Source: MICHIGAN STATE UNIV submitted to NRP
INCREASING EFFICIENCY OF NUTRIENT UTILIZATION BY DAIRY CATTLE
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
COMPLETE
Funding Source
HATCH
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
0175293
Grant No.
(N/A)
Cumulative Award Amt.
(N/A)
Proposal No.
(N/A)
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Project Start Date
Feb 1, 2012
Project End Date
Jan 31, 2017
Grant Year
(N/A)
Program Code
[(N/A)]- (N/A)
Recipient Organization
MICHIGAN STATE UNIV
(N/A)
EAST LANSING,MI 48824
Performing Department
Animal Science
Non Technical Summary
Suppression of appetite in the PP period results in negative energy balance, increasing risk for metabolic disorders (e.g. hepatic lipidosis, ketosis). Sustained depression in feed intake decreases milk yield and fertility, increases risk of culling and reduces feed conversion efficiency. It is widely recognized that increasing energy intake by cows in the PP period is the key to improving long-term milk yield, reproductive success, and farm profitability. However, we have a poor understanding of the effects of concentration and ruminal fermentability of dietary starch on energy intake of cows in the critical days and weeks following parturition. Cows in the PP period have high glucose demand as glucose utilization and export in milk exceeds its absorption and hepatic production. Increasing starch concentration of the diet will increase supply of glucose precursors if feed intake is not depressed. However, ruminal fermentation of carbohydrates affects the amount, type and temporal pattern of absorption of fuels available for intermediary processes. This, in turn, affects endocrine responses, meal patterns, and ultimately energy intake and partitioning in ruminants. Ruminal fermentability of starch varies widely for grains commonly fed to cows in the PP period and highly fermentable starch sources might depress feed intake. In addition, excessive ruminal starch fermentation might have adverse effects on the microbial ecology of the rumen. Ruminal starch fermentation affects energy intake by cows in mid- to late-lactation, and energy intake response varies among cows depending upon their physiological state. However, research is lacking for cows in the crucial PP period.
Animal Health Component
(N/A)
Research Effort Categories
Basic
(N/A)
Applied
(N/A)
Developmental
(N/A)
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
30234101010100%
Knowledge Area
302 - Nutrient Utilization in Animals;

Subject Of Investigation
3410 - Dairy cattle, live animal;

Field Of Science
1010 - Nutrition and metabolism;
Goals / Objectives
The long-term goal of this project is to integrate digestion, metabolism, and feeding behavior to develop novel feeding strategies to improve milk yield, efficiency of nutrient utilization, and farm profitability. Our objective is to determine the effects of concentration and ruminal fermentability of starch on energy intake by cows in the postpartum (PP) period. Our central hypothesis is that that energy intake by cows in the PP period is affected by differences in type and temporal absorption of fuels derived from ruminal fermentation and intestinal digestion of starch. We will address our hypothesis with the following aims: 1. Determine effects of concentration and ruminal fermentability of dietary starch on metabolic responses, energy intake, and energy balance of cows in the PP period. Our working hypothesis, based on our previous research and preliminary data, is that the less fermentable starch source will increase energy intake compared to the more fermentable starch source when included in high starch diets, increasing the supply of glucose precursors to these cows with high glucose demand. We will evaluate effects of starch concentration and ruminal fermentability on energy intake and energy balance of cows in the PP period as well as their potential carry-over effects through peak lactation. We will evaluate yield of milk and milk components, intake and digestibility of DM and energy, measures of body energy reserves, as well as metabolic responses to treatments. 2. Determine effects of type of fuel derived from diets varying in concentration and ruminal fermentability of starch on feeding behavior and metabolic responses of cows in the PP period. Our working hypothesis is that propionate is more hypophagic than other fuels derived from the diet from altering the concentration and site of digestion of starch. We will infuse the main fuels altered by changing concentration and ruminal fermentability of starch and evaluate their effects on metabolism and feeding behavior. This experiment will compare fuel type only and not temporal pattern of absorption; starch fermented in the rumen will result in rapid and pulsatile absorption of propionate within meals but transit through the rumen to the small intestine will increase latency and result in less temporal variation in absorption of glucose and lactate. However, differences in these fuels delivered at a consistent rate in this experiment will provide valuable information to interpret the effects of diet on feed intake due to differences in their hepatic metabolism independent of rate of absorption (addressed in Aim 3). 3. Determine temporal effects of propionate infusion at initiation of meals on feeding behavior and liver metabolism of cows in the PP period. Our working hypothesis is that a greater rate of propionate absorption within meals will reduce meal size and energy intake. We will evaluate effects of rate of infusion of propionic acid at the initiation of meals on feeding behavior and energy intake and determine if stimulation of hepatic oxidation is limited by propionate entry into the TCA cycle.
Project Methods
We will conduct experiments with cows in the transition period between pregnancy and lactation. Treatments will be rations varying in dietary starch concentration and starch fermentability. We will directly measure energy intake by measuring DMI and digestibility of gross energy throughout the treatment period and use this to calculate energy balance. Metabolic responses to treatment diets will be determined by assessing responses in plasma metabolites and hormones, concentrations of acetyl CoA, TG and glycogen in the liver, and expression of genes related to gluconeogenesis. Greater ruminal starch digestibility of HMC grain is expected to decrease energy intake and energy balance compared to dry ground corn grain when fed in the higher starch diet because of a reduction in feed intake and NDF digestibility. Effects of starch fermentability on energy intake are expected to be less for the lower starch treatments. To elucidate mechanisms controlling feed intake we will evaluate hypophagic effects of various fuels (e.g. propionic acid, acetic acid, glucose, and lactic acid) infused continuously into the abomasum. Dry matter intake will be measured and feeding behavior monitored. Infusion treatments are expected to reduce DMI compared to the control. Propionate is expected to decrease DMI and ME intake compared to control by decreasing meal size. In addition, propionate is expected to decrease intake of DM and ME compared to other infusion treatments (on a mass or ME basis). Lactate is expected to be less hypophagic than propionate but more than acetate and glucose that are not taken up by the liver and therefore cannot stimulate oxidation of acetyl CoA directly. Finally, glucose is expected to be more hypophagic than acetate because feedback inhibition of glucose on gluconeogenesis is expected to increase TCA intermediates, increasing oxidation of acetyl CoA. In addition, we will evaluate effects of rate of infusion of propionic acid at the initiation of meals on feeding behavior and energy intake. Treatments include control (no infusion) or infusion of 1.25 mol of propionic acid over 5 min (FAST) or 20 min (SLOW) at each meal. Propionate treatments are expected to decrease feed intake approximately 20% compared to control by decreasing meal size. The FAST treatment is expected to decrease meal size and possibly intake of DM and total ME (diet plus infusions) compared to the SLOW treatment consistent with our hypothesis. Liver tissue will be analyzed for acetyl CoA, propionyl CoA, methylmalonyl CoA, succinyl CoA, and CoASH. Propionate infusions are expected to decrease meal size compared to control but limitations on entry into the TCA cycle indicated by increased hepatic concentrations of propionyl CoA and methylmalonyl CoA might lessen effects of infusion rate on hepatic oxidation during meals and therefore meal size. However, delayed entry of propionate into the TCA cycle will likely extend hepatic oxidation following meals and possibly increase intermeal interval by delaying hunger. In addition, depletion of CoASH by sequestration as propionyl CoA and methylmalonyl CoA might affect the time course of hepatic oxidation.

Progress 02/01/12 to 01/31/17

Outputs
Target Audience: Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Graduate students and undergraduate students were trained to conduct experiments, biopsy bovine liver tissue, determine gene expression by quantitiative real-time PCR, summarize and statistically analyze data, and write articles for submission to journals. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Results have been disseminated to the scientific community at professional meetings, to nutritionists and veterinarians at nutrition and management conferences, and to dairy producers at meetings. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Aim 1. Determine effects of concentration and ruminal fermentability of dietary starch on metabolic responses, energy intake, and energy balance of cows in the PP period. This experiment has been completed and results have been presented at the American Dairy Science Association annual meetings in 2016 and 2017. We expect to submit 3 manuscripts to the Journal of Dairy Science within the next 6 months. Aim 2. Determine effects of type of fuel derived from diets varying in concentration and ruminal fermentability of starch on feeding behavior and metabolic responses of cows in the PP period. Thwo experimentshavebeen completed and results have been presented at the American Dairy Science Association annual meetingsin 2016 and 2017. We submitted 2manuscripts to the Journal of Dairy Science. Aim 3. Determine temporal effects of propionate infusion at initiation of meals on feeding behavior and liver metabolism of cows in the PP period. Two experiments havebeen completed and results have been presented at the American Dairy Science Association annual meetingsin 2016 and 2017. We submitted 1manuscriptto the Journal of Dairy Science and will submit another before the end of 2017.

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Potts, S. B., J. P. Boerman, A. L . Lock, M. S. Allen, and M. J. VandeHaar. 2016. Relationship between residual feed intake and digestibility for lactating Holstein cows fed high and low starch diets. J. Dairy Sci. 100:265278
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Rico, J. E., J. de Souza, M. S. Allen, and A. L. Lock. 2017. Nutrient digestibility and milk production responses to increasing levels of palmitic acid supplementation vary in cows receiving diets with or without whole cottonseed J. Anim. Sci. 95:436-446
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Seck, M., J. A. Voelker Linton, M. S. Allen, D. S. Castagnino, P. Y. Chouinard and C. L. Girard. 2017. Apparent ruminal synthesis of B vitamins in lactating dairy cows fed diets with different forage-to-concentrate ratios. J. Dairy Sci. 100:1914-1922.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Castagnino, D. S., K. L. Kammes, M. S. Allen, R. Gervais, P. Y. Chouinard, and C. L. Girard. 2017. High-concentrate diets based on forages harvested at different maturity stages affect ruminal synthesis of B vitamins in lactating dairy cows. Animal 11:608-615.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Gualdr�n-Duarte, L. B. and M. S. Allen. 2017. Increased anaplerosis of the tricarboxylic acid cycle decreased meal size and energy intake of cows in the postpartum period. J. Dairy Sci. 100:44254434.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Yair, R. and M. S. Allen. 2017. The effects of fructose and phosphate infusions on dry matter intake of lactating cows. J. Dairy Sci. 100:2651-2659.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Castagnino, D. S., K. J. Harvatine, M. S. Allen, R. Gervais, P. Y. Chouinard, and C. L. Girard. 2017. Effects of fatty acid supplements on apparent ruminal synthesis of B vitamins in lactating dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 100:8165-8169.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Castagnino, D. S., Y. Ying, M. S. Allen, R. Gervais, P. Y. Chouinard, and C. L. Girard. 2017. Apparent ruminal synthesis of B vitamins in lactating dairy cows fed Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation product. J. Dairy Sci. 100:8161-8164.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Awaiting Publication Year Published: 2017 Citation: Yair, R. and M. S. Allen. 2017. Short-term intravenous amino acid infusions as a method to detect limiting amino acids in dairy cattle diets. J. Dairy Sci. (in press).
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Accepted Year Published: 2017 Citation: De Souza, Rodrigo, Robert Tempelman, Michael Allen, William Weiss, John Bernard, and Michael VandeHaar. 2017. Predicting nutrient digestibility in high-producing lactating dairy cow. J. Dairy Sci. 100:(accepted)
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Submitted Year Published: 2017 Citation: Gualdr�n-Duarte, L. B. and M. S. Allen. 2017. Fuels derived from starch digestion have different effects on energy intake and metabolic responses of cows in the postpartum period. J. Dairy Sci. (submitted 7/31/17).
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Submitted Year Published: 2017 Citation: Gualdr�n-Duarte, L. B. and M. S. Allen. 2017. Effect of acetic acid or sodium acetate infused into the abomasum or rumen on feeding behavior and metabolic response of cows in the postpartum period. J. Dairy Sci. (submitted 7/31/17).
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Submitted Year Published: 2017 Citation: Maldini, G. and M. S. Allen. 2017. Temporal effects of ruminal propionic acid infusion on feeding behavior of Holstein cows in the postpartum period. J. Dairy Sci. (submitted 9/18/17)
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: de Souza, R. A, R.J. Tempelman, D.M. Spurlock, L.E. Armentano, E.E. Connor, M.S. Allen, and M.J. VandeHaar. 2017. Development of equations to predict dry matter intake of lactating cows using animal factors. J. Dairy Sci. 100 (E-Suppl. 2):358.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Albornoz, R. I. and M. S. Allen. 2017. Energy intake and balance of cows in the early postpartum period is affected by diet starch content and fermentability. J. Dairy Sci. 100 (E-Suppl. 2):177.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Maldini, G. and M. S. Allen. 2017. Effects of temporal supply of propionic acid on feeding behavior of cows in the postpartum period. J. Dairy Sci. 100 (E-Suppl. 2):117
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Kennedy, K. M. and M. S. Allen. 2017. Effects of a pulse dose of propionate on metabolic response in lactating dairy cows during the postpartum period. J. Dairy Sci. 100 (E-Suppl. 2):112.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Gualdr�n-Duarte, L. B. and M S. Allen. 2017. Effect of acetic acid or sodium acetate infused into the abomasum or rumen on feeding behavior and metabolic response of postpartum cows. J. Dairy Sci. 100 (E-Suppl. 2):321
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Sousa, D. O., M. J. VandeHaar, and M. S. Allen. 2017. Development of equations to predict dry matter intake of lactating cows using factors related to the filling effect of rations. J. Dairy Sci. 100 (E-Suppl. 2):358.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Allen, M. S. 2017 HOT in AZ: Practical Application of Hepatic Oxidation Theory. Proc. Southwest Nutrition Conference


Progress 10/01/15 to 09/30/16

Outputs
Target Audience:Target audiences include dairy cattle nutritionists, veterinarians, industry technical representitives, farm advisors, and dairy producers. Efforts include presentations at dairy nutrition conferences, Dairy Nutrition Rountable Meetings, and articles in popular press and extension publications. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Graduate students and undergraduate students were trained to conduct experiments, biopsy bovine liver tissue, determine gene expression by quantitiative real-time PCR, summarize and statistically analyze data, and write articles for submission to journals. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Results have been disseminated to the scientific community at professional meetings, to nutritionists and veterinarians at nutrition and management conferences, and to dairy producers at meetings. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Continue a study to evaluate the effects of starch concentration and fermentability on metabolic responses ofcows in the immediate postpartum period (Aim 1). Complete experiment to determine relative effects of different fuels derived from the diet of ruminants onfeeding behavior (Aim 2). Complete experiment to determine effects of rate of propionate infusion on feeding behavior and dry matter intake by cows in the postpartum period (Aim 3).

