Profitable Production Through TechnologyProfitable Production Through Technology

Jack H Britt, Ph.D.Jack H Britt, Ph.D.

Professor EmeritusProfessor Emeritus

University of Tennessee University of Tennessee &&

N.C. State UniversityN.C. State University

Management Strategies toManagement Strategies to Improve Milk Yield and Profit Improve Milk Yield and Profit

• Net MeritNet Merit• CrossbreedingCrossbreeding

• GenomicsGenomics

GeneticsGenetics

• SomatotropinSomatotropin•Timed AITimed AI

• Sexed SemenSexed Semen

BiotechnologyBiotechnology

• Transition ManagementTransition Management• Mastitis & HealthMastitis & Health

• Heat StressHeat Stress• Cow ComfortCow Comfort

Herd ManagementHerd Management

Genetics:Genetics:Select High Net Merit $ BullsSelect High Net Merit $ Bulls

Source: http://aipl.arsusda.gov/eval/summary/pctl.cfm

Genetics:Genetics:Select Bulls with High Select Bulls with High SSire ire CConception onception RRateate

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

400

-16 -14 -12 -10 -8 -6 -4 -2 0 1 3 5 7 9 11

Nu

mb

er o

f B

ulls

Sire Conception Rate (% Deviation from Average)

27% Difference from Lowest to Highest Bull27% Difference from Lowest to Highest Bull

Source: USDA Summary for SCR, April 2009

Holstein Hol x Norm Hol x Mont Hol x SR1st AI conception rate 22% 35% 31% 30%

Days open 150 123 131 129

Survival to 305 d 86% 93% 92% 93%

Norm = NormandeMont = MontbeliardeSR = Scandianvian Red

Genetics:Genetics:Crossbreeding Affects Fertility and HealthCrossbreeding Affects Fertility and Health

Source: Heins et al. 2006. J Dairy Sci. 89:4944.

Genetics:Genetics:Genomic Screening of DNAGenomic Screening of DNA

The Future is Here: DNA from blood or semen

50,000 markers (SNPs)

High accuracy prediction

Ranks young bulls before proofs

Can identify best cows

Biotechnology:Biotechnology:Increasing Milk Yield with SomatotropinIncreasing Milk Yield with Somatotropin

Source: VanBaale et al.; Proc. 7th Western Dairy Mgt. Conf. 2005, pp. 167-180

3x

857 kgmore milk

3x

Biotechnology:Biotechnology:Response to SomatotropinResponse to Somatotropin

Source: VanBaale et al.; Proc. 7th Western Dairy Mgt. Conf. 2005, pp. 167-180

857 kgmore milk

No somatotropin

Somatotropinbeginning at week 9

300 cows, Arizona, commercial dairy

1885 lbsor

857 kgmore milk

Biotechnology:Biotechnology:Response to SomatotropinResponse to Somatotropin

BST increases BST increases milkmilk, but not , but not maintenancemaintenance

Values are for a 650 kg cowSource: Capper et al. 2008. Cornell Nutrition Conf., pp 55.

Biotechnology:Biotechnology:Profit from use of SomatotropinProfit from use of Somatotropin

Inputs and Outputs (350 d.i.m.) 2x to 3x 2x + BST 3x + BSTInputsLabor Hours per cow per year 10.27 0.02 10.29 Labor cost @ $1.66/hr 17.04$ 0.24$ 17.29$

Drug Number injections 0 21 21 Drug cost @ $5.80/dose -$ 118.90$ 118.90$

Feed Feed per cow per 350 d, kg 448 336 784 Feed cost @ $0.30/kg 134.40$ 100.76$ 235.16$

Outputs

Milk/cow/d for 350 d, kg 3.50 2.62 6.12 Milk value per cow 504.00$ 377.86$ 881.86$

Biotechnology:Biotechnology:Profit from use of SomatotropinProfit from use of Somatotropin

Most profitable is 3x milking + BST

US$ Returns on Investments 2x to 3x 2x + BST 3x + BSTAdditional milk income 504.00$ 377.86$ 881.86$ Input costs (labor+bST+feed) (151.44)$ (219.91)$ (371.35)$ Net return per cow per lactation 352.56$ 157.95$ 510.51$

MX$ Returns on Investments 2x to 3x 2x + BST 3x + BSTAdditional milk income 6,775$ 5,079$ 11,854$ Input costs (labor+bST+feed) (2,036)$ (2,956)$ (4,992)$ Net return per cow per lactation 4,739$ 2,123$ 6,862$

Biotechnology: Timed AIBiotechnology: Timed AIPresync + Ovsynch + CIDR or CrestarPresync + Ovsynch + CIDR or Crestar

