DairyNet Papers Collection
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Starting on January 1st, dairy managers saw their milk protein test drop 0.2 point (from 3.3 to 3.1 for example) when new federal milk marketing orders shifted from total milk protein testing to true milk protein testing. The decline in milk protein represented non-protein nitrogen (NPN) portion of milk protein. Starting May 1st, DHI test results shifted to true protein. Dairy managers have used milk components to diagnose herd problems. With the new protein values, we need to adjust our guidelines.
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The 2000 Illinois Farm Business Records Summary has arrived and as expected, it was a tough year for dairy producers. In 2000, 6647 Illinois farmers cooperated in providing accurate records with 65 field staff collecting data.
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Trace minerals continue to be an important part of the nutrient balance in dairy cattle. The amounts are added in extremely small amounts (milligrams per day), evaluated in the ration on the basis of parts per million (ppm), shortages require months before deficiency signs occur, and trace mineral deficiencies impact health and reproduction rather than an immediate effort on milk yield. New research from the University of Kentucky has demonstrated the importance of adequate levels of copper in reducing the severity of mastitis. Positive research results from Kentucky with organic copper has also increased the use of this form of copper. Thus, dairy managers, veterinarians, and nutritionists have added more copper to dairy rations.
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Two educational opportunities (Mid-South Nutrition Conference and California Nutrition Conference) updated participants with the latest research, future applications, and new products. Some of the concepts are ready to be applied while other need more research and field testing. Look over the following concepts as we may see some emerge in the future.
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Although aflatoxin production occurs somewhere in the country every year, the recent media releases fueled by drought have made this problem a harvest season highlight. Following are some answers to frequently asked questions:
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At the Midwest American Dairy Science Association meetings in late March at Des Moines, Iowa; several invited papers were presented on raising heifers by Michigan, New York, and Wisconsin researchers. Tremendous opportunities exist for improving Midwest dairy heifer operations
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In early June, I had the opportunity to participate in a series of dairy seminars and a dairy veterinarian workshop in the south and northern islands of New Zealand. At every meeting, new ideas or challenges were raised. Several points may be of interest.
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Forage particle size continues to be a "hot" topic among dairy managers, veterinarians, and nutritionists. Several factors have renewed interest and raised questions.
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Readers that attended the Four State Applied Nutrition and Management Conference on August 3rd and 4th (512 of us were there) may skip reading this column. Dr. Bill Weiss, The Ohio State University, presented a simulating discussion on vitamin strategies and levels for dairy cows. Because he is also a member of the 2000 Dairy NRC committee, his comments also may provide an early look at what to expect.
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DAIRY DECISION COLUMN MARCH 31, 1998 DAIRY DECISION COLUMN MARCH 31, 1998 Apples and Oranges syndrome refers to comparing values or terms when they are not equal because they are describing different properties. Several syndromes than can lead to errors in interpretation are listed below.
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With 2002 here, it time to look back at last year’s forage crop and determine if it remains “the weakest link” your dairy feeding program. Two strategies should be considered.
1. How does your forages compare to other producers?
2. What will your forage quality goals in 2002?
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URBANA - Biofilters can dramatically reduce odors coming from livestock operations, clearing the air between farmers and their urban neighbors. According to University of Illinois research, the filter's effectiveness can be improved by the choice of materials used, and by maintaining an appropriate moisture level in the filter.
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We are asked from time to time for better methods to control birds on dairy farms. Many dairy producers complain about the mess and noise that sparrows, grackles, and starlings make in naturally vent...
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At a recent farm tour to Alberta, Canada, several dairy farmers were pleased with a calf starter that contained 20 percent crude protein (feed tag or 90 percent dry matter basis) with added milk solids. On a dry matter basis, this is approximately 22 percent. Dairy NRC recommends 18 percent crude protein in calf starter rations. Recent research reports from New York and Illinois also have reported favorable results with higher feeding levels of milk replacer or crude protein milk replacer.
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By the time you read this column, our early corn will have been chopped as corn silage at the University of Illinois. This will be an challenging fall to make corn silage as some areas in Wisconsin were planting corn in mid June while heat stress and variable moisture conditions has pushed the corn crop in other regions. A checklist of items to consider is outlined below to make quality forage for our dairy cattle.