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? We evaluated effects of diet starch concentration and fermentability on production responses of ccows in the postpartum period. We evaluated effects of propionic acid amount and rate of infusion on feeding behavior response of cows in the postpartum period. We evaluated effects of fructose infusion on feeding behavior of cows in the postpartum period. We evaluated the short term effects of propionate on hepatic metabolism.

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Castagnino, D. S., M. Seck, V. Beaudet, K.L. Kammes, J.A. Voelker Linton, M.S. Allen, R. Gervais, P.Y. Chouinard, and C.L. Girard. 2016. Effects of forage family on apparent ruminal synthesis of B vitamins in lactating dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 99:18841894
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Rockwell, R. J. and M. S. Allen. 2016. Chromium propionate supplementation during the peripartum period interacts with starch source fed postpartum: Production responses during the immediate postpartum and carryover periods. J. Dairy Sci. 99:44534463.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Accepted Year Published: 2016 Citation: Potts, S. B., J. P. Boerman, A. L . Lock, M. S. Allen, and M. J. VandeHaar. 2016. Relationship between residual feed intake and digestibility for lactating Holstein cows fed high and low starch diets. J. Dairy Sci. (accepted)
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Castagnino, D. S., K. L. Kammes, M. S. Allen, R. Gervais, P. Y. Chouinard, and C. L. Girard. 2016. Particle length of silages affects apparent ruminal synthesis of B vitamins in lactating dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. (in press). DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3168/jds.2016-11274
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Awaiting Publication Year Published: 2016 Citation: Castagnino, D. S., K. L. Kammes, M. S. Allen, R. Gervais, P. Y. Chouinard, and C. L. Girard. 2016. High-concentrate diets based on forages harvested at different maturity stages affect ruminal synthesis of B vitamins in lactating dairy cows. Animal doi:10.1017/S1751731116001798
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Piantoni, P., C. M. Ylioja, and M. S. Allen. 2015. Feed intake is related to changes in plasma non-esterified fatty acid concentration and hepatic acetyl CoA content following feeding in lactating dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 98:6839-6847.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Gualdron-Duarte, L. B. and M. S. Allen. 2016. Effects of fuels derived from starch digestion on feeding behavior of cows in the postpartum period. J. Dairy Sci. 99 (E-Suppl. 1):345.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Allen, M. S. and M. J. VandeHaar. 2016. Diet formulation for lactating cows: the good, the bad, and the ugly. Pp. 105-112. Proc. 2016 Southwest Nutrition Conference.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Allen, M. S. and M. J. VandeHaar. 2016. Formulation suggestions for lactating cow diets. Feedstuffs, Vol. 88, No. Dairy Industry Priorities Report, September 5, 2016.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Maldini, G, M. S. Allen, and K. M. Kennedy. 2016. Temporal effects of ruminal propionate infusion on feeding behavior of Holstein cows in the postpartum period. J. Dairy Sci. 99 (E-Suppl. 1):353.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Albornoz, R. I. and M. S. Allen, 2016. Diet starch content and fermentability affects feed intake and milk yield of cows in the postpartum period. J. Dairy Sci. 99 (E-Suppl. 1):355.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Gualdron-Duarte, L. B. and M. S. Allen. 2016. Propionic acid decreased hepatic acetyl CoA content compared with glycerol within the timeframe of meals when infused abomasally. J. Dairy Sci. 99 (E-Suppl. 1):543.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: de Souza, J., R. J. Tempelman, M. S. Allen, and A. L. Lock. 2016. Production response, nutrient digestibility, and energy partitioning of post-peak dairy cows when palmitic acid-enriched supplements are included in diets: a meta-analysis and meta-regression. J. Dairy Sci. 99 (E-Suppl. 1):622.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Sousa, D., M. J. VandeHaar, and M. S. Allen. 2016. Increased forage neutral detergent fiber digestibility (in vitro or in situ) is positively related to dry matter intake and milk yield both across and within forage type. J. Dairy Sci. 99 (E-Suppl. 1):683.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Yair, R. and M. S. Allen. 2016. The effect of fructose infusion on dry matter intake in dairy cattle. J. Dairy Sci. 99 (E-Suppl. 1):720.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Sun, Y., M. S. Allen, and A. L. Lock. 2016. Production level of dairy cows affects the extent of diet-induced milk fat depression. J. Dairy Sci. 99 (E-Suppl. 1):721.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: De Souza, R. A., R. J. Tempelman, M. S. Allen, J. K. Bernard, B. Weiss, and M. J. VandeHaar. 2016. Effects of animal and diet characteristics on digestibilities of dry matter, fiber, and starch in lactating cows. J. Dairy Sci. 99 (E-Suppl. 1):713.


Progress 10/01/14 to 09/30/15

Outputs
Target Audience: Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Graduate students and undergraduate students were trained to conduct experiments, biopsy bovine liver tissue, determine gene expression by quantitiative real-time PCR, summarize and statistically analyze data, and write articles for submission to journals. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Results have been disseminated to the scientific community at professional meetings, to nutritionists and veterinarians at nutrition and management conferences, and to dairy producers at meetings. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Continue a study to evaluate the effects of starch concentration and fermentability on feed intake and milk yield of cows in the immediate postpartum period (Aim 1). Complete second block of experimentto determine relative effects of different fuels derived from the diet of ruminants on feeding behavior (Aim 2). Conduct a follow-up study to determine the effects of rate of propionate infusion on feeding behavior and dry matter intake by cows in the postpartum period (Aim 3).

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Aim 1) Determine effects of concentration and ruminal fermentability of dietary starch on metabolic responses, energy intake, and energy balance of cows in the PP period.The collection phase of this experiment is nearing completion and analysis of samples will begin. Aim 2) Evaluate effects of fuels derived from diets varying in concentration and ruminal fermentability of starch on feeding behavior and metabolic responses of cows in the PP period. Treatments include propionic acid, lactic acid, and glucose, infused continuously into the abomasum at 150 kcal ME/h and a sham control. Infusion periods were 22 h long.We have completed the collection phase for one block (one square) of this experiment. Sample analysis is on-going and the second block is scheduled. Infused fuels decreased DMI compared with control, consistent with their expected effects at stimulating hepatic oxidation (propionic acid > lactic acid > glucose).Propionic acid, derived from ruminal fermentation of starch, decreased DMI compared with fuels derived starch digestion and metabolism in the small intestine (glucose and lactic acid).Hepatic extraction of glucose from the liver of mature ruminants is negligible because glucokinase activity is low.Propionic acid tended to decrease DMI compared with lactic acid. Both propionate and lactate are anapleurotic and can stimulate oxidation of acetyl CoA in the liver. However, extraction from the blood by the liver is greater for propionate compared with lactate; conversion of lactate to pyruvate is thermodynamically unfavorable when NADH is elevated. Aim 3) Determine temporal effects of propionate infusion at initiation of meals on feeding behavior and liver metabolism of cows in the PP period using twelve ruminally-cannulated, multiparous Holstein cows in the early PP period in a replicated 3x3 Latin square design experiment. Treatments include control (no infusion) or infusion of 1.25 mol of propionic acid (2.5 L, 0.5 M) over 5 min (FAST) or 20 min (SLOW) at feeding (conditioned meal) and at each spontaneous meal. Infusions begin at the initiation of the conditioned meal at feeding (1200 h) and at each spontaneous meal for 24 h.Propionic acid infusion decreased DMI48% compared with control but did not differ between FAST and SLOW treatments. SLOW decreased meal size 35.5% from 1.30 to 0.84 kg DM compared with FAST, however FAST decreased meal frequency 28.3% from 11.16 to 8.0 compared with SLOW. These results are in contrast to our hypothesis that faster rate of propionic acid infusion would decrease meal size. A potential explanation is that FAST resulted in greater liver bypass of propionate compared with SLOW extending anapleurosis and oxidation of acetyl CoA over a longer time after meals, increasing intermeal interval and reducing meal frequency but resulting in greater meal size. Results are pending for blood and rumen fluid analyses. We hypothesize that a smaller infusion amount might result in less liver bypass and result in our originally intended effects and are planning a follow-up experiment.

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Piantoni, P., A.L. Lock, and M.S. Allen. 2015. Saturated fat supplementation interacts with dietary forage neutral detergent fiber content during the immediate postpartum and carryover periods in Holstein cows: Production responses and digestibility of nutrients. J. Dairy Sci. 98:33093322.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Piantoni, P., A.L. Lock, and M.S. Allen. 2015. Saturated fat supplementation interacts with dietary forage neutral detergent fiber content during the immediate postpartum period in Holstein cows: Energy balance and metabolism. J. Dairy Sci. 98:33233334.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Awaiting Publication Year Published: 2015 Citation: Piantoni, P., C. M. Ylioja, and M. S. Allen. 2015. Feed intake is related to changes in plasma non-esterified fatty acid concentration and hepatic acetyl CoA content following feeding in lactating dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. (in press)
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Potts, S. B., J. P. Boerman, A. L . Lock, M. S. Allen, and M. J. VandeHaar. 2014. Residual feed intake is repeatable for lactating Holstein dairy cows fed high and low starch diets. J. Dairy Sci. 98:47354747
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Piantoni, P. and M. S. Allen. 2015. Evaluation of propylene glycol and glycerol infusions as treatments for ketosis in dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 98:54295439
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Allen, M.S. 2015. Starch availability, measurement, and implications for ration formulation, Pp. 5-17. Proc. 2015 Herd Health and Nutrition Conferences, Cornell University Pro-Dairy Program, Ithaca, NY.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Boerman, J.P., S.B. Potts, M.J. VandeHaar, M.S. Allen, and A.L. Lock. 2015. Milk production responses to a change in dietary starch concentration vary by production level in dairy cattle. J. Dairy Sci. 98:46984706
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Allen, M.S. and P. Piantoni. 2014. Control of feed intake in the transition period. Proc. Simposio Internacional Sobre Avances en Nutricion de Vacas Lecheras. XXXIX Congreso Anual de la Sociedad Chilena de Produccion Animal et 37� Congresso Argentino de Produccion Animal, Asociacion Argentina de Produccion Animal, Buenos Aires, Argentina
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Allen, M.S. 2014. Proc. Advanced Dairy Nutrition and Management Short Course. National Animal Science Research Institute (NASRI), Nepal Agricultural Research Council (NARC), Khumaltar, Lalitpur, Nepal.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Allen, M.S. 2014. Is starch a required nutrient in dairy cattle diets? Proc. 28th ADSA DISCOVER Conference on Food Animal Agriculture: Starch for ruminants (dairy and beef cattle), American Dairy Science Association, 1800 S. Oak Street, Suite 100, Champaign, IL 61820-6974


Progress 10/01/13 to 09/30/14

Outputs
Target Audience: Target audiences include dairy cattle nutritionist, veterinarians, industry technical representatives, farm advisors, and dairy producers. Efforts include presentations at dairy nutrition conferences, Dairy Nutrition Roundtable Meetings, and articles in the popular press and extension publications. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Graduate students and undergraduate students were trained to conduct experiments, biopsy bovine liver tissue, determine gene expression by quantitiative real-time PCR, summarize and statistically analyze data, and write articles for submission to journals. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Results have been disseminated to the scientific community at professional meetings, to nutritionists and veterinarians at nutrition and management conferences, and to dairy producers at meetings. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Conduct experiments to determine relative effects of different fuels derived from the diet of ruminants on feeding behavior. Conduct a study to determine the effects of rate of propionate infusion on feeding behavior and dry matter intake by cows in the postpartum period. Conduct a study to evaluate the effects of starch concentration and fermentability on feed intake and milk yield of cows in the immediate postpartum period.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? We evaluated the effects of propionic acid and glycerol that have similar metabolisable energy but different routes of metabolism on feeding behavior and dry matter intake of cows in the postpartum period. We evaluated the effects of glucose precursors with different routes of metabolism as potential treaments for ketosis with cows in the postpartum period. We completed an experiment to evaluate the relationship between feed intake and the change in hepatic acetyl CoA content. We conducted an experiment to evaluate eupplementation of chromium propionate for the first 120 days of lactation. We completed an experiment to evaluate the effect of time of chromium supplementation on production and metabolic responses of cows in early lactation.

