“enhancing dairy farm profits through internal growth”
DESCRIPTION
Welcome!. 2005 Winter Dairy Management Series:. “Enhancing Dairy Farm Profits through Internal Growth”. “Internal Growth” encompasses many aspects of your business; we will stay on message to address the breadth:. Agenda What’s the Internal Growth Level in your Herd? Welcome - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
“Enhancing Dairy Farm Profitsthrough Internal Growth”
2005 Winter Dairy Management Series:
“Internal Growth” encompasses many aspects of your business; we will stay on message to address the
breadth:AgendaWhat’s the Internal Growth Level in your Herd? Welcome Capturing the Economic Value of Internal Growth Introduction of the Case Farm(s)Assessing, Improving and Minimizing Broken Cows Analyzing Internal Growth Components in the Case Farm How we Limit Broken Cows in the Case Farm, Mastitis & Foot Health Lunch Many Cows Break in the Transition Possible Fixes Transition Cow Management in the Case Farm Optimizing Replacement Enterprise for Profitable Internal Growth Ins & outs of the Case Farms Replacement EnterpriseFarm-Specific, Goal-Driven Reproductive Management How Repro is handled on the Case Farm Where do we start? Modeling Improvements to IG and Predictable Gains Final questions & Evaluation
Agricultural Finance and Management at CornellDepartment of Applied Economics and Management
Many people across the NYS Dairy Industry had a hand in pulling this together…
… the most important of whom are our Case Farms who you soon will meet. They
generously opened their farms’ data for our better understanding
Agricultural Finance and Management at CornellDepartment of Applied Economics and Management
Internal Herd Growth
Generating Profits through Management
Agricultural Finance and Management at CornellDepartment of Applied Economics and Management
What is Internal Herd Growth
Generating more dairy replacements than you need to maintain herd size.
Interaction of two components: How many replacements do you need to
maintain herd size? How many replacements are you generating?
Many different areas of farm operations impact these two components.
Agricultural Finance and Management at CornellDepartment of Applied Economics and Management
How Many Replacements do You Need?
Centered in the milking herd. How many cows have to be replaced? Why do they have to be replaced?
DiedMastitisReproductionLow milk productionEtc.
What could be done to decrease the number that need to be replaced?
Agricultural Finance and Management at CornellDepartment of Applied Economics and Management
Economics
By requiring fewer replacements to maintain herd size, you minimize expenses associated with maintaining herd size. If paying $1,500 per replacement with a replacement
rate of 50%, you will spend $150,000 per year to maintain a 200 cow dairy.
If you can lower replacement rate to 30%, you will spend $90,000 to maintain same 200 cow dairy.
Agricultural Finance and Management at CornellDepartment of Applied Economics and Management
Total Cost per Year to Maintain Herd Size Purchasing All Replacements Herd Size 200 Cows
Cow Price of Dairy ReplacementsReplacement $1,300 $1,400 $1,500 $1,600 $1,700 $1,800 $1,900 $2,000 $2,100Rate
22% 57,200 61,600 66,000 70,400 74,800 79,200 83,600 88,000 92,400
26% 67,600 72,800 78,000 83,200 88,400 93,600 98,800 104,000 109,200
30% 78,000 84,000 90,000 96,000 102,000 108,000 114,000 120,000 126,000
34% 88,400 95,200 102,000 108,800 115,600 122,400 129,200 136,000 142,800
38% 98,800 106,400 114,000 121,600 129,200 136,800 144,400 152,000 159,600
42% 109,200 117,600 126,000 134,400 142,800 151,200 159,600 168,000 176,400
46% 119,600 128,800 138,000 147,200 156,400 165,600 174,800 184,000 193,200
50% 130,000 140,000 150,000 160,000 170,000 180,000 190,000 200,000 210,000
Prepared by: Jason Karszes, Senior Extension Associate, PRO-DAIRY, Cornell University
Agricultural Finance and Management at CornellDepartment of Applied Economics and Management
Economics
Lower or little financial gain from internal herd growth if: Attain IHG by keeping unprofitable
and/or low profit cows in the herd. Costs associated with preventing cows
from leaving the herd too high.
Agricultural Finance and Management at CornellDepartment of Applied Economics and Management
How Many Replacements are You Generating?
Combination of milking herd and replacement program. How many calves born per year?
Calving interval
Ratio of heifer calves to bull calves. How many heifer calves born dead?
DOA
How many calves don’t complete replacement program?
Non-Completion percent – or “heifer cull rate”
Agricultural Finance and Management at CornellDepartment of Applied Economics and Management
How Many Replacements are You Generating?
If all four in your favor, you can generate many replacements.
If 3 in your favor, may still be able to generate more heifers than needed.
If 2 in your favor, will be difficult to generate excess heifers.
If only one factor in your favor, may be difficult to maintain herd size.
