Amplifying local serotonin signaling prior to dry-off hastens mammary gland involution and redevelopment in dairy cows.

The monoamine serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) has been reported to inhibit milk protein gene expression and increase mammary epithelial cell (MEC) tight junction permeability after milk stasis. We hypothesized that increasing serotonin synthesis and signaling within the mammary epithelium before milk stasis would increase systemic and local involution markers, and downregulate the expression of milk protein and tight junction during involution, leading to more efficient tissue growth during the redevelopment phase. Herein, we examined the outcomes of increasing local mammary 5-HT synthesis before milk stasis on involution biomarkers, mammary gland microstructure, and gene and protein expression during the dry period.

Survival of bovine-associated serotypes of in bedding sand.

Cattle persistently infected with bovine-adapted serotypes of are an important animal health and food safety issue. One possible mechanism by which infection is sustained in a dairy herd is by survival of in sand used as bedding material. In this study we assessed the survival of 10 to 10 cfu bovine-associated serotypes of (sv.

Effect of inducing accessory corpus luteum formation with gonadotropin-releasing hormone or human chorionic gonadotropin on the day of embryo transfer on fertility of recipient dairy heifers and lactating cows.

The objective was to determine the effect of inducing an accessory corpus luteum (CL) using GnRH or human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) on the day of in vitro-produced (IVP) embryo transfer (ET) on pregnancy per ET (P/ET) and calving/ET in dairy heifers and lactating cows. Dairy heifers (11-15 mo of age; n = 1,547) and lactating cows (n = 1,480) detected in estrus by tail chalk (d 0) were used as recipients. Before ET, the presence of a CL was evaluated by transrectal palpation from d 6 to 9 of the estrous cycle.

Effects of human chorionic gonadotropin on the last day of a 5-day CIDR Synch protocol and 5 days later on circulating progesterone concentrations and luteal area in Holstein heifers.

The objective was to determine the effect of replacing GnRH with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) on the last day of a 5-d CIDR Synch protocol (d 0) and inducing accessory corpus luteum (CL) formation with hCG 5 d later (d 5) on serum progesterone (P4) concentrations and luteal dynamics in dairy heifers. Holstein heifers (n = 207) were synchronized with a 5-d controlled internal drug release (CIDR) Synch protocol (d -8: used CIDR inserted; d -3: CIDR removed and PGF). Heifers were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 treatments on d 0: control (G; n = 55), H (n = 50), GH (n = 53), and HH (n = 49).

Predicting dry matter intake in mid-lactation Holstein cows using point-in-time data streams available on dairy farms.

Quantifying dry matter intake (DMI) in lactating dairy cows is important for determining feed efficiency; however, there are no methods for economically quantifying individual cow DMI on dairy farms where cows are group-fed. Attempts have been made to model DMI using cow factors, milk production, milk infrared spectra, and behavioral sensors with reasonable success. Other data streams are available on the farm that may contribute to DMI predictions.

Genetic analysis of fetal loss in Holstein cattle.

Pregnancy loss is recognized as one of the major factors contributing to poor reproductive performance in dairy cattle. Here, we performed a comprehensive genetic analysis of fetal loss, defined as a pregnancy loss that occurs after detection of a viable embryo around 42 d of gestation. The objectives of this study were to reveal (1) whether fetal loss is heritable and, hence, whether it will respond to selection, and (2) to what extent current fertility traits, such as daughter pregnancy rate, are associated with fetal loss.

Prediction of nitrogen excretion from data on dairy cows fed a wide range of diets compiled in an intercontinental database: A meta-analysis.

Manure nitrogen (N) from cattle contributes to nitrous oxide and ammonia emissions and nitrate leaching. Measurement of manure N outputs on dairy farms is laborious, expensive, and impractical at large scales; therefore, models are needed to predict N excreted in urine and feces. Building robust prediction models requires extensive data from animals under different management systems worldwide.

Analysis and comparison of key proteins in Maiwa yak and bovine milk using high-performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry.

Yak milk is an essential and predominant food resource for Tibetan people for subsistence purposes and to combat altitude-induced challenges. Due to its unique qualities, yak milk has recently been gaining broader attention from consumers across China as well in other parts of the world. One of the key characteristics of yak milk is the protein content, which is about 40 to 60% higher than that of native bovine milk.