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This column looking at Dairy NRC 2000 guidelines is short, but very challenging to dairy nutritionists, feed company personnel, veterinarians, and me. Table 1 contains two groups of Holstein cattle, early lactation high producing cows and heifers from 12 to 24 months of age. Three nutrient guidelines are listed for your comparison and reflection.
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In the last column, several new features and changes were summarized when the new Dairy NRC is to be released in January, 2001. The focus of this column provides a look at feed composition tables. Continue to watch for locations and times for the satellite down link training programs in your state. Wisconsin will be host two meetings; one meeting will be held in Minnesota, Iowa, and Illinois. The Illinois program will be held at the Champaign County Extension Office (near the University of Illinois in Champaign, IL). The Illinois registration fee will be $60 including the two-day program, two lunches, and copy of the new Dairy NRC (including the CD ROM ration formation model). Our thanks to Diamond V Yeast and Zinpro Corporation, they will sponsor part of the program. If you want a program flyer and registration form, contact our Dairy Extension Office at 217-333-2928 (phone), 217-333-7088 (fax), or hutjensm@uiuc.edu (e-mail).
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Happy New Year, 2001 has started! Dairy information and education continues to be important as new concept, research results, and guidelines are available allowing Midwest dairy managers to compete in the dairy business. Several regional programs are outlined below.
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On November 1 and 2, a "train the trainer" meeting was held in Kansas City. People from across the United State, Canada, Spain, and South Africa attended a two-day meeting. We had the first chance to "see" the results of several years of work by a dedicated group of dairy workers from land grant colleges and agri-business personnel. After we registered, we had the 598 pages of text, charts, feed composition tables, and requirements in our hands. The program was designed to bring us "up to speed" for the formal release of the book. On January 16 and 17, 2001, a satellite downlink will be provided by Iowa State to locations around the world. Be watching for a location in your state. Illinois will be hosting a downlink at the University of Illinois, Urbana, plus there will two locations in Wisconsin, one in Minnesota, and one in Iowa. If you need more details contact our office (232 ASL, 1207 W. Gregory Drive, Urbana, IL, 61801) or your state dairy extension office. Our registration will include two program days, a copy of the NRC 2000 book, and two meals. Highlights related to dairy cow guidelines are listed below (the final copy will be released in January).
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URBANA --For the average Illinois dairy producer, 2004 was one of the best years for profits in the past 20, according to a University of Illinois Extension study. The returns producers received per cow were the second highest in the last two decades.
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Starting on January 21, 2002, our new Internet Dairy Feed Class begins and continues for 10 consecutive Monday nights from 7 to 8 pm (central standard time). You will need to purchase a new, updated CD for $45 to participate in the class (class enrollment fees are approximately $300 for two hours of undergraduate credit or one half unit of graduate credit). The new CD (available after January 1st) has been updated with 17 new modules added and several current modules dropped. A module is one 10 to 15 minute live lecture with power point visuals. New topics added are included below.
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On January 14th, a meeting with over 100 Illinois and Wisconsin livestock producers and feed industry leaders packed into a meeting room in Lena, Illinois, to hear the latest information on feeding wet (WDG) and dry distillers grains (DDG). A new ethanol plant slated to begin production in the summer of 2002 in Lena, Illinois with the potential producing 195,000 tons of WDG with an estimated price of $28 a ton (45 percent dry matter). Annually 14.5 million bushels of local corn grain could be processed. The anticipate price for DDG was $90 to $100 a ton. A similar plant is planned for Monroe, Wisconsin. Interest was high and questions were numerous!
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Transition cow management (three weeks before calving to three weeks after calving) is critical to farm economics and health survival. Cows are at “high risk” to a number of metabolic disorders that can cost dairy managers big dollars. Cornell workers reported the following losses associated with each case of the following metabolic disorders.
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At the World Dairy Expo held in Madison in October, a program discussed estimating the energy value of forages and grains. While energy is not a nutrient (using an academic definition), energy is first limiting for milk production. Feed energy must be estimated because it can not be routinely tested in forage labs. Heat losses and digestibility measurements must be collected. Cows must be in a closed environmental chamber to determine energy values. As a dairy manager or nutritionist, knowing how energy values are estimated can be important when fine-tuning dairy rations. Approaches and guidelines to consider are discussed below.
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Tim Huffman, dairy specialist with Hubbard Feeds, shared the results of a comparison of total mixed ration (TMR) mixers at Wisconsin Forage Days. Five mixers were demonstrated using identical batches of feed weighed on "an as" fed or wet basis for each mixer. Four types of mixers were demonstrated and measured.
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Animal Sciences 300, our capstone dairy management class, journeys on Friday night to the World Dairy Expo for a first hand look at dairy cattle, dairy products, and dairy farmers. Each student must interview one dairy manager and one business booth of personal interest. The class assignment is to write up each interview emphasizing the dairy manager's view of the future from his or her situation and if the student would purchase the product the company was promoting. Our thanks to those individuals who took time to "educate" our students. The eight hour lab is the highlight of our class labs (students pay all costs). Here is what they learned. Most dairy managers are financially tight, but love to be part of the dairy industry. Registered breeders see Expo as a way to showcase their elite animals. About 25 percent of the products evaluated by students would not be purchased by students. In some cases they were wrong, but their logic was interesting.
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With the end of the harvest season in sight, now is the time to evaluate, finish, and look at alternatives. New questions, field observations, and data may be useful as you get ready for next year's feeding program.
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Aflatoxin is a mold toxin produced during production in the field and in improperly stored grain (i.e., moisture greater than14%). Aflatoxin is not formed in properly ensiled feedstuffs (oxygen free environment).
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Introduction
Feeding high producing cows continues to challenge dairy farmers and nutritionists. Also, dairy profit margins vary as milk prices and feed costs shift yearly. Feed costs represent the largest input cost to produce milk (estimated to be 35 to 50 percent). Feed additives are a group of feed ingredients that can cause a desired animal response in a non-nutrient role such as pH shift, growth, or metabolic modifier (Hutjens, 1991). Several feed additives contain nutrients such as sodium in sodium bicarbonate or protein in yeast culture. Feed additives are not a requirement or guarantee for high productivity or profitability.
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A big soybean crop in Illinois and other regions of the Midwest has dairy producers looking at adding value to their crop by feeding soybeans to their milking herd. Illinois beef producers are looking at the economics of feed soybeans to their herd. When the cost of soybeans is at or below 94 percent the cost of soybean meal, raw soybeans can enter beef rations. Currently, that percentage is 91.7 percent. Finally, soybeans are in the bin and no additional out-of-pocket expenses are incurred. Several questions are answered below for our readers.
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As profit margins remain tight, forage is one feeding area that can provide opportunities to save dollars or cost you dollars. Dairy managers must know and manage their forage quality in 2000.
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At a regional dairy meeting last summer, an interesting handout was passed out. It was developed by Renaissance Nutrition and Ritchie Feeds. I was impressed by its simplicity in design but it powerful and complicated relationships. The focus of the Four Quadrants for Ration Balancing was forage digestibility (a topic Dr. Dave LaCount addressed earlier in his column). Four different scenarios are outlined below with my comments and additions. Which quadrant are you in?
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Winterkill in alfalfa has been reported in several fields in northern Illinois. The extent of this injury varies from field to field, and within fields. Let’s address the causes and symptoms of winterkill, alfalfa stand evaluation, and forage options following winterkill.
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As Illinois dairy farmers continue to chop corn silage, harvesting high moisture corn is just around the corner. A hot July and dry August have pushed corn to an early maturity. A 1998 U.S. survey reported 44 percent of responding dairy farms were feeding high moisture corn; 77 percent as shelled corn and 23 percent as ear corn. Iowa researchers report lower field losses (5 to 12 bushels of corn) when grain was harvested as high moisture corn compared to dry corn. Several points concerning high moisture corn should be considered.
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After speaking at ten January meetings and interacting with 921 dairy farmers, agri-business leaders, and veterinarians; the Illinois dairy industry responds to new challenges and opportunities. A list of topics and comments heard or discussed are listed below.
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A vigorous "discussion" occurred last week between several specialists at a dairy seminar. Does it pay to process corn silage? How long is long enough when evaluating corn silage? Research results indicate the milk increase can vary from zero to three pounds per cow per day when corn silage is processed. Let's review what we know and what is working in the field.
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URBANA --As June Dairy Month approaches, a University of Illinois Extension dairy specialist says the state's industry is in a state of transition.
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With our winter extension program completed, an opportunity to speak at four Australian dairy seminars was possible. After 10,000 miles, 19 hours of flying time, and three plane changes; I arrived in Melbourne, Australia, in the state of Victoria (nearly 70 percent of all cows in the country are in this state). Several points may be of interest to Midwest dairy managers.
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By now, most midwest dairy managers have their corn silage in storage for the 1998-1999 feeding year. But, is it ready for feeding? Several aspects should be considered before breaking in to the new corn silage crop.
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While the impacts of our new weather system (La Nineo) will not be know until next winter, heat stress can be occurring in your herd now.
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It's May and time for Midwest dairy managers to be ready to harvest their biggest and potentially highest quality legume forage crop. Dave Fischer, Illinois regional dairy specialist, has the Illinois dairy web site containing current forage quality information available with 2001 Illinois values. Be ready to measure your alfalfa and harvest. Southern Illinois should be done with first crop harvest (Table 1).
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While some areas of the United States are experiencing drought, areas in Illinois are receiving large amounts of rain. Our alfalfa crop is off and running with several days over 85 degrees and plenty of moisture. It’s time to monitor your alfalfa fields to monitor maturity and quality (insect damage is heavy and spraying has been needed on some dairy farms). PEAQ (predicted equation for alfalfa quality) continues to be an excellent tool to monitor your alfalfa crop. You may want to use this tool to your farm.
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Every month, the Journal of Dairy Science arrives containing the latest research results from across the United States and foreign counties. After reviewing March, 2001 issue, I selected several articles that may be interest to readers. If you are interested in receiving the journal (either electronic and/or paper copy), contact the American Dairy Science Association at 217-356-3182 to join the association and receive the publication.
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This column will summarize several questions and points that have crossed my desk in the last several weeks that may be of interest to you. My next column will summarize several new research reports for the American Dairy Science Association meeting held in late June in Memphis, Tennessee.
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Five years ago, we conducted a survey of top Jersey herds in the United States. The results were interesting and we decided to conduct a similar study this spring for a presentation at the American Dairy Science Association meetings. This column summarizes what they reported in 1995 and 2000. We can learn from their comments.
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Spring 2002 milk prices for Class III milk were below $11 per cwt. Profit margins are tight. Looking back at 2001 economic data from Illinois dairy herds enrolled on the Illinois Farm Business Farm Management (FBFM) records program may provide ideas and concepts we can use in 2002.
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The Farm Business Farm Management (FBFM) dairy summaries for 1999 reflect higher milk prices and stable costs resulting in favorable returns for Illinois dairy farms.
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The 2001 Illinois Dairy Days will be over when you read this column; but several articles will result of discussions at our nine meetings across Illinois. Several concerns and questions were raised about our feed cost values and evaluations. These concerns are listed below and discussed.
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Our December dairy meetings were filled with questions on the future milk prices, profitability, and feed costs. This week, we received the 1998 Farm Management Report from Jim Kastanek, Total Agri-Business Services (TABS), Albany, MN. The first line immediately caught our eye. How would you like to get $6.73 for every dollar spent? That was the average return experienced by farmers using TABS record service effectively. Records do not make money; strategic use of information does. The range in return varied from $3.63 to $9.93 per dollar of investment in TABS.
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The November BFP has dropped again (below $10 per cwt) following the huge October drop. Ouch! The other shoe also appears to be dropping as the futures on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange remains below $11 until July, 2000. The dairy industry is joining the hog, corn, and soybean industry. As the quotation states give me the strength to change the things I can change, accept those I can not, and the ability to recognize the difference. Your dairy cows will not be reading this column. The good news is cows will continue to respond to your feeding program, environment, and management level. The bad news is cows will NOT change milk levels, feeding efficiency, or milk components because the price of milk has dropped. Several items can be checked that may allow you to compete in this challenging situation.
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In February, I attended the British Columbia Farm Expo at Abbottsford, Canada. The three-day program featured huge farm equipment and supply show; educational programs on livestock, crop, horticulture, and dairy; and a provincial dairy show. The "hot" topic on the dairy education program was manipulating milk fat and protein test to optimize dollar return with the current Canadian quota system. As most readers realize, Canada dairy managers must purchase quota to sell milk in Canada. The quota is based on the amount of milk fat produced (expressed kilograms or 2.2 pounds of milk fat). As milk fat test increases, fewer cows are needed or less milk can be marketed or more quota has to be purchased.
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Urbana - The 'pick-a-gear-and-go' method of manure application could soon be a thing of the past.
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In the September 19th issue of Agri-View, an interesting article on manure evaluation was reported from a presentation by Mary Beth Hall, University of Florida. “Reading” manure continues to be an active area of interest on dairy farms. Dairy managers, feed consultants, veterinarians, and feed company specialist see manure changes and attempt to interpret these changes. Personnel from Dairyland Labs report manure samples are sent in for evaluation, but guidelines are needed to interpret and apply in the field. Discussions with Vita Plus Corporation have raised similar questions. Can manure samples be analyzed in a lab and “tells” us anything about the herd or cows?
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What is the most common cause of diarrhea in baby calves?
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URBANA --Higher milk prices should put Illinois dairy producers back in the black in 2004 but they are also likely to face higher feed costs, according to a University of Illinois Extension study.
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In late October, FDA allowed dairy managers to add monensin (brand name Rumensin) to lactating and dry cow rations to improve feed efficiency (labeled function). At the 2005 Illinois Dairy Days, over 80 dairy managers reported their initial experiences and results with this new feed additive.
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Monitoring and controlling feed costs will be important as milk prices drop squeezing profit margins. Feed costs represent 30 to 50 percent the total costs on dairy farms in the midwest. Dr. Dave Watson, Evansville veterinarian, developed a spread sheet program for his clients to compare feed costs in his area.
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While attending regional and scientific meetings, new ideas and discussions occurred that maybe of interest to readers. These concepts will need more work to know the impact on your farm operations
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URBANA--Precautions are in order for dairy producers as forage supplies are stretched in anticipation of continued dry weather conditions, said a University of Illinois Extension dairy veterinarian.
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The annual drive to the World Dairy Expo at Madison, Wisconsin, was a great investment of time. While attendance was down 10 percent, the best cattle were there and plenty of agribusiness booths to see the newest information and technology. While one day is not enough to see everything, several interesting items were summarized below.
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Over the last 25 years, the use of supplemental fats and oils in dairy cow rations has developed to the point where it now is a standard practice. Fats are supplemented to increase ration energy density, which ideally will lead to increased energy intake if dry matter intake is not decreased extensively. In turn, increased energy intake should improve energy balance and benefit body condition, milk production, and reproduction. However, there still is much confusion over different types of fats, how much can or should be fed, and what types of responses to expect. Considerable misinformation also has been spread by various parties, which further complicates the job of those formulating rations for dairy producers.
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Dairy managers are asking new questions about old feeding practices for several reasons. Winter kill of alfalfa in areas of the Midwest will reduce forage resources next year. Wet distillers grains has become available and cheap in some areas. Milk prices are declining squeezing profit margins. Will commodity feeds (also called by-product feeds and co-product feeds) become a ration alternative on your farm? When deciding if a commodity feed is a “good choice”, apply the “2P” Principles when making decisions.
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With the most of the your feed harvested (some late corn silage could be left), you may be interested in several University of Illinois dairy education opportunities. If you have a home or office computer with a CD drive and voice card, several unique educational programs are available. Dairy extension has several CD available to learn when your busy schedule allows some free time. All CD have instructional modules (10 to 15 minute single topic lectures with power points). You click on the module of choice and listen to the latest information on the topic. Another approach is to enroll in one of two dairy classes on the Internet that starts in September this fall. Each of these innovative learning techniques is discussed below. We welcome your participation.
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Question: Incidence of Triplets
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In February, the second phase of the University of Illinois Dairy Extension program is a series of 13 to 15 Dairy Roundtables. Unlike the Illinois Dairy Days, this activity consists of no formal program. Program participants bring their questions and concerns to the meeting to "stump the staff'. The two-hour meetings are lively exchanges including extension educators, veterinarians, feed nutritionist, and dairy producers. About one third of the questions or situations can not be answered, but are discussed. Several of the questions with answers are listed below.
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Several questions were sent to Agri-View and are answered below. If readers have additional questions, send questions to Agri-View editors and they will forwarded to appropriate column writer.
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Several telephone calls arrived and questions have been sent in that may be of interest to readers on earlier columns. Review the responses and send us your ideas and experiences.
Question: When we feed whole soybeans, we see whole seeds in the manure. Have our cows obtained any feed value?
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The three recent cases of rabies in domestic animals--a horse and a cow in northern Illinois and another horse in southern Illinois--remind us of the very real and present danger that is harbored in some of our native wild animals.
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On April 11, 2002, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced that two of the 125 sheep confiscated in March 2001 from a farm in Vermont "tested positive for an atypical undifferentiated transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) of foreign origin."
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Several weeks ago we had the opportunity to attend the midwest cooperative sponsored dairy research seminar. During a two day period, universities and cooperatives reported their latest and cutting research edge results. Several university topics are summarized below.
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In March, the Midwest American Dairy Science Association meeting was held in Des Moines, Iowa with over 1100 people attending the three-day scientific meeting. Research poster displays and talks were presented by graduate students, faculty, and dairy business personnel highlighting the latest research results and recommendations. Several dairy paper are summarized below that may be of interest to readers. All research results are not positive and are equally as valuable to respond to producer questions and problems. A researcher and university or company are identified for follow up by readers wanting to learn more about the study.
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Readers have sent in questions about previous columns or asked for advice. Several questions are answered below and may be of interest to some readers. Keep the questions coming!
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On September 27th, an e-mail letter arrived from an Iowa feed company dairy nutritionist. He had read my article on new data on transition cows reported at the 2001 American Dairy Science Meeting in Indianapolis in July. He raised three interesting and controversial topics that he sees as problems in the field. I have listed his points and comments along with my response. Readers can be judge and jury on the points and conclusions.
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Summary
- Feed or dairy or feed efficiency reflects the level of fat-corrected milk yield produced per unit of dry matter consumed with an optimal range of 1.4 to 1.9 pounds of milk per pound of dry matter.
- Days in milk, age, growth, changes in body condition score, walking distances, body weight, forage quality, feed additives, and environmental factors will impact feed efficiency values.
- Dairy managers should monitor changes in feed efficiency as feeding and management changes occur on their farms to evaluate the impact of the change.
- The availability of computer-based corrected values will allow for accurate comparisons between groups, herds, and feeding / management changes.
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Dairy managers are deciding which corn silage varieties and types to purchase for their 2000 forage needs. The good news is new and superior corn silage choices are available. The bad news is corn silage is not corn silage is not corn silage. Dairy managers have choices that are comparable to selecting A.I. bulls for their breeding program. Seed corn companies and some land grant colleges provide data and rankings using characteristics that can have economic, agronomic, and feed value (review the University of Wisconsin Corn Silage results that were mailed to Agri-View subscribers). The following characteristics are one list that could be considered when selecting a hybrid variety.
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If you raised soybeans in Illinois this year, prices are low averaging around five dollars a bushel. Low soybean prices translate to economical soybean meal and seed options. Currently, 44% soybean meal can be purchased for $150 a ton and could have locked in $20 a ton cheaper earlier in the summer. Several questions have been raised about positioning soy products in dairy rations.
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Mark Maidak, Jo Daviess-Carroll Extension Unit Eduator in Illinois called. Several dairy managers asked if an informal to discussion alternatives with the current tight financial situation. A meeting was held in early September. Numerous points were argued and offered by participants and extension staff. I present the following points to consider when profit margins are squeezed.
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Ten area meetings across Illinois in January provided a valuable update to our team of producer concerns, problems, and successes. Over 40 percent of Illinois dairy producers attended the meetings including 263 commercial displays adding an industry perspective. Highlights of each speaker’s presentation are summarized below. These presentations along with summaries of 18 Illinois dairy research studies completed in 2001 can be ordered from Evonne Hausman, Dairy Extension Office, 232 ASL, 102 West Gregory Drive, Urbana, IL, 61801. The 72 page booklet costs eight dollars ($5 for the report and $3 for postage and handling) with checks payable to Dairy Extension.
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Several interesting questions have arrived recently that may be of interest to our readers. If you have questions, send them to my attention and we will attempt to answer your concerns.
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Bill called last week with an interesting question. His nutritionist recommended that he shift to a new trace mineral premix because it will be cheaper and should be just as good. But, Bill had not heard of the product line or company nor did his local extension educator. The cost savings would be two cents a day or two dollars a day or $730 a year for his 100 cow dairy herd. What should he do?
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In July, central Illinois had 16 days over 90 degrees (one of the hottest months in history). Midwest dairy managers knew all about the challenge as dry matter intakes dropped 5 to 10 pounds followed by milk declines of 5 to 15 pounds. Perhaps August will be a cooler month, but the following points may be useful.
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More than 2,000 animal feeding operations (AFOs) have signed agreements for EPA's air compliance initiative... Many of the companies that signed up have several farms that will come under the agreement. Applicants originate from more than 37 states across the United States and include representation from the pork, egg layers, meat birds, and dairy industries...
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Let's not get behind with county fair showing, school starting, state fair activities, and a late vacation with the family. All these activities are necessary, but corn crop and fall feeding activities are rapidly approaching. Here is a quick check list of "to do" items.
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Every day can bring challenging and educational experiences as questions, problems, and ideas arrive by mail, phone, and e-mail. In the last few weeks, several questions were raised and may be of interest to the readers. Answers are not clean-cut or guaranteed to solve the problem or situation.
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Managing transition cows is the one of the most important, but under utilized aspect on dairy farms across the United States. Getting fresh cows off to a healthy start after calving is critical to achieving high milk production, getting cow rebred, and avoiding metabolic disorders. A well management transition cow program (starting three weeks prepartum to three weeks postpartum) can increase milk production 1200 pounds or more while reducing milk fever to less than 5 percent, displaced abomasums to under 3 percent, and ketosis to less than 2 percent.
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URBANA-Americans are consuming more cream, sour cream, ice cream, cottage cheese, yogurt and flavored milk as the annual June Dairy Month approaches, said a University of Illinois Extension dairy specialist.
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When swine and beef producers evaluate their livestock operations, one value is the efficiency of converting feed to gain or growth. Less feed required per unit of gain improves performance and profitability. Dairy managers are also evaluating a similar value on their dairy farms. Dairy efficiency (DE) is pounds of milk per pound of ration dry matter. This calculated value allows the dairy managers to evaluate the milk yield in relationship to dry matter intake. Guidelines are listed below.
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Several areas in the Midwest are under moderate to severe moisture stress. Some corn has not pollinated, some corn is fired, and other corn has not reached the critical stages that will impact corn yield and quality. While corn grain managers have limited options, livestock producers (sheep, beef, and dairy cattle) have alternatives and should be making decisions in the next few weeks to harvest nutrients as forage resources and purchase surplus from grain managers. Several guidelines may be helpful when making these decisions.
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Specialty farm products are being looked at ways to improve farm income and profits on Midwest dairy farms. During the 2000 growing seasons, on-farm trials were carried out at 54 locations in 35 Illinois counties to compare corn yields and expected economic returns from different specialized corn hybrids. Dairy producers can use the data as a way to predict potential performance on their farm.
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Value of Standing Alfalfa – Guide to Pricing 1st Cutting
Assume 1st cutting alfalfa baled hay = $80/ton
(based on baled hay at 15% moisture and 85% dry matter)
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Recent storms that swept through southern Illinois left heavy wind damage in many corn fields, leaving producers in a quandary about what to do with the downed corn, said a University of Illinois Extension animal systems educator.
"Can this damaged corn be salvaged for corn silage?" is being asked of Dave Fischer, who is based in Edwardsville.
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Over 260 people participated in the Four State Professional Dairy Management Seminar at Dubuque, IA, on July 11 and 12. The fast pace meeting featured reviewed several management areas, new research results, state updates, and an industry sharing evening reception. If you missed the program, several areas are summarized below.
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Three fast pace days were spent in southeast Pennsylvania in mid August. The good news is crops (as in the Midwest) were spectacular compared to a devastating drought in 1999. Last August many dairy farms harvest corn silage at four feet, had no second or third cutting, and soybeans were chopped for forage. Dairy farmers reported milk price are one dollar higher per one hundred pounds (cwt) compared to Illinois dairy prices as they have higher amounts of class one milk.
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The American Dairy Science Association (ADSA) meeting is a must meeting for dairy nutritionists as 364 abstracts were presented. Each abstract provides a capsule summary of new research that will appear in formal journal and conferences in the next two years. In this feeding column, I will review several abstracts that presented new data on transition dry cow feeding strategies and needs.
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In February and March, Illinois Dairy Extension conducted 15 Dairy Round Tables across the state. Here are the questions and answers asked during these meetings.
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Do you want to manage your dairy herd in a way that can:
*cut costs and increase profits?
*provide you with a batter quality of life while enhancing the
environment?
