too long the biology of the rumen shifts, butterfat slides and overall health of the herd is negatively impacted. But how can you tell if your herd has SARA? This month we invite Dr. Eric Paquet and Felix Huot, from Université Laval in Quebec Canada to explain the method of using DHI milk samples to map the prevalence of SARA in the dairy herd of Quebec. Listen in to learn more -  Topics of discussion 1:48       Introduction of Dr. Eric Paquet and Felix Huot 2:55       What is SARA – how is it defined what are the symptoms?  4:42        Pair Feeding – Intake experimental design5:10       Rumen Bolus for research monitoring for calibration6:57        Rumen pH for definition of SARA7:40        7 commercial herds for phase 1 calibration 10:35     Ruminal Biochemistry changed by SARA13:08     Ruminal variability among cows within the same herd14:54     Phase 2: applied statistical model to a dataset of 3000 farms in Quebec to predict prevalence 17:24     Mean, range (min-max) prevalence of SARA18:35     Factors associated with an increase prevalence of SARA19:27     Robotic herds20:50     Seasonal effect 21:40     Higher milk yield 22:05     Take home message for boots on the ground dairy producers Featured Article: Featured Article: Predicting subacute ruminal acidosis from milk mid-infrared estimated fatty acids and machine learning on Canadian commercial dairy herds Background Information:Relationship between farm management strategies, reticuloruminal pH variations, and risks of subacute ruminal acidosis     #2xAg2030; #journalofdairyscience; #openaccess; #MODAIRY; #SARA; #machinelearning; #VFA; #milk; #fattyacid; #acidosis; #FA; #dairysciencedigest; #ReaganBluel;   

When your bulk tank volume takes a plunge through the last bout of heat, do you ever wonder exactly WHY? What is it in the udder that changes to cause the decline? Why do we also commonly see elevated SCC in our tanks too? To best understand the why, the Virgina Tech dairy team collected tissue samples from the mammary gland of cows in controlled environmental chambers. This month we invite Dr. Ben Corl to explain the cellular changes observed in the alveoli, epithelial and even immune cells of the mammary gland of cows undergoing a controlled heat stress challenge.   Additionally, he’ll describe the changes in gene expression in those same tissue samples that controls protein production and mammary health. This continuation of our heat stress series features two papers titled: (1) Cyclical heat stress during lactation influences the microstructure of the bovine mammary gland(2) 2022: Heat stress increases mammary epithelial cells and reduces viable immune cells in milk of dairy cows Topics of discussion 1:28       Introduction of Dr. Ben Corl2:36       Describe the experimental design 3:58        Pair Feeding – Intake experimental design7:14        Could the cows cool during the evening ? 8:47        Microscopic changes to the mammary 10:31     Cellular turnover in the alveoli  13:20     Increased losses of epithelial cells, a portion of the somatic cell population 16:39     Decline in viable Immune cell population in the mammary 19:38     Body temperature before and after milking 20:16     Number of alveoli24:07     Gene & protein expression changes 24:56     Gene expression pathway for cellular health in the mammary26:25     What do you want Boots on the ground dairyman to know Background Information:Temperature Humidity Index (THI) #2xAg2030; #journalofdairyscience; #openaccess; #MODAIRY; #heatstress; #alveoli; #milk; #mammarydevelopment; #mammary; #dairysciencedigest; #ReaganBluel;  

Florida researchers began a generational study in 2007 that is still years in the making. It all began with the investigation of the impact of heat stress on dry cows to measure changes that might occur to the calf incubating inside the hot dam, like a crock pot. In addition to seeing negative production impacts on mama, the researchers began to measure numerous changes in the damaged calf coming out of the heat stressed dry cow. This month’s edition, we’ll be interviewing Dr. Jimena Laporta, of the University of Wisconsin, to better understand the physiological changes of the calf that results in lost production for her entire life. She and her team measured changes in mammary and adrenal gland development. Several separate papers have been peer reviewed over the 17 years of research. Many are linked at the bottom of the show notes for additional reference. Listen in to understand how heat stressed dry cows can destroy your favorite cow families’ production records. This month features two released paper titled: (1) Carry-over effects of maternal late-gestation heat stress on granddaughter’s growth and mammary gland development (ck out histology – Fig 1&2) (2) Programming effects of intrauterine hyperthermia on adrenal gland development Topics of discussion 1:58       Introduction of Dr. Jimena Laporta4:17       Describe the experimental design 6:19        Description of the generations impacted through in utero heat stress 7:29        The biological link between the grand dam and the grand daughter (F2) 9:16        Eight years of research to collect multigenerational data 10:39     F1 management in WI beginning at 8 weeks12:00     F1 mammary implications following heat stress while developing in utero 13:32     F2 calves – changes as a result of dam’s exposure to heat stress while developing in utero15:01     Early mammary growth 15:32     What is causing these differences in F217:35     Lumen space and estrogen receptors 19:06     Summary of 3 generations of damage    20:34     Should I build a lactating barn or dry cow barn? 22:39     The Adrenal Gland 27:38     Adrenal effect on inflammation28:56     What do you want Boots on the ground dairyman to know Background Information:Temperature Humidity Index (THI)2020 Dairy Science Digest Podcast interview 2020: Late-gestation heat stress impairs daughter and granddaughter lifetime performance (economic impact)2016: In utero heat stress decreases calf survival and performance through the first lactation #2xAg2030; #journalofdairyscience; #openaccess; #MODAIRY; #heatstress; #fetalprogramming; #F1; #milk; #adrenal; #mammarydevelopment; #mammary; #dairysciencedigest; #ReaganBluel;