Publications

  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Burczynski, S.E., J. P. Boerman, A. L. Lock, M. S. Allen, and M. J. VandeHaar. 2014. Relationship between digestibility and residual feed intake in lactating Holstein cows fed high and low starch diets. Journal of Dairy Science, 97(E-Suppl. 1):171.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Sun, Y., M.S. Allen, A.L. Lock. 2014. Interaction between culture pH and corn oil concentration on NDF digestibility and biohydrogenation of unsaturated fatty acids in batch culture. Journal of Dairy Science, 97(E-Suppl. 1):319.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Castagnino, D.S. K. L. Kammes, M. S. Allen, R. Gervais, P. Y. Chouinard, D. E. Santschi and C. L. Girard. 2014. Apparent synthesis of thiamin and vitamin B12 in rumen of lactating dairy cows fed alfalfa or orchardgrass silages at different maturity stages. Journal of Dairy Science, 97(E-Suppl. 1):912.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Castagnino, D.S. K. L. Kammes, M. S. Allen, R. Gervais, P. Y. Chouinard, D. E. Santschi and C. L. Girard. 2014. Apparent synthesis of thiamin and vitamin B12 in rumen of lactating dairy cows fed alfalfa or orchardgrass silages of different particle lengths. Journal of Dairy Science, 97(E-Suppl. 1): 915.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Under Review Year Published: 2014 Citation: Piantoni, P., A.L. Lock, and M.S. Allen. Milk production responses to dietary stearic acid vary by production level in dairy cattle. J. Dairy Sci. (submitted)
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Under Review Year Published: 2014 Citation: Piantoni, P., A.L. Lock, and M.S. Allen. Saturated fat supplementation interacts with dietary forage NDF concentration during the immediate postpartum and carryover periods in Holstein cows: production responses and digestibility of nutrients. J. Dairy Sci. (submitted)
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Under Review Year Published: 2014 Citation: Piantoni, P., A.L. Lock, and M.S. Allen. Saturated fat supplementation interacts with dietary forage NDF content during the immediate postpartum period in Holstein cows: energy balance and metabolism. J. Dairy Sci. (submitted)
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Rico, J.E., M.S. Allen, and A.L. Lock. 2014. Palmitic acid increased the yield of milk fat and improved feed efficiency across production level of cows compared with stearic acid. J. Dairy Sci. 97:1057-1066.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Mullins, C. R., L. K. Mamedova, A. J. Carpenter, Y. Ying, M. S. Allen, I. Yoon, B. J. Bradford. 2013. Analysis of rumen microbial populations in lactating dairy cattle fed diets varying in carbohydrate profiles and Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation product. J. Dairy Sci. 96:5872-5881.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Stocks, S. E. and M. S. Allen. 2014. Effects of lipid and propionic acid infusions on feed intake of lactating dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 97:2297-2304.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Awaiting Publication Year Published: 2014 Citation: Allen, M.S. and P. Piantoni. 2014. Carbohydrate Nutrition: Managing energy intake and partitioning through lactation. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice, Dairy Nutrition (in press)
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Allen, M.S. 2014. Drives and limits to feed intake in ruminants. Anim. Prod. Sci. 54:1513-1524.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Allen, M.S. 2013. Optimizing feed efficiency through lactation. Pp. 27. Proc. 26th ADSA Discover Conference on Food Animal Agriculture: Dairy Feed Efficiency, American Dairy Science Association, 1800 S. Oak Street, Suite 100 ?Champaign, IL 61820-6974
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Piantoni, P., A. L. Lock, and M. S. Allen. 2014. Saturated fat supplementation interacts with dietary forage concentration during the postpartum and carryover periods in Holstein cows. Pp.176. Proc. 2014 Tri-State Dairy Nutrition Conference, 221B Animal Science Building, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210-1095
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Burczynski, S.E., J. P. Boerman, A. L. Lock, M. S. Allen, and M. J. VandeHaar. 2014. Relationship between digestibility and residual feed intake in lactating Holstein cows fed high and low starch diets. Pp.172. Proc. 2014 Tri-State Dairy Nutrition Conference, 221B Animal Science Building, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210-1095
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Sun, Y., M.S. Allen, A.L. Lock. 2014. Interaction between culture pH and corn oil concentration on NDF digestibility and biohydrogenation of unsaturated fatty acids in batch culture. Pp.178. Proc. 2014 Tri-State Dairy Nutrition Conference, 221B Animal Science Building, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210-1095
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Piantoni, P., A. L. Lock, and M. S. Allen. 2014. Saturated fat supplementation interacts with dietary forage NDF concentration during the postpartum period in Holstein cows: energy balance, nutrient digestibility, and metabolism. Journal of Dairy Science, 97(E-Suppl. 1):838.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Piantoni, P., C. M. Ylioja, and M. S. Allen. 2014. Hepatic acetyl CoA concentration decreases following feeding in early-postpartum but not in late-lactation dairy cows. Journal of Dairy Science, 97(E-Suppl. 1):335.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Piantoni, P., and M. S. Allen. 2014. Evaluation of propylene glycol and glycerol infusions as potential treatments for ketosis in dairy cows. Journal of Dairy Science, 97(Suppl. 1):50.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Allen, M.S. and P. Piantoni. 2014. Physiological mechanisms controlling feeding behavior. Journal of Dairy Science, 97(E-Suppl. 1):114.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Piantoni, P., A. L. Lock, M. S. Allen. 2014. Use of long-chain saturated fatty acid supplements in lactating dairy cows. Journal of Dairy Science, 97(E-Suppl. 1):95.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Oglesby, B. and M.S. Allen. 2014. Within-day alteration of ration starch fermentability had no effect on feed intake, total-tract neutral detergent fiber digestibility, and milk fat concentration of cows in late lactation. Journal of Dairy Science, 97(E-Suppl. 1):13.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Gualdron-Duarte, L. B. and M. S. Allen. 2014. Propionic acid decreased meal size and feed intake compared with glycerol when infused abomasally in cows in the postpartum period. Journal of Dairy Science, 97(E-Suppl. 1):303.


Progress 01/01/13 to 09/30/13

Outputs
Target Audience: Target audiences include dairy cattle nutritionist, veterinarians, industry technical representatives, farm advisors, and dairy producers. Efforts include presentations at dairy nutrition conferences, Dairy Nutrition Roundtable Meetings, and articles in the popular press and extension publications. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Graduate students and undergraduate students were trained to conduct experiments, biopsy bovine liver tissue, determine gene expression by quantitiative real-time PCR, summarize and statistically analyze data, and write articles for submission to journals. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Results have been disseminated to the scientific community at professional meetings, to nutritionists and veterinarians at nutrition and management conferences, and to dairy producers at meetings. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Conduct experiments to determine relative effects of different fuels derived from the diet of ruminants on feeding behavior. Begin a study to evaluate the effects of starch concentration and fermentability on feed intake and milk yield of cows in the immediate postpartum period.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? We evaluated effects of feeding high moisture corn and dry corn to cows in the postpartum period on expression of genes related to carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in the liver. We conducted and experiment to determine temporal variation in hepatic acetyl CoA concentration relative to feeding by lactating cows.

Publications

  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: M. S. Allen. 2013. Forage quality, allocation, and supplementation throughout lactation. Pp.131-138. Proc. 3rd International Symposium on Dairy Cow Nutrition and Milk Quality, Beijing, China, American Dairy Science Association, 1800 S. Oak Street, Suite 100 ?Champaign, IL 61820-6974
  • Type: Theses/Dissertations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Stocks, S. E. 2013. Propionate control of feed intake: interaction with lipolytic state. Ph.D. dissertation, Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Ploetz, J. C., S. E. Burczynski, M. J. VandeHaar, M. S. Allen, and A. L. Lock. 2013. Milk production responses to a change in dietary starch concentration vary by production level in dairy cattle. J. Dairy Sci. 96 (Suppl. 1): 452-453.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Rico, J. E., M. S. Allen, and A. L. Lock. 2013. Milk yield and milk fat responses to increasing levels of palmitic acid supplementation of dairy cows receiving low and high-fat diets. J. Dairy Sci. 96 (Suppl. 1): 659.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Stocks, S. E. and M. S. Allen. 2013. Hypophagic effects of propionic acid are not attenuated during a 3-day infusion in the early postpartum period in Holstein cows. J. Dairy Sci. 96 :46154623.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Allen, M. S. and P. Piantoni. 2013. Metabolic control of feed intake: implications for metabolic disease of fresh cows. Vet. Clin. Food Anim. 29:279297.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Brown, W. E. and M.S. Allen. 2013. Effects of intrajugular glucose infusion on feed intake, milk yield, and metabolic responses of early postpartum cows fed diets varying in protein and starch concentration. J. Dairy Sci. 96:7132-7142.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Piantoni, P., A. L. Lock, and M. S. Allen. 2013. Palmitic acid increased milk yield and feed efficiency across production level of lactating cows. J. Dairy Sci. 96:7143-7154.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Lock, A. L., C. L. Preseault, K. E. DeLand, J. E. Rico, and M. S. Allen. 2013. Feeding a C16:0-enriched fat supplement increased the yield of milk fat and improved conversion of feed to milk. J. Dairy Sci. 96:6650-6659.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Awaiting Publication Year Published: 2013 Citation: Rico, J.E., M.S. Allen, and A.L. Lock. 2013. Palmitic acid increased the yield of milk fat and improved feed efficiency across production level of cows compared with stearic acid. J. Dairy Sci. (in press).
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Allen, M. S. and B. J. Bradford. 2013. Control of food intake by metabolism of fuels - A comparison across species. Abstracts of the 2013 Congress on Gastrointestinal Function. Pp. 17-18. 1800 S. Oak Street, Suite 100, Champaign, Illinois 61820-6974
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Piantoni, P., A. L. Lock, and M. S. Allen. 2013. Saturated fat supplementation interacts with dietary forage concentration during the postpartum and carryover periods in Holstein cows. J. Dairy Sci. 96 (Suppl. 1): 659-660.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Piantoni, P., A. L. Lock, and M. S. Allen. 2013. Milk production responses to dietary stearic acid vary by production level in dairy cattle. J. Dairy Sci. 96 (Suppl. 1): 660.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Burczynski, S. E., J. S. Liesman, R. J. Tempelman, J. C. Ploetz, M. S. Allen, A. L. Lock, M. J. VandeHaar. 2013. Residual feed intake is repeatable when high and low starch diets are fed to lactating Holstein dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 96 (Suppl. 1): 397.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Ylioja, C. M., R. J. Rockwell, and M. S. Allen. 2013. High moisture corn increased hepatic gene expression for anapleurotic and gluconeogenic enzymes compared with dry corn for Holstein cows in the postpartum period. J. Dairy Sci. 96(E-Suppl.):222.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Allen, M. S. 2013. Effects of neutral detergent fiber concentration and digestion characteristics on energy intake and partitioning of lactating cows. J. Anim. Sci. 91(E-Suppl. 2):165.


Progress 01/01/12 to 12/31/12

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Effects of glucose infusion on feed intake, milk production, and metabolic responses of early postpartum cows fed diets varying in starch and protein concentration were evaluated utilizing a randomized complete block design with a 2x2 factorial arrangement of treatments. Twenty-four multiparous Holstein cows were blocked by BCS and 305-day mature-equivalent milk production, and randomly assigned at calving to one of four treatments. Treatments were continuous intrajugular infusion of glucose (GI) or isotonic saline (SI), and diets containing high starch/low crude protein (HSLP) or high crude protein/low starch (HPLS) concentration. Treatments were initiated at the first scheduled feeding following parturition and lasted 12 d. The GI reduced cumulative dry matter intake and tended to reduce daily dry matter intake and meal size for HPLS but not HSLP compared with SI. GI did not affect cumulative milk yield for HPLS but increased milk yield for HSLP compared with SI. The GI increased cumulative milk yield 39 kg compared with SI. The HPLS treatment tended to increase loss of body condition from 0.65 to 0.82 body condition score units/12 d compared with HSLP. Consistent with this, HPLS increased plasma concentrations of non-esterified fatty acids, β-hydroxybutyrate, liver triglyceride, milk fat concentration and yield, 3.5% fat-corrected milk and milk urea nitrogen compared with HSLP. Overall, the GI-HPLS treatment reduced feed intake by reducing meal size. The GI-HPLS may have reduced meal size by the independent or additive effects of 1) the GI potentially decreasing hepatic gluconeogenesis and promoting oxidation of acetyl CoA, 2) elevated plasma NEFA from HPLS increasing the pool of acetyl CoA available to be oxidized and 3) the HPLS diet increasing urea synthesis which also provides TCA cycle intermediate fumarate to promote oxidation of acetyl CoA. PARTICIPANTS: Bill Brown conducted the experiment with help from Richard Longuski, M.S., David Main, M.S., Sarah Stocks, M.S. and Caroline Ylioja. TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences include research nutritionists that will use the information for diet formulation models as well as field nutritionists and others formulating diets for lactating cows. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.

Impacts
Feed intake in transition dairy cows is commonly suppressed by a complex set of metabolic factors. Increasing feed intake during this period is an important strategy in minimizing costly postpartum metabolic diseases. This study examines mechanisms whereby feed intake may be depressed in early postpartum cows, and assists in developing feeding strategies involving varying starch and protein concentrations to improve feed intake. Diets varying in starch and protein concentration result in changes in metabolism and milk production performance, which can interact to suppress intake.

Publications

  • Kammes, K. L., Y. Ying, and M. S. Allen. 2012. Nutrient demand interacts with grass particle length to affect digestion responses and chewing activity in dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 95:807-823.
  • Kammes, K. L. and M. S. Allen. 2012. Nutrient demand interacts with legume particle length to affect digestion responses and rumen pool sizes in dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 95:2616-2631.
  • Stocks, S.E. and M.S. Allen. 2012. Hypophagic effects of propionate increase with elevated hepatic acetyl CoA concentration of cows in the early postpartum period. J. Dairy Sci. 95:3259-3268.
  • Kammes, K. L. Y. Ying, and M. S. Allen. 2012. Nutrient demand interacts with grass maturity to affect milk fat concentration and digestion responses in dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 95:5133-5148.
  • Kammes, K. L. and M. S. Allen. 2012. Nutrient demand interacts with legume maturity to affect rumen pool sizes in dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 95:2632-2647.
  • Kammes, K. L. and M. S. Allen. 2012. Nutrient demand interacts with forage family to affect digestion responses in dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 95:3269-3287.
  • Kammes, K. L. and M. S. Allen. 2012. Rates of particle size reduction and passage are faster for legume compared to cool-season grass, resulting in lower rumen fill and less effective fiber. J. Dairy Sci. 95:3288-3297.
  • Allen, M. S. and B. J. Bradford. 2012. Control of food intake by metabolism of fuels a comparison across species. Proc. Nutr. Soc. 71:401-409.
  • Allen, M. S. and Y. Ying. 2012. Effects of Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation product on ruminal starch digestion are dependent upon dry matter intake for lactating cows. J. Dairy Sci. 95:6591-6605.
  • Allen, M. S. 2012. Starch concentration and ruminal fermentability in rations for lactating cows. Proc. Mid-Atlantic Nutrition Conference, Maryland Feed Industry Council, Inc.
ATTN: Extension Office 
3101 Animal Science Center
University of Maryland
College Park, MD 20742-2311
  • Brown, W. E. and M. S. Allen. 2012. Intrajugular glucose infusion interacted with dietary protein concentration to affect feed intake, milk yield, and metabolic responses of cows in the postpartum period. J. Dairy Sci. 95(Suppl. 2):199.
  • Stocks, S. E. and M. S. Allen. 2012. Propionate did not interact with lipid to decrease dry matter intake in post-peak lactation dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 95(Suppl. 2):343. Piantoni, P., A. L. Lock, and M. S. Allen. 2012. Palmitic acid increased milk yield and feed efficiency across production level of lactating cows. J. Dairy Sci. 95(Suppl. 2):435. Rico, J. E., M. S. Allen, A. L. Lock. 2012. Palmitic acid increased the yield of milk fat and improved feed efficiency across production level of cows compared with stearic acid. J. Dairy Sci. 95(Suppl. 2):435.
  • Schmidt, S., C.L. Preseault, J.E. Rico, M.S. Allen, A.L. Lock. 2012. Incorporation of palmitic and stearic acids into plasma lipid fractions of lactating dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 95(Suppl. 2):216.
  • Hollmann, M., M. S. Allen, T. H. Herdt, J. A. Zyskowski, K. M. Lebbin, J. P. Steibel, and D. K. Beede. 2012. Fates of medium-chain fatty acids fed to lactating dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 95(Suppl. 2):434.


