Use technology to improve profitability in dairy herds.

1. Profitable Production Through TechnologyProfitable Production Through Technology
Jack H Britt, Ph.D.Jack H Britt, Ph.D.
Professor EmeritusProfessor Emeritus
University of TennesseeUniversity of Tennessee
&&
N.C. State UniversityN.C. State University

2. Management Strategies toManagement Strategies to
Improve Milk Yield and ProfitImprove 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

3. Genetics:Genetics:
Select High Net Merit $ BullsSelect High Net Merit $ Bulls
Source: http://aipl.arsusda.gov/eval/summary/pctl.cfm

4. Genetics:Genetics:
Select Bulls with HighSelect Bulls with High SSireire CConceptiononception 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
NumberofBulls
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

5. Holstein Hol x Norm Hol x Mont Hol x SR
1st AI conception rate 22% 35% 31% 30%
Days open 150 123 131 129
Survival to 305 d 86% 93% 92% 93%
Norm = Normande
Mont = Montbeliarde
SR = Scandianvian Red
Genetics:Genetics:
Crossbreeding Affects Fertility and HealthCrossbreeding Affects Fertility and Health
Source: Heins et al. 2006. J Dairy Sci. 89:4944.

6. 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

7. 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 kg
more milk
3x

8. Biotechnology:Biotechnology:
Response to SomatotropinResponse to Somatotropin
Source: VanBaale et al.; Proc. 7th
Western Dairy Mgt. Conf. 2005, pp. 167-180
857 kg
more milk
No somatotropin
Somatotropin
beginning at week 9
300 cows, Arizona, commercial dairy
1885 lbs
or
857 kg
more milk

9. Biotechnology:Biotechnology:
Response to SomatotropinResponse to Somatotropin
BST increasesBST increases
milkmilk, but not, but not
maintenancemaintenance
Values are for a 650 kg cow
Source: Capper et al. 2008.
Cornell Nutrition Conf., pp 55.

10. Biotechnology:Biotechnology:
Profit from use of SomatotropinProfit from use of Somatotropin
Inputs and Outputs (350 d.i.m.) 2x to 3x 2x + BST 3x + BST
Inputs
Labor
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$

11. 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 + BST
Additional 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 + BST
Additional 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$

12. Biotechnology: Timed AIBiotechnology: Timed AI
Presync + Ovsynch + CIDR or CrestarPresync + Ovsynch + CIDR or Crestar
Su M Tu W Th F Sa
Presynch PGF
PGF
Estrus Detect & AI
Ovsynch G
PGF G TAI
Breed at Estrus or Timed AI
PGF Prostaglandin F G GnRH
CIDR/Crestar CIDR or Crestar
CIDR or Crestar

13. Biotechnology:
Timing AI After Detected Estrus
0 4 8 12 16 20 24 28 32
Hours from Onset of Estrus
Cow A
Cow B
Cow C
Cow D
Cow E
Cow F
Cow G
All
Cows
Will
Ovulate
In
This
Window
Of
Time
Duration
of Estrus
Inseminate

14. 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 measurments
Ovsynch
TAI
Presynch
Ovsynch
TAI
Presynch
EDAI
Ovsynch
TAI
Presynch
EDAI
Ovsynch
CIDR
TAI
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

15. Su M Tu W Th F Sa
Ovsynch G
PGF G TAI
Resynch G
Pg?
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)TAIOvsynch)TAI
42
days

16. Biotechnology:Biotechnology:
“Rapid Synch” TAI“Rapid Synch” TAI
Su M Tu W Th F Sa
Ovsynch G
PGF G TAI
Rapid
Pg?
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
31
days
Source: Stevenson et al. 2003Source: Stevenson et al. 2003
Theriogenology 60: 475.Theriogenology 60: 475.

17. Biotechnology:Biotechnology:
Gender Sorted (Sexed) SemenGender Sorted (Sexed) Semen
Fertility traits and costFertility traits and cost NormalNormal
GenderGender
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 servicesHeifers per 100 first services 2727 4040
Value of calvesValue 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.cfmhttp://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

18. BiotechnologyBiotechnology
Differences Among Herdsmen-InseminatorsDifferences Among Herdsmen-Inseminators
Source: Senger et al. 1984. J. Dairy Sci. 67: 686.
10%
6%
7%
7%
RangeRange
withinwithin
herdsherds
200+ inseminations each

19. 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 FrequencyMilking Frequency
Changing frequency gives aChanging 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.

