North Dakota State University
NDSU Extension Service
Vol. 8, No. 2, April 1998
Current trends in North Dakota agriculture have been asking, "Do we need a dairy industry?" If it's not going to survive on its own, then let out-of-state dairying supply our needs.
The North Dakota Dairy Strategic Planning Steering Committee says, `Survival is mandatory!' Representing more than 25% of the gross cash receipts from animal agriculture, communities vested in dairying can tell you it's vital to their economy, and the steering committee believes dairying is vital to North Dakota.
Launched last August at the Dairy Summit meeting in Bismarck, a steering committee has led the way in examining the future of dairying in North Dakota. There are a variety of ideas, perceptions and needs, and consequently there are no "one size fits all" strategies, so the hard part is deciding what to do.
Therefore, your strategic planning committee has taken decisive action and has approached Agricultural Products Utilization Commission, private industry processors, and others to form a team interested in preserving and expanding our dairy industry. As of April 15, several industry donations have been received and others have pledged in-kind support for their local producers, and APUC awarded us a portion of our requested start-up fund.
If you're interested in supporting the effort, let us know. For more information about the Dairy Diagnostic Team program, watch for ensuing news releases. As soon as we organize, the first year pilot project will call for interested farm families. Until then, this gives you a heads-up on the project. In the meantime, we will be deciding on qualifications and costs to the user. We'll keep you informed.
If you want more information, feel free to contact one of the committee members . . . Dwight Aakre, Wayne Carlson, Doug Dukart, Bob Gaebe, Gary Hoffman, Tom Keidel, Linda Krebs, Terry Mastel, Victor Mathern, Jerry Messer, Keith Pagel, Nancy Planteen, Mike Rose, Sue Steckler, Jim Winger, Mike Zimmerman, or me.
J.W. Schroeder
Extension Specialist-Dairy
The keys to disease prevention in newborn calves are passive transfer of immunity and exposure to pathogens, the latter of which has too little emphasis. Minimizing the calf's exposure to pathogens is one of the surest, easiest, and most cost effective methods of improving calf survival.
Pathogens that cause calf hood diseases (rotavirus, Salmonella, E. coli, Cryptosporidium, etc.) are usually passed to the calf through its environment. Bedding and manure that contains organisms or oocysts (eggs) is a ready source of contamination. The mother can also harbor organisms that can infect the calf — be it through the colostrum and milk (e.g., Johne's) or from manure on the dam's body.
Newborn calves are at a real disadvantage when it comes to fighting disease. Not only are they highly stressed, but their immune defenses are minimal until a colostrum intake provides passive immunity. In addition, the animal has an extra opening into its body — the umbilical cord. Infection of the cord can result in rapid disease (septicemia, or "bacteria in the blood") and death. Long ago, one of the most common diseases, due to infections of the umbilical cords was called "the cords." It is very important to minimize the potential infection of the navel cord by disinfecting the navel. Unfortunately, a recent USDA (NAHMS) study revealed only about 47% of calves have their navels dipped.
When dipping the navel, be sure to use a strong tincture of iodine (at least 7% iodine). Do not dilute iodine solutions such as teat dip. This will inhibit microbial migration in the calf's body. Tincture of iodine also contains alcohol, which will help seal and dry the cord. Dip the navel, don't use a spray. Sprays don't cover well enough unless you really work at it. You can purchase inexpensive devices designed specifically for navel dipping. They're well worth it.
According to Dr. G.A. Donovan, University of Florida, you should dip the navel as soon as possible after birth, when you move the calf from the maternity area to the hutch or pen, and again 12 to 18 hours later. Remember, dipping the navel is one way to reduce an animal's exposure to disease causing pathogens. It's easy, inexpensive, and pays great dividends in terms of reduced calf mortality, morbidity, and treatment expenses.
Where does the time go between a decision to use an AI bull and the time daughters freshen? Quite a bit of that time is spent sitting in the tank container, the result of having more semen in inventory than needed. Years ago, the problem was worse when farmers would "hoard" semen in hopes the price would go up. Today, genetic trends reduce the value of most semen, leaving very little reason for farmers to hold it.
However, many producers use a "first in, first out" policy and keep six months' semen on hand. This means that any newly purchased semen usually waits its turn. A better strategy would be to have all daughters of any AI bull chosen for use on the ground within the first two years after the bull is released. For high demand bulls, the time limit will be extended, however, because not all herds will be able to buy all the semen they want to use in that first year after a bull is proven. Nonetheless, the idea is worth pursuing. In order to make optimum genetic progress, the decision needs to be made as soon as the first crop of daughters have performance "conclusive." Once the decision is made, order the semen! There is no benefit to ordering some now and some later. Place the order and get in line for delivery.
Once the semen is delivered, get it into fertile females in standing heat. It does the herd no good in the tank. When deciding which bull to use, also consider how many daughters the herd would like to have. Buy enough semen to produce those daughters at the outset. When the semen is gone, move onto the next bull and never look back.