Progress 01/01/11 to 12/31/11

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Effects of forage family on rates of particle size reduction in, and passage from, the rumen and the relationship of these effects with preliminary DMI (pDMI) were evaluated using 13 ruminally and duodenally cannulated Holstein cows in a crossover design with a 14-d preliminary period and two 18-d treatment periods. During the preliminary period, pDMI of individual cows ranged from 19.6 to 29.5 kg/d (mean = 25.9 kg/d) and 3.5% fat-corrected milk yield ranged from 24.3 to 60.3 kg/d (mean = 42.1 kg/d). Experimental treatments were diets containing either a) alfalfa silage (AL) or b) orchardgrass silage (OG) as the sole forage. Silages were chopped to 10 mm theoretical length of cut and contained 42.3 and 58.2% neutral detergent fiber (NDF) for alfalfa and orchardgrass, respectively. Both diets contained ~25% forage NDF and ~30% total NDF. Feed, orts, rumen, and duodenal samples were wet sieved to fractionate particles above (large, L) and below (small, S) 2.36 mm. Indigestible NDF (iNDF) was used as a flow marker. Preliminary DMI, an index of nutrient demand, was determined during the last 4 d of the preliminary period when cows were fed a common diet and used as a covariate. Main effects of forage family and their interaction with pDMI were tested by ANOVA. Cows consumed ~75% NDF L and 25% NDF S for both treatments, but AL consumed more iNDF and less potentially digestible NDF (pdNDF) than OG. AL increased the rate of reduction (L to S) compared with OG despite less rumination per unit of forage NDF for AL than OG suggesting alfalfa NDF was more fragile than orchardgrass NDF. Over 55% of the particles in the rumen were below the threshold for passage (S) for AL and OG indicating that particle size was not a limiting constraint to passage. Passage rates (kp) of iNDF L and pdNDF L were similar for AL and OG, but AL increased kp of pdNDF L and OG decreased it as pDMI increased. AL increased kp of iNDF S and pdNDF S compared with OG resulting in lower rumen fill for AL than OG. The kp of iNDF S and pdNDF S were similar within forage family suggesting buoyancy was not limiting passage. OG increased rumen pool size of NDF L compared with AL, which likely retained NDF S contributing to the slower kp of iNDF S and pdNDF S observed for OG. Particle size reduction was a prerequisite to ruminal passage but not a constraint. Selective retention of S particles was less for alfalfa than orchardgrass resulting in lower rumen fill and less effective fiber. PARTICIPANTS: Kim Kammes M.S. conducted the experiment with help from Richard Longuski M.S. and David Main, M.S. TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences include research nutritionists that will use the information for diet formulation models as well as field nutritionists and other formulating diets for lactating cows. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
When alfalfa or orchardgrass silage was the only source of forage in diets formulated to contain similar concentrations of forage NDF, selective retention of small particles was less for legume than cool-season grass resulting in lower rumen fill and less effective fiber. This is consistent with greater feed intake for legume-based diets than grass-based diets, particularly for cows with high milk yield and when high-forage diets are fed. The greater filling effect of grasses compared to legumes is an important consideration for optimal forage allocation on farms and can be used to increase efficiency of conversion of nutrients to milk.

Publications

  • Kammes, K. L., B.D. Bals, B.E. Dale, and M.S. Allen. 2011. Grass leaf protein, a coproduct of cellulosic ethanol production, as a source of protein for livestock. Anim. Feed Sci. Tech. 164:79-88.
  • Hollmann, M., M.S. Allen, and D.K. Beede. 2011. Diet fermentability influences lactational performance responses to corn distillers grains: A meta-analysis. J. Dairy Sci. 94:2007-2021.
  • Hollmann, M., M.S. Allen, and D.K. Beede. 2011. Dietary protein quality and quantity affect lactational responses to corn distillers grains: A meta-analysis. J. Dairy Sci. 94:2022-2030.
  • Schrotenboer, A. C., M. S. Allen, and C. M. Malmstrom. 2011. Modification of native grasses for biofuel production may increase virus susceptibility. GCB Bioenergy 3(5):360-374.
  • Allen, M.S. 2011. HOT in Vermont: Application of the hepatic oxidation theory to maximize milk yield and cow health. In: 2010 Dairy Producer Conference: Power your dairy for the next decade, Poulin Grain, 24 Railroad Square, Newport, VT 05855
  • Allen, M. S. and B. J. Bradford. 2011. Control of energy intake through lactation. Pp. 169-178. Proc. 10th Western Dairy Management Conference, Department of Animal Science, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS.
  • Allen, M.S. 2011. Mind over models. Proc. Tri-State Dairy Nutrition Conf., Dept. Dairy Sci., Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210.
  • Allen, M.S. 2011. Advances in carbohydrate metabolism and utilization in dairy cattle. Proc. 2nd International Symposium on Dairy Cow Nutrition and Milk Quality, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences
2 Yuanmingyuan Xilu Rd, Haidian, Beijing, 100193 ,P. R. China
  • Bradford, B.J. and M.S. Allen. 2011. Hepatic oxidation: hot or cold diets Proc. 6th Annual Large Herd Seminar, Large Herd Seminar, c/o Lillico Attlee, The Forstal, Beddow Way, Aylesford, Kent, ME20 7BT
  • Allen, M.S. and B. J. Bradford. 2011. Control of food intake by metabolism of fuels - a comparison across species. Proc. International Oskar Kellner Symposium: Metabolic Flexibility in Animal and Human Nutrition, Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology, Wilhelm-Stahl-Allee 2, 18196 Dummerstorf, Germany.
  • Beede, D. K., M. Hollmann, and M. S. Allen. 2011. Lactational responses to corn distillers grains: a meta-analysis with focus on diet fermentability and protein quality. Pp. 108-124. Proc. 72nd Minnesota Nutrition Conference, Department of Animal Science, University of Minnesota, 305 Haecker Hall, 1364 Eckles Avernue, St. Paul, MN 55108-6118.
  • Kammes, K. L. and M. S. Allen. 2011. Rates of particle size reduction and passage are faster for legume compared to C3 grass resulting in lower rumen fill and less effective fiber. J. Dairy Sci. 94(E-Suppl.): 456.
  • Hollmann, M. D. K. Beede, and M. S. Allen. 2011. Chain length of dietary saturated fatty acids affects meal patterns and plasma metabolite and hormone concentrations of cows varying in milk yield. J. Dairy Sci. 94(E-Suppl.): 200.
  • Hollmann, M. D. K. Beede, and M. S. Allen. 2011. Chain length of dietary saturated fatty acids affects meal patterns and plasma metabolite and hormone concentrations of cows varying in milk yield. J. Dairy Sci. 94(E-Suppl.): 201.
  • Lock, A. L., C.L. Preseault, K.E. DeLand, and M.S. Allen. 2011. Feeding a C16:0-enriched fat supplement increased the yield of milk fat and improved feed efficiency. J. Dairy Sci. 94(E-Suppl.): 737.
  • DeLand, K.E., A.L. Lock, C.L. Preseault, and M.S. Allen. 2011. Effect of feeding a C16:0-enriched fat supplement on milk fatty acid composition. J. Dairy Sci. 94(E-Suppl.): 212.
  • Seck, M., J. A. Voelker Linton, M. S. Allen, P. Y. Chouinard, and C. L. Girard. 2011. Particle size and endosperm type of dry ground corn alter apparent ruminal synthesis of B-vitamins in lactating dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 94(E-Suppl.): 378.
  • Stocks, S. E. and M. S. Allen. 2011. Hypophagic effects of propionate are greater for cows with elevated hepatic acetyl CoA concentration. J. Dairy Sci. 94(E-Suppl.): 512.
  • Rockwell, R. J. and M. S. Allen. 2011. Effects of chromium propionate fed through the periparturient period and starch source fed postpartum on productive performance and dry matter intake of Holstein cows. J. Dairy Sci. 94(E-Suppl.): 738.
  • Kurtz, K.A., S. E. Stocks, and M.S. Allen. 2011. Rumen fill score was not related to feed intake response of fresh cows to a less filling diet. J. Dairy Sci. 94(E-Suppl.): 768.
  • Allen, M. 2011. Maintenance groups improve management of body condition in dairy cattle. MSU Extension News for Agriculture, March 1, 2011: http://www.news.msue.msu.edu/news
  • Allen, M. 2011. Optimal body condition score for dairy cows. MSU Extension News for Agriculture, April 27, 2011: http://www.news.msue.msu.edu/news
  • Cullens, F., M. Allen, A. Lock, and D. Beede. 2011. MSU Dairy Nutrition Roundtables provide valuable information. MSU Extension News for Agriculture, July 28, 2011: http://www.news.msue.msu.edu/news/article/msu_dairy_nutrition_roundta bles_provide_valuable_information
  • Allen, M. and J. Voelker. 2011. Extending forages and use of Non-forage Fiber Sources. MSU Extension News for Agriculture, September, 13, 2011: http://news.msue.msu.edu/news/article/extending_forages_and_use_of_no n-forage_fiber_sources
  • Allen, M., A. Lock, and D. Beede. 2011. Looking toward 2011 corn silage harvest. MSU Extension News for Agriculture, September, 13, 2011: http://www.news.msue.msu.edu/news/article/looking_toward_2011_corn_si lage_harvest
  • Allen, M. 2011. Maximizing digestible intake of corn silage-based diets: Part 1 MSU Extension News for Agriculture, September 15, 2011: http://news.msue.msu.edu/news/article/maximizing_digestible_intake_of _corn_silage_based_diets_part_1
  • Allen, M. 2011. Maximizing digestible intake of corn silage-based diets: Part 2 MSU Extension News for Agriculture, September 15, 2011: http://news.msue.msu.edu/news/article/maximizing_digestible_intake_of _corn_silage_based_diets_part_2
  • Allen, M. S. 2011. Grouping to increase milk yield and decrease feed costs. Progressive Dairyman, Feb. 2, 2011
  • Lock, Adam and Mike Allen. 2011. Improving Milk Fat Production Through the Targeted Feeding of a C16:0-enriched Fat Supplement. Michigan Dairy Review 16(1):9, January, 2011, Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing.
  • Cullens, Faith, Mike Allen, Adam Lock, and Dave Beede. 2011. MSU Dairy Nutrition Roundtable Meetings. Michigan Dairy Review 16(3):7-8, July, 2011, Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing.
  • Allen, M. S. 2011. Status of formulation models assessed: Part 1. Feedstuffs, August 8, 2011. Allen, M. S. 2011. Status of formulation models assessed: Part 2. Feedstuffs, August 26, 2011.
  • Allen, M. S. 2011. HOT feeding strategies to increase production and health. http://www.youtube.com/user/HoardsDairyman#p/a/u/0/rBL6djL68V8


Progress 01/01/10 to 12/31/10

Outputs
OUTPUTS: We evaluated effects of forage family and ratio of forage to concentrate on apparent ruminal synthesis and post-ruminal supply of niacin (B3) and vitamin B6. In the first experiment, effects of forage family were evaluated using 8 ruminally and duodenally cannulated lactating Holstein cows. The experiment was a cross-over design with two 15-d treatment periods and a preliminary period in which dry matter intake (pDMI) of a diet intermediate in composition between the treatment diets was measured. Treatment diets were formulated to contain 23% forage NDF and contained as sole forage, alfalfa (AL, 43% NDF) or orchardgrass (OG, 48% NDF) silages. Intakes of B3 and B6 were greater for AL than OG (B3: 2337 vs. 847 mg/d; B6: 75 vs. 55 mg/d) but AL decreased duodenal flows of B3 and B6 compared to OG (B3: 1702 vs. 2508 mg/d; B6: 46 vs. 82 mg/d for B6). Ruminal synthesis of B3 and B6 was greater for OG compared to AL (B3: 1661 vs. -635; B6: 27 vs. -28 mg/d). Intakes of B3 and B6 increased with pDMI for AL but not for OG but duodenal flow of B3 tended to increase with pDMI to a greater extent for OG than for AL. With increasing pDMI, B3 degradation in the rumen increased for AL but synthesis increased for OG. No interactions between pDMI and treatments were observed for B6 duodenal flow or ruminal synthesis. B3 intake was correlated negatively with ruminal synthesis and flow while B6 intake and synthesis were correlated negatively. Mean ruminal pH was correlated negatively with ruminal synthesis and flow of B3 (not B6). Microbial nitrogen flow (g/d) was correlated positively with ruminal synthesis and flow of B6 (not B3). Forages from different families altered ruminal fermentation which affected ruminal synthesis and supply of vitamins B3 and B6 to dairy cows. In the second experiment, effects of forage-to-concentrate ratio and rumen fermentation characteristics were evaluated using 14 ruminally and duodenally cannulated Holstein cows. The experiment was a crossover design with two 15-d treatment periods and a preliminary period in which dry matter intake of a diet intermediate in composition between the treatments was determined. Treatments were diets containing low-forage (LF; 44.8% forage, 32.8% starch, 24.4% NDF) or high-forage (HF; 64.1% forage, 22.5% starch, 30.7% NDF) concentrations. No interactions between treatment and pDMI were observed. LF decreased B3 intake (1035 vs. 1135 mg/d) but increased apparent ruminal synthesis and duodenal flow of B3 compared to HF. Although B6 intake was not influenced by treatments, LF decreased apparent ruminal degradation and increased B6 duodenal flow compared to HF. B3 flow tended to be correlated positively to B3 intake while B6 flow was correlated positively to B6 intake. Ruminal synthesis and duodenal flow of B3 and B6 were correlated negatively to mean ruminal pH and correlated positively to true ruminally degraded starch. Ruminal synthesis and duodenal flow of B3 and duodenal flow of B6 were correlated positively to microbial N flow. Niacin and vitamin B6 supply to dairy cows is increased with greater dietary starch concentration and starch digestion in the rumen. PARTICIPANTS: Jennifer Voelker Linton, Ph.D. conducted the experiments with help from Yun Ying, M.S. and David Main, M.S. B-vitamin analysis was done by M. Seck under the direction of C. Girard, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada and P. Y. Chouinard, Departement de sciences animales, Universite Laval, Quebec, Quebec, Canada. TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences include research nutritionists that will use the information for diet formulation models as well as field nutritionists and others formulating diets for lactating cows. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
Diets of ruminants have not traditionally included supplemental B vitamins because it was assumed that adequate quantities were supplied by microbial fermentation in the rumen. However, production responses to various B vitamins has increased availability of rumen-protected sources of B-vitamins and inclusion of various B-vitamins in certain situations. This research will help identify adequacy of B vitamin supply to increase effectiveness of B vitamin supplementation.

