Dairy Science Digest

Embryo transfer has become increasingly popular on US dairy farms to rapidly advance the genetic profile of the herd. This month’s feature article looks at the associations between fertility traits on the success of embryo transfer. Fertility traits such as daughter pregnancy rate (DPR), cow conception rate (CCR) and heifer conception rate (HCR) are consistently classified with low heritability. However, this retrospective study takes a deep dive into the data stored at the Council of Dairy Cattle Breeding (CDCB) to use the statistical power of dairy farmers data. There, the researchers were able to find a clear impact of these traits on the success of an ET program and long term impact on herd fertility. Because ultimately … we’re just interested in more calves on the ground, so listen in to better understand how data is improving ET fertility setbacks. Topics of discussion 1:39 Introduction of Dr. Sophia Ortega 2:18 Fertility traits discussion 3:47 How to improve these traits with low heritability 6:25 In vivo (IVD) and in vitro procedures (IVP) definition 8:11 Grade 1 embryo improvements when selecting females using fertility traits 9:27 Embryo loss discussion 10:30 Difference preg rate between cow vs. heifer 12:03 Global impact of ET improvements using fertility traits 13:45 How ET trends in the dairy industry in the past 5 years 16:02 Limitation of in-vitro procedures and expected preg rate 16:57 Blastocyst rate improvement 19:19 Impact of fertility of ET recipients 21:08 Where to find the fertility traits when selecting 27:20 What do you want ‘boots on the ground’ dairymen to know about your project Featured Articles: Association of fertility traits with embryo development and pregnancy establishment Resources: Dairy Records Management Systems Council of Dairy Cattle Breeding #2xAg2030; #journalofdairyscience; #openaccess; #MODAIRY; #embryo; #ET; #DPR; #CCR; #HCR; #embryotransfer; #CDCB; #DRMS; #dairysciencedigest; #ReaganBluel

Sorghum costs less to plant and requires less water to generate productive tonnages. For years, sorghum has been ignored as a dairy forage, because the starch filled berry was nearly impossible to process, limiting the energy available to the cow. To combat this issue a male sterile bmr dwarf variety was developed with no grain head as an opportunity to harvest a nutrient dense, resilient leafy forage. Researcher Juan Pineiro, Associate Professor & Extension Dairy Specialist at Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center in Amarillo and his team substituted a portion of corn silage in the TMR with sorghum silage to determine the feasibility of this forage for dairy farms. The team found an improvement in dry matter intake which resulted in a nearly 8lb increase in milk produced when substituting 25% of the corn silage with headless sorghum silage. To compensate for the decrease in dietary starch, Dr. Pineiro added ground corn into the ration to balance energy. Additionally, Dr. Pineiro drew our attention to the recent advancements in berry processing for the non-sterile varieties. “We were able to see 0-1% intact berries remaining with the recently patented processor,” he explained. This unlocks the starch available to the cow and should causes dairymen to consider planting once again. He cautions hybrid selection, harvest timing and processing are all keys to making this affordable resilient forage to earn a spot in your ration. Sorghum should be given a second look, especially in water limiting – dairy dense regions. Listen-in to this episode for an update in sorghum advancements for your dairy. Topics of discussion 2:05 Introduction of Dr. Juan Pineiro 2:48 What is male sterile sorghum 4:54 Sugar impact on fermentation profile of sorghum silage 5:50 Harvesting management for dwarf bmr sorghum 7:47 Substituting corn silage with sorghum silage 9:42 Increase of 6.6 lbs in dry matter intake 13:07 Increase of 8lbs of milk by substituting 25% corn silage with sorghum silage. 14:09 Cropping strategies 15:18 Financial and risk considerations on the forage system 16:05 Crop rotation or double crop options 17:36 Hybrid selection matters 19:13 Berry processing technology advancements 21:05 Principals of starch degradability 21:41 Results – shift in population, but same microbial efficiency 23:58 Best berry processing – headlage or whole plant 25:36 Increasing ensiling duration to increase starch digestibility 29:38 Timing of harvest - late soft dough to optimize the total tonnage, starch concentration and reduced leachate 30:41 Next research : 0, 3, 6, 9 month fermentation with 2 varieties of sorghum – yielded 80% starch digestibility 32:21 What’s the custom harvesters charging with this new berry processor 33:17 What do you want ‘boots on the ground’ dairymen to know about your project Featured Articles: Effects of partially replacing corn silage with brown midrib male-sterile sorghum silage on intake, digestibility, and milk production in dairy cows Effects of a novel onboard sorghum kernel processor and height of cut on berry processing score and ruminal in situ starch disappearance of forage sorghum ensiled for 0 and 90 days #2xAg2030; #journalofdairyscience; #openaccess; #MODAIRY; #starchdegradation; #sorghum; #dwarf; #bmr; #fermentation; #ruminantnutrition; #dairysciencedigest; #ReaganBluel