Agricultural Finance and Management at CornellDepartment of Applied Economics and Management
Required Number of Heifer Calves per Year to Maintain Herd SizeFor Various Non-Completion Rates and Dairy Replacement RatesHerd Size 200 DOA Rate^ 5%
Cow Replacement Rate, PercentageNon-Completion 20 23 26 29 33 36 39 42 45Rate*, Percentage
2 43.0 49.5 55.9 62.4 71.0 77.4 83.9 90.3 96.8
4 44.0 50.5 57.1 63.7 72.5 79.1 85.7 92.3 98.9
6 44.9 51.7 58.4 65.2 74.2 80.9 87.6 94.4 101.1
8 46.0 52.9 59.8 66.7 75.9 82.8 89.7 96.6 103.4
10 47.1 54.1 61.2 68.2 77.6 84.7 91.8 98.8 105.9
12 48.2 55.4 62.7 69.9 79.5 86.7 94.0 101.2 108.4
14 49.4 56.8 64.2 71.6 81.5 88.9 96.3 103.7 111.1
16 50.6 58.2 65.8 73.4 83.5 91.1 98.7 106.3 113.9
18 51.9 59.7 67.5 75.3 85.7 93.5 101.3 109.1 116.9
* Non completion rate represents the percent of heifers that start the replacement system that don't enter the dairy herd.^ DOA Rate represents the percent of heifer calfs that are born dead.
Prepared by: Jason Karszes, Senior Extension Associate, PRO-DAIRY, Cornell University
Agricultural Finance and Management at CornellDepartment of Applied Economics and Management
Economics
By generating more heifers than needs, you have the ability to generate additional earnings: If need 50 replacements and only
generate 50, no gain. If generate 60, have 10 more than
needed. If generate 40, have to purchase 10 to
maintain herd size.
Agricultural Finance and Management at CornellDepartment of Applied Economics and Management
Economics
Lower or little financial gain from internal growth if: The cost to raise the heifers is high.
LaborFeedInventory – older calving age
If the quality of the replacement is low.Less profitable animal in the herd: i.e.
stunted or fat
Agricultural Finance and Management at CornellDepartment of Applied Economics and Management
Capturing the Value of Internal Growth
Internal growth is having more animals than you need.
Capturing value becomes a management decision.
Many different ways to capture value.
Mission, vision, values, goals of family and business important when evaluating.
Agricultural Finance and Management at CornellDepartment of Applied Economics and Management
Growing Herd Size
The extra animals generated enter the dairy herd.
Grow herd size without purchasing outside animals.
Have the ability to handle increased numbers or can easily add the capacity.
Increase profits through increased utilization of assets.
If not full or not at maximum size for site, may be best means to capture value.
Agricultural Finance and Management at CornellDepartment of Applied Economics and Management
Key Factors
Control genetics and quality of replacements.
Slow steady growth over time.Can grow with closed herd.Operating expenses (feed, labor, etc).
used to build balance sheet assets (cattle).
Has to be economical to grow.
Agricultural Finance and Management at CornellDepartment of Applied Economics and Management
Selling Milking Cows
All replacements enter the herd.Sell the least profitable dairy cows in
the herd.Market them for dairy purposes.Average a higher price then beef
price.
Agricultural Finance and Management at CornellDepartment of Applied Economics and Management
Key Factors
Stable herd size.Keep replacements – may be better genetics.Keep calf that replacement heifer is carrying. Improve dairy herd by replacing less
profitable cows. Increase value of animals sold through higher
price for dairy vs beef.Capturing most of the calf crop.
Agricultural Finance and Management at CornellDepartment of Applied Economics and Management
Selling Springing Heifers
Raise heifers.Sell excess animals at calving for
replacements purposes.
Agricultural Finance and Management at CornellDepartment of Applied Economics and Management
Key Factors
Stable herd size.Pick which animals enter herd vs are
sold.For animals sold – no risk if they don’t
make it through calving.Possible loss of genetic progress:
replacement and calf she’s carrying.Possible fewer calves entering system.
Agricultural Finance and Management at CornellDepartment of Applied Economics and Management
Selling Calves
Sell excess heifers early in age.Only raise enough that are needed to
maintain herd size.
Agricultural Finance and Management at CornellDepartment of Applied Economics and Management
Key Factors
Stable herd size.
Limited replacement program capacity.
Pick which calves to raise.
Minimized replacement expense.
Increased calf sales.
Limited number of heifers if unusual event in dairy or replacement program.
Agricultural Finance and Management at CornellDepartment of Applied Economics and Management
Leasing Animals
Keep all animals.Lease out excess milking animals.
Agricultural Finance and Management at CornellDepartment of Applied Economics and Management
Key Factors
Building herd size – increasing assets.No investment in buildings/land, etc.Keep all genetics and calves.If animals come home – no longer
closed herd.Make return on investment in cattle.Return may be negative!
Agricultural Finance and Management at CornellDepartment of Applied Economics and Management
Take Home Points
Internal herd growth is a profit source under control of management.
Interaction among many areas of the business.
Operational costs building assets on the balance sheet, not just maintaining assets.
Means of capturing value is a management choice.