Publications

  • Allen, M. S., A. L. Lock, F. Cullens. 2010. Using rumen scoring to move fresh cows. Proc. Animal Health: Tools to Navigate the Fresh Cow Storm, Oscoda County MSUE, MSU Extension Dairy Team, PO Box 69, Mio, MI 48647
  • Allen, M.S., B. J. Bradford, M. Oba. 2010. Effects of diet fermentability on energy intake and partitioning. Hulsenberger Gesprache, H. Wilhelm Schauman Stifung, Kollaustr. 105, D-22453 Hamburg, Germany
  • Allen, M.S. 2010. The hepatic oxidation theory of the control of feed intake, roc. Bucknell Nutrition Conference, Proc. Bucknell Nutrition Conference, Renaissance Nutrition, P.O. Box 229, Roaring Spring, PA 16673
  • Allen, M. S. and B. J. Bradford. 2010. Strategies to optimize feed intake in lactating cows. Pp. 104-111. Proc. 64th Annual Virginia State Feed Association and Nutritional Management Cow College, Dept. of Dairy Science, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061-0315
  • Allen, M.S. 2010. Feed intake regulation and cell wall characteristics. In: Role of plant cell walls in dairy cow nutrition, pp. 17-20. Ad van Vuuren, Ed. Wageningen UR Livestock Research, Lelystad, The Netherlands.
  • Allen, M. S., A. L. Lock, F. Cullens. 2010. Tools for metabolic wellness. Proc. Animal Health: Tools to Navigate the Fresh Cow Storm, Oscoda County MSUE, MSU Extension Dairy Team, PO Box 69, Mio, MI 48647
  • Allen, M.S. 2010. Grouping to increase milk yield and decrease feed costs, Proc. Bucknell Nutrition Conference, Proc. Bucknell Nutrition Conference, Renaissance Nutrition, P.O. Box 229, Roaring Spring, PA 16673
  • Allen, M.S. 2010. Energy intake and partitioning of lactating dairy cows, Coolum Nutrition Workshop, Feedworks, Pty, P.O. Box 369, Romsey, Vic. 3434 Australia
  • Allen, M.S. 2010. Feeding and supplementing forages through lactation, Coolum Nutrition Workshop, Feedworks, Pty, P.O. Box 369, Romsey, Vic. 3434 Australia
  • Allen, M.S. 2010. Choosing maize silage hybrids: implications for carbohydrate metabolism and animal performance, Australia Association of Ruminant Nutrition, P.O. Box 369, Romsey, Vic. 3434 Australia
  • Allen, M.S. 2010. Feeding cows in groups and as individuals to increase milk yield and reduce feed costs, Australia Association of Ruminant Nutrition, P.O. Box 369, Romsey, Vic. 3434 Australia
  • Allen, M.S. 2010. Control of feed intake during the transition period: the hepatic oxidation theory. Proc. Discover 20 conference, The Transition Cow: Biology and Management American Dairy Science Association, Champaign, IL, 61822
  • Bals, B., H. Murnen, M.S. Allen, and B. E. Dale. 2010. Ammonia fiber expansion treatment of eleven different forages: Improvements to fiber digestibility in vitro. Anim. Feed Sci.Tech. 155:147-155.
  • Stebulis, S. E. and M. S. Allen. 2010. Hypophagic effects of propionate relative to acetate decrease as days in milk increase and plasma NEFA concentration decreases. J. Dairy Sci. 93(E-Suppl.):843.
  • Seck, M., J. A. Voelker Linton, M. S. Allen, P. Y. Chouinard, and C. L. Girard. 2010. Effects of forage family on apparent ruminal synthesis of niacin and vitamin B6 in lactating dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 93(E-Suppl.):152.
  • Seck, M., J. A. Voelker Linton, M. S. Allen, P. Y. Chouinard, and C. L. Girard. 2010. Effects of forage-to-concentrate ratio and rumen fermentation characteristics on apparent ruminal synthesis of niacin and vitamin B6 in lactating dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 93(E-Suppl.):435.
  • Kammes, K. L. and M. S. Allen. 2010. Nutrient demand interacts with orchardgrass maturity to affect dry matter intake and yields of milk and milk fat. 
J. Dairy Sci. 93(E-Suppl.):146.
  • Kammes, K. L. and M. S. Allen. 2010. Zinc and heat treatments reduce ruminal protein degradation of grass leaf protein. 
J. Dairy Sci. 93(E-Suppl.):159.
  • Allen, M. S. 2010. Forage quality is an important part of the nutrition equation. Pp. 40-47. Proc. Great Lakes Regional Dairy Conference, ANR Communications Conferences, 312 Agriculture Hall, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824-1039


Progress 01/01/09 to 12/31/09

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Our objective was to determine the effects of alfalfa maturity on dry matter intake (DMI), milk production, and ruminal pool sizes and the relationship of these effects with preliminary voluntary DMI (pVDMI). Sixteen ruminally cannulated Holstein cows were used in a crossover design experiment with a 14-d preliminary period and two 17-d treatment periods. During the preliminary period, pVDMI of individual cows ranged from 22.8 to 29.8 kg/d (mean = 25.8 kg/d) and 3.5% fat-corrected milk yield ranged from 34.1 to 68.2 kg/d (mean = 43.7 kg/d). The two treatments were diets containing alfalfa silage harvested from one field at either a) earlier maturity (EARLY) or b) later maturity (LATE) as the sole forage. Alfalfa silages contained 42.3 and 53.4% neutral detergent fiber (NDF) for EARLY and LATE, respectively; both diets contained ~20% forage NDF and 27% total NDF. The pVDMI determined during the last 4 d of the preliminary period was used as a covariate. Main effects of alfalfa maturity and their interaction with pVDMI were tested by ANOVA. Yield of milk and milk components were not affected by treatment or its interaction with pVDMI (P > 0.15). EARLY increased DMI 2.3 kg/d compared to LATE (29.8 vs. 27.5 kg/d) and ruminal turnover rates of DM, OM (organic matter) and NDF were greater for EARLY compared to LATE (P < 0.001) but no interaction of treatment and pVDMI was observed for these variables. Rumen contents wet weight and volume and rumen pool sizes of DM, OM, NDF and indigestible NDF were all greater for LATE compared to EARLY (P < 0.05). Interactions were detected between alfalfa maturity and pVDMI for ruminal pool sizes; DM, OM, NDF and indigestible NDF pools increased at a slower rate for EARLY compared to LATE as pVDMI increased. The greater turnover rate of rumen pools likely allowed greater DMI for EARLY compared to LATE, but the relative contribution of ruminal distension to satiety likely differed for the two treatments because rumen pool sizes were consistently greater for LATE compared to EARLY. PARTICIPANTS: Kimberly Kammes, M.S. conducted the alfalfa maturity experiment with help from Yun Ying, M.S. and David Main, M.S. TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences include research nutritionists that will use the information for diet formulation models as well as field nutritionists and others formulating diets for lactating dairy cows. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
Maturity of alfalfa fed to dairy cows varies widely primarily dependent upon weather conditions that can delay harvest. Previous research has shown that feed intake and milk yield generally decreases with advancing alfalfa maturity, likely because of increased gut fill. However, the response to more mature alfalfa likely varies among cows with different production levels. A better understanding of how the effects of alfalfa maturity on rumen pool sizes interacts with blevel of feed intake will allow us to improve diet formulation for lactating cows.

Publications

  • Allen, M.S. 2009. Grouping strategies for dairy herds. Proc. California Animal Nutrition Conference, California Feed and Grain Association, 1521 I Street, Sacramento, CA 95814
  • Allen, M.S. and B. J. Bradford. 2009. HOT feeding strategies to maximize milk yield. Pp. 8-13, Proc. Four-State Dairy Nutrition and Management Conference, Iowa State University Cooperative Extension, Ames, IA.
  • Allen, M.S., J. A. Voelker, and M. Oba. 2009. Physically effective fiber: its more than just chewing. Pp. 70-75. Proc. Four-State Dairy Nutrition and Management Conference, Iowa State University Cooperative Extension, Ames, IA.
  • Allen, M.S. 2009. Grouping strategies for dairy herds. Proc. 21st Century Dairy Conference, 545 Fairway Oaks Drive, Eureka, MO 63025.
  • Allen, M.S. 2009. Forage allocation and supplementation throughout lactation. California Chapter of ARPAS, PO Box 80822 Bakersfield, CA 93380
  • Ying, Y. and M.S. Allen. 2009. Yeast culture supplementation interacts with voluntary feed intake to affect ruminal starch digestion. J. Dairy Sci. 92(E-Suppl.):376.
  • Kammes, K., Y. Ying, and M.S. Allen. 2009. Effects of maturity of alfalfa conserved as silage on intake, productivity and rumen pools in lactating dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 92(E-Suppl.):110.
  • Kammes, K., Y. Ying, and M.S. Allen. 2009. Alfalfa silage length of cut interacts with feed intake to affect concentration of milk components in Holstein cows. J. Dairy Sci. 92(E-Suppl.):110.
  • Allen, M.S. and B. J. Bradford. 2009. Nutritional control of feed intake in cattle. Pp. 138-148. Proc. Florida Ruminant Nutrition Symposium, Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, PO Box 110910
Gainesville, Florida 32611

  • Allen, M.S. and B. J. Bradford. 2009. Strategies to optimize feed intake of lactating dairy cows. Pp. 161-172. Proc. 27th Annual Western Canadian Dairy Seminar, Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science 
Room 410 AgFor Centre
 University of Alberta 
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T6G 2P5
  • Allen, M.S. 2009. Revisiting grouping cows. Proc. Mid-Atlantic Nutrition Conference. Maryland Feed Industry Council, Inc. Extension Office, 
3101 Animal Science Center, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742-2311
  • Allen, M.S. 2009. Grouping to maximize milk yield and feed conversion efficiency. Pp. 61-65. Proc. Tri-State Nutrition Conference, 221 Animal Science, 2029 Fyffe Court, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210-1095
  • Longuski, R. A., Y. Ying, and M. S. Allen. 2009. Effect of yeast culture on response to a dietary challenge with fermentable starch in lactating dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 92: 160-167
  • Dale, B. E., M. S. Allen, M. S. Laser, and L. R. Lynd. 2009. Protein feeds coproduction in biomass conversion to fuels and chemicals. Biofuels, Bioproducts & Biorefining 3:219-230.
  • Voelker Linton, J. A. and M. S. Allen. 2009. Nutrient demand interacts with forage family to affect N digestion and utilization responses in dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 92:1594-1602.
  • Allen, M.S., B. J. Bradford, and M. Oba. 2009. BOARD-INVITED REVIEW: The hepatic oxidation theory of the control of feed intake and its application to ruminants. J. Anim. Sci. 87: 3317-3334.
  • Allen, M.S. and B. J. Bradford. 2009. Comment on the evidence against control of eating by hepatic oxidation of fatty acids - a note of caution. Appetite 53: 272-273.
  • Bals, B., H. Murnen, M.S. Allen, and B. E. Dale. 2009. Ammonia fiber expansion (AFEX) treatment of eleven different forages: Improvements to fiber digestibility in vitro. Anim. Feed Sci.Tech. doi:10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2009.11.004
  • Allen, M.S. 2009. Effective fiber and fermentable carbohydrates: diet formulation to optimize milk production and cow health, Proc. Diamond V Dairy Advisory Meeting, Diamond V Mills, P.O. Box 74570, Cedar Rapids, IA, 52407-4570
  • Allen, M.S. 2009. Intake and feed management of dairy cows. Proc. California Animal Nutrition Conference, California Feed and Grain Association, 1521 I Street, Sacramento, CA 95814


Progress 01/01/08 to 12/31/08

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Our objective was to determine effects of corn grain varying in endosperm type and particle size on ruminal digestion kinetics and ruminal and total tract digestibility of starch in lactating cows. Eight ruminally and duodenally cannulated Holstein cows were used in a duplicated 4 x 4 Latin square design with a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. Main effects were corn grain vitreousness (floury or vitreous) and particle size (medium or fine). Endosperm was 25% vitreous for floury treatment and 66% vitreous for vitreous treatment. The fraction of ground corn passing through a 1.18 mm sieve was 43% for medium, vitreous; 42% for medium, floury; 57% for fine, vitreous; and 62% for fine, floury. Diets included alfalfa silage, corn treatments, protein supplement, minerals and vitamins and contained 29.2% starch, 27.6% neutral detergent fiber and 16.3% crude protein. Corn grain treatments supplied 86.2% of dietary starch. No interactions were detected for any measure of starch digestion. Floury treatment increased rate of starch digestion (19.2 vs. 9.9 %/h, P < 0.01) and decreased rate of starch passage (16.1 vs. 25.7 %/h, P < 0.001), increasing apparent ruminal starch digestibility (53.7 vs. 24.6 %, P < 0.001). Total tract starch digestibility was increased by floury treatment (92.2 vs. 85.1 %, P < 0.0001) despite greater post-ruminal starch digestion (% of starch intake) for the vitreous treatment (60.7 vs. 38.4 %, P < 0.01). Fine grinding increased rate of starch digestion (19.5 vs. 9.51 %/h, P < 0.01), which increased apparent ruminal digestibility (47.2 vs. 31.1 %/h, P = 0.03) compared to medium treatment. However, total tract starch digestibility was not affected by fineness of grind (mean = 22.2 %/h) because of greater post-ruminal starch digestibility (% of starch intake) for medium compared to fine treatment (57.2 vs. 41.9 %, P = 0.02). Endosperm type greatly affects ruminal and total tract starch digestibility independent of corn grain grind size. PARTICIPANTS: Richard Longuski, M.S. conducted the corn endosperm experiment with help from Yun Ying, M.S. and David Main, M.S. TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences include research nutritionists that will use the information for diet formulation models as well as field nutritionists and others formulating diets for lactating dairy cows. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
Ruminal starch digestibility of corn grain is highly variable which results in great variation in production of fermentation acids in the rumen. Understanding factors affecting ruminal digestion of starch will allow lower forage diets to be fed while minimizing risk of ruminal acidosis from excess fermentation acid production.