Source: Bennett Cassell, Genetics and Management, Virginia Tech
Complete and accurate herd records provide the tools necessary to define past herd performance, assist in establishing goals for bench-marks and allow monitoring of established goals. The first step in record analysis is to identify key benchmarks that reflect components of reproductive performance. However, today data overload is the problem, and so much information is available it's difficult to determine what is really important and useful. Eight benchmarks are shown in the following table. These goals must be applied with caution, however, and may not be appropriate for intervention on an individual cow basis. Be practical and reasonable in applying these goals especially in cases where vast improvement in present performance is recommended. In some cases the average value for a benchmark should only be a starting point.
Eight benchmarks with intervention levels for monitoring the reproductive status and trends in a dairy herd. --------------------------------------------- Parameter Goal Intervention --------------------------------------------- Days open 115 160 Calving interval, months 13 14.5 Days to first service 75 100 Conception rate, first service, % 55 30 Conception rate, all services, % 50 30 Heat detection rate, % 70 40 Reproductive culls per lactation, % <8 15 Abortions, % <5 10 ---------------------------------------------
Reproductive performance is a function of management and how well they are implemented from day to day. It has long been known that there is an important economic advantage to be gained by efficient reproduction in dairy herds. Throughout her herd life, a cow should calve without difficulty, experience little or no postpartum reproductive disease, breed back within an optimal time period, carry each fetus to term, and have a live birth. The ability to use records effectively is one of the cornerstones of reproductive management.
Adapted from Dairy Pipeline
When silage falls away from the bunker or silo bag, its quality decreases quickly. As soon as six hours after the last feeding, knocked-down feed shows high levels of spoilage. Because this feed is often scraped up with the next feeding, dry matter intake can fall significantly.
Yeast and mold counts in knocked-down corn silage are of particular concern. Normal levels for each are less than 100 colony-forming units (cfu) per gram. Knocked-down grass silage had yeast and mold populations of 410 and 370 cfu, respectively, according to Charlie Sniffen of William H. Miner Agricultural Research Institute, Chazy, NY. Normal levels of ammonium nitrogen as a percentage of total nitrogen should be less than 5 percent. Knocked-down grass silage showed levels of more than 27 percent ammonium nitrogen. The effect of knocked-down feed can be disastrous for a cow that is less than a week fresh. It is critical to pack and cover well.
Scientists recently studied whether providing supplemental nutrients to lactating grazing cows was better in the form of a TMR or concentrate. Cows were provided about 15 pounds of concentrate or an amount of a TMR that provided the same amount of energy, formulated for about 80 lbs of milk. They were compared to a control group of grazing cows that received no supplement.
After 147 days of grazing in Vermont, cows in both supplemented groups produced significantly more milk than did the control group. There was no significant difference in milk yield between TMR vs the concentrate supplementation, but the TMR fed cows ate less of the forage in pasture affecting forage planning and needs.
Source: J.Dairy Sci. 80(Suppl. 1):222(Abstr.P310)
Many dairy managers use cloth towels rather than single service paper towels for premilking udder preparation. Questions often arise over how to launder the cloths. How should they be disinfected? Should bleach be added to the towel wash water? Should hot water be used? Should the towels be dried? Should all three of these procedures be included in the laundering process?
Washington State University researchers conducted a study to determine effectiveness of adding bleach, hot water, and forced hot air drying to the laundering process of cloth towels. Several different combinations of the three practices were tested. A commercial detergent was used for each treatment.
Results indicate that only one practice hot water, bleach or hot air drying needs to be incorporated into the udder cloth laundering method. The method that a manager chooses to use will most probably be dictated by economics. Hot water may be costly and tax the dairy's hot water supply. Bleach adds cost to the procedure and may cause premature towel wear. And, there is a cost associated with the purchase and use of a dryer. The results clearly indicated that all three practices need not be used for laundering. Perhaps the incorporation of two practices would add a margin of safety to ensure that udder cloths were sufficiently disinfected.
Source: Agribusiness Dairyman, December 1996, pg. 16
Nine of 10 heifers born twin to bulls are freemartins. This condition is distinguished by a closed reproductive tract at the opening of the vagina or further toward the cervix. Consequently, freemartins are sterile and are usually slaughtered or sold for beef. However, some dairy producers recently found a more profitable alternative to shipping freemartin heifers heat detection.
According to Phil Senger, Washington State University dairy scientist, freemartins are more prone to bull-like behavior than normal heifers because of their relationship with the male fetus while in the uterus. When treated with testosterone, these heifers display elevated levels of bull-like behavior. Like bulls, they will seek out cows in heat. These heifers are much less dangerous than bulls, although they may start to take on bull appearances after awhile. Testosterone-greeted freemartins also eat less than full-grown bulls.
The use of testosterone in freemartins has been authorized by the FDA under Investigational New Animal Drug (INAD) files for further study. However, it is required that meat or milk from treated animals be withheld for a period of time, which can be determined by your veterinarian.