We are privileged to have been able to work with our 3 “Internal Growth” Case Farms:
Hal and Kerry Adams Manchester, NY
1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 CowsBeginning 75 78 76 89 103 109Purchased 0 0 0 0 0 0Died 3 1 0 1 3 4Beefed 19 32 15 23 39 18Sold Dairy 0 1 1 0 0 0Heifers Freshened 25 32 29 38 48 31
End 78 76 89 103 109 120
IHG 4.0% -1.3% 18.4% 15.7% 5.8% 8.3%
Nathan, MaryLou and Steve DurfeeChittenango, NY
We are privileged to have been able to work with our 3 “Internal Growth” Case Farms:
Steve and MaryLou Durfee2000 2001 2002 2003 2004
Number of cows (ave.) 180 184 180 186 197Heifers - all ages 164 191 181 161 225Milk Sold/Cow (lbs.) 25,159 24,993 25,708 25,098 24,591Total Milk Sold (lbs.) 4,528,561 4,587,591 4,627,504 4,668,287 4,598,605Culling Rate % 33 34 33 33 30Internal Herd Growth % 7.9 12 11.8 7.9 9.6Heifers Sold 0 0 20 25
We are privileged to have been able to work with our 3 “Internal Growth” Case Farms:
Pat and Marty HanehanSaratoga Springs, NY
Pat and Marty Hanehan2000 2001 2002 2003 2004
Number of cows 339 401 495 519 560Bred Heifer # 104 131 148 203 204Open Heifer # 65 104 121 132 151Calves # (0-6 mos.) 65 84 96 105 114Milk Sold/Cow (lbs.) 20051 21337 22688 22861 23354Total Milk Sold (lbs.) 7,979,994 10,164,432 11,361,881 12,797,792Culling Rate % 29 21 30 31 29Bst ------ almost none ---------
Case Herds were selected from search of either Farm Credit or Cornell Dairy Summaries (or both).
Primary search item was multi-year Internal Growth.
As you will see, each herd arrived at good level of growth differently, and captured the dividend differently as well.
While there is a mountain of “measurables” we’ll be looking at, the most important trait linking these businesses is more observable than measurable.
Positive Attitude
Bias for Action
Realistic View of the Changing Dairy Industry
(Vision)
Reconfiguring Business to fit that Vision (Mission)
Knows how to Implement Measured
Improvements
Particularly Good at Problem Solving
Excellent with People
Pat & Marty Hanehan Hanehan and Sons Dairy
Pat and Marty Hanehan2000 2001 2002 2003 2004
Number of cows 339 401 495 519 560Bred Heifer # 104 131 148 203 204Open Heifer # 65 104 121 132 151Calves # (0-6 mos.) 65 84 96 105 114Milk Sold/Cow (lbs.) 20051 21337 22688 22861 23354Total Milk Sold (lbs.) 7,979,994 10,164,432 11,361,881 12,797,792Culling Rate % 29 21 30 31 29Bst ------ almost none ---------
Profitability - The Real Indicator
Hanehan Large Herds 300+ Cows
2002 8.65% 1.10%
2003 6.96% 1.60%2004 15.96% 8.50%
Profitability - The Real Indicator
8.65%
6.96%
15.96%
1.10%
8.50%
1.60%
0.00%2.00%4.00%6.00%8.00%
10.00%12.00%14.00%16.00%18.00%
2002 2003 2004Rat
e o
f R
etu
rn o
n a
ll C
apit
al (
w/o
ap
pre
c.)
Hanehan Large Herds 300 Cows
2004 year end numbers
What Really Matters…Learning from How and When Cows “Break”
John ConwayBill Stone
Jerry Bertoldo
Not so useful:
Cull Rates
May include those sold for Dairy
Says nothing about underlying problems
But may “light up” the need to look deeper
Not so useful:
DHI Cull Codes
Better than “cull rate”
Does not allow for full sequence of insults
Lean on details for quick, deep analysis
Some are “fast and loose” with single code
May allow analysis of trends over time
Left for DairyLeft for low productionLeft for reproductionLeft for injury/otherLeft – diedLeft for mastitisLeft for feet/legsLeft for udderLeft – no reason
What Really Matters is…Learning from How and When Cows “Break”
Who? When? Why?How?Analysis
Connecting to amemory of an individual may bring back the seriousness of the insult
Gives you the advantage of seeing trends over time -- i.e. rash of fresh cow problems when transition group size goes beyond threshold.
Exactly what symptoms were observed & treated. Becomes part of readily searchable record.
Gets to the root cause. Best way to improve processes & practices in a way that’s meaningful.
For a great array of Dairy Production analytical tools go to:
http://www.ansci.umn.edu/dairy/toolbox/toolbox.htm#mgmttools(especially note UW Vets’ # 4: Goal Form - Estimate of Economic Losses)
Lameness!
Environment/Management • Stress • Trauma • Exercise • Trimming
Weakened Claws (Hooves) • Breakdown in Supportive Connective Tissue • Poor Quality Horn Formation
Weakened Claws (Hooves) • Breakdown in Supportive Connective Tissue • Poor Quality Horn Formation
Metabolic Disorders • Milk Fever • Ketosis
Genetics Vaso-Constriction/Dilation (Hoof Corium)Vaso-Constriction/Dilation (Hoof Corium)
Nutrition • Excessive Grain • Finely Chopped Forage • Improper Feeding Management • Incorrect Ratio of Concentrate to Forage
Increased Lactic Acid ProductionIncreased Lactic Acid Production
Lowered pHLowered pH
Infectious Diseases • Metritis • Mastitis • Retained Placenta
Death of Gram Negative BacteriaDeath of Gram Negative Bacteria
Molds/Mycotoxins Endotoxin ReleaseEndotoxin Release
HistamineHistamine
Lameness:Causes and Sequence of Events
Adapted from Hoof Care for Dairy Cattle, 1992. J.E. Nocek
Manifestations• Yellow Soft Horn •Deformed Claws• Double Sole •Sole or Toe Ulcer• White Line Disease •Hemorrhage
Bill StonePro-Dairy
Cornell University
Internal Growth at Hanehan Dairy
Snapshot of Hanehan Dairy
How do dairies grow internally?