Su M Tu W Th F SaPresynch PGF

PGFEstrus Detect & AI

Ovsynch GPGF G TAI

Breed at Estrus or Timed AI

PGF Prostaglandin F G GnRH

CIDR/Crestar CIDR or Crestar

CIDR or Crestar

Biotechnology:Timing AI After Detected Estrus

0 4 8 12 16 20 24 28 32Hours from Onset of Estrus

Cow A

Cow B

Cow C

Cow D

Cow E

Cow F

Cow G

AllCowsWill

OvulateIn

ThisWindow

OfTime

Duration of Estrus

Inseminate

Biotechnology:Biotechnology:Presynch + Ovsynch + CIDR Fertility and $*Presynch + Ovsynch + CIDR Fertility and $*

*Simulated fertility and costs for four systems; modified from J.S. Stevenson, Hoard’s Dairyman March 10, 2009

First AI measurmentsOvsynch

TAI

PresynchOvsynch

TAI

PresynchEDAI

OvsynchTAI

PresynchEDAI

OvsynchCIDRTAI

No. cows in program 100 100 100 100

Total cows pregnant 35 38 39 40

with bST 47 46 -

Drug cost per cow started $8.90 $13.90 $8.92 $13.32

with bST $8.90 $13.90

Drug cost per pregnant cow $25.43 $36.58 $22.79 $33.29

with bST $18.94 $30.22

Su M Tu W Th F SaOvsynch G

PGF G TAI

Resynch GPg?PG G TAI

Breed at Estrus or Timed AI

PGF Prostaglandin F G GnRH

CIDR/Crestar CIDR or Crestar

Pg? Pregnancy check

CIDR or Crestar

Biotechnology:Biotechnology:Resynch (2Resynch (2ndnd Ovsynch)TAI Ovsynch)TAI

42days

Biotechnology:Biotechnology:“Rapid Synch” TAI“Rapid Synch” TAI

Su M Tu W Th F SaOvsynch G

PGF G TAI

RapidPg?PGF G

Synch TAI

Breed at Estrus or Timed AI

PGF Prostaglandin F G GnRH

CIDR/Crestar CIDR or Crestar

Pg? Pregnancy check

CIDR or Crestar

31days

Source: Stevenson et al. 2003Source: Stevenson et al. 2003Theriogenology 60: 475.Theriogenology 60: 475.

Biotechnology:Biotechnology:Gender Sorted (Sexed) SemenGender Sorted (Sexed) Semen

Fertility traits and costFertility traits and cost NormalNormalGender Gender SortedSorted

Conception to first AI in heifersConception to first AI in heifers 55%55% 45%45%

Semen cost per doseSemen cost per dose $15$15 $45$45

Heifers per 100 first services Heifers per 100 first services 2727 4040

Value of calves Value of calves (F@$500, M@$50)(F@$500, M@$50) $14,900$14,900 $20,250$20,250

Semen cost per heiferSemen cost per heifer $58$58 $129$129

ABSGlobal

Sterry et al. Hoard’s Dairyman, March 25, 2009, pp205; Sterry et al. Hoard’s Dairyman, March 25, 2009, pp205; http://www.uwex.edu/ces/dairymgt/tools/index.cfm

DeJarnette et al. 2008. Dairy Cattle Reprod. Council, DeJarnette et al. 2008. Dairy Cattle Reprod. Council, www.dcrcouncil.org/ADMIN/RESOURCES/Default.aspxwww.dcrcouncil.org/ADMIN/RESOURCES/Default.aspx

BiotechnologyBiotechnologyDifferences Among Herdsmen-InseminatorsDifferences Among Herdsmen-Inseminators

Source: Senger et al. 1984. J. Dairy Sci. 67: 686.

10%

6%

7%

7%RangeRangewithinwithinherdsherds

200+ inseminations each

2x versus 1, 3 or 4x Increase or decrease

1x vs. 2x -6.2 kg (-13.6 lbs) per day

3x vs. 2x +3.5 kg (+6.6 lbs) per day

4x vs. 2x +4.9 kg (+10.8 lbs) per day

Daily Management:Daily Management:Milking Frequency Milking Frequency

Changing frequency gives a Changing frequency gives a “fixed” increase or decrease.“fixed” increase or decrease.

Source: Erdman and Varner. J Dairy Sci. 78: 1199-1203, 1995.Source: Erdman and Varner. J Dairy Sci. 78: 1199-1203, 1995.