20. Daily Management:Daily Management:
Milking Frequency & SomatotropinMilking Frequency & Somatotropin
Source: VanBaale et al.; Proc. 7th
Western Dairy Mgt. Conf. 2005, pp. 167-180
6x
wk 1-3
3x
wk 4-8 3x 3x
857 kg
more milk

21. Daily Management:Daily Management:
Transition CowTransition Cow
Days from ParturitionDays from Parturition

22. 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

23. Source: Corbett, R. B. 2002.
J. Dairy Sci. 85(Suppl. 1):191-192. (Abstr.)
Goal:Goal: 2121 d in close-up groupd in close-up group
Better
Health
More
Milk
Days in close-up pen
Days in close-up pen
Goal : Cows pregnant withGoal : Cows pregnant with
twinstwins, 35 days in close-up, 35 days in close-up

24. Phase II – 21 days prepartum (late dry period)Phase II – 21 days prepartum (late dry period)
 TMR, high fiber, highly palatableTMR, 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 closely
Source: J. Goff, Feedstuffs, March 8, 2004
J. S. Britt, DVM

25. Source: Hayirli et al,Source: Hayirli et al,
J. Dairy Sci. 85: 3430-3443, 2002J. Dairy Sci. 85: 3430-3443, 2002
Feed intakeFeed intake declinesdeclines
during 3 wk pre-partumduring 3 wk pre-partum
 40% decline overall40% decline overall
Abrupt decline last 5 daysAbrupt decline last 5 days
 Higher BCS – greaterHigher BCS – greater
declinedecline
Heifers
Cows
BCS = 4.4
BCS = 3.6
BCS = 2.8

26. Source: Roger W. Palmer, UW Madison-Dairy Science DepartmentSource: Roger W. Palmer, UW Madison-Dairy Science Department
Transition CowTransition Cow
Phase II HousingPhase II Housing
 Calving penCalving pen
 Feed alleyFeed alley
 Lock-upLock-up
 Access to chuteAccess to chute

27. Phase III – 21 days postpartumPhase 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, 2004
J. S. Britt, DVMJ. S. Britt, DVM

28. Postpartum
Anestrus
0.0
1.0
2.0
3.0
4.0
5.0
6.0
0 12 24 36 48 60 72 84
Days Postpartum
1 2 3
Transition Cow:
Energy Balance and Fertility
Transition Cow:
Energy Balance and Fertility
Progesterone
concentrations are
higher with more
positive energy
balance
Postpartum
anestrus is shorter
with more positive
energy balance
Conception rate at first AI
is higher in cows with
higher energy balance

29. Daily Management:
Peripartum Problems Reduce Fertility
Problems Affecting Fertility
• Dystocia
• Twins
• Retained Placenta
• Metritis
• Metabolic diseases
>> ketosis, milk fever

30. 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

31. Daily Management:Daily Management:
Postpartum Reproductive DisordersPostpartum Reproductive Disorders
RecommendationsRecommendations
 Monitor temperature and appetiteMonitor temperature and appetite
 TreatTreat sicksick cows systemicallycows 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

32. Trait
Smallest
1/3
Largest
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

33. Daily Management:Daily Management:
Mastitis and Milk LossMastitis and Milk Loss
Source: Wilson et al. J Dairy Sci. 2004. 87: 2073.
Impact of clinical mastitisImpact 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.

34. Trait None
Before 1st
AI
Soon after
1st AI
After
Preg.
Diagnosis
No. 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.

35. Daily Management:Daily Management:
Heat StressHeat Stress
Shade <> Cooling <>Ventilation
Feed Intake <> Protein <> Water
Managing Heat Stress

36. Daily Management:Daily Management:
Heat StressHeat Stress
Source: Faust et al. 1988. J. Dairy Sci. 71:3092
Seasonal conception rate
3200 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.

37. Heat Stress ManagementHeat Stress Management
WaterWater
• CleanClean
• Exit alleysExit alleys
FeedingFeeding
•Monitor intakeMonitor intake
• Adjust proteinAdjust protein
ShadeShade
•Over cowsOver cows
•Over feedOver feed
Fans over stalls

38. Cooling Cows During Heat StressCooling Cows During Heat Stress
FansFans
SprinklersSprinklers
Fans & sprinkler over feed bunkFans & sprinkler over feed bunk

39. Cow ComfortCow Comfort
Transition & Heat Stress ManagementTransition & Heat Stress Management
AlleysAlleys
• Rubber floor stripsRubber floor strips
• GroovedGrooved
Free stallsFree stalls
•SandSand
• SizeSize
Holding pensHolding pens
•VentilationVentilation
•Water in exit alleysWater in exit alleys Fans over stallsFans over stalls

40. Cow Comfort:Cow Comfort:
Estrus is Affected by Footing SurfaceEstrus is Affected by Footing Surface
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
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

41. Gracias!

42. 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. 2009
J. 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.