Farm-gate greenhouse gas emission intensity for medium to large New York dairy farms.

In 2022, New York (NY) had over 620 000 dairy cows producing more than 7 million Mg (15 billion lb) of milk, ranking fifth in dairy producing states in the United States. The objectives of this work were to (1) estimate total farm-gate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and GHG emission intensity (GHG) of 36 medium to large (>300 mature cows) commercial NY dairies, (2) determine the contribution of main GHGs (on-farm methane [CH], nitrous oxide [NO], and carbon dioxide [CO], plus embedded emissions [CO equivalents; COeq]) and sources (enteric fermentation, feed production, manure management, grazing, fuel and energy) to farm-gate GHG, and (3) identify key performance indicators (KPIs) driving farm-gate GHG. Assessments were done for 2022 using The Cool Farm Tool.

Urinary and fecal potassium excretion prediction in dairy cattle: A meta-analytic approach.

Quantification of potassium (K) excretion in dairy cattle is important to understand the environmental impact of dairy farming. To improve and monitor the environmental impact of dairy cows, there is a need for a simple, inexpensive, and less laborious method to quantify K excretion on dairy farms. The adoption of empirical mathematical models has been shown to be a promising tool to address this issue.

Predicting orthophosphate in feces and manure from dairy cattle.

Dairy cattle excreta are a valuable source of orthophosphate (Ortho-P), an inorganic form of phosphorus (P) that is readily available for microorganisms, plant growth, and development. There is, however, a growing environmental concern about the potential negative environmental impact of excessive amounts of Ortho-P excretion, which can lead to the eutrophication of water bodies. As a result, the development of mathematical equations to quantify and manage Ortho-P excretion on dairy farms could prove valuable for environmental sustainability.

Development and Validation of a Method for Hydrolysis and Analysis of Amino Acids in Ruminant Feeds, Tissue, and Milk Using Isotope Dilution Z-HILIC Coupled with Electrospray Ionization Triple Quadrupole LC-MS/MS.

Current analytical methods for amino acid (AA) analysis in ruminant nutrition are time-consuming and expensive. This study aimed to develop a method for AA analysis that is faster, more efficient, rugged, and accessible. Four representative matrixes were selected for method development and validation: milk, tissue, feed, and soy flour standard reference material from National Institute of Standards and Technology.

Enteric Methane Emissions Prediction in Dairy Cattle and Effects of Monensin on Methane Emissions: A Meta-Analysis.

Greenhouse gas emissions, such as enteric methane (CH) from ruminant livestock, have been linked to global warming. Thus, easily applicable CH management strategies, including the inclusion of dietary additives, should be in place. The objectives of the current study were to: (i) compile a database of animal records that supplemented monensin and investigate the effect of monensin on CH emissions; (ii) identify the principal dietary, animal, and lactation performance input variables that predict enteric CH production (g/d) and yield (g/kg of dry matter intake DMI); (iii) develop empirical models that predict CH production and yield in dairy cattle; and (iv) evaluate the newly developed models and published models in the literature.

Effect of dietary supplementation of 2 forms of a B vitamin and choline blend on the performance of Holstein calves during the transition and postweaning phase.

The transition from a liquid- to a solid-based diet involves several adaptations in calves. Development of ruminal function is likely to alter B vitamin and choline supply, although little is known about the extent of these changes relative to the calf's requirements and consequences for the calf around weaning. Moreover, literature data are equivocal concerning the need to supplement B vitamins and choline through weaning and transition phase of the dairy calf.

Effects of feeding rumen-protected methionine pre- and postpartum on reproductive outcomes of multiparous Holstein cows.

Our primary objective was to evaluate the effect of feeding rumen-protected Met (RPM) in the pre- and postpartum total mixed ration (TMR) on pregnancy per artificial insemination (AI) and pregnancy loss in multiparous Holstein cows. We also evaluated multiple secondary reproductive physiological outcomes before and after AI, including uterine health, ovarian cyclicity, response to synchronization of ovulation, and markers of embryo development and size. A total of 470 multiparous Holstein cows [235 at the University of Wisconsin (UW) and 235 at Cornell University (CU)] were used for this experiment.

Effects of feeding rumen-protected methionine pre- and postpartum in multiparous Holstein cows: Lactation performance and plasma amino acid concentrations.

Objectives were to evaluate the effect of feeding rumen-protected methionine (RPM) in pre- and postpartum total mix ration (TMR) on lactation performance and plasma AA concentrations in dairy cows. A total of 470 multiparous Holstein cows [235 cows at University of Wisconsin (UW) and 235 cows at Cornell University (CU)] were enrolled approximately 4 wk before parturition, housed in close-up dry cow and replicated lactation pens. Pens were randomly assigned to treatment diets (pre- and postpartum, respectively): UW control (CON) diet = 2.

Effects of rumen-protected methionine or methionine analogs in starter on plasma metabolites, growth, and efficiency of Holstein calves from 14 to 91 d of age.

During weaning, methionine (Met) supply decreases as liquid feed intake is reduced and ruminal function is developing. During this transition, the calf starter should both promote ruminal development and provide adequate nutrients post-ruminally. In mature ruminants, rumen-protected Met (RPM) and the Met analogs, 2-hydroxy-4-(methylthio)-butanoic acid (HMTBa) and HMTBa isopropyl ester (HMBi), are used to increase Met supply, stimulate ruminal fermentation, or exert both effects, respectively.

Optimal harvest timing for brown midrib forage sorghum yield, nutritive value, and ration performance.

Forage sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] is a viable alternative to corn silage (Zea mays L.) in double cropping rotations with forage winter cereals in New York due to a later planting date and potentially earlier harvest date of forage sorghum than is typical for corn silage.

ASN-ASAS SYMPOSIUM: FUTURE OF DATA ANALYTICS IN NUTRITION: Modeling complex problems with system dynamics: applications in animal agriculture1.

Many problematic outcomes in agricultural and food systems have important dynamic dimensions and arise due to underlying system structure. Thus, understanding the linkages between system structure and dynamic behavior often is important for the design and implementation of interventions to achieve sustained improvements. System dynamics (SD) modeling represents system structure using stock-flow-feedback structures expressed as systems of differential equations solved by numerical integration methods.

Nutrient supply alters transcriptome regulation in adipose tissue of pre-weaning Holstein calves.

Performance of dairy cows can be influenced by early life nutrient supply. Adipose tissue is diet sensitive and an important component in that process as it is involved in the regulation of energetic, reproductive and immunological functions. However, it is not clear how early life nutrition alters the molecular regulation of adipose tissue in calves and potentially adult individuals.

Effect of nutritional plane on health and performance in dairy calves after experimental infection with Cryptosporidium parvum.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of nutritional plane on health and performance of dairy calves after infection with Cryptosporidium parvum.

Design: Randomized, controlled trial.

Animals: 20 Holstein bull calves.

Identification of estrogen-responsive genes in the parenchyma and fat pad of the bovine mammary gland by microarray analysis.

Identification of estrogen-responsive genes is an essential step toward understanding mechanisms of estrogen action during mammary gland development. To identify these genes, 16 prepubertal heifers were used in a 2 x 2 factorial experiment, with ovarian status (intact or ovariectomized) as the first factor and estrogen treatment as the second (control or estradiol). Heifers were ovariectomized at approximately 4.