Dairy Day, 2000
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Item Open Access Embryo survival in lactating dairy cows(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-12-03) Carmill, J.A.; Zarkouny, S.E.; Hensley, B.A.; Stevenson, Jeffrey S.; jssRates of embryo survival in lactating dairy cows were assessed in three separate studies. Based on pregnancy diagnoses 27 to 29 days after timed inseminations, survival to days 40 to 50 or day 57, depending on the study, varied from 9 to 88% in cows that were not cycling before insemination compared to 57 to 90% in cows that were cycling. Previously anestrous cows had lower rates of survival. In one study, supplementing cows with progesterone before insemination improved embryo survival.Item Open Access Anestrus in lactating dairy cows before ovulation synchronization(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-12-03) Cartmill, J.A.; Zarkouny, S.E.; Hensley; Stevenson, Jeffrey S.; jssThe incidence of anestrus in dairy cattle prior to first inseminations carried out after a minimum of 60 days postpartum ranged from 4 to 58% in first-lactation cows and 14 to 50% in older cows. Dairy cows with more days in milk, older than 2 years, and in better body condition (probably reflective of greater postpartum dry matter intakes) were more likely to cycle than thinner cows. Cows that were not cycling before the first week of insemination conceived at lower rates and took longer to become pregnant.Item Open Access Keeping cows cool(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-12-03) Smith, John F., 1962-; Harner, Joseph P.; Brouk, Michael J.; jfsmith; jharner; mbroukHeat stress occurs when a dairy cow’s internal heat load is greater than her capacity to lose unwanted heat to the environment. Effects of heat stress include: increased respiration rate, increased water intake, increased sweating, decreased dry matter intake, slower rate of feed passage, decreased blood flow to internal organs, decreased milk production, and poor reproductive performance. Lower milk production and reproductive performance cause economic losses to dairy producers. The ordered priorities for reducing heat are: increasing water availability; providing shade in the housing areas (both dry and lactating cows) and holding pen; reducing walking distance to the parlor; reducing time in the holding pen; improving holding pen ventilation and freestall ventilation; adding cooling for the holding pen and exit lane; cooling close-up cows (3 wk before calving); cooling housing for fresh and earlylactation cows; and cooling housing for midand late-lactation cows.Item Open Access Factors affecting dry matter intake by lactating dairy cows(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-12-01) Smith, John F., 1962-; Brouk, Michael J.; mbrouk; jfsmithFeed intake is the single most critical factor of dairy production, and performance of dairy cattle can be enhanced or hindered by environmental factors that affect it. These environmental factors can by divided into physical and climatic conditions. On modern dairies, the physical factors may be of more concern. Modern facilities provide the cow with protection from the natural elements. However, these same facilities can enhance or hinder dry matter intake. Facilities should provide adequate access to feed and water, a comfortable resting area, and adequate protection from the natural elements. Critical areas of facility design related to feed intake include access to feed and water, stall design and surface, supplemental lighting, ventilation, and cow cooling. The total system should function to enhance cow comfort and intake. It is important to remember that choices made during construction of a facility will affect the performance of animals for the life of the facility, which is generally 20 to 30 yr. Producers, bankers, and consultants too often view the additional cost of cow comfort from the standpoint of initial investment rather than long-term benefit.Item Open Access Relationship among concentrations of milk urea nitrogen and plasma urea nitrogen and feeding time(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-12-01) Ferdinand, E.E.; Meyer, M. J.; Park, A.F.; VanBaale, M. J.; Titgemeyer, Evan C.; Shirley, John E.; etitgemeEight Holstein cows were used to determine the relationship among milk urea nitrogen (MUN), plasma urea nitrogen (PUN), and feeding time. We first established that MUN concentrations were similar in concentration among quarters by comparing milk samples from each quarter just before milking. In order to determine if collecting a sample of milk from a quarter influenced the MUN in samples taken later, samples were obtained from the right front quarter (RF) at 2, 4, 6, and 8 hr after the AM milking and from the left front quarter (LF), right rear (RR), and left rear (LR) at 4, 6, and 8 h after the AM milking, respectively. The MUN in samples obtained from RF at 4 hr was lower (P<0.01) than corresponding samples taken from LF, but samples from RF at 6 and 8 hr did not differ from corresponding samples obtained from RR and LR. We concluded that by 6 hr, the effect of previous milking on MUN concentration disappeared because of dilution. To determine the influence of feeding time on MUN concentrations, cows were fed half of their normal PM feeding, injected with oxytocin at the subsequent AM milking to reduce residual milk, and offered surplus feed after the AM milking. Milk samples were collected at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 