Publications

  • Allen, M.S. 2008. Fat effects on feed intake. ADSA Discover Conference 14:1. (abstract)
  • Allen, M.S. 2008. Time to regroup. Michigan Dairy Review 13(2):12-14,April, 2008, Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing.
  • Hollmann, M., D. Beede, and M. Allen. 2008. Ration fermentability: key factor for inclusion level of distillers grains in lactation rations. Michigan Dairy Review 13(2):6-8, April, 2008, Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing.
  • Bradford, B. J. and M. S. Allen. 2008. Negative energy balance increases periprandial ghrelin and growth hormone concentrations in lactating dairy cows. Domest. Anim. Endocrinol. 34:196-203.
  • Voelker Linton, J. A. and M. S. Allen. 2008. Nutrient demand interacts with forage family to affect intake and digestion responses in dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 91:2694-2701.
  • Bradford, B. J., K. J. Harvatine and M. S. Allen. 2008. Dietary unsaturated fatty acids increase plasma GLP-1 and CCK and may decrease pre-meal ghrelin in lactating cows. J. Dairy Sci. 91:1443-1450.
  • Allen, M.S. 2008. CornPicker: A partial budget approach for choosing corn hybrids for silage. Abstracts ADSA/ASAS Midwest Meeting p. 22
  • Allen, M.S. and Y. Ying. 2008. Dose-response effects of Rumensin supplementation on kinetics of biohydrogenation of fatty acids in the rumen. J. Dairy Sci. 91(E Suppl):590
  • Allen, M.S. and Y. Ying. 2008. Dose-response effects of Rumensin supplementation on ruminal digestion kinetics of fiber and starch. J. Dairy Sci. 91(E Suppl):266
  • Allen, M.S., R. A. Longuski and Y. Ying. 2008. Endosperm type of dry ground corn grain affects ruminal and total tract digestion of starch in lactating dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 91(E Suppl):529
  • Allen, M.S. and B. J. Bradford. 2008. Effects of metabolites on feed intake in dairy cows. 6th Int. Congress Farm Anim. Endo. P. 16 (abstract)


Progress 01/01/07 to 12/31/07

Outputs
The effect of preliminary feed intake on responses to diets containing alfalfa silage or orchardgrass silage was evaluated using eight ruminally and duodenally cannulated Holstein cows in a crossover design experiment with a 14-d preliminary period and two 15-d treatment periods. Responses measured were intake, digestion, and utilization of N. During the preliminary period, milk yield ranged from 24.5 to 46.0 kg/d (mean = 37.0 kg/d) and preliminary voluntary DMI (pVDMI) ranged from 11.4 to 21.0 kg/d (mean = 17.5 kg/d). Treatments were a diet with alfalfa silage as the sole forage (AL) and a diet with orchardgrass silage as the sole forage (OG). Alfalfa silage contained 20.5% CP (DM basis) and orchardgrass silage contained 20.4% CP; AL contained 18.3% CP and 5.6 % estimated rumen-undegraded CP, and OG contained 18.8% CP and 6.3% estimated rumen-undegraded CP. Mean N intake was similar between treatments, ruminal N digestibility was greater for AL (30.4%) than for OG (17.7%), and whole-tract N digestibility did not differ between treatments. Intake and duodenal flow of N depended on a treatment by pVDMI interaction; both N intake and duodenal flow increased more for AL than for OG as pVDMI increased. Duodenal flow of microbial N and the efficiency of microbial N production from OM also tended to depend on a treatment by pVDMI interaction in a manner similar to N intake and duodenal flow. However, treatment by pVDMI interactions also indicate that as pVDMI increased and N intake increased for AL compared to OG, a decreasing proportion of the additional N consumed from AL was digested and used for increased milk protein production or body tissue gain. Therefore, when feeding less-filling diets, such as those containing large proportions of legume forage, to high-producing cows, reducing dietary N concentration could increase the efficiency of N utilization and reduce the extent to which greater DMI leads to greater N excretion.

Impacts
Alfalfa and orchardgrass forages differ in concentration and form of N and in physical attributes which can affect N utilization. This experiment demonstrated that, although alfalfa permitted increasingly greater N intake compared to orchardgrass with increasing nutrient demand, a decreasing proportion of the additional N consumed from alfalfa was digested and used for increased milk protein production or body tissue gain. When feeding less-filling diets, such as those containing alfalfa forage, to high-producing cows, reducing dietary N concentration could increase the efficiency of N utilization. Understanding reponse of animals to differences in diet forage concentration and differences in forage quality will allow us to formulate diets to maximize nutrient utilization to increase farm profitability and reduce excretion of nutrients as waste.

Publications

  • Allen, M. S. 2007. Metabolic regulation of feed intake in ruminants. Proc. California Animal Nutrition Conference, California Grain and Feed Association, 1521 I Street, Sacramento, CA 95814.
  • Allen, M.S. 2007. Metabolic regulation of feed intake in cattle: a conceptual model. Proc. Nutrition and Management of Dairy Cattle, Consorzio Ricerca Filera Lattiero Casearia, Ragusa, Italy.
  • Allen, M.S. and B. J. Bradford. 2007. NDF digestibility: conceptual and analytical challenges. Proc. Nutrition and Management of Dairy Cattle, Consorzio Ricerca Filera Lattiero Casearia, Ragusa, Italy.
  • Allen, M.S. 2007. Effects of dietary fat on energy intake and partitioning. Proc. Nutrition and Management of Dairy Cattle, Consorzio Ricerca Filera Lattiero Casearia, Ragusa, Italy.
  • Allen, M.S. 2007. Diet formulation to maximize energy intake and milk yield. Proc. Nutrition and Management of Dairy Cattle, Consorzio Ricerca Filera Lattiero Casearia, Ragusa, Italy.
  • Bradford, B. J. and M. S. Allen. 2007. Phlorizin administration did not attenuate hypophagia induced by intraruminal propionate infusion. J. Nutr. 137:326-330.
  • Bradford, B. J. and M. S. Allen. 2007. Phlorizin induces lipolysis and alters meal patterns in both early and late lactation dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 90:1810-1815.
  • Bradford, B. J. and M. S. Allen. 2007. Short communication: Rate of propionate infusion within meals does not influence feeding behavior. J. Dairy Sci. 90:2305-2308.
  • Bradford, B. J. and M. S. Allen. 2007. Negative energy balance increases periprandial ghrelin and growth hormone concentrations in lactating dairy cows. Domest. Anim. Endocrinol.: Mar 21: Epub ahead of print.
  • Bradford, B. J. and M. S. Allen. 2007. Depression in feed intake by a highly fermentable diet is related to plasma insulin concentration and insulin response to glucose infusion. J. Dairy Sci. 90:3838-3845.
  • Voelker Linton, J. A. and M. S. Allen. 2007. Nutrient demand affects ruminal digestion responses to a change in dietary forage concentration. J. Dairy Sci. 90:4770-4779.
  • Mooney, C. S. and M. S. Allen. 2007. Effect of dietary strong ions on chewing activity and milk production in lactating dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 90:5610-5618.
  • Hollmann, M. D. K. Beede, and M. S. Allen. 2007. Increased diet fermentability reduces production response to corn distillers grains in lactating cows: a statistical analysis of treatment means reported in the literature. J. Dairy Sci. 90S:452.
  • VandeHaar, M. J., H. F. Bucholtz, D. K. Beede, M. S. Allen, and R. D. Kriegel. 2007. Spartan dairy ration evaluator/balancer version 3: A user-friendly, windows-based software program for dairy nutrition management. J. Dairy Sci. 90S:604.
  • Mooney, C. S. and M. S. Allen. 2007. Strong ion concentrations in ruminal fluid of lactating dairy cows fed diets varying in fermentibility. J. Dairy Sci. 90S:407.
  • Bradford, B. J. and M. S. Allen. 2007. Negative energy balance increases prandial ghrelin and growth hormone concentrations in lactating dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 90S:447.
  • Bradford, B. J. and M. S. Allen. 2007. Depression in feed intake by a highly fermentable diet is related to plasma insulin concentration and insulin response to glucose infusion. J. Dairy Sci. 90S:567.
  • Longuski, R. A., Y. Ying, and M. S. Allen. 2007. Yeast culture supplementation prevented milk fat depression from a fermentable carbohydrate challenge. J. Dairy Sci. 90S:173.
  • Voelker Linton J. A. and M. S. Allen. 2007. Nutrient demand affects nitrogen utilization responses to diets containing alfalfa or orchardgrass. J. Dairy Sci. 90S:684.
  • Allen, M. S. 2007. Utilizing fats and carbohydrates in forage-based diets for lactating cows. J. Dairy Sci. 90S:236.
  • Voelker Linton J. A. and M. S. Allen. 2007. Predicting ruminal passage rates of fiber fractions and starch in dairy cattle. J. Dairy Sci. 90S:618.
  • Allen, M. S. 2007. Avoiding problems when feeding for high production. Proc. Herd Management Conference, Canwest Dairy Herd Improvement, 660 Speedvale Avenue West Suite 101 Guelph, Ontario N1K 1E5
  • Allen, M. S. 2007. Causes and effects of high acid diets. Proc. Herd Management Conference, Canwest Dairy Herd Improvement, 660 Speedvale Avenue West Suite 101 Guelph, Ontario N1K 1E5
  • Allen, M.S. and B. J. Bradford. 2007. Regulation of feed intake in transition cows: application of the hepatic oxidation hypothesis. Pp. 138-146, Proc. Southwest Nutrition and Management Conference, Dept. Animal Sci., University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721.
  • Allen, M. S. and J. A. Voelker Linton. 2007. In vivo methods to measure digestibility and digestion kinetics of feed fractions in the rumen. Pp. 72-88, Proc. International Symposium on Advances in Ruminant Nutrition Research, Departmento de Nutricao e Producao Animal Faculdade de Medicna Veterinania e Zootecnia, University of Sao Paulo, Pirassununga, Brazil.
  • Allen, M. 2007. Milk per acre: right for few, wrong for many. Pp. 156-159, Proc. Annual Meeting of the Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin, W10493 Oak Center Road Waupun, WI 53963
  • Allen, M. S. 2007. Digestibility of forage NDF: effects on feed intake and milk yield of dairy cows, Pp. 42-47, Proc. Joint Spring Meeting of the Ontario Association of Bovine Practitioners and the Ontario Agri-Business Association, 7423 SR 18, RR#1, Alma, Ontario, Canada, N0B IA0.
  • Allen, M. S. 2007. Increasing feed Intake in transition cows: application of the hepatic oxidation hypothesis. Pp. 2-11, Proc. Joint Spring Meeting of the Ontario Association of Bovine Practitioners and the Ontario Agri-Business Association, 7423 SR 18, RR#1, Alma, Ontario, Canada, N0B IA0.
  • Allen, M. S. 2007. Ranking corn silage hybrids, Proc. Tri State Dairy Nutrition Conference, Dept. Dairy Sci., The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, 43210.
  • Allen, M.S. 2007. Formulating lactating cows diets for carbohydrates. Proc. Penn State Dairy Cattle Nutrition Workshop, Department of Dairy and Animal Science
Penn State University
324 Henning Bldg
University Park, PA 16802
  • Allen, M.S. 2007. Economics of corn hybrid selection for silage. Proc. 2007 Dairy Information Meeting, Floradale Feed Mill Limited, 2131 Floadale Road, Floradale, ON N0B 1V0 CA.
  • Allen, M.S. 2007. Utilizing fats and carbohydrates in forage-based diets for lactating cows. Proc. 2007 Dairy Information Meeting, Floradale Feed Mill Limited, 2131 Floadale Road, Floradale, ON N0B 1V0 CA.
  • Allen, M.S. 2007. Metabolic regulation of feed intake in transition cows. Proc. 2007 Shur-Gain Dairy Nutrition and Management Seminar, Nutreco Canada Inc. 150 Research Lane, Suite 200, Guelph, ON N1G 4T2 CA
  • Allen, M.S. 2007. Formulating lactating cow diets for carbohydrates. Proc. 2007 Shur-Gain Dairy Nutrition and Management Seminar, Nutreco Canada Inc. 150 Research Lane, Suite 200, Guelph, ON N1G 4T2 CA
  • Allen, M.S. 2007. Effect of forage quality on milk yield and efficiency of production. Proc. VP Agro Seminar for Agronomists, VP AGRO spol. s r.o. Knezeves 252 68 Stredokluky, Czech Republic
  • Allen, M. S. and J. V. Linton. 2007. Sorting through those corn silage hybrids. Hoards Dairyman 152(16):630.


Progress 01/01/06 to 12/31/06

Outputs
Previous research in our laboratory indicates that individual intake and milk production responses to a change in dietary forage content depend on individual appetite as represented by pretrial voluntary feed intake (pVDMI). We proposed that physical filling effects become increasingly important in determining feed intake as appetite increases. This hypothesis was tested using 14 ruminally and duodenally cannulated Holstein cows in a crossover design experiment with a 14 d pretrial period and two 15 d experimental periods. Treatments were a low-forage diet (LF), containing 20% of dry matter as forage neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and 24% as total dietary NDF, and a high-forage diet (HF), containing 27% forage NDF and 31% total dietary NDF. In contrast to the previous experiment, differences in DMI and FCMY responses to LF and HF did not depend on pVDMI (P > 0.50). Furthermore, the differences in responses to LF and HF of iNDF, pdNDF, and starch passage rates, and of pdNDF and starch digestion rates, did not depend on pVDMI (P > 0.20). The difference in starch intake (but not DMI) on LF compared to HF increased with greater pVDMI (r = 0.69, P = 0.02), suggesting that the extent to which sorting differed on LF relative to HF depended on appetite. Although the previously-observed effects of pVDMI on responses of DMI, FCMY, and NDF digestion to HF and LF diets were not repeated in the present experiment, appetite of individual cows may have affected feeding behavior responses to LF and HF. Genetic differences in corn hybrids allow the opportunity to increase farm profits by selecting hybrids with the optimal combination of yield and quality traits. CornPicker is a spreadsheet developed to calculate a partial budget for evaluating differences among corn hybrids for silage on farm profits. Calculations include only those costs and returns that change in response to the hybrids being compared and ignore those not affected. Input variables include data about specific hybrids related to yield and quality, relevant farm practices, as well as prices (e.g. for milk, corn grain, and soybean meal). Forage NDF concentration is used to calculate the corn silage concentration in diets because it limits feed intake and diets normally are formulated to the same or similar forage NDF concentrations. The cost of producing the required amount of corn silage is calculated as the total costs for seed, land, and other production costs, as well as the costs and DM losses for harvesting, storing, and feeding the corn silage. Cost adjustments are then made for differences in supplemental feed and milk yield. Differences in concentrations of NDF and CP between hybrids affect the amount of corn grain and soybean meal fed per year and in vitro NDF digestibility differences affect milk yield and feed intake of lactating cows. CornPicker output is an estimate of the land required and production costs of hybrids being compared. Corn hybrids for silage should be selected using this partial budget approach because it accounts for economically important factors related to hybrid selection that vary from farm to farm and over time.

Impacts
Forage quality is highly variable and production response to forage quality varies among animals. Understanding reponse of animals to differences in diet forage concentration and differences in forage quality will allow us to formulate diets to maximize nutrient utilization to increase farm profitability and reduce excretion of nutrients as waste.