Heifers• Low rate of still borns• Don’t lose calves• Grow heifers properly and breed them on timeCows• Minimize transition cow problems• Successful reproduction program• Control mastitis• Sound feet and legs• Will result in a low cull rate
– but do cull unprofitable cows
Good
Stillborn calves – Goal < 5%
Total freshenings
Started new protocol…
Stillborn calves in 1st lactation animals
Fluke, error, or something exciting?
Started new protocol…
(These heifers came in off of pasture!)
DOA from a dairy that has been getting smaller…
DOA in 1st lactation animals at this same dairy
IG: Don’t lose calves Goal: Calf mortality of < 1%
38 “sold”475 heifers (8%)… includes calves lostin new calf barn while trying to tweak ventilation system
HeiferReproResults
HeiferReproResults
Heat Detection Rate
Pregnancy Rate
Goals:HDR > 60%CR > 60%PR > 25%
CR = 32%
24 months average AFC
Heifer Repro Results
32
30
28
26
24
22
Aborts or bred xx times
6
25 8 2 2 510
Goal, %<
Health events during 2004
552 cows (514 milking, 38 dry) in herd
7
1711 3 511 3
Milk by DIM for the entire herd
Lact = 1 Milk by DIM
115
100
80
Lact = 2 Milk by DIM
140
110
80
Lact > 2 Milk by DIM
160
120
80
Lact = 1 Milk by DIM
Lact > 2 Milk by DIM
552 cows (milking and dry) in herd168/552 = 30% cull rate
(48+21)/168 = 41% of culls left within 60 days
When they left the herd…
Why they left the herd
1.5%?
37% CR
CowReproResults
Heat Detection Rate
Pregnancy Rate
Goal:> 20% PR
DIM
DIM
at 1
st b
reed
ing
DIM at first breeding
Udder Health – Previous LS by LS
Chronic cowsNew infections
CuresClean
Goal < 5%Goal < 10%
79/552 = 14%
Cows that may make the dairy more money by being replaced…
Why has Hanehan Dairy grown this past year?
•Average DOA but moving in right direction•Above average heifer reproductive results•The vast majority of cows freshen well•Very low mastitis rate•Above average cow reproductive results
•Don’t have to sell many cows
Lameness!
Environment/Management • Stress • Trauma • Exercise • Trimming
Weakened Claws (Hooves) • Breakdown in Supportive Connective Tissue • Poor Quality Horn Formation
Weakened Claws (Hooves) • Breakdown in Supportive Connective Tissue • Poor Quality Horn Formation
Metabolic Disorders • Milk Fever • Ketosis
Genetics Vaso-Constriction/Dilation (Hoof Corium)Vaso-Constriction/Dilation (Hoof Corium)
Nutrition • Excessive Grain • Finely Chopped Forage • Improper Feeding Management • Incorrect Ratio of Concentrate to Forage
Increased Lactic Acid ProductionIncreased Lactic Acid Production
Lowered pHLowered pH
Infectious Diseases • Metritis • Mastitis • Retained Placenta
Death of Gram Negative BacteriaDeath of Gram Negative Bacteria
Molds/Mycotoxins Endotoxin ReleaseEndotoxin Release
HistamineHistamine
Lameness:Causes and Sequence of Events
Adapted from Hoof Care for Dairy Cattle, 1992. J.E. Nocek
Manifestations• Yellow Soft Horn •Deformed Claws• Double Sole •Sole or Toe Ulcer• White Line Disease •Hemorrhage
Lameness prevalence as a function of housing type and stall surface
•30 herds - 14 stanchion/tie-stall, 16 free-stall
•Herds averaged 67 (tie-stall) and 175 (free-stall) cows
•Cows were lameness scored in summer and winter1 = normal 2 = slight lameness 3 = moderate lameness 4 = severe lameness
•>3,600 cows evaluated
•Stall base Sand Non-sand (rubber mat, rubber filled mattress,
concrete with added straw, shavings, etc.)
Cook, JAVMA 2003:1324
% o
f cow
s la
me
Interaction between locomotion score & stall base and its effect on time standing up in stall
Cook et al., JDS 87:2912
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
FS Sand
FS Non-sand
TS Sand
TS Non-sand
SummerWinter
a ba a ab
Effect of free stall surface on daily activitypatterns in dairy cows
Twelve herds
6 sand based 6 mattress filled withrubber crumbs, organic bedding on cover
Video cameras, 1 sec per 30 sec10 cows per herd (60 sand, 60 mattress)Lameness scored
Cook et al., JDS 87:2912
Effect of free stall surface on daily activitypatterns in dairy cows
Cook et al., JDS 87:2912
Herd parametersMattress Sand P
Herd size, # 305 298Cows in pen, # 77 96 .12Stocking rate 108 108RHA, lbs. 24,800 26,728
Annual turnover rate 36.5% 28.8% .09Herd prevalence of 24.0% 11.1% <.001
clinical lameness
Effect of free stall surface on daily activitypatterns in dairy cows
Cook et al., JDS 87:2912
Daily activity, h/dMattress Sand P
Time lying in stall 11.7 12.0Time standing in stall 3.4 1.8 .002Time up in alley 2.3 2.3
Time up feeding 4.1 4.6 .03Time up milking 2.6 3.2
Hou
rs/d
ay
Mattress SandLameness score
Interaction between locomotion score & stall base and its effect on time standing up in stall
Cook et al., JDS 87:2912
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
1 2 3 4 5 6
Mat-Lie
Sand-Lie
Mat-Stand
Sand-Stand
1 2 3 1 2 3
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
0 1 2 3 4
MatSand
Tim
e up
in s
tall,
h/d
Lameness score
Interaction between locomotion score & stall base and its effect on time standing up in stall
Cook et al., JDS 87:2912
Mastitis Problem Solving Scheme
Identify Mastitis Problem
STEP 1 Determine Causative Organisms STEP 2
Generate Prevention and Treatment Solutions
Generate Strategic Plan - Establish Herd Goals
Generate Tactical Plan
Monitor Performance, Reassess Goals, and Tactical Plans
Acute Mastitis >1% per year
New Clinical Cases >2% per month
Bulk Tank SCC >150,000
DHI Test Day Ave. LS >4.5 >10%
Bacteriologic Cultures: Bulk Tank and/or Individual Cows
STEP 1 11 11 1 11
Mastitis Problem Solving Scheme
Identify Mastitis Problem
STEP 1 Determine Causative Organisms STEP 2
Generate Prevention and Treatment Solutions
Generate Strategic Plan - Establish Herd Goals
Generate Tactical Plan
Monitor Performance, Reassess Goals, and Tactical Plans
Contagious Organisms
Coliform Strep spp. Staph spp. Staph aureus Mycoplasma Strep ag.
STEP 2 11 11 1 11
Environmental Organisms
Mastitis Problem Solving Scheme
Identify Mastitis Problem
STEP 1 Determine Causative Organisms STEP 2
Generate Prevention and Treatment Solutions
Generate Strategic Plan - Establish Herd Goals
Generate Tactical Plan
Monitor Performance, Reassess Goals, and Tactical Plans
Coliform Strep spp. Staph spp. Staph aureus Mycoplasma Strep ag.
Systemic Treatment and Supportive Care
Intramammary Treatment & supportive care
Culture Herd; Segregate Positives; Treat and resample Strep ag; Cull chronic Staph aureus & all Mycoplasma
PREVENTION Proper Milking Procedures Routine Milking Machine Maintenance Pre and Post milking Teat Dipping Dry Cow Therapy Nutrition (Adequate Energy, Se & Vit E Culling Strategy
PREVENTION Clean, Dry Environment Clean Cows Adequate Bedding Premilking Hygiene (clean dry teats)
PREVENTION Culture Clinical Cases Fresh Animals and New purchases. Maintain Closed Herd. (Biosecurity – NYSCHAP ENROLLMENT
STEP 3 33332311 11 1 11
Create Diagnostic & Treatment Protocols
Mastitis Problem Solving Scheme
Identify Mastitis Problem
STEP 1 Determine Causative Organisms STEP 2
Generate Prevention and Treatment Solutions
Generate Strategic Plan - Establish Herd Goals
Generate Tactical Plan
Monitor Performance, Reassess Goals, and Tactical Plans
Management Tactical Plan - Employee Training & Evaluation - Effective Records System
STEP 4 33332311 11 1 11 STEP 5 33332311 11 1 11
Operational Tactical Plan – Standard Operating Procedures
DHI SCC Reports Milk Plant Quality Reports QMPS Reports Test Day Average linear score Clinical Infections Rate Pathogens New & Chronic Infection Rates Cure Rate
STEP 6 33332311 11 1 11
Effective transition cow management to maximize Internal Herd Growth
Thomas R. Overton, Ph.D.Thomas R. Overton, Ph.D.Department of Animal ScienceDepartment of Animal Science
Cornell UniversityCornell University
Our charge
Devise and employ nutritional management strategies and Devise and employ nutritional management strategies and nutritional tools to support metabolic adaptation to nutritional tools to support metabolic adaptation to lactationlactation Macromineral metabolism (manage DCAD)Macromineral metabolism (manage DCAD) Glucose metabolism (provide fermentable carbohydrate)Glucose metabolism (provide fermentable carbohydrate) Fat metabolism (minimize BCS loss)Fat metabolism (minimize BCS loss)
Minimize potential negative effects of nonnutritional Minimize potential negative effects of nonnutritional factors on metabolic adaptation to lactationfactors on metabolic adaptation to lactation OvercrowdingOvercrowding Environmental stress (temp., ventilation)Environmental stress (temp., ventilation) Infectious challenge/hygieneInfectious challenge/hygiene Grouping/regroupingGrouping/regrouping ComfortComfort
Big rocks from the nutritional side (common themes in our case farms)
Manage DCADManage DCAD Start with including low potassium forages in dry Start with including low potassium forages in dry
period diets period diets
Sufficient energy and protein intake from a dry period Sufficient energy and protein intake from a dry period diet of moderately high nutrient densitydiet of moderately high nutrient density
Thinner (within reason) is betterThinner (within reason) is better
Trends toward shortened dry periods and one-group Trends toward shortened dry periods and one-group nutritional strategies for dry cowsnutritional strategies for dry cows
Res
ou
rces
to
str
ess
resp
on
se
Res
ou
rces
fo
r p
rod
uct
ion
Metabolic stress
Overcrowding
Social stress
Heat stress
Poor housing
Breakpoint
Effects of multiple stressors accumulate...