hr after feeding from RF, LF, RR, LR, RF, and LF quarters, respectively. Blood samples were obtained from the coccygeal vein at hourly intervals after feeding with the last sample collected 12 hr after feeding. The MUN concentrations at 2, 4, 6, and 8 hr were similar. The MUN at 10 hr was similar to those at 2 and 8 hr, less than that at 4 and 6 hr, and greater than that for the 12 hr sample. Concentrations of PUN peaked at 2 hr postfeeding, then gradually declined through 12 hr postfeeding. The MUN peaked at 6 hr postfeeding and then declined. Time after feeding significantly influenced PUN and MUN concentrations.Item Open Access Intake and performance of dairy cows fed wet corn gluten feed during the periparturient period(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-12-01) Park, A.F.; Defrain, J.M.; Meyer, M. J.; Titgemeyer, Evan C.; Marston, T.T.; Gleghorn, J.F.; Wankel, L.E.; Shirley, John E.; etitgemeEight primiparous and nine multiparous Holstein cows were used in a randomized block design to determine the effect of wet corn gluten feed in the diet during the last 21 days of gestation on dry matter intake and early postpartum performance. Multilactation cows fed wet corn gluten feed maintained a higher dry matter intake and intake as a percentage of body weight during the last week before calving than cows fed the control diet. First-lactation cows fed wet corn gluten feed consumed less dry matter, both total and as a percentage of body weight, across calving than first-lactation cows fed the control diet. Milk, milk components, and blood metabolites were not influenced by diet. Wet corn gluten feed may help alleviate the depression in intake typically observed during late gestation for multiparous but not primiparous cows.Item Open Access Effect of level of surface-spoiled silage on teh nutritive value of corn silage-based rations(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-12-01) Whitlock, L.A.; Siefers, M.K.; Pope, Ronald V.; Brent, B.E.; Bolsenn, K.K.; rvpopeTwelve ruminally cannulated crossbred steers were used to determine the effect of level of surface spoilage in corn silage-based rations on dry matter (DM) intake and nutrient digestibilities. Irrigated corn was harvested at the 80% milkline stage of maturity and ensiled in pilot-scale bunker silos, which were 3 ft in depth, and a 9-ft-diameter AgBag®. After 90 days, the bunkers were sealed with a single sheet of polyethylene, and this silage was designated “spoiled”. The silage in the AgBag was designated “normal”. The four rations contained 90% silage and 10% supplement (DM basis), and the proportions of silage in the rations were: A) 100% normal; B) 75% normal: 25% spoiled; C) 50% normal: 50% spoiled; and D) 25% normal: 75% spoiled. Dry matter intake decreased in a linear manner as the proportion of spoiled silage increased from 0 to 75%. Steers consuming the normal silage ration had higher DM, organic manner, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber digestibilities than those fed the three rations that contained spoiled silage. The addition of surface-spoiled silage also had negative associative effects on nutrient digestibilities, and the integrity of the forage mat in the rumen was destroyed partially by even the lowest level of spoiled silage.Item Open Access Monensin: an overview of its application in lactating dairy cow diets(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-12-01) DeFrain, J.M.; Shirley, John E.The efficiency of feedstuff utilization by ruminal microorganisms and the cow’s genetic ability to convert feed nutrients into milk and milk components are major factors that influence the profitability of a dairy herd. Monensin’s ability to modify the movement of ions across biological membranes leads to alterations in bacterial populations and subsequent changes in the proportion of volatile fatty acids produced during ruminal fermentation. Manipulating ruminal microbial populations with ionophores has the potential to improve performance by reducing ketosis, acidosis, and bloat and increasing digestive efficiency. Monensin improves fiber digestion by preventing suboptimal ruminal pH, enhances amino acid use by reducing the degradation of dietary protein, and improves the energy status of periparturient animals. Monensin is not approved for use in diets for lactating dairy cows at this time, but its status is currently under review by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. If approved, monensin will provide another management tool to the dairy industry.Item Open Access Economics of cooling cows to reduce seasonal variation in peak milk production(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-12-01) Dhuyvetter, Kevin C.; kcdThe economic impact of cooling cows to reduce the seasonal variation in peak milk production was estimated using researchbased lactation curves and peak production numbers for a commercial dairy operation in Kansas. Reducing the seasonal drop in peak production that occurs in the late summer and fall months by 29% or more is profitable for second or higher lactation cows. This reduction represents an increase in total milk production over the entire lactation of slightly over 1% and an increase in the average annual peak production of only 1 lb. This indicates that achieving at least the breakeven level for second and higher lactation cows is a reasonable expectation. Based on the peak milk production for the farm considered in this analysis, it would not pay to cool first lactation cows, because their peak production was lower and exhibited very little seasonality. The economics of cooling cows is insensitive to feed prices, and only moderately sensitive to milk prices suggesting that the decision to cool dairy cows is basically independent of these factors. Although the benefit of cooling dairy cows, in terms of increased production, will depend on the type and effectiveness of the cooling system used, this analysis indicates that even small improvements in production can be economical.Item Open Access Antibiotic versus nonantibiotic products for the treatment of Papillomatous Digital Dermatitis (hairy heel wart) in dairy cattle(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-12-01) Sargeant, J.M.; Gnad, D.P.; Isch, J.; Bathina, H.; Lising, J.; Shirley, John E.A field trial was conducted to compare oxytetracycline to three nonantibiotic therapies using bandage protocols for the treatment of hairy heel warts. Affected feet were bandaged for 4 days with either of the four products. Over a 28-day period following bandage removal, heel warts on 44 cows (11 per treatment group) were evaluated based on size, degree of pain, color, and lesion appearance. No differences were detected among treatments, suggesting that nonantibiotic therapies used in bandage protocols may be as effective as oxytetracycline.Item Open Access Total blood protein as an indicator of colostral sufficiency and morbidity in dairy calves(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-12-01) Schmidt, D.G.; Gnad, D.P.; Sargeant, J.M.; Shirley, John E.Total blood protein measured in calves between 1 and 7 days of age is a good indicator of the sufficiency of colostral intake and level of immunity passed to the calf. This measurement can be used to improve calf management strategies and thereby calf performance. Total blood protein concentrations are associated with immunoglobulin absorption in the neonatal calf, which can impact calf morbidity and mortality. Blood protein >5.5 g/dl indicates sufficient immunoglobulin absorption, and blood protein <5.0 g/dl indicates insufficient absorption. Insufficient immunoglobulin absorption increases the risk of calf morbidity and mortality. The dry cow health program, proper collection, and management of colostrum help ensure that quality colostrum is available for the newborn calf. Proper colostrum administration and low-stress calf management also ensure maximal immunoglobulin absorption. Timing of colostral intake affects total blood protein concentrations. The calf’s ability to absorb immunoglobulins is reduced significantly 12 hr after birth. Therefore, it is critical to administer colostrum during the first few hours of life. Total blood protein can be used to determine if the calf has absorbed sufficient immunoglobulins from the colostrum.Item Open Access Salmonella Dublin: a threat to dairy heifer survival and future performance(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-12-01) Schmidt, D.G.; Gnad, D.P.; Sargeant, J.M.; Shirley, John E.Salmonella dublin is a bacterium that can have devastating effects in dairy herds. It is most deadly with calves that range in age from 10 days to 5 months. Salmonella dublin is shed from carrier animals through feces, milk, and colostrum and spread by oral ingestion. Clinical signs are not detected easily until after the infection is well established. Calves may suffer from septicemia, diarrhea, fatigue, and unthriftiness. Death is not an uncommon outcome of this disease. Clinical signs of infection in adults may range from none to enteritis or abortion. Combating the disease requires an awareness of the disease, a preventive herd health program, and attention to detail in caring for the newborn calf.Item Open Access Flushing sand-laden manure(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-12-01) Harner, Joseph P.; Strahm, T.D.; Murphy, James P.; jharnerSand can be handled successfully either in a scrape or flush system by developing handling systems that allow for the sand-laden manure to settle prior to the effluent entering a lagoon. The abrasiveness and density of sand create problems in handling the manure. Manure weighs about 60 lb/cu ft, whereas sand has a density of 120 lb/cu ft. Sand-laden manure will have an approximate density of 80 lb/cu ft, if 30% of the manure is sand. Because sand is heavier, it will not remain in suspension as long as manure and settles rapidly. Many problems associated with handling sand-laden manure can be avoided if the solids are stored separately from the effluent.Item Open Access Manure and lagoon nutrients from dairies using flush systems(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-12-01) Strahm, T.D.; Harner, Joseph P.; Key, David V.; Murphy, James P.; jharner; dkeyNine primar,y lagoons and solids storage basins were sampled on Kansas dairies using flush systems. These samples were analyzed for nutrient content of wastewater and sand manure. The manure moisture content in the storage basins averaged 81%. The average totals of nitrogen, phosphate, and potash were 3450, 1345, and 1420 mg/L, respectively, for flushing systems. The average totals of nitrogen, phosphate, and potash in the lagoon samples were 816, 337, and 1134 mg/L, respectively, for dairies using recycled water for flushing alleys. These data and previously reported data indicate that lagoon effluent and manure removed from basins must be managed differently between dairies using flush versus scrape systems.Item Open Access Silage Management: important