Publications

  • Allen, M. S. 2006. Forage fiber digestibility in relation to dairy cow performance. Proc. Intermountain Nutrition Conference, Department of Animal, Dairy and Veternary Sciences, Utah State University, 4815 Old Main Hill, Logan Utah 84322-4815
  • Allen, M. S. 2006. Feeding to maximize milk yield and efficiency of feed utilization. Proc. 11th Annual IFA Dairy Seminar, Intermountain Farmers Association, 1147 West 2100 South, Salt Lake City, Utah 84119
  • Allen, M. S. 2006. Regulation of feed intake in dairy cattle. Proc. Dairy Production Medicine Seminar, School of Veterinary Medicine, VMTRC - UC Davis, 18830 Road 112, Tulare, CA 93274
  • Allen, M. S. 2006. Rumen acidosis in dairy cattle, Proc. Dairy Production Medicine Seminar, School of Veterinary Medicine, VMTRC - UC Davis, 18830 Road 112, Tulare, CA 93274
  • Bradford, B. J., Gour, A. D., Nash, A. S., and Allen, M. S. 2006. Propionate challenge tests have limited value for investigating bovine metabolism. J. Nutr. 136:1915-1920.
  • Allen, M. S., Voelker, J. A. and Oba, M. 2006. Effective fiber and regulation of ruminal pH: its more than just chewing. In: Production Diseases in Farm Animals, N. P. Joshi and T. H. Herdt, eds, Wageningen Academic Publishers, Wageningen, Netherlands. P. 270-278
  • Bradford, B.J., Harvatine, K.J. and Allen, M.S. 2006. Effect of fatty acid saturation on gut and pancreatic hormone concentrations. J. Dairy Sci. 89S:265. Allen, M. 2006. Selecting corn hybrids for silage: considering yield and quality. p. 31-32. In: 2006 Michigan Corn Hybrids Compared. Extension Bulletin E-431, Cooperative Extension Service, Michigan State University, East Lansing.
  • Allen, M. 2006. CornPicker for silage: a partial budget approach. Michigan Dairy Review 11(1):1-6. January, 2006, Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing.
  • Bradford, B. J. and Allen, M. S. 2006. Milk fat trial yielded surprising results. Hoards Dairyman, February 10, 2006.
  • Bucholtz, H., Allen, M., Beede, D., and VandeHaar, M. 2006. How can MUN testing help my farm? Michigan Milk Messenger 88(9):20-21.
  • Linton, J. V. and Allen, M. S. 2006. Forage needs differ as lactation proceeds. Hoards Dairyman 151(11):403.
  • Harvatine, K.J., and Allen, M.S. 2006. Effects of rumen-protected fatty acids on milk yield and energy balance of lactating dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 88:1081-1091.
  • Harvatine, K.J., and Allen, M.S. 2006. Effects of rumen-protected fatty acids on fractional kinetics of ruminal fatty acid biohydrogenation. J. Nutr. 136:677-685.
  • Harvatine, K.J., and Allen, M.S. 2006. Effects of rumen-protected fatty acids on ruminal and total tract nutrient digestion in lactating dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 88:1092-1103.
  • Harvatine, K.J., and Allen, M.S. 2006. Rumen-protected fatty acid saturation in lactating dairy cows: 3. effect on feed intake, and feeding and chewing behavior of lactating dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 88:1104-1112.
  • Allen, M. S. 2006. Regulation of feed intake in dairy cattle. Proc. Provimi Dairy Nutrition Conference, Provimi Research and Technology Centre, Lenneke Marelaan 2, B-1932 Sint-Stevens-Woluwe, Belgium.
  • Allen, M. S. 2006. Ruminal acidosis in dairy cattle. Proc. Provimi Dairy Nutrition Conference, Provimi Research and Technology Centre, Lenneke Marelaan 2, B-1932 Sint-Stevens-Woluwe, Belgium.
  • Allen, M.S. 2006. A partial budget approach to choosing corn hybrids for silage. Pp. 88-96. Proc. Bucknell Nutrition Conference, Renaissance Nutrition, Inc., P.O. Box 229, Roaring Spring, PA 16673.
  • Allen, M.S. 2006. Digestibility of forage fiber and starch. Proc. 39th Annual Conference of the American Association of Bovine Practitioners. Seminar 8 Advanced Dairy Nutrition: New diagnostics for feed carbohydrates. American Association of Bovine Practitioners, P.O. Box 3610, Auburn, AL 36831.
  • Allen, M.S. 2006. Choosing corn hybrids for silage: a partial budget approach. Proc. 39th Annual Conference of the American Association of Bovine Practitioners. Seminar 8 Advanced Dairy Nutrition: New diagnostics for feed carbohydrates. American Association of Bovine Practitioners, P.O. Box 3610, Auburn, AL 36831.
  • Allen, M.S. 2006. Diet formulation to maximize milk yield and efficiency of milk production. Proc. 39th Annual Conference of the American Association of Bovine Practitioners. Seminar 8 Advanced Dairy Nutrition: New diagnostics for feed carbohydrates. American Association of Bovine Practitioners, P.O. Box 3610, Auburn, AL 36831.
  • Allen, M.S. and Bradford, B. J. 2006. From the liver to the brain: increasing feed intake in transition cows. Pp. 115-124. Proc. 68th Meeting of the Cornell Nutrition Conference for Feed Manufacturers, Department of Animal Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853-4801.
  • Bradford, B. J. and Allen, M. S. 2006. Propionate regulation of feed intake. J. Dairy Sci. 89S:49.
  • Allen, M. S. 2006. Choosing corn hybrids for silage: a partial budget approach. J. Dairy Sci. 89S:281.
  • Linton, J. A. V. and Allen, M. S. 2006. Voluntary feed intake affects response to dietary forage content. J. Dairy Sci. 89S:263.
  • Bradford, B. J. and Allen, M. S. 2006. Phlorizin administration does not attenuate hypophagia induced by intraruminal Na propionate infusion. J. Dairy Sci. 89S:264.
  • Allen, M. S. and Bradford, B. J. 2006. Metabolic regulation of food intake in ruminants. J. Dairy Sci. 89S:120.
  • Yang, T. H., Knowlton, K. F., Shang, C., Linton, J. V. and Allen, M. S. 2006. Phosphorus digestion in lactating cows fed diets containing beet pulp. J. Dairy Sci. 89S:441.


Progress 01/01/05 to 12/31/05

Outputs
Eight ruminally and duodenally cannulated Holstein cows (73 DIM) were used in a duplicated 4 x 4 Latin square design. A 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments was used with main effects of corn grain endosperm type (floury or vitreous) and conservation method (dry or high-moisture, HM). Diets were formulated to 26.6% neutral detergent fiber and 16.5% crude protein. Corn grain treatments supplied 86.6% of dietary starch. True ruminal starch digestibility was increased by HM compared to dry (87.2 vs. 64.3%, P < 0.001) and for floury compared to vitreous (83.7 vs. 67.7%, P < 0.001) treatments. The increase for HM compared to dry corn was because of an increase in digestion rate (31.4 vs. 24.4 %/h, P < 0.05) and a decrease in passage rate (7.1 vs. 16.3 %/h, P < 0.001) of starch. Rate of starch digestion was not affected by endosperm type; the increase in ruminal starch digestibility for floury compared to vitreous was because of a 53% decrease in rate of starch passage from the rumen (7.5 vs. 16.0 %/h, P < 0.001). Total tract digestibility of starch was similar across treatments exceeding 95% because of compensatory post-ruminal digestion. Ruminal pH was increased (6.22 vs. 6.10, P = 0.002) by dry compared to HM corn. Dry corn treatment tended to increase non-ammonia N flow to the duodenum (466 vs. 431 g/d, P = 0.08) by increasing flow of non-ammonia non-microbial N (211 vs. 111 g/d, P < 0.001) despite a decrease in microbial N flow (255 vs. 320 g/d, P < 0.01) compared to HM treatment. Vitreous corn increased nonammonia non-microbial N flow to the duodenum (187 vs. 135 g/d, P < 0.05)compared to floury corn treatment but microbial N flow to the duodenum was not affected by endosperm type. Efficiency of microbial N production was not affected by treatment. Endosperm type and conservation method of corn grain greatly affect digestion kinetics and ruminal digestibility of starch as well as flow of N fractions to the duodenum.

Impacts
Ruminal starch digestibility of corn grain is highly variable which results in great variation in production of fermentation acids in the rumen. Understanding factors affecting ruminal digestion of starch will allow lower forage diets to be fed while minimizing risk of ruminal acidosis from excess fermentation acid production.

Publications

  • Taylor, C. C., Allen, M. S. 2005. Corn grain endosperm type and brown midrib 3 corn silage: site of digestion and ruminal digestion kinetics in lactating cows. J. Dairy Sci. 88:1413-1424.
  • Taylor, C. C., Allen, M. S. 2005. Corn grain endosperm type and brown midrib 3 corn silage: feeding behavior and milk yield of lactating dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 88:1425-1433.
  • Taylor, C. C., Allen, M. S. 2005. Corn grain endosperm type and brown midrib 3 corn silage: ruminal fermentation and N partitioning in lactating cows. J. Dairy Sci. 88:1434-1442.
  • Allen, M.S., Bradford, B.J., Harvatine, K.J. 2005. The cow as a model to study food intake regulation. Ann. Rev. Nutr. 25:523-547.
  • Bradford, B. J., Allen. M. S. 2005. Phlorizin administration increases hepatic mRNA abundance for gluconeogenic enzymes but not feed intake in late-lactation dairy cows. J. Nutr. 135:2206-2211.
  • Ying, Y., Allen, M. S. 2005. Effects of corn grain endosperm type and conservation method on milk production and feeding behavior of lactating cows. J. Dairy Sci. 88(Suppl. 1):187.
  • Mooney, C. S., Allen, M. S. 2005. The relationship among ruminal strong ions and ruminal pH. Dairy Sci. 88(Suppl. 1):59.
  • Bradford, B. J., Oba, M., Ehrhardt, R., Boisclair, R., Allen, M. S. 2005. Propionate is not an important regulator of plasma leptin in dairy cows. Domest. Anim. Endocrinol. 2005 Jul 4; [Epub ahead of print]
  • Harvatine, K.J., Allen, M. S. 2005. The effect of production level on feed intake, milk yield and endocrine response to two sources of rumen-protected fatty acids in lactating cows. J. Dairy Sci. 88:4018-4027.
  • Bradford, B. J., Allen, M. S., Oba, M., Ehrhardt, R., Boisclair, Y. R. 2005. Propionate does not stimulate lepting secretion in lactating dairy cows. 2005 Experimental Biology meeting abstracts. FASEB J. 19: Abstract #6229.
  • Linton, J.A.V., Allen, M S. 2005. Pretrial intake affects relative intake, digestion, and production reponses of lactating cows to alfalfa and grass silages. J. Dairy Sci. 88(Suppl. 1):252.
  • Taylor, C. C., Allen, M. S. 2005. Corn grain endosperm type and brown midrib 3 corn silage: ruminal fermentation and microbial N efficiency in lactating dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 88(Suppl. 1):393.
  • Bradford, B. J., O Toole, A. D., Nash, A. S., Allen, M. S. 2005. Validation of propionate challenge test methodology. J. Dairy Sci. 88(Suppl. 1):249.
  • Allen, M. S. 2005. Regulation of ruminal pH: interaction of dietary and animal factors. J. Dairy Sci. 88(Suppl. 1):377.
  • Allen, M. S. 2005. NDF digestibility: conceptual and analytical challenges. J. Dairy Sci. 88(Suppl. 1):348.
  • Ying, Y., Allen, M. S. 2005. Effects of corn grain endosperm type and conservation method on site of digestion, ruminal digestion kinetics and microbial nitrogen production in lactating cows. J. Dairy Sci. 88(Suppl. 1):393..


Progress 01/01/04 to 12/31/04

Outputs
The effects of dietary starch fermentability on milk production and fatty acid profile were evaluated in a crossover study. Thirty-two multiparous Holstein cows were randomly assigned to treatment sequence and were fed a diet intermediate to the treatments during an initial 21-d period. Treatments were dry ground corn grain (DG) and high moisture corn (HM) from the same field. Treatment periods were 14 d, with the final 4 d used for data and sample collection. Diets included corn silage and alfalfa haylage at a 1:1 ratio and were 26% NDF, 16.5% CP, 32% starch, and 3% crude fat. Treatments had no consistent effect on production of milk, 3.5% FCM, or milk components. HM decreased the concentration of C18:0 (P < 0.001) and increased concentrations of trans-9 C18:1 (P < 0.001), trans-10 C18:1 (P < 0.01), and cis-9, trans-11 CLA (P < 0.01), but not trans-10, cis-12 CLA (P = 0.18). HM quadratically increased trans C18:1 concentrations as production level decreased (P < 0.001), and milk fat depression was evident in cows below approximately 40 kg/d of 3.5% FCM production. In contrast, milk trans C18:1 concentration was not highly related to production level for DG (slope = -0.023, P = 0.03). Milk trans C18:1 concentration was negatively correlated with milk fat concentration (r = -0.75), as was trans-9 C18:1 (r = -0.60), trans-10 C18:1 (r = -0.61), and cis-9, trans-11 CLA (r = -0.61, all P < 0.001). Concentration of trans-10, cis-12 CLA was not correlated with milk fat concentration (r = -0.11, P = 0.40). Milk fat concentration was negatively correlated with both plasma triglyceride concentration (P < 0.01) and plasma NEFA concentration (P < 0.001). Production level may influence biohydrogenation patterns and trans C18:1 production due to differences in rumen environment, as rumen pH and dilution rate can alter metabolism and populations of rumen microbes. Diets with highly fermentable starch sources can induce milk fat depression in lower-producing cows without supplemental dietary PUFA.

Impacts
Ruminal starch digestibility of corn grain is highly variable which results in great variation in production of fermentation acids in the rumen. Understanding factors affecting ruminal digestion of starch will allow lower forage diets to be fed while minimizing risk of ruminal acidosis from excess fermentation acid production.