Choline, a pseudovitamin, is required by all mammals including the dairy cow for many essential functions. Research in supplementing rumen protected choline really took off about twenty years ago, however continues today to best understand how this feed through additive can positively influence profitability. Dr. Usman Arshad joins the conversation for this episode to highlight his comprehensive summary of all the peer reviewed, published research completed on Choline. Listen in to best understand the assumed mode of action choline uses to help provide an improved efficiency in milk production for the majority of the lactation, even when only fed during the 42-day transition period. The findings we discuss are published in the recently released paper titled: Exploring choline's important roles as a nutrient for transition dairy cows Topics of discussion 1:19       Introduction of Dr. Usman Arshad2:17       What is Choline?3:45       Phospholipid production – choline’s role6:15       How does choline impacts the transition Cow7:46       Fatty acid impact on the Liver 8:39       Major factor choline plays on fatty acid transport 13:16    Twenty year average Milk Response when feeding choline for 42 days (-21 to 21 dim)15:47    Milk Response when feeding choline – more current average from 2020-202417:18    Mode of action, intestinal lining?20:02    Additional possible modes of action21:47    Choline as a treatment for fatty liver 23:24    Choline results in elevated milk yield, regardless of body condition score 26:16    Inflammation through in early lactation 27:29    Energy cost of bacterial infection30:30    What’s the one take home message for boots on the ground dairymen31:35    Return on investment calculations Featured article: Exploring choline's important roles as a nutrient for transition dairy cows #2xAg2030; #journalofdairyscience; #openaccess; #MODAIRY; #Choline; #transition; #transitiondairy; #vitamin; #fattyacid; #negativeenergybalance; #TMR; #dairysciencedigest; #ReaganBluel;

DSD 5.3 | Slight modifications of CIDR Sync - help or hinder? In this time of heifer inventory shortage – getting heifers pregnant (in a timely fashion) is even more important than ever. Contract heifer growers in California sought the help of Dr. Fabio Lima and his team at UC Davis to best understand the use of a 6-day CIDR sync with variable rates of GnRH could increase pregnancies when bred to sexed semen. The findings we discuss are published in the recently released Journal of Dairy Science article titled: Effect of 200 μg of gonadorelin hydrochloride at the first GnRH of a CIDR Synch program on  ovulation rate and pregnancies per AI in Holstein heifers. Listen in to hear the results and nuanced details of controlling reproductive structures using timed AI protocols. Topics of discussion 1:03       Production costs of heifer rearing - survey results 2:09       Introduction of Dr. Fabio Lima 3:46       Description of the project 4:20       TAI protocol description5:31       Varying GnRH dose6:34       What is the function of GnRH in the heifer? 7:51       Hallmark of a successful synchronization 8:24       Results of ultrasound (ovulation) and P4 blood sample analysis 10:04    Did increased ovulation translate into improved pregnancy outcome? 10:44    Pregnancy at d47, 100% sex semen discussion13:41    Relationship of Luteinizing hormone and progesterone 15:16    What causes elevated circulating progesterone 16:30    How did we land on 2cc of GnRH to begin with? 18:34    Does increased GnRH cause increased twinning?              21:02    What do you want boots on the ground dairymen to know23:01    What if you cherry picked? 23:32    Sometimes the plan doesn’t work – but that’s why we do research! Featured article: Effect of 200 μg of gonadorelin hydrochloride at the first GnRH of a CIDR Synch program on  ovulation rate and pregnancies per AI in Holstein heifers Articles also discussed in the podcast:Heifer study using 100 and 200 ug in 5-d CIDR Synch protocol. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.04.026 Studies showing the implication of progesterone for double ovulation (a proxy for twining) and progesterone. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2018-14410       #2xAg2030; #journalofdairyscience; #openaccess; #MODAIRY; #gnrh; #CIDRsync; #twinning; #pregnancy; #heiferdevelopment; #TAI; #lutenizing; #dairysciencedigest; #ReaganBluel;