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 the depletion of whey proteins from unconcentrated milk using microfiltration on the yield, functionality, and nutritional profile of Cheddar cheese.

Some European dairies use low concentration factor microfiltration (MF) in their cheese plants. Removal of whey protein (WP) from milk before cheesemaking using microfiltration without concentration provides the opportunity to produce a value-added by-product, milk-derived whey. However, few studies have focused on the effects on cheese properties caused by the depletion of WP from cheese milk.

Symposium review: Big data, big predictions: Utilizing milk Fourier-transform infrared and genomics to improve hyperketonemia management.

Negative animal health and performance outcomes are associated with disease incidences that can be labor-intensive, costly, and cumbersome for many farms. Amelioration of unfavorable outcomes through early detection and treatment of disease has emphasized the value of improving health monitoring. Although the value is recognized, detecting hyperketonemia (HYK) is still difficult for many farms to do practically and efficiently.

Effect of antibiotic treatment in preweaned Holstein calves after experimental bacterial challenge with Pasteurella multocida.

The primary objective of this randomized controlled challenge study was to investigate the effect of ampicillin on ultrasonographic (US) lung consolidation after experimental challenge with Pasteurella multocida in preweaned dairy calves. The secondary objectives were to determine whether ampicillin affected respiratory score, gross consolidation, or the detection of P. multocida in lung tissue at postmortem exam (PME).

Replacing alfalfa hay with triticale hay has minimal effects on lactation performance and nitrogen utilization of dairy cows in a semi-arid region of Mexico.

In the semi-arid highlands of central Mexico, triticale (× Triticosecale L.) is emerging as an alternative, less water-demanding forage crop than alfalfa for dairy cattle. Studies reported here were aimed at evaluating triticale hay (TH) relative to alfalfa hay (AH) for lactating cow performance, apparent digestibility, N partition, and ruminal degradation kinetics of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), and neutral detergent fiber (NDF).

Thermodynamics of standing and lying behavior in lactating dairy cows in freestall and parlor holding pens during conditions of heat stress.

Heat load is a challenge for high-producing dairy cows, with adverse consequences on production, reproduction, and welfare. The objectives of this observational study in 2 commercial dairy herds were to determine the effects of environmental heat stress on standing and lying behavior, to monitor the changes in core body temperature (CBT) of cows during lying and standing bouts, and to compare changes in CBT during standing bouts in freestall pens versus standing in holding pens. High-producing cows were selected for data collection over a period of 6 d of increasing heat stress during a heat wave to which they were not acclimated.

Postpartum supplementation of fermented ammoniated condensed whey improved feed efficiency and plasma metabolite profile.

Postpartum dietary supplementation of gluconeogenic precursors may improve the plasma metabolite profile of dairy cows, reducing metabolic disorders and improving lactation performance. The objective of this trial was to examine the effects of supplementation with fermented ammoniated condensed whey (FACW) postpartum on lactation performance and on profile of plasma metabolites and hormones in transition dairy cows. Individually fed multiparous Holstein cows were blocked by calving date and randomly assigned to control (2.

MicroRNA-221 regulates proliferation of bovine mammary gland epithelial cells by targeting the STAT5a and IRS1 genes.

MicroRNAs (miRNA) play an essential role in mammary gland development and lactation. Previous studies in cattle have shown that miR-221 is highly expressed in peak compared with early lactation. However, the functions of miR-221 in bovine mammary gland epithelial cells and the mechanisms by which this miRNA affects cell proliferation and milk synthesis remain unclear.

Oomycete Species Associated with Soybean Seedlings in North America-Part II: Diversity and Ecology in Relation to Environmental and Edaphic Factors.

Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) is produced across a vast swath of North America, with the greatest concentration in the Midwest.

Additive effects of fibroblast growth factor 23 neutralization and dietary phytase on chick calcium and phosphorus metabolism.

Phytase hydrolyzes phytate rendering phosphorus available for intestinal absorption, while systemic neutralization of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23), using anti-FGF-23 antibody, has been shown to increase phosphate retention. Hence, neutralization of FGF-23 should be additive with phytase in reducing dietary non-phytate phosphorus (nPP) needs in chickens fed plant-based diets rich in phytic acid. This study was designed to test the additive effects of maternally derived anti-FGF-23 antibody and dietary phytase on the performance of chicks fed a low nPP diet from one to 14 d.

