1. Dairy Center Research Projects

2. Information about studies included in this presentation:
The conclusions presented in this Power Point are general conclusions. We encourage producers to research more thoroughly on these topics. We are presenting the information for general use only.

3. Skin tests as a predictor of Johne’s disease in cows and heifers
An attempt to find an inexpensive and simple way to detect Johnes earlier than other tests currently available.
Samples were collected four times over a four year span on animals 10 months of age – aged cows.
Different test results were compared. The study is still in progress in other herds.
CONCLUSION – Skin testing is a simple, effective and inexpensive way to test for Johne’s in a herd

4. Calf Starter & Rumen Development
60 calves were assigned to 1 of 4 calf starter treatments. Daily monitoring of calves was used to evaluate the starters for 10 weeks.
Daily starter intake
Daily scour score
Daily body temperature
Weekly bodyweights
Weekly blood draws
Blood samples were then frozen and sent to ISU for evaluation.

5. This calf program showed:
CONCLUSION – most effective program was using Calf Starter with 7.5 % grass hay
This calf program showed:
Increased body weight
Increased feed efficiency
Alters rumen VFA production
Creates a more stable rumen environment
Decreased starter costs
significantly improved feeding profitability
4 lbs chopped hay per 50 lb bag of starter

6. Practical Applications of “Accelerated Calf Feeding Programs”
Study looked at:
Daily starter and water intake
Daily scour score/Milk replacer refusal
Weekly bodyweight and height
Weekly blood draw
Recorded the time it took to feed each treatment group

7. Comparison of Economic Efficiencies
VARIABLE
NATIONAL AVERAGE
EARLY WEANING
ACCELERATED
Birth weight, lb 95 87
Weaning Age, d 56 31
ADG, lb
.98
1.5
2.1
8-Wk Weight, lb
150
165
212
MR Intake, lb 64 30
121
Starter Intake, lb 74
130 45
Gain:Feed Ratio
.40
.49
.70
MR Cost, $ 54 25
Starter Cost, $ 13 24 9
Total Feed Cost, $ 67 49
Feed $/lb Gain
$1.20
$0.63
$1.12

8. CONCLUSION: Early weaning is by far the most effective when looking at feed cost per pound of gain.
Other Economic Considerations for an Early Weaning program:
Labor costs
drop over 50% after weaning in conventional program
greater labor costs associated with accelerated programs
early weaning (~30 d) cuts total labor costs associated with rearing to 56 d by about 40%
Housing costs
Reduce number of hutches required by over 45%

9. Fresh Cow Multiple Milking Project
Study looked at:
100 head : 34 heifers; 66 cows
3X; 6X-21 days; 6X-14 days.
milk production: 1st 30 day + DHI test
weekly milk component
weekly body condition scoring (10 w)
Weekly teat ends / teat skin (8 wks)
CMT at calving: culture

10. DHI milk production by test day - Holsteins* * * 3X
6X14
6X21 *
Lbs. milk
P < .1
6X for 14d
4 # increase
NEIDF animals
DHI test

11. NO DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GROUPS for body condition score, teat ends or CMT quarter testing!
CONCLUSION: Cows milked 6 times a day for the first 14 days of lactation averaged a 4 pound increase. Multiple milkings did not have to be evenly spaced – milking fresh cows at the beginning and end of milking shifts was effective.

12. POST MILKING TEAT SANITATION TO DIP OR NOT TO DIP IN WINTER?
THAT IS THE QUESTION.
Weekly data collection included:
CMT score
Teat Shape score
Teat Skin score
Teat End score
CONCLUSION: ASC Barrier dip was the most effective winter teat dip at the time of this study.

13. * Poor dip removal by milkers
no other significant differences

14. COMPOST BARN DEMONSTRATION PROJECT
Study ran from 12/2005 – 5/2007 and looked at:
DHIA SCC/ milk, etc
Lameness scoring 2X/week
Ammonia levels: before/after stir 2X/wk
Compost bacteria counts 2X/wk (before/after stir)
Cleanliness, hock/ leg, comfort scores 3X/week
Compost temp: 27 spots daily: 0,6,12,18”

15. COMPOST BARN PROJECT
Temperature < 1000F; Moisture> 65%
Leg/hock and comfort: score 1 (great)
Cleanliness scores: average 3 (dirty)
Bact counts: Gram - & streps: >106! (high)
CONCLUSION: The bedded pack did not heat as expected, but the cold, wet compost proved comfortable for the cows. There was a lot of bedding and dirty, content cows. There were very low ammonia and other gas levels.

16. The effect on the immune system of no dry period vs
The effect on the immune system of no dry period vs. a 45-day dry period
Study looked at:
25 2nd or greater lactation cows were randomly selected to a dry cow treatment.
Cows with no dry period:
Low lactation ration
BST
Cows with a 45 day dry period:
Dry cow ration
Close-up ration 3 weeks pre-calving
Vaccination protocols were kept the same between both treatment groups

17. Data collection of no dry period vs. dry period
3 weeks prior to calving
blood draws 3 times a week until 3 weeks postcalving
Analyzed for white blood cell counts and rabies antibody titer.
WBC ability to produce gamma interferon
CONCLUSION: Calcium levels were the same in both groups, so milk fever levels were the same. It is generally recommended that older cows have a dry period as it hard on them physically not to. (see graph, next slide)

18. Calcium (mg/dl) Days Around Calving 10.0 9.5 9.0 8.5 8.0 7.5 7.0 6.5
6.0
6.5
7.0
7.5
8.0
8.5
9.0
9.5
10.0
-14 -7
-6 to -4
-3 to -1
0 to 1
2 to 3 7 14
No dry period
Normal dry period
Calcium (mg/dl)
Days Around Calving

19. BVD Vaccination Project
This project is addressing whether the vaccination as a neonate will be negated by the presence of maternal antibodies
Efficacy of multiple vaccinations with a modified live vaccine verses a combination of modified live and killed vaccines.

20. BVD Vaccination Project
To date:
Northeast Iowa Community Based Dairy Foundation Cattle have all been tested for BVD
200 heifers are enrolled in the vaccination trial
Ages currently range from about 7 months –post fresh
Data collection includes:
Vaccination records
Pre and post vaccination blood sample
Health records
10 day temperature of neonates
Weekly bodyweights
Calfhood & Prebreeding Bodyweights
This study has not yet concluded.

21. Other Demonstration Projects
Use of extended day lighting in free stall barn – CONCLUSION: generally recommended, and we will continue using it
Mortality and Manure Composting – CONCLUSION: Both can be successfully used, we continue to compost mortalities after the demonstration project as it works well here