Dairy Science Digest

Positive Profit. Every herd is chasing financial resilience. It is especially relevant on our minds having just completed our schedule Fs and planning for 2022 planting season. Have you ever wondered the lifetime profit of a cow in your herd? How about the average break even for each cow in the herd? Dr. Hadrich was raised on a dairy and questioned the impact of these individual cow differences. To answer these questions, she and her team took on-farm quickbook financials and merged them with individual cattle DHIA data from 67 Minnesota herds. This information maps out the cow-level cumulative lifetime break-even impact on financial assessment. Individual cow lifetime profit between “resilient” and “non-resilient” herds is compared. Lifetime expenses varied substantially, between the two. These differences were found across farm sizes, heifer development costs, lifetime feed and “non-feed” expenses (which includes labor). Listen in to hear how you can assess the financial resilience of your herd! The full article is found at: https://www.journalofdairyscience.org/article/S0022-0302(22)00137-0/fulltext #2xAg2030; #journalofdairyscience; @jdairyscience; #openaccess; #MODAIRY

The hurdles of the transition period were first identified nearly 3 decades ago. Since then, researchers have been working towards improved understanding of adipose tissue metabolism to fuel the dairy cow during this window of time. This month we interview the author of the Symposium Review titled: The role of adipose tissue in transition dairy cows: current knowledge and future opportunities, Dr. Sabine Mann, DVM from Cornell University. We discuss the effects of and how to monitor circulating NEFAs during early lactation. Dr. Mann’s article is an extensive review of this topic and provides obtainable management practices to help your transitioning herd. The full article is found at: https://www.journalofdairyscience.org/article/S0022-0302(21)01110-3/fulltext #2xAg2030; #journalofdairyscience; @jdairyscience; #openaccess; #MODAIRY

Settling the problem breeder is an achievement every dairy manager wants to better understand. This month’s topic focuses in on the role of GnRH injections and the relationship with the cow’s activity. Listen in as Dr. Tracy Burnett, from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver Canada, studied this topic and has added to our conventional wisdom about GnRH’s role. Her work was recently published @JournalofDairyScience is titled: Impact of GnRH administration at the time of Artificial insemination on Conception risk and its association with estrus expression. This article is found at: https://www.journalofdairyscience.org/article/S0022-0302(21)01028-6/fulltext #2xAg2030; #journalofdairyscience; @jdairyscience; #openaccess

Dehorning, the task no one loves. This month pain expert Dr. Michael D. Kleinhenz, from Kansas State, describes research his team conducted to test the effectiveness of long-acting bupivacaine for pain relief during and following disbudding. Listen in to learn about a novel approach to measure pain levels, to determine the effectiveness of Bupivacaine for FDA approval. The article highlighted from the @JournalofDairyScience is titled: Effect of bupivacaine liposome suspension administered as a cornual nerve block on indicators of pain and distress during and after cautery dehorning in dairy calves Found at: https://www.journalofdairyscience.org/article/S0022-0302(21)01042-0/fulltext For more information about how to conduct a cornual nerve block on indicators of https://aabp.org/committees/resources/Pain_Brochure_8-15.pdf or https://www.appliedanimalscience.org/action/showPdf?pii=S2590-2865%2821%2900010-0 If you would like to sponsor a future podcast, please reach out at: [email protected] #2xAg2030; #journalofdairyscience; @jdairyscience;

As the dairy cow transitions from dry to lactating, she experiences numerous changes. This month we learn more about the biological details of fat metabolism. Dr. Contreras, from Michigan State University, guides us through a discussion around the project specifically focusing in on what occurs to the fat, at a cellular level, of a cow challenged by disease – specifically ketosis. Listen in to better understand the 3 major mechanisms to control fat mobilization in your fresh cow pen. This “benchtop” laboratory work has paved the way to brainstorm supportive solutions. The article highlighted from the @JournalOfDairyScience is titled: Lipopolysaccharide induces lipolysis and insulin resistance in adipose tissue from dairy cows. Found at: https://www.journalofdairyscience.org/article/S0022-0302(21)00970-X/fulltext If you would like to sponsor a future podcast, please reach out at: [email protected]. #2xAg2030; #journalofdairyscience; #transitioncow; #fatmetabolism

To help save feed costs, many producers have turned to on farm feed as a resource. However, what is not well understood is the impact of this choice for dairies using automatic milking systems (AMS), or robots. Dr. Greg Penner and his team at the University of Saskatchewan researched the feasibility of using home grown, steam-flaked barley versus pelleted barley for guided-flow AMS barns. Listen in this month to learn what the potential impact of this management choice on your lactating herd. The title of the @JournalofDairyScience article in press is: Comparing steam-flaked and pelleted barley grain in a feed-first guided-flow automated milking system for Holstein cows. In press in volume 104. The improved audio on this recording is thanks to a generous supporter of the Dairy Science Digest podcast. If you would like to sponsor a future podcast, please reach out at: [email protected]. #2xAg2030