Seventy percent of the protein your herd uses for lactation is derived from the microbial population in her rumen. Researchers from UC Davis and Feedworks USA sought to learn more about how different substrates might impact rumen microbial efficiency. They did this with the ultimate goal of increasing the flow of protein available for absorption to help offset feed costs, recognizing protein is the highest cost of the ration, and likely the largest fraction to the cost of production on most dairies. “We know that efficency of growth in the rumen varies dramatically, nearly 2 fold. Microbes can use 1/3 of their energy for growth or as much as 2/3,” Hackmann described. His lab is using invitro cultures to attempt to determine why this variation exists. “If we can pinpoint cause then we can accomidate and make microbes grow more efficiently and deliver more protein to the ruminant at a lower cost.” Past models, used in ration formulation software such as CNCPS, claim rumen bacteria perform digestion more efficiently when fed cellulose, over glucose. However, featured work by Dr. Tim Hackmann’s invitro lab suggests a different result. “We found there will be a larger mass of microbes that grow on glucose then cellulose but they also digest more, so the efficiency is not differnet.” Listen-in to this episode for in interesting dive into the expected changes in the rumen under these conditions. An added bonus banter from Dr. Benjamin Wenner, ruminant nutritionist with FeedWorks USA and co-author on the featured article, about the futuristic concepts possible for ruminant nutrition with mindful investment. Topics of discussion 1:29 Introduction of Dr. Tim Hackman and Dr. Benjamin Wenner 2:03 Key highlights of 80 years of Ruminant nutrition – role of rumen microorganisms, knows and unknowns 4:40 Description of the Invitro research system, magnetic stir syringe treatment delivery 6:41 Treatment differences – Glucose vs Cellulose 8:22 Different Carbohydrates, and concentration changes microbial population 10:04 Why did you choose to focus reporting on bacteria – Hackman 11:20 Importance of Bacteria cont’d, 60-90% of biomass of the rumen - Wenner 13:32 Biochemistry of the Rumen - Acetate:Propionate shifts as a result of the substrate 15:41 The main message of the paper 16:06 Analogy for the ease of digestion - Cellulose, Hemicellulose and Lignin 17:36 Fermentation profile 18:41 Unusual product of fermentation - Caproate 20:43 Add value by reporting all data 21:41 Results – shift in population, but same microbial efficiency What do you want ‘boots on the ground’ dairymen to know about your project 23:18 The future of Ruminant Nutrition – needed investments in descriptive microbiology to feed efficient animals of the future. 26:13 Nutritionists replaced by AI? 28:29 Improving Ration formulation software from 1992 Featured Article: Mixed rumen bacteria grow with similar efficiency on cellulose and glucose #2xAg2030; #journalofdairyscience; #openaccess; #MODAIRY; #CNCPS; #ruminant; #cellulose; #bacteria; #efficiency; #ruminantnutrition; #UCDavis; #feedworks; #dairysciencedigest; #ReaganBluel

DSD 6.12 | Brachytic corn for increased production The brachytic gene mutation results in corn that is shorter in stature but an improved digestibility profile. Through a reduction in intranode distance, the corn plant reduces indigestible fiber. Dr. Antonio Gallo, PhD ruminant nutritionist from Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore and his team in Italy recently studied the impact of this gene mutation on the productivity of the dairy herd. High quality, home grown forages allow dairy producers to maintain the competitive edge. By limiting the purchase of off-farm nutrients, forages possess the ability to advance or hold back a herd. When brachytic corn was fed, they found a yield increase of 3.8 lbs/cow/day. However, the higher producing animals did not consume more. “This is likely due to a chemotactic effect,” Gallo describes. The team measured changes in the intake pattern which provided insight to future research questions for data to better understand how this phenomenon could have happened. The quality of corn silage impacts the health and productivity of the dairy cow. Additionally, her intake behavior is impacted by the ration. As more dairy farms move toward robotic systems, maximizing the energy density of the PMR will directly impact productivity, perhaps brachytic corn is most important in these systems. Listen in to understand how the brachytic corn variety might work in your operation. Topics of discussion 1:24 Introduction of Dr. Antonio Gallo 3:01 What is “brachytic” 5:38 Chemical analysis of Short Stature (SSC) vs Tall Stature Corn (TSC) 6:24 NDF differences (Table 2) 9:11 Dry matter differences – ‘stay green’ benefit 10:02 What about disease pressure in corn fields 12:01 SSC field observations re: lodging during derechos 12:31 Planting rate 13:37 Ration calculation – and feeding strategy 14:58 Individual intake and feeding behavior of each animal 15:59 Research herd description 16:13 Milk yield response, 3.8 lbs/cow/day 17:22 Rumen Flow Rate 18:22 Dry matter yield drag at harvest? 20:10 Feed behavior – eating less and producing more 21:04 Chemotactic effect - Apparent digestibility NDF, starch and protein 24:52 What do you want ‘boots on the ground’ dairymen to know about your project Featured Article: Effect of silage from a new brachytic corn hybrid with a high harvest index on feeding behavior and performance of lactating dairy cows #2xAg2030; #journalofdairyscience; #openaccess; #MODAIRY; #NDFd; #cornsilage; #brachytic; #moremilk; #staygreen; #lignin; #mealsize; #dairysciencedigest; #ReaganBluel

DSD 6.11 | The sweet spot - Insemination timing for peak profit With changes in the marketplace, coupled with increased reproductive performance of your herd there is an increased opportunity to improve net return. While breeding beef and sexed semen is no longer new, our industry has experienced a miscalculation of the ideal number of replacement heifers needed to optimize this model. To ensure you’re on the right path, Megan Lauber , Dr. Paul Fricke and Dr. Victor Cabrera from University of WI recently completed work on a model of the interaction between 21-d Preg rate, semen type, days in milk and heifer survival to find the optimum window – known as the Insemination Eligibility Period (IEP). This metric will soon to be easily monitored with a tool available online. Their model found $51.00 / head improvements in net return when all the metrics are optimized. Listen in for a comprehensive discussion about how to model your herd’s data to customize and therefore optimize your reproductive trajectory and financial success of the future. Topics of discussion 1:33 Introduction of Megan Lauber 2:54 Impact of strategic breeding on the beef semen industry, as of 2025 5:33 Preg Rate's impact on the insemination eligibility period (IEP) & change over time 7:49 Semen scenarios / combinations of beef and xx-semen to control inventory 9:34 Defining Insemination eligibility period (IEP) 11:21 Impact of insufficient replacements 13:03 Optimum time to inseminate a cow to maximize income 13:53 How does the shift in IEP manipulate the age of the national herd? 16:24 Figure 3: the unexpected shape of the net return 21:20 Herd turnover rate and Heifer survivability 22:48 Heifer hoarding vs just right 25:40 Figure 5: Net Return 28:57 Figure 7: Impact on Net return when Preg Rate increases across semen models 32:15 Why was 170 d used for the net return analysis? 33:21 What do you want “boots on the ground” dairymen to learn from this project? Featured Article: An economic simulation model to assess the effect of the 21-day pregnancy rate, semen type, and heifer survival rate on the optimal insemination eligibility period for lactating dairy cows Dr. Victor Cabrera’s TOOL website : https://dairymgt.cals.wisc.edu/tools.php #2xAg2030; #journalofdairyscience; #openaccess; #MODAIRY; #reproduction; #model; #pregrate; #21-dPR; #netreturn; #beefondairy; #sexedsemen; #dairysciencedigest; #ReaganBluel

DSD 6.11 | The sweet spot - Insemination timing for peak profit With changes in the marketplace, coupled with increased reproductive performance of your herd there is an increased opportunity to improve net return. While breeding beef and sexed semen is no longer new, our industry has experienced a miscalculation of the ideal number of replacement heifers needed to optimize this model. To ensure you’re on the right path, Megan Lauber , Dr. Paul Fricke and Dr. Victor Cabrera from University of WI recently completed work on a model of the interaction between 21-d Preg rate, semen type, days in milk and heifer survival to find the optimum window – known as the Insemination Eligibility Period (IEP). This metric will soon to be easily monitored with a tool available online. Their model found $51.00 / head improvements in net return when all the metrics are optimized. Listen in for a comprehensive discussion about how to model your herd’s data to customize and therefore optimize your reproductive trajectory and financial success of the future. Topics of discussion 1:33 Introduction of Megan Lauber 2:54 Impact of strategic breeding on the beef semen industry, as of 2025 5:33 Preg Rate's impact on the insemination eligibility period (IEP) & change over time 7:49 Semen scenarios / combinations of beef and xx-semen to control inventory 9:34 Defining Insemination eligibility period (IEP) 11:21 Impact of insufficient replacements 13:03 Optimum time to inseminate a cow to maximize income 13:53 How does the shift in IEP manipulate the age of the national herd? 16:24 Figure 3: the unexpected shape of the net return 21:20 Herd turnover rate and Heifer survivability 22:48 Heifer hoarding vs just right 25:40 Figure 5: Net Return 28:57 Figure 7: Impact on Net return when Preg Rate increases across semen models 32:15 Why was 170 d used for the net return analysis? 33:21 What do you want “boots on the ground” dairymen to learn from this project? Featured Article: An economic simulation model to assess the effect of the 21-day pregnancy rate, semen type, and heifer survival rate on the optimal insemination eligibility period for lactating dairy cows Dr. Victor Cabrera’s TOOL website : https://dairymgt.cals.wisc.edu/tools.php #2xAg2030; #journalofdairyscience; #openaccess; #MODAIRY; #reproduction; #model; #pregrate; #21-dPR; #netreturn; #beefondairy; #sexedsemen; #dairysciencedigest; #ReaganBluel