Daily Management:Daily Management:Milking Frequency & SomatotropinMilking Frequency & Somatotropin

Source: VanBaale et al.; Proc. 7th Western Dairy Mgt. Conf. 2005, pp. 167-180

6xwk 1-3

3x wk 4-8 3x 3x

857 kgmore milk

Daily Management:Daily Management:Transition CowTransition Cow

Days from ParturitionDays from Parturition

Phase I – Dry off until 21 days prepartum (early dry period)Phase I – Dry off until 21 days prepartum (early dry period)

TMR High fiber diet , 2-3 kg straw

NEL 1.3-1.4 Mcal/kg

12-13% CP

60-80 g Ca; 30-40 g P

Trace minerals and vitamins in TMR

Health & comfort Dry cow mastitis treatment Vaccines Trim feet, off concrete Provide shade

Source: Corbett, R. B. 2002. J. Dairy Sci. 85(Suppl. 1):191-192. (Abstr.)

Goal: Goal: 2121 d in close-up group d in close-up group

BetterHealth

MoreMilk

Days in close-up pen

Days in close-up pen

Goal : Cows pregnant with Goal : Cows pregnant with twinstwins, 35 days in close-up , 35 days in close-up

Phase II – 21 days prepartum (late dry period)Phase II – 21 days prepartum (late dry period)

TMR, high fiber, highly palatable TMR, high fiber, highly palatable

Adequate fiber length (> 3.75 cm)Adequate fiber length (> 3.75 cm)

1-2 kg straw1-2 kg straw

15% crude protein15% crude protein

Increase starch (NFC 38 - 42%)Increase starch (NFC 38 - 42%)

YeastYeast

Anionic salts, minerals, vitamins in TMRAnionic salts, minerals, vitamins in TMR

Rumen-protected choline; Ca salts of Omega 3 & 6 F.A. (fertility)Rumen-protected choline; Ca salts of Omega 3 & 6 F.A. (fertility)

Monitor intakes closelyMonitor intakes closelySource: J. Goff, Feedstuffs, March 8, 2004

J. S. Britt, DVM

Source: Hayirli et al, Source: Hayirli et al, J. Dairy Sci. 85: 3430-3443, 2002J. Dairy Sci. 85: 3430-3443, 2002

Feed intake Feed intake declinesdeclinesduring 3 wk pre-partumduring 3 wk pre-partum

40% decline overall40% decline overall

Abrupt decline last 5 daysAbrupt decline last 5 days

Higher BCS – greater Higher BCS – greater declinedecline

Heifers

Cows

BCS = 4.4

BCS = 3.6

BCS = 2.8

Source: Roger W. Palmer, UW Madison-Dairy Science DepartmentSource: Roger W. Palmer, UW Madison-Dairy Science Department

Transition CowTransition CowPhase II HousingPhase II Housing Calving penCalving pen Feed alleyFeed alley Lock-upLock-up Access to chuteAccess to chute

Phase III – 21 days postpartum Phase III – 21 days postpartum

TMR NEL 1.6-1.7 Mcal/kgTMR NEL 1.6-1.7 Mcal/kg

Highly palatable feeds (30-33% NDF)Highly palatable feeds (30-33% NDF)

Adequate fiber lengthAdequate fiber length

2-3 kg long stem hay2-3 kg long stem hay

16-19% crude protein16-19% crude protein

Increase starch (NFC 44%)Increase starch (NFC 44%)

Trace minerals and vitamins in TMRTrace minerals and vitamins in TMR

Rumen protected choline, Ca salts of omega 3 & 6 fatty acidsRumen protected choline, Ca salts of omega 3 & 6 fatty acids

Monitor intakes, limit total fatMonitor intakes, limit total fat Source:Source: J. Goff, Feedstuffs, March 8, 2004J. Goff, Feedstuffs, March 8, 2004J. S. Britt, DVMJ. S. Britt, DVM

PostpartumAnestrus

0.0

1.0

2.0

3.0

4.0

5.0

6.0

0 12 24 36 48 60 72 84Days Postpartum

1 2 3

Transition Cow: Energy Balance and Fertility

Transition Cow: Energy Balance and Fertility

Progesteroneconcentrations arehigher with morepositive energy

balance

Postpartumanestrus is shorterwith more positive

energy balance

Conception rate at first AI is higher in cows withhigher energy balance

Daily Management:Peripartum Problems Reduce Fertility

Problems Affecting Fertility

• Dystocia

• Twins

• Retained Placenta

• Metritis

• Metabolic diseases>> ketosis, milk fever

Relationships Between Primary and Secondary Postpartum Disorders

PPrriimmaarryy DDiissoorrddeerr ((ooccccuurrss ffiirrsstt))

SSeeccoonnddaarryy DDiissoorrddeerr ((ooccccuurrss nneexxtt))