Drackley, 2002
Transition period indices relating to Internal Herd Growth
Nondairy cull rate during first 60 days in Nondairy cull rate during first 60 days in milkmilk
Incidence of metabolic disordersIncidence of metabolic disorders Related to likelihood of high milk Related to likelihood of high milk
productionproduction Tied to reproductive performanceTied to reproductive performance
When Cows Leave the Herd(MN DHIA 10/96 – 10/01) Godden et al., 2003
0%
2%
4%
6%
8%
10%
12%
% C
ow
s L
eavin
g T
hat
Left
in
th
e
21 D
ay P
eri
od
624,614 Cows Leaving 5,749Herds
0-2
0
21
-41
42
-62
63
-83
84
-10
4
10
5-1
25
12
6-1
46
14
7-1
67
16
8-1
88
18
9-2
09
21
0-2
30
23
1-2
51
25
2-2
72
27
3-2
93
29
4-3
14
31
5-3
35
33
6-3
56
35
7-3
77
37
8-3
98
39
9-4
19
42
0-4
40
21 DIM Interval
Nondairy cull rate during the first 60 days in milk Captures dead cows and cows sold for nondairy Captures dead cows and cows sold for nondairy
during first 60 days in milkduring first 60 days in milk Crude index of overall transition managementCrude index of overall transition management Minnesota workers (previous slide) reported that Minnesota workers (previous slide) reported that
25% of cows that leave herds leave during the first 25% of cows that leave herds leave during the first 60 days in milk60 days in milk
We look at the number of cows dead and sold for We look at the number of cows dead and sold for nondairy as a percentage of the number of nondairy as a percentage of the number of calvingscalvings
Fresh cow loss as a percentage of calvings
Typical values in well-managed herds are 10 Typical values in well-managed herds are 10 to 12% (unacceptable)to 12% (unacceptable)
Best herds consistently average 5 to 6%Best herds consistently average 5 to 6%
Can be as high as 25% during train wrecksCan be as high as 25% during train wrecks
Our case farms
FarmFarm
HanehanHanehan DurfeeDurfee AdamsAdams
Dead and Dead and sold/calvingssold/calvings
74/60574/605 20/21320/213 5/1075/107
PercentagePercentage 12.2%12.2% 9.4%9.4% 4.7%4.7%
Incidence of metabolic disorders
Combination of objective (retained Combination of objective (retained placenta, displaced abomasum) and placenta, displaced abomasum) and subjective (hypocalcemia, ketosis, metritis)subjective (hypocalcemia, ketosis, metritis)
Goals for each usually set by survey dataGoals for each usually set by survey data
Transition cow survey
Conducted by Buzz Burhans and Conducted by Buzz Burhans and colleaguescolleagues
27 herds in Vermont and New 27 herds in Vermont and New HampshireHampshire
Over 600 cows in the datasetOver 600 cows in the dataset
Event N min p50 max N min p50 max N min p50 maxKetosis 13 2.10% 14.70% 50.00% 4 6.30% 8.30% 15.80% 17 2.10% 13.20% 50.00%Milk Fever 14 2.60% 10.10% 26.30% 6 8.10% 37.70% 60.00% 20 2.60% 11.10% 60.00%Off Feed 7 2.30% 4.80% 21.40% 4 2.70% 6.50% 10.50% 11 2.30% 6.30% 21.40%Displaced Abomasum 10 3.60% 8.10% 14.30% 2 2.70% 2.90% 3.10% 12 2.70% 7.30% 14.30%Digestive/Diarrhea 9 2.10% 5.60% 11.80% 2 3.10% 4.20% 5.30% 11 2.10% 5.30% 11.80%Mastitis 10 2.60% 7.10% 15.80% 5 5.30% 10.00% 13.50% 15 2.60% 7.10% 15.80%Edema 7 5.10% 7.10% 40.90% 2 22.20% 25.20% 28.10% 9 5.10% 13.20% 40.90%Dystocia 13 2.10% 5.60% 16.70% 2 2.70% 4.70% 6.70% 15 2.10% 5.60% 16.70%Twins 12 2.10% 5.70% 18.80% 1 3.10% 3.10% 3.10% 13 2.10% 5.60% 18.80%Stillbirths 8 2.60% 6.50% 12.50% 3 3.10% 5.40% 6.70% 11 2.60% 5.90% 12.50%Retained Placenta 13 2.90% 11.80% 23.70% 1 3.10% 3.10% 3.10% 14 2.90% 11.20% 23.70%Metritis 14 4.30% 11.20% 39.30% 3 3.10% 5.40% 15.80% 17 3.10% 11.10% 39.30%Abortions None Reported None Reported
Occurrence of Disorders at the Herd LevelHolsteins J erseys Total
Burhans et al., 2003
Burhans et al., 2003
Factor N min p50 max N min p50 max N min p50 max
Problem Cow 19 18.80% 47.40% 73.70% 6 24.30% 47.00% 60.00% 25 18.80% 47.40% 73.70%
Metabolic Problem 18 14.70% 30.30% 65.80% 6 12.50% 40.00% 60.00% 24 12.50% 32.20% 65.80%
Infectious Problem 16 4.30% 16.20% 39.30% 5 6.70% 12.50% 16.20% 21 4.30% 14.30% 39.30%
Energy Problem 18 3.70% 19.60% 53.80% 5 5.40% 6.70% 15.80% 23 3.70% 14.70% 53.80%
Bad Calving 17 3.40% 11.10% 25.00% 3 5.40% 6.30% 13.30% 20 3.40% 11.10% 25.00%
Preventable Problem 18 14.70% 36.00% 68.40% 6 18.80% 40.00% 60.00% 24 14.70% 36.00% 68.40%
Holsteins Jerseys Total
Health Events by Category at the Herd Level
Problem Cow: Any problem (Dystocia, Mastitis, Abortion, Twinning, Stillbirths, Retained Placenta, Milk Fever, Digestive, Ketosis,Metritis,Edema, Displaced Abomasum, Off Feed)
Metabolic Problem: (Milk Fever, Retained Placenta, Digestive, Ketosis, Displaced Abomasum and Off Feed)
Infectious Problem: All cows with Mastitis, Metritis
Energy Problem: (Digestive, Ketosis, Off Feed, Displaced Abomasum)
Bad Calving: (Dystocia, Abortion, Twinnings, Stillbirths)
Preventables: (Mastitis, Retained Placenta, Milk Fever, Digestive/Diarrhea, Ketosis, Metritis, DA, Off Feed)
Achievable goals for metabolic disorders
Milk fever -- < 5%Milk fever -- < 5% Retained placenta/metritis -- < 9%Retained placenta/metritis -- < 9% Displaced abomasum -- < 5%Displaced abomasum -- < 5% Clinical ketosis (blood BHBA > 27 Clinical ketosis (blood BHBA > 27
mg/dl) -- < 5%mg/dl) -- < 5% Subclinical ketosis (blood BHBA > 14.4 Subclinical ketosis (blood BHBA > 14.4
mg/dl) -- < 15%mg/dl) -- < 15%
Our case farms
FarmFarm
HanehanHanehan DurfeeDurfee AdamsAdams
Milk feverMilk fever 2.82.8 < 5< 5 1.81.8
RPRP 11.711.7 ~ 10~ 10 10.010.0
MetritisMetritis 2.62.6
DADA 5.65.6 ~ 5~ 5 4.54.5
KetosisKetosis 11.611.6
Framework for actualizing “optimum” nutritional management strategies on commercial dairy farms in the context of shortened dry periods
What are our nutritional goals and how do we achieve them?
The GoalsThe Goals Moderately high DMI of well-formulated close-up Moderately high DMI of well-formulated close-up
diets while attempting to minimize extent of DMI diets while attempting to minimize extent of DMI decrease during the prepartum perioddecrease during the prepartum period
How do we achieve them?How do we achieve them? Many herds still struggle to get ENOUGH dry matter intake Many herds still struggle to get ENOUGH dry matter intake
in close-up cows (goal Holstein 26 to 28 lb/d of suggested in close-up cows (goal Holstein 26 to 28 lb/d of suggested close-up cow diet)close-up cow diet)
In herds where close-up cows are consuming large amounts In herds where close-up cows are consuming large amounts of DM ( > 30 to 33 lb/d), limit grain-type forages and other of DM ( > 30 to 33 lb/d), limit grain-type forages and other very palatable feeds to control intake within goal and very palatable feeds to control intake within goal and complement with a consistent, low potassium forage source complement with a consistent, low potassium forage source (preferably bulky)(preferably bulky)
The challenge – extent of DMI decrease extremely The challenge – extent of DMI decrease extremely difficult to characterize in group-fed animalsdifficult to characterize in group-fed animals
Far-Off Dry Cows
• Dry-off until ~ 3 weeks pre-freshening
• Ration considerations
NEL 0.59 to 0.63 Mcal/lb for maintenance BCS
Do not want to overfeed (Dann et al., 2003)
Stone, 2001
General goals for diet formulation for closeup cows and one-group dry cow systems up to 40 days
Partial anionicFull anionic
• NEL, Mcal/lb 0.68 to 0.70• Metabolizable protein, g/d 1100 to 1200• NFC, % 34 to 36• Starch, % 19 to 21• Dietary Ca, g/d 100 140• Dietary Ca, % 0.90 1.2• Dietary P, % 0.30 to 0.35• Mg, % 0.40 to 0.42• Cl, % 0.3 0.8 to 1.2• K, % < 1.3 < 1.3• Na, % 0.10 to 0.15• S, % 0.20 0.3 to 0.4• Vitamin A (IU/d) 100000 100000• Vitamin D (IU/d) 30000 30000• Vitamin E (IU/d) 1800 1800Prefer use of organic trace elements, including organic Se
Advantages of shorter dry period
Avoid forfeiting milk during late lactationAvoid forfeiting milk during late lactation
Simplify dry cow management and decrease Simplify dry cow management and decrease cost of dry cow housing (one dry cow group)cost of dry cow housing (one dry cow group)
Decrease sociological stress associated with Decrease sociological stress associated with multiple group changes, etc.multiple group changes, etc.