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 housing 7:49 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, coping 18:58 Future research ideas 20:29 What do you want “boots on the ground” dairymen to learn from this project? 22:48 Discussion of paired vs group housing for new build 25:20 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 route 12:42 Policies around calf transport in Canada 14:56 Premiums for ideal serum values 16:28 Expert advice needed 18:52 Opinions on vertical integration 21:33 Long term contributions to the beef industry going forward 22:39 Health challenges – consider vaccination 23:54 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 research 1:40 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 3.75 8:45 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 partitioning 16:12 Genetic analysis for response and non-response 18:40 Dry cow and early ration following treatment 19:19 High energy effect on dystocia 20:50 Early lactation energy measurements 22:45 Close up - Intake differences of high and low energy 23:23 Fig 3d: Early lactation intake difference 24:44 Visceral fat changes 26:54 Denovo fatty acids in milk, 70 days post treatment 30:54 Concentration of Megalac in treatment ration 31:57 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 Adkins 2:26 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 heifers 12:51 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 cosync 10:18 Exp. 2: Optimal time of sexed semen breeding 11:43 Fig. 4: CR of Beef vs sexed semen 13:24 P/AI Results, sexed semen 14:34 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. 2 23:36 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 Brooks 3:18 Nutrient composition of high pro corn coproduct 5:14 Study Design 6:33 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 rations 16:25 Heat Stress 17:58 Dry matter intake and feed efficiency 19:05 Pelleting feasibility/stability 20:05 Yeast bodies – Impact, source of and future research efforts 22:53 What do you want Boots on the Ground dairy producers to gain from the project? 23:32 Breakeven analysis Featured 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 Marcondes 2:50 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 cattle 8:17 Cobalt marker used in the research model 10:51 Rumen leakage for preweaned calves 13:14 Grain feeding during trial 14:30 Milk replacer vs Whole milk 17:01 Retention rates 18:41 Colostrum protocol – no tubing 20:02 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 open 11:50 Figure 4: Impact of previous days open and previous days dry on cumulative milk 14:04 Risk of replacement and impact of mastitis 18:05 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 Godden 2:29 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 replacer 15:05 Discussion of the actual product you used and how it is different from other products on the market 17:45 Impact on health, behavior and appetite for the first 3 days 20:46 Importance of Total Coliform Counts (TCC) in colostrum and how to test 25:26 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 Krogstad 2:39 Definition of hyperketonemia (HYK) 4:22 Frequency of HYK 5:16 Milk yield decrease due to hyperketonemia 7:36 Figure 3: Prepartum BCS by lactation 9:39 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 risk 16:36 Figure 5: Health status impact on milk yield 18:16 “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 recommendations 32:05 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 Rodriguez 2:45 What was the aim of the training project? 3:30 How to integrate photographs into training 4:08 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 Care 20:55 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 Laplacette 3:37 Why introduce Estrus detection to double ovsync? 6:25 Treatment description, Double ovsync 9:12 Did you cherry pick? 10:04 What metrics do you focus in on to determine the success of synchronization protocol 11:36 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 treatment 26:12 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 Roasted 10:38 Research Treatments, 4 rations 12:28 Table 2 – Statistical Contrasts 13:24 ECM impacts 16:48 Sourcing HOSB 18:45 Future research questions 19:34 Palmitic acid for milk fat improvements 21:03 Upcoming transition cow research 22:43 HOSB impacts on metabolism – research in works 24:10 DMI/ECM 25:03 Take home message for boots on the ground dairy producers 27:28 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;