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Rial A. Christensen, Gary L. Lynch, Jimmy H. Clark, and Yu Yu
High producing dairy cows in early lactation do not consume sufficient feed to support maximal production of milk. The source of dietary crude protein (CP) and energy fed to dairy cows significantly influences the utilization of nitrogen and energy in the rumen and the passage of nutrients to the small intestine.
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David Shalhevet and H. Rex Gaskins
Genetic selection programs aimed at increasing the economic value of dairy cattle tend to preclude selection for disease resistance. Ignoring disease resistance during selection may result in lower economic returns due to the undesirable correlation between disease and individual animal performance.
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Rial A. Christensen, James K. Drackley, David W. LaCount, and Jimmy H. Clark
Feeding supplemental fats to dairy cows may have marked effects on feed intake, milk production, and composition of milk, including a decrease in milk protein percentage. Ruminal mechanisms have been investigated extensively to determine effects of different sources of fat on milk production and composition, but less attention has been given to potential postruminal effects.
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James K. Drackley, David E. Grum, Gene C. McCoy, and Tim H. Klusmeyer
Use of animal fats such as tallow or choice white grease in diets for high producing dairy cows has increased in recent years because these fat sources are relatively inexpensive and adequately inert in the rumen when included at 3 percent or less of dry matter in a TMR.
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Richard K. Knipe, Ed Ballard, Dave Fischer, Dave Seibert and Dave Shue, Animal Systems Educators
Cattle feeding over the past 5 years has shown respectable profits and therefore dairymen are studying the options of growing and\or finishing their steer calves. It is important to remember in this discussion that retaining ownership does not mean that you have to own the calves to slaughter or even that you need to feed the calves yourself.
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Ted L. Funk
Illinois dairy farmers are well aware of the serious nature of antibiotics and other contaminants in the milk supply. Milk processors thoroughly test individual raw milk shipments and track milk samples to identify the source of any contamination.
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Michael F. Hutjens
Transition rations are feeding programs that "bridge" the pregnant dry cow from the traditional dry cow diet (high in forage and fiber) to the early lactation ration (high in grain and protein with less long fiber).
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Rial A. Christensen, Maxine R. Cameron, Tim H. Klusmeyer, Jeffrey P. Elliott, Jimmy H. Clark, Dale R. Nelson and Yu Yu
Dairy cows require large amounts of crude protein (CP) during early lactation. Flow of nitrogenous compounds to the small intestine is influenced by the extent of degradation of dietary protein and synthesis of microbial protein in the rumen.
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Siyabulela W. Nombekela and Michael R. Murphy
Previously reported exploratory work with primary tastes and feed flavors suggested that sucrose had the potential to enhance feed consumption in early lactation. If substantiated, sucrose may help alleviate the severity of postpartum body weight loss.
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Sidney L. Spahr and Gene C. McCoy
Proper management of a dairy herd relies heavily on use of current detailed information about individual cows. Electronic milk meters, electronic cow identification, electronic links to DHI computing centers, and reasonably priced personal computers (PC) suitable for on-farm use have greatly enhanced the availability of detailed, current data for management decisions.
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David B. Fischer
Much has been written from the research and field demonstrations on manure management. Descriptive terms such as nuisance, resource, liability, asset, pollutant, plant nutrient, etc., have all been used to discuss what is still a problem for many dairy producers. The fact is that the handling of dairy manure is a cost of producing milk.
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Gene C. McCoy, Lance D. Ruppert, and Michael F. Hutjens
Feed ingredients in a calf starter can impact performance and intake. A commercially available extruded cottonseed-soybean (ECS) protein supplement provides higher levels of energy (oil), fiber, and undegradable protein compared to soybean meal based protein supplements.
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Lance D. Ruppert, Gene C. McCoy, and Michael F. Hutjens
The feeding of probiotics to calves to improve health and dry matter intake has been reported by dairy farmers, but has little research support. This experiment was designed to provide experimental data on the effects of feeding probiotics to dairy calves from birth until weaning.
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Brian D. Garthwaite, James K. Drackley, Gene C. McCoy, and Edwin H. Jaster
The best procedure for feeding calves with diarrhea has been a
subject of controversy. In particular, it has been debated whether it is beneficial to feed milk during treatment and recovery. Use of oral rehydration solutions (electrolyte solutions) is a popular and effective way to treat diarrhea.
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Yu-Chia Huang and Roger D. Shanks
Lameness is a serious problem in many dairy herds. Several claw disorders are directly or indirectly related to lameness. Genetic predisposition is suspected for the majority of claw disorders, but evidence is limited.
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Gregory T Bleck, Robert D. Bremel and Matthew B. Wheeler
The a-lactalbumin (+15) polymorphism (A single-base variation 15 base-pairs 3' of the a-lactalbumin transcription start point) was examined for its gene frequency in dairy cattle breeds and its usefulness as a genetic marker for Holsteins.
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Douglas D. Lueking, Dave B. Fischer, Stan T. Smith, Roger D. Shanks, and Mike F. Hutjens
Replacement heifers are an investment and the future cows in the dairy herd. If heifers are wisely managed, they have superior genetics and the potential for high milk production.
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Michael R. Murphy, Joy M. Campbell, Siyabulela W. Nombekela, and Peter S. Erickson
Although not currently approved for feeding to lactating dairy cows, supplementation of their diets with lasalocid may be beneficial, especially in early lactation. This premise is primarily based on the effects that the ionophore normally has on ruminal fermentation and animal responses.
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Gregory T. Bleck, Robert D. Bremel and Matthew B. Wheeler
Advances in genetic technology have made it possible to consider making substantial changes either in the composition of milk or in the production of entirely new products in milk. These changes in milk have the potential to add value to milk as well as increase the potential uses of milk.
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Michael F. Hutjens
Forages raised in 1993 will be a challenge for dairy managers. Several factors will impact performance and profits in 1994.
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Dennis R. Campion
The Illinois Board of Higher Education recently reaffirmed the Land-Grant mission of the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.
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Jane E. Meinert and Walter L. Hurley
Many factors contribute to the size, health, and productivity of dairy cattle. One such factor occurs in the first day of a calf's life. The ability of a calf to absorb antibodies from colostrum occurs only within about 24 hours after birth.