This month we’re going to navigate a bit away from production practices and talk about consumers understanding of our products. By better understanding HOW consumers view the image of our industry, we can become better advocates and perhaps sell more products. Dr. Laurel Redding joins us today from the University of Pennsylvania, school of Veterinary medicine. Her Journal of dairy Science article, currently in press, is titled: Educational interventions to address misconceptions about antibiotic residues in milk can alter consumer perceptions and may affect purchasing habits. She studied the effect of 3 different educational materials on consumer's opinion of dairy. The three used are: 1. Control - https://www.myplate.gov/eat-healthy/dairy 2. Brochure: https://figshare.com/articles/figure/Untitled_item/15166713 3. Video: https://vimeo.com/518895384 Listen in to see how just 3 minutes change change the minds of your future dairy consumers! #2xAg2030 #JournalofDairyscience

Essential trace elements are “essential” because the diet is the only source. However, sometimes because they are trace, we tend to forget about the importance. Listen in this month to learn from Dr. David Casper about the importance of cobalt in energy metabolism of your lactating herd. This specific research project is discussing the difference between sources of cobalt, carbonate vs lactate. The title of the @JournalofDairyScience: Supplementing additional cobalt as cobalt lactate in a high forage total mixed ration fed to late lactation dairy cows, is currently in press in volume 104. The improved audio on this recording is thanks to a generous supporter of the Dairy Science Digest podcast. If you would like to donate, please reach out at: [email protected]. #2xAg2030

Timing is everything - by shifting your prepartum vaccination program by one week, can make big difference in the success of your transition program. Dr. Schuenemann, Ohio State’s Extension state dairy veterinarian, investigated the difference between giving prepartum vaccines at day -28 vs -21. Listen in to hear why the industry should consider the shift to 4 weeks out to improve uptake of IgG in the mammary, the site we need it. This continues our theme of: “Doesn’t cost a thing” – management changes we can make that make a difference. This podcast highlights the two part papers in press in the Journal of Dairy Science titled: Effects of prepartum vaccination timing relative to pen change with an acidogenic diet on serum and colostrum immunoglobulins in Holstein dairy cows and The effect of Prepartum Vaccination relative to pen change with an acidogenic diet on lying time and metabolic profile in Holstein dairy cows. Both are currently in press at the @JournalofDairyScience, 104. #2xAg2030

Heifer development, one of the most expensive enterprises on the farm, all expense with delayed return. This month, Dr. Jolet Van Niekerk summarizes a comprehensive review of heifer development in the Journal of Dairy Science, titled: New frontiers in calf and heifer nutrition—From conception to puberty. This article in press is the ADSA Foundation Scholar award recipient for its comprehensive review. While there are many things we can manage that does have cost, surprisingly the most important message Dr. Van Niekerk wanted dairy producers to know, DOESN'T COST A THING! We hope you'll listen in - #2xAg2030, #Journalofdairyscience, #MODAIRY, #dairyheiferdevelopment

In this edition of Dairy Science digest Dr. Matt Lucy, Editor in chief of the Journal of Dairy Science Communication and Reproduction physiologist from the University of Missouri, discusses work he and team published this month about successfully synchronizing late calvers in a seasonal calving system. Grazers represent a large portion of Missouri's dairy industry. Ensuring a tight calving window helps match cows with ideal forage growth pattern. Tune in to learn how to effectively "reset" those late calving cows. Dairy Science digest covers the most current topics being published in the Journal of Dairy Science. Designed to never exceed 20 minutes, this podcast provides the “need to know” information for dairy producers with boots on the ground. Here's direct (open) access to the journal article in press titled:"Reproductive performance of early- and late-calving dairy cows artificially inseminated after ovulation synchronization and estrous resynchronization orartificially inseminated after observed estrus" @JournalofDairyScience #2xAg2030

In this edition of Dairy Science digest Dr. Bill Weiss, from The Ohio State University, discusses work he and his co-author Alex Tebbes recently completed on determining the ideal amount of crude protein for your fresh cow pen. Additionally, they determined the sweet spot for forage for the recently fresh cow to ensure the highest intake - and therefore energy corrected milk. The INVESTMENT in the first 24 days, showed carryover effects for 11 weeks in lactation - easily supporting the elevated cost. Here's direct access to the journal article in press titled: "Concurrent and carryover effects of feeding blends of protein and amino acids in high-protein diets with different concentrations of forage fiber to fresh cows. 1. Production and blood metabolites" #2xAg2030 #JournalofDairyScience

In this edition of Dairy Science digest Professor Mike Coffey, a researcher from the Scotland, describes the advancements with inline milk sampling. He explains how improvements in technology allows us to analyze subtle changes in the milk. These subtle changes occur with pregnancy, disease, metabolic disruptions and even to differentiate efficient cattle from the less efficient. This non-invasive data collection opportunity could radically transform the information we could use to manage our herd. Dairy Science digest covers the most current topics being published in the Journal of dairy science. Designed to never exceed :20, this podcast provides the “need to know” information for dairy producers with boots on the ground. This episode highlights: “Predicting pregnancy status from mid-infrared spectroscopy in dairy cow milk using deep learning” is in press in the #journalofdairyscience and can be accessed here: https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2020-18367 #2xAg2030

This episode we learn from Dr. Bradley Heins, from the University of Minnesota, all about integrating solar into your dairy grazing operation. He has learned about construction considerations, cow cleanliness and the shading effect of solar panels added to a rotational system. His research titled "Evaluation of solar photovoltic systems to shade cows in a pasture-based dairy herd", is in press in the Journal of Dairy Science volume 104. @journaldairyscience #2xAg2030 Keywords: Dairy, Solar, grazing, heat stress

On this episode of Dairy Science Digest Fayth Kumro, MS Animal Sciences from the University of Missouri discusses Flashmate. This heat detection device uses touch screen technology to determine when your cows are in heat. Her research was conducted in both grazing operations and confinement. Learn more about how to affordably improve heat detection in your herd to keep your cows in the most productive phase of lactation. Read the abstract or request the article at: https://www.journalofdairyscience.org/article/S0022-0302(20)30975-9/fulltext Journal of Dairy Science & JDS Communications

Dairy Science Digest's Reagan Bluel interviews Dr. Chad Dechow, Geneticist from Penn St., to discuss the sweet spot in heifer development for the 7th episode of Dairy Science Digest. This 15 year research project supported that the biggest heifers aren't the most profitable for your operation. Heaviest heifers are 49% more likely to be culled at a given time. Moderate sized heifers that reach between 73-77% mature rate at first calving can produce more milk WITHOUT sacrificing long term milk yield and herd life. Dechow's Journal of Dairy Science article is in press and found at: https://www.journalofdairyscience.org/article/S0022-0302(20)30916-4/fulltext #2xAg2030

Can a few bolus' of aspirin really make a difference? Listen here to hear the research of Dr. Adrian Barragan, of Penn State University, discussing how this simple therapy can have a huge impact on inflammation, and therefore productivity of your fresh cows. Dairy Science digest is a monthly podcast hosted by Reagan Bluel, of MU - Extension Dairy team, designed to bring the latest Dairy Science research to the ears of dairy producers. Targeted to not exceed 22 minutes, its the "need to know info" to base your management decisions on. More information visit: https://www.journalofdairyscience.org/article/S0022-0302(20)30765-7/fulltext https://www.journalofdairyscience.org/article/S0022-0302(20)30766-9/fulltext and https://news.psu.edu/story/629554/2020/08/25/research/aspirin-after-calving-can-provide-relief-dairy-cows-increase-milk

Dairy science digest #5 interviews Taylor McWhorter, from Georgia, to discuss considerations when selecting beef sires for your breeding program. Specifically focusing in on sire conception rates or SCR. Journal of Dairy Science, Sept 2020. Title: Investigating conception rate for beef service sires bred to dairy cows and heifers.

In this edition of Dairy Science Digest, Stan Moore from MI State provides us insight to what employees (both hired and family) need to feel committed to your farm. Quality relationships are easy to develop, as long as your mindful of your approach. Listen in to catch nuggets of critical information to meet your farm where you are in the stage of workforce development.

In this edition Reagan Bluel interviews Dr. Jimena Laporta, from the University of Florida, about heat stress in your dry cow herd. We've learned, from a decade of data, that heat stress on a dam during the dry period causes a change to her calf that last a lifetime and is passed down to her offspring. This change causes decreased milk production, productive life and profitability. Listen in to learn how a small investment in prevention can have a huge return.

Dairy Science digest is a monthly podcast developed to share current research in Dairy Science. The "need to know" info to help manage your herd. This month, Dr. Richard Chebel, from the University of FL discusses the effect of bringing SCR collars into a high producing Holstein herd in FL.This research looked at using the activity collars for conventional AI, TAI and to better refine the window for your ET program. See https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2019-17892.

Dairy Science digest is a new podcast developed to share current research published in the Journal of Dairy science. Only the "need to know" info to help you manage your herd. This edition features an interview with author, Casey Havekes, discussing the how to perfect your transition cow "Goldilocks" diet. To see the full article visit: https://www.journalofdairyscience.org/current