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.