More closely match dry period length with More closely match dry period length with biologically required length (~ 25 days)biologically required length (~ 25 days)
Summary of research on planned shorter dry period length
Milk yield similar between cows managed for 40 vs. 60 days dry – 65 herds in NY
Coppock et al., 1974
Milk yield after 49- or 70-d dry periods comparable; 28-Milk yield after 49- or 70-d dry periods comparable; 28-d dry reduced subsequent milk yield d dry reduced subsequent milk yield Sorensen and Enevoldsen, 1991Sorensen and Enevoldsen, 1991
Milk yield comparable for cows managed for 60 vs. 30 Milk yield comparable for cows managed for 60 vs. 30 to 35 d-dry periods to 35 d-dry periods Shairer, 2001; Bachman, 2002; Gulay et al., 2003Shairer, 2001; Bachman, 2002; Gulay et al., 2003
Comparable milk yield for 60 vs. 30-d dry; continuous Comparable milk yield for 60 vs. 30-d dry; continuous lactation decreased subsequent milk yield (differences lactation decreased subsequent milk yield (differences greater in primiparous cows)greater in primiparous cows) Annen et al., 2003; Rastani and Grummer, 2003Annen et al., 2003; Rastani and Grummer, 2003
Cornell study Two commercial dairy farms (cows over 27 kg/d at 60 Two commercial dairy farms (cows over 27 kg/d at 60
d before expected calving)d before expected calving)
TreatmentsTreatments 60 d dry period, label bST (two group dry cow 60 d dry period, label bST (two group dry cow
management)management) 40 d dry period, label bST (moved to closeup 40 d dry period, label bST (moved to closeup
group at 40-d drygroup at 40-d dry Continuous lactation, label bST (stop bST at Continuous lactation, label bST (stop bST at
calving and resume during 9calving and resume during 9thth week of lactation) week of lactation) – remained on lactating cow ration for the – remained on lactating cow ration for the durationduration
Fernandez et al., 2004
Least squares means for milk yield and milk composition during the first 6 months of the subsequent lactation for cows managed for 60, 40, or zero days dry.1
Treatment
Item 60-d dry 40-d dry 0-d dry SEM # of cows 22 23 22
Average days dry 57 41 1
Milk yield, kg/d 47.1a 46.3a 37.1b 1.8
Fat, % 3.51 3.62 3.40 0.14
Fat yield, kg/d 1.68a 1.62a 1.28b 0.09
True protein, % 2.74a 2.84b 2.83b 0.06
True protein yield, kg/d 1.31a 1.30a 1.06b 0.041Means within a row with different superscripts differ, P <0.05.
Fernandez et al., 2004
Average milk yield, lb/dAverage milk yield, lb/d
ItemItem 5050 6060Marginal incomeMarginal income
Milk ($0.14/lb)Milk ($0.14/lb) $140$140 $168$168
Marginal expenseMarginal expense
Lactating diet Lactating diet $48$48 $56$56
Closeup dietCloseup diet $14$14 $14$14
Variable costVariable cost $15$15 $15$15
Total expensesTotal expenses $77$77 $85$85
Net per cowNet per cow $63$63 $83$83
The Economics – 60 versus 40 days dry
Current thinking on management considerations for 40-d dry period
Either two-group or one-group nutritional strategies Either two-group or one-group nutritional strategies acceptableacceptable Marginal feed cost approximately $15 per cow for Marginal feed cost approximately $15 per cow for
20 additional days fed close-up diet20 additional days fed close-up diet One-group dry cow program fits better with One-group dry cow program fits better with
shortened dry periodshortened dry period
Moderate NFC/energy close-up diet acceptable to Moderate NFC/energy close-up diet acceptable to feed for 40 d dry, regardless of DCAD strategyfeed for 40 d dry, regardless of DCAD strategy
Continue to require far-off type diet to feed to cows Continue to require far-off type diet to feed to cows with dry periods longer than 40 dayswith dry periods longer than 40 days
Transition cow management outcomes and strategies – Pat and Marty Hanehan
Hanehan -- special needs facility
Hanehan – managing for shorter dry periods and a one-group dry cow nutritional program
Hanehan – sand freestalls for dry cows
Hanehan – cows imminent to calve separated by a cable
Hanehan – cows imminent to calve fed the same diet
Hanehan – calving pack