Publications

  • Bradford, B. J. and M. S. Allen. 2004. Milk fat responses to a change in diet fermentability vary by production level in dairy cattle. J. Dairy Sci. 2004 87: 3800-3807
  • Harvatine, K. J. and M. S. Allen. 2004. Kinetic model of rumen biohydrogenation: fractional rates of fatty acid biohydrogenation and passage. J. Anim. Feed Sci. 13:87-90.
  • Bradford, B. J. and M. S. Allen. 2004. Increasing glucose demand increases hepatic pyruvate caroxylase mRNA concentration but not feed intake in late-lactation dairy cows. J. Anim. Feed Sci. 13:377-380.
  • Etchebarne, B.E., W. Nobis, M.S. Allen, and M.J. VandeHaar. 2004. Design of a bovine metabolism oligonucleotide gene array. J. Anim. Feed Sci. 13:385-388.
  • Bradford, B. J. and M. S. Allen, M. S. 2004. Increasing dietary starch fermentability causes milk fat depression in low-producing, but not high-producing cows. J. Dairy Sci. 87(Suppl. 1):308.
  • Taylor, C. C. and M. S. Allen. 2005. Corn grain endosperm type and brown midrib 3 corn silage: site of nutrient digestion and ruminal digestion kinetics in lactating dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 87(Suppl. 1):466-467.
  • Harvatine, K. J. and M. S. Allen. 2004. Kinetic model of rumen biohydrogenation: effects of rumen-protected fatty acid saturation on fractional rate of biohydrogenation and duodenal fatty acid flow in lactating dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 87(Suppl. 1):308.
  • Harvatine, K. J. and M. S. Allen. 2004. Effect of rumen-protected fatty acid saturation on feed intake and feeding and chewing behavior of lactating dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 87(Suppl. 1):309.
  • Harvatine, K. J. and M. S. Allen. 2004. Effects of rumen-protected fatty acid saturation on ruminal and total tract nutrient digestion in lactating dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 87(Suppl. 1):336.
  • Etchebarne, B. E., W. Nobis, M.S. Allen, and M.J. VandeHaar. 2004. Design of a bovine metabolism oligonucleotide gene array. Dairy Sci. 87(Suppl. 1):272.
  • Mooney, C. S. and M. S. Allen. 2004. Effects of dietary sodium bicarbonate on ruminal and total tract digestibility of diet and diet components in dairy cows. Dairy Sci. 87(Suppl. 1): 214.


Progress 01/01/03 to 12/31/03

Outputs
Six corn hybrids were grown in plots in 3 states (MI, NE, PA) in 1999. Hybrids differed in endosperm type: floury, opaque-2, waxy, dent, and flint (2). Corn grain was harvested at 40%, 30%, and 20% moisture, rolled and ensiled in duplicate 10- x 30-cm PVC experimental silos. Whole kernels and rolled samples were frozen until analysis. Within each location, duplicate silos from each plot and maturity were opened at 35 d and 120 d after harvest and frozen until analysis. Samples were ground with dry ice (Wiley mill, 1-mm screen) before analysis. In vitro starch degradation was determined after incubation for 7 h in buffered media with 20% rumen fluid. Vitreousness of endosperm for hybrids ranged from 4 to 62%. Starch degradation was affected by corn hybrid (49.8 to 60.3%, P < 0.001) and increased with moisture content (46.0 to 65.8%, P < 0.001), ensiling (0 d vs. 35 d and 120 d, 46.3 vs. 59.3%, P = 0.001), and time of ensiling (35 d vs. 120 d, 57.4 vs. 61.2, P < 0.001). However, several interactions were detected. Sample fragility, measured as DM of ground samples passing through a 106 micron aperture screen, explained additional variation in starch degradation when included as a covariate (P < 0.001) and ranged by hybrid from 26.7 to 40.8% (P < 0.001). No interactions were detected when particle size was included as a covariate; starch degradation was increased by ensiling (52.6 vs. 56.2%, P = 0.01) and affected by hybrid (52.3 to 58.8%, P = 0.001), but not by moisture content or time of ensiling. Starch degradation of hybrids was highly correlated with vitreousness both with (R2 = 0.96, P < 0.001), and without (R2=0.66, P < 0.05) particle size as a covariate. Increased starch degradation with increased time of ensiling and moisture content was associated with increased kernel fragility. Corn hybrids vary in starch degradation by ruminal microbes because of fragility and vitreousness of endosperm.

Impacts
Ruminal starch digestibility of corn grain is highly variable which results in great variation in production of fermentation acids in the rumen. Understanding factors affecting ruminal digestion of starch will allow lower forage diets to be fed while minimizing risk of ruminal acidosis from excess fermentation acid production.

Publications

  • Voelker, J.A. and M.S. Allen. 2003. Pelleted beet pulp substituted for high-moisture corn: 3. Effects on ruminal fermentation, pH, and microbial protein efficiency in lactating dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. . 86:3562-3570.
  • Voelker, J. A. and M. S. Allen. 2003. Fractional rates of volatile fatty acid absorption and liquid passage from the rumen and their contribution to ruminal VFA concentration in dairy cows. p. 14 in Proc. Conf. on Gastrointesinal Function, USDA-ARS, National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, Peoria, IL.
  • Harvatine, K. J. and M. S. Allen. 2003. Effects of rumen-inert fat saturation on feed intake, milk production, and plasma metabolites in lactating dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 86(Suppl. 1):148.
  • Taylor, C. C. and M. S. Allen. 2003. Effects of corn grain endosperm type and corn silage with the brown midrib 3 mutation on milk production and feeding behavior of lactating dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 86(Suppl. 1):61.
  • Mooney, C. S. and M. S. Allen. 2003. Effect of dietary sodium bicarbonate and sodium chloride on ruminal pH and digesta characteristics in dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 86(Suppl. 1):150.
  • Allen, M. S., R.J. Grant, W. P. Weiss, G. W. Roth, and J. F. Beck. 2003. Effects of endosperm type of corn grain on starch degradability by ruminal microbes in vitro. J. Dairy Sci. 86(Suppl. 1):61.
  • Allen, M. S., J. G. Coors, and G. W. Roth. 2003. Corn silage. In: Silage Science and Technology, D. Buxton, R. Muck, and J. Harrison, eds. American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, and Soil Science Society of America, Madison, WI.
  • Oba, M. and M. S. Allen. 2003. Effects of intra-ruminal infusion of sodium, potassium and ammonium on hypophagia from propionate in lactating dairy cows, J. Dairy Sci. 86:1398-1404.
  • Oba, M. and M. S. Allen. 2003. Intra-ruminal infusion of propionate alters feeding behavior and decreases energy intake of lactating dairy cows. J. Nutr. 133:1094-1099.
  • Oba, M. and M. S. Allen. 2003. Hypophagic effects of ammonium are greater when infused with propionate compared to acetate in lactating dairy cows. J. Nutr. 133:1100-1104.
  • Oba, M. and M. S. Allen. 2003. Extent of hypophagia caused by propionate infusion is related to plasma glucose concentration in lactating dairy cows. J. Nutr. 133:1105-1112.
  • Oba, M. and M. S. Allen. 2003. Dose-response effects of intraruminal infusion of propionate on feeding behavior of lactating cows in early or mid lactation. J. Dairy Sci. 86:2922-2931.
  • Voelker, J.A. and M.S. Allen. 2003. Pelleted beet pulp substituted for high-moisture corn: 1. Effects on feed intake, chewing behavior, and milk production of lactating dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 86:3542-3552.
  • Voelker, J.A. and M.S. Allen. 2003. Pelleted beet pulp substituted for high-moisture corn: 2. Effects on digestion and ruminal digestion kinetics in lactating dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 86:3553-3561.
  • Oba, M. and M. S. Allen. 2003. Effects of corn grain conservation method on feeding behavior and productivity of lactating dairy cows at two dietary starch concentrations. J. Dairy Sci. 86:174-183.
  • Oba, M. and M. S. Allen. 2003. Effects of corn grain conservation method on ruminal digestion kinetics for lactating dairy cows at two dietary starch concentrations. J. Dairy Sci. 86:184-194.
  • Oba, M. and M. S. Allen. 2003. Effects of diet fermentability on efficiency of microbial nitrogen production in lactating dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 86:195-207.


Progress 01/01/02 to 12/31/02

Outputs
Extent of hypophagia caused by propionate infusion was related to plasma glucose concentration in lactating dairy cows. Two experiments were conducted to evaluate how dose-response effects of intra-ruminal infusion of propionate on feeding behavior and dry matter intake (DMI) are altered by diets differing in fermentability. Twelve ruminally-cannulated Holstein were used in each experiment. Cows were fed diets containing either steam flaked corn or dry cracked corn (30% of dietary DM) in experiment 1, and diets differing in forage to concentrate ratio (66:34 vs. 36:64) in experiment 2. For both experiments, experimental design was a crossover for dietary treatment, and a 6 x 6 Latin square for infusion treatment within a diet for each period. Infusion treatments were mixtures of sodium propionate and sodium acetate, at ratios of 0:5, 1:4, 2:3, 3:2, 4:1 and 5:0, infused into the rumen continuously for 18 h starting 6 h before feeding at a rate of 23.1 mmol/min. Although propionate production from ruminal fermentation was expected to be different, dietary treatments did not affect DMI responses to propionate infusion for both experiments. However, cows used in experiment 1 decreased DMI linearly as propionate infusion increased while cows used in experiment 2 did not decrease DMI by lower rates of propionate infusion which were much more effective at increasing plasma glucose concentration. Plasma glucose concentration was related to the extent of hypophagia caused by propionate. Dose-response effects of intra-ruminal infusion of propionate on feeding behavior of lactating cows in early or mid lactation. Six cows in early lactation (EL) and six cows in mid lactation (ML) were assigned to blocks in a duplicated 6 x 6 Latin square design experiment. Treatments were mixtures of sodium propionate and sodium acetate containing sodium propionate at 0, 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100% of total VFA, infused into the rumen continuously for 18 h starting 6 h before feeding at a rate of 21.7 mmol of sodium VFA/min. All cows were ruminally cannulated prior to the experiment. The diet was formulated to contain 30% NDF, and dry cracked corn (mean particle size = 3.6 mm) was the major source of starch. We hypothesized that hypophagic effects of propionate infusion were greater for EL compared to ML because of greater plasma concentration of non-esterified fatty acids (275 vs. 76 mMeq/L; P < 0.001) and expected greater basal oxidative metabolism in the liver for EL compared to ML. Propionate infusion decreased DMI for EL and ML, but quadratic effect of propionate infusion was observed for ML but not EL (interaction P < 0.10), indicating greater marginal reduction in DMI at higher doses of propionate for ML compared to EL, contrary to our hypothesis. Propionate infusion decreased meal size similarly for both stages of lactation, but linearly increased intermeal interval for ML but not EL. We speculate that lower milk yield for ML compared to EL (30.8 vs. 42.0 kg/d P < 0.001) decreased glucose demand by the mammary gland and increased the proportion of infused propionate oxidized in the liver for ML compared to EL.

Impacts
Elucidation of the basic mechanisms for regulation of feed intake by propionate will provide the foundation for development of novel nutritional or pharmacological approaches to increase energy intake and milk yield of dairy cows. This will decrease the proportion of feed resources used to meet maintenance requirements, minimizing excretion of nutrients as waste products.

Publications

  • Mooney, C.S. and M.S. Allen. 2002. Effects of dietary strong ions on milk yield, milk composition, and chewing activity in lactating dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 85(Suppl. 1): 109.
  • Ying, Y. and M. S. Allen. 2002. Effects of brown midrib 3 mutation of corn silage on feed intake and ruminal adaptation of Holstein cows during the peri-parturient period. J. Dairy Sci. 85(Suppl. 1): 204.
  • Harvatine, K. J. and M. S. Allen. 2002. Saturation effects of rumen-inert fat sources on feed intake, milk production, and feeding behavior in lactating cows varying in milk yield. J. Dairy Sci. 85(Suppl. 1): 141-142.
  • Tjardes, K. E., D. D. Buskirk, M. S. Allen, K. K. Ames, L. D. Bourquin, and S. R. Rust. 2002. Neutral detergent fiber concentration of corn silage and rumen inert bulk influences dry matter intake and ruminal digesta kinetics of growing steers. J. Anim. Sci. 80:833-840.
  • Tjardes, K. E., D. D. Buskirk, M. S. Allen, R. J. Tempelman, L. D. Bourquin, and S. R. Rust. 2002. Neutral detergent fiber concentration in corn silage influences dry matter intake, diet digestibility, and performance of Angus and Holstein steers. J. Anim. Sci. 80:833-840.
  • Voelker, J. A., G. M. Burato, and M. S. Allen. 2002. Effects of pretrial milk yield on responses of feediIntake, digestion, and production to dietary forage concentration. J. Dairy Sci. 85:2650-2661.
  • Fickett, F. M. and M. S. Allen. 2002. Ruminal fluid effects on in vitro digestion kinetics of starch. J. Dairy Sci. 85(Suppl. 1): 181.
  • Longuski, R. A., K. C. Fanning, M. S. Allen, R. J. Grant, and J. F. Beck. 2002. Endosperm type and kernel processing of corn silage: effects on short-term lactational performance in dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 85(Suppl. 1): 204.
  • Fanning, K. C., R. A. Longuski, R. J. Grant, M. S. Allen, and J. F. Beck. 2002. Endosperm type and kernel processing of corn silage: effects on starch and fiber digestion and ruminal turnover in lactating dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 85(Suppl. 1): 204.
  • Oba, M. and M. S. Allen. 2002. Dose-response effects of intra-ruminal infusion of propionate on feeding behavior of lactating dairy cows in early or mid-stage of lactation. J. Dairy Sci. 85(Suppl. 1): 181.
  • Oba, M. and M. S. Allen. 2002. Dose-response effects of propionate infusion on feeding behavior and plasma metabolites in lactating dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 85(Suppl. 1): 399.
  • Voelker, J.A. and M.S. Allen. 2002. Effects of level of pelleted beet pulp substituted for high-moisture corn on rumen digestion kinetics and microbial protein efficiency in lactating dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 85(Suppl. 1): 404.
  • Voelker, J.A. and M.S. Allen. 2002. Effects of level of substitution of pelleted beet pulp for high-moisture corn on production and digestion in lactating dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 85(Suppl. 1): 70.


Progress 01/01/01 to 12/31/01

Outputs
Two experiments were conducted to evaluate effects of intra-ruminal infusion of propionate salts on feeding behavior of lactating dairy cows. Our working hypothesis is that hepatic metabolism of propionate causes satiety by increasing hepatic ATP concentration. We speculate that enhanced ATP concentration drives the Na/K pump, hyperpolarizes the hepatic vagus, decreasing its discharge rate, causing satiety. For both experiments, eight ruminally cannulated Holstein cows in mid-lactation were used in a duplicated 4 x 4 Latin square design, and intra-ruminal infusion started 2 h before feeding and ended 12 h after feeding. Treatments in the first experiment were mixtures of propionic acid and bicