The transition period has been investigated for nearly 4 decades. Over this time, much has changed in dairy industry including herd management and genetics. Dr. Kerwin, from Cornell, joins us today to discuss the robust observational project documenting the management of 72 successful herds in NY and VT. The project involved tracking the same cohort of cows on each farm for 11 weeks to capture the far off, close up, fresh and peak lactation cow over time. Part 1 of the paper focuses on the management of the herds within the existing farm infrastructure. These topics including grouping dynamics, fresh cow checks and stocking density and how these parameters impact biomarkers (NEFA, βHB and haptoglobin). Beginning at 20:44, she discusses how the biomarkers effect the health, production and reproductive success of the herd. Their model identified an association between the biomarkers and production, negative health disorders, and reproduction (25:13). Don't miss this foundational herd biomarker benchmarking paper for understanding your transition pen goals - Listen in now! **apologies for the sound quality due to poor internet connectivity** Next episode will be better! HERD ALARM LEVELS: (multi= mature cows, primi = first calf heifers, Pre=Prepartum, post=postpartum) PRE NEFA: when >30% multip cows sampled are >0.17 mmol/L = 6% increase disease 21d PR: >15% multi – 6% decrease 21d PR > 40% primi – 3.9% decrease 21d PR POST NEFA: >0.59mmol/L > 15% Multi: 5.8% > 15% Primi: 4.2% increase in disorder Post NEFA 305ME Milk – Multi: >30% = >0.48 mmol/L decreased milk 1735lbs Primi – Not Significant POST BHB: >15% @ >1.2mmol/L 8.5% increase disorder 305ME Milk: >0.9mmol/L Multi: >10% +229kg Primi: >20% +332kg 21d PR: >15%, >0.9 mmol/L 3.2% decrease Prob of Preg - 5.2% decrease PRFS – 7.0 % decrease POST HAPLOGOBIN: >20%, >0.45g/L = 5.3% increase in disorder incidence Two companion articles were featured. These are found at: Part 1: https://www.journalofdairyscience.org/article/S0022-0302(22)00243-0/pdf Part 2: https://www.journalofdairyscience.org/article/S0022-0302(22)00244-2/pdf #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
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
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 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