Nine times out of 10, when a drug storage violation is found on a state or federal milk inspection, it's found in the refrigerator. Improperly stored drugs for instance, lactating drugs mixed with non-lactating drugs, will cost producers seven points off the top of the inspection. Lactating and non-lactating drugs must be stored in separate, specially marked areas or shelves.
With that in mind, veterinarians and farm managers should check all drug storage on a regular basis. Simply make it a priority to check once a month to avoid losing points on your state and federal milk inspections.
If you are using a drug residue screening test for your milk, make sure it will detect drugs you use. On-farm screening tests may not detect all antibiotics in milk that are used on your farm. For example, if the Delvotest detects only penicillin, cephapirin, ceftiofur, ampicillin, and amoxicillin, and if you use novobiocin, the milk sample will test negative but it may not be negative if the milk plant uses Charm II, which can detect novobiocin and many other drugs at violative levels.
It's a good idea to test milk from treated cows at the end of the milk discard time. Before it goes in the tank make sure that you use a test that will detect the drug in question. Read the directions with the test or consult your veterinarian. Don't put yourself into a sense of false security. Use the dosage recommended with the treatment or recommended by your veterinarian and discard milk according to directions.
The 1998 Midwest Dairy Management Conference promises to be a place to network, brainstorm, and learn about leading edge research-based ides that work. The conference is designed for professional producers and dairy business and service providers. The nation's best expertise has been tapped for program presentations. Scientists and producers will link the science to how it works for them in each of four important general topic areas. One hundred of the nation's leading providers of dairy products and services will be on hand for you to interact with and learn about their products and services. Dates for this second bi-annual conference are August 17-18, 1998; Minneapolis Convention Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota. The conference is organized by extension dairy faculty from 12 Midwestern Universities.
The program will focus on four important dairy management topics that can have a major impact on profit. The four primary topics are: Transition Cow Management; Forages and Nutrition; Business Management; and Cow Comfort. Program presenters include 16 of the nation's top dairy scientists and nine leading edge producers. Mr. Rick Smith, CEO, Dairy Lea Cooperative, Syracuse, N.Y., will be the keynote speaker to challenge our thinking about "Being Non-traditional in a Fast Changing Dairy Industry."
Conference registration materials will soon be available through county Extension offices or call 1-800-367-5363/Fax 612-625-2722 for registration forms for more information. Conference registrations are to be received by August 1 to take advantage of the early bird fee of $149; registration at the door will be $199. Fees include conference proceedings, refreshments, two noon lunches, two continental breakfasts, and the conference reception. The conference hotel is Hotel Regal, Minneapolis, (612-335-6000). A block of rooms is reserved for the conference until July 16. We look forward to seeing you in Minneapolis.
Welcome to Scott Birchall, Livestock Waste Management Specialist stationed at the Carrington Research Extension Center. He can be reached at 701-652-2951. The following is his first installment in this newsletter on the topic of manure.
If the range of agricultural journals I've read recently is a good indicator of the importance placed on environmental issues, livestock producers are facing quite a battle in trying to minimize agricultural impacts on water, soil and air quality while preserving (and preferably improving) viability. Add to that the need to satisfy consumer perceptions of what constitutes sustainable agriculture and it's easy to see why many producers are feeling overwhelmed.
NDSU Extension Service has recently begun a program to assist livestock producers by providing the information and advice necessary as they move to waste management practices that will satisfy industry, regulatory and community requirements. In mid-March, I took up a position as Livestock
Waste Management Specialist based at the Carrington Research Extension Center. This is a four year program and I will be aiming to provide livestock producers with information and advice on facility design, handling and effective utilization of waste.
During the last three and one-half years I was working with dairy producers in the state of New South Wales, Australia, helping them with the design and layout of waste management facilities, construction and monitoring of systems and nutrient budgeting. Environmental issues, particularly surface water quality, have become top priority for the Australian dairy industry over the last six years. The producer associations in each state successfully negotiated with the Environment Protection Authority for a three or four year period in which farmers could voluntarily seek advice and, if necessary, plan and construct suitable systems for controlling waste. Within New South Wales, that approach more than doubled the number of farms with suitable systems; typical works included storage ponds (single or multiple), solids separation traps, flood wash systems and reapplication to soil by irrigation or slury tanker.
Obviously, climatic conditions in North Dakota and a confinement production system present extra challenges, and I look forward to meeting many producers as I come to grips with the differences. I invite anyone who is seeking information to contact me directly or through your county extension agent or extension dairy specialist.
Vol. 8, No. 2, April 1998
NDSU Extension Service, North Dakota State University of
Agriculture and Applied Science, and U.S. Department of
Agriculture cooperating. Sharon D. Anderson, Director, Fargo,
North Dakota. Distributed in furtherance of the Acts of Congress
of May 8 and June 30, 1914. We offer our programs and facilities
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North Dakota State University
NDSU Extension Service