MMiillkk ffeevveerr

DDyyssttoocciiaa

RReettaaiinneedd ppllaacceennttaa

MMeettrriittiiss

DDiissppllaacceedd aabboommaassuumm

KKeettoossiiss

DDyyssttoocciiaa XX

RReettaaiinneedd ppllaacceennttaa XX XX

MMeettrriittiiss XX XX XX

DDiissppllaacceedd aabboommaassuumm XX XX XX

MMaassttiittiiss XX XX XX XX

LLooww ccoonncceeppttiioonn.. XX XX XX XX XX XX

Daily Management:Daily Management:Postpartum Reproductive DisordersPostpartum Reproductive Disorders

RecommendationsRecommendations

Monitor temperature and appetiteMonitor temperature and appetite

Treat Treat sicksick cows systemically cows systemically

Delay treatment for other cowsDelay treatment for other cows

Monitor diameter of cervix @ 3-4 wkMonitor diameter of cervix @ 3-4 wk

Treat endometritis after 30 daysTreat endometritis after 30 days

TraitSmallest

1/3Largest

1/3

Percentage of cows 40% 26%

1st service conception 67% 47%

Days open 85 108

Cervix Diameter Group

Daily Management:Daily Management:Monitor Cervix DiameterMonitor Cervix Diameter

* 21-28 days postpartum* 21-28 days postpartum

Source: Oltenacu et al. 1983. J Dairy Sci. 66: 612.

*492 cows in 8 commercial herds, Michigan

Daily Management: Daily Management: Mastitis and Milk LossMastitis and Milk Loss

Source: Wilson et al. J Dairy Sci. 2004. 87: 2073.

Impact of clinical mastitis Impact of clinical mastitis on milk yieldon milk yield

Primiparous (DIM = 22)Primiparous (DIM = 22)

Multiparious (DIM = 81)Multiparious (DIM = 81)

Primiparous

Multiparous

Approximately 1600 cows on two commercial farms in New York state.

Trait NoneBefore 1st

AISoon after

1st AI

After Preg.

DiagnosisNo. Cows 501 250 147 103

Con. Rate 1st AI 29% 22% 10% 38%

Preg. @ 320 DIM 85% 72% 59% 93%

Abortion 6% 12% 12% 10%

Mastitis Status

Daily Management: Daily Management: Mastitis and Conception RatesMastitis and Conception Rates

Source: Santos et al. 2004. Animal Reproduction Science 80:31-45.

Daily Management:Daily Management:Heat StressHeat Stress

Shade <> Cooling <>VentilationFeed Intake <> Protein <> Water

Managing Heat Stress

Daily Management:Daily Management:Heat StressHeat Stress

Source: Faust et al. 1988. J. Dairy Sci. 71:3092

Seasonal conception rate3200 Holsteins cows southeast US

Heifers

Cows

Sartori et al. 2002. J. Dairy Sci. 85:2803.

Cows affected more than heifers

Heat stress affects cows more than heifers.Heat stress affects cows more than heifers.

Heat Stress ManagementHeat Stress Management

WaterWater• CleanClean• Exit alleysExit alleys

FeedingFeeding•Monitor intakeMonitor intake• Adjust proteinAdjust protein

ShadeShade•Over cows Over cows •Over feedOver feed

Fans over stalls

Cooling Cows During Heat StressCooling Cows During Heat Stress

FansFans

SprinklersSprinklers

Fans & sprinkler over feed bunkFans & sprinkler over feed bunk

Cow ComfortCow ComfortTransition & Heat Stress ManagementTransition & Heat Stress Management

AlleysAlleys• Rubber floor stripsRubber floor strips• GroovedGrooved

Free stallsFree stalls•SandSand• SizeSize

Holding pensHolding pens•Ventilation Ventilation •Water in exit alleysWater in exit alleys Fans over stallsFans over stalls

Cow Comfort:Cow Comfort:Estrus is Affected by Footing SurfaceEstrus is Affected by Footing Surface

0102030405060708090

100

0 to 5 6 to 10 11 to 15 16 to 20 21 to 25 26 to 30

Minutes from Movement

Dirt

Concrete

Number of Mounts per 5-Minutes

Britt et al. 1986. J. Dairy Sci. 69: 2195.DirtDirt

ConcreteConcrete

Gracias!

Daily Management: Daily Management: Milk Yields During Extended LactationsMilk Yields During Extended Lactations

10000

Primiparous

Multiparous

340 dim340 dim 560 dim560 dim

Source: Cole et al. 2009Source: Cole et al. 2009J. Dairy Sci. 92:1796.J. Dairy Sci. 92:1796.

Multiparous cows reach ½ of peak at 340 days in milk.

Primiparous cows reach ½ of peak at 560 days in milk.