Management characteristics, lameness, and body injuries of dairy cattle housed in high-performance dairy herds in Wisconsin.

The objective of this study was to benchmark the prevalence of lameness, hock and knee injuries, and neck and back injuries among high-performance, freestall-housed dairy herds in Wisconsin. A random selection of 66 herds with 200 or more cows was derived from herds that clustered with high performance in year 2011 Dairy Herd Improvement records for milk production, udder health, reproduction, and other health parameters. Herds were surveyed to collect information about management, facilities, and well-being.

A profile of sphingolipids and related compounds tentatively identified in yak milk.

This work characterized a fraction of constituents in yak milk within the realm of approximately 1,000 to 3,000 Da using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Eleven samples of yak milk powder from the Sichuan province of China were received by the Department of Food Science, University of Wisconsin-Madison, and stored at room temperature until analysis. Sample preparation involved delipidation and deproteinization of yak milk samples and cold ethanol precipitation.

Sensitive, Secure Detection of Race 3 Biovar 2 and Native U.S. Strains of Ralstonia solanacearum.

Detecting and correctly identifying Ralstonia solanacearum in infected plants is important because the race 3 biovar 2 (R3bv2) subgroup is a high-concern quarantine pathogen, while the related sequevar 7 group is endemic to the southeastern United States. Preventing accidental import of R3bv2 in geranium cuttings demands sensitive detection methods that are suitable for large-volume use both onshore and offshore. However, detection is complicated by frequent asymptomatic latent infections, uneven pathogen distribution within infected plants, pathogen viable-but-not-culturable state, and biosecurity laws that restrict transport of R3bv2 strains for diagnosis.

Survival of Isolates of the US-22, US-23, and US-24 Clonal Lineages of Phytophthora infestans by Asexual Means in Tomato Seed at Cold Temperatures.

Survival of Phytophthora infestans, causal agent of potato and tomato late blight, is thought to be negligible when exposed to freezing conditions typical of a Wisconsin winter. However, the persistence of relatively new P. infestans clonal lineages US-22, US-23, and US-24 within a production region during 2010 to 2014 warranted further investigation.

Incidence and Severity of Cavity Spot of Carrot as Affected by Pigmentation, Temperature, and Rainfall.

Field trials to determine the effect of carrot pigmentation and weather parameters on cavity spot (CS) of carrot were conducted in the Holland/ Bradford Marsh region of Ontario between 2002 and 2009. In all, 23 colored carrot cultivars from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service breeding program at the University of Wisconsin (n = 5) and commercial seed companies (n = 18) were seeded in organic soil (pH 6 to 7, 45 to 75% organic matter) in late May to early June and harvested in late October or early November. Carrot roots were assessed for CS severity midseason and postharvest.

Novel Resistance in Heirloom Tomatoes and Effectiveness of Resistance in Hybrids to Phytophthora infestans US-22, US-23, and US-24 Clonal Lineages.

Late blight, caused by the oomycete Phytophthora infestans, causes serious losses in tomato production worldwide. Application of fungicides is the primary means of management but cultivar resistance, primarily through Ph resistance genes from Solanum pimpinellifolium, can provide a cost-effective and environmentally sound approach to an overall disease management program. Due to highly adaptable pathogen populations, cultivar resistance against late blight is often short lived and continual assessment of disease response to new pathogen types is necessary.

Assessment of heifer grazing experience on short-term adaptation to pasture and performance as lactating cows.

A 3-yr study evaluated the carryover effects of dairy heifer grazing experience on behavior and first-lactation performance as dairy cows. Forty-one Holstein and 23 Holstein-Jersey crossbred calves born between January and April 2008 were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 treatments (n=8 per group, 2 groups per treatment) in a completely randomized design. Treatments were combinations of managing dairy heifers in confinement (CNF) or on pasture (PST): grazed yr 1 and 2 (PSTPST); grazed yr 1, but confined yr 2 (PSTCNF); confined yr 1 and grazed yr 2 (CNFPST); or confined yr 1 and 2 (CNFCNF).