practices often overlooked(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-12-01) Bolsen, K.K.; Brent, B.E.; Siefers, M.K.; Uriarte, M.E.; Schmidt, T.E.; Pope, Ronald V.; rvpopeFour important silage management practices that are in the control of livestock producers and that are sometimes poorly implemented or overlooked entirely include: inoculating, packing, sealing, and managing the feedout face.Item Open Access Mastitis management-effective methods to reduce somatic cell counts(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-12-01) Smith, John F., 1962-; Brouk, Michael J.; mbrouk; jfsmithMastitis is the most costly health concern in the dairy industry today. Annual losses have been estimated at $180 to 185 per cow. Based on this figure, annual losses for Kansas producers may exceed $15 million. Nationally, mastitis may cost the industry $1.8 billion annually. Although treatment and premature culling for clinical mastitis are costly, about two-thirds of the cost is associated with reduced milk production caused by subclinical mastitis. Effective mastitis control programs are necessary for the dairy industry today. Prevention of subclinical mastitis is the key to lowering the somatic cell counts (SCC). Elevated bulk tank SCC (>250,000/ml) are an indication that a significant number of the cattle are infected with mastitis-causing bacteria and corrective action is required. Key areas to evaluate are cow housing, milking equipment, and milking procedures. Utilization of milk culture data is necessary to determine if elevated SCC are due to environmental or contagious organisms. In addition, cultures of milk samples from individual cows may be needed to identify cattle infected with contagious organisms. Correction of deficiencies in housing, milking procedures, and milking equipment will effectively control environmental mastitis. Identification, segregation, and future culling of animals infected with contagious organisms are necessary for control of contagious mastitis. An effective monitoring system that includes individual-cow SCC, individual-cow bacterial cultures, and bulktank bacterial cultures will ensure a low bulk-tank SCC and a low level of mastitis. It is a health issue that requires constant attention, because success is achieved with attention to detail on the dairy as a whole, and lack of attention in only one segment of the dairy may result in significant increases in mastitis. Success of the program requires that all employees and the management team (managers, herdsmen, veterinarians, nutritionists, milking equipment technicians, and consultants) emphasize increasing milk quality by controlling mastitis.Item Open Access Raw milk quality: the processor's point of view(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-12-01) Schmidt, Karen A.; kschmidtRaw milk quality is important to the processor for many reasons, this quality can be assessed by several different tests. Quality tests are used to ensure that the raw milk meets legal USDA standards as well as some of the individual requirements of the processor. Although some quality tests can be done in a matter of minutes, others require up to several days to complete. Because milk quality deteriorates relatively quickly, it is important to concentrate on those tests that provide the greatest amount of information in the shortest time. This information then is extrapolated to assess the “actual raw milk quality”. After all, the quality of milk does not improve with time; thus, if the starting materials are substandard, the final products will be less than substandard. Generally, raw milk quality is assessed by type and number of microbes, milk composition, presence of contaminants, and current (and perhaps previous) temperature.Item Open Access Determination of the amount of wet corn gluten feed to include in diets for lactating dairy cows(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-12-01) VanBaale, M. J.; Scheffel, Michael V.; Titgemeyer, Evan C.; Lindquist, R.U.; Shirley, John E.; scheffel; etitgemeTwenty-four multiparous Holstein cows were used in six 4×4 Latin squares with 28- day periods to determine inclusion rates for wet corn gluten feed (WCGF) in diets for lactating dairy cows. Cows were housed in a tie-stall barn and fed diets to meet or exceed NRC (1989) nutrient requirements. Experimental treatments were 1) control, 2) WCGF constituting 20%, 3) WCGF constituting 27.5%, and 4) WCGF constituting 35% of the diet dry matter. Cows fed WCGF consumed more dry matter (P<0.01) and produced more (P<0.001) milk, energy-corrected milk, and fat-corrected milk than cows fed the control diet. Dry matter intakes were 58.9 lb/day for control and 60.2 lb/day for those cows consuming WCGF diets. Cows fed the control diet produced 83.2 lb/day of milk, whereas those fed WCGF diets produced 91.5 lb/day. Production efficiency was increased (P<0.001) on the WCGF diets. The percentage of fat in milk, total protein production, and milk urea nitrogen were higher (P<0.01) for cows fed WCGF diets than controls. Plasma glucose, total alphaamino nitrogen, urea nitrogen, and tryglycerides were similar between cows fed the control and WCGF diets. No differences occurred in percentages of protein, lactose, or solids-not-fat content, nor was somatic cell count affected by the addition of WCGF. Body weight and condition score were not affected by treatment. We conclude that WCGF is an excellent feed for lactating dairy cows when included in the diet at 20%, 27.5%, or 35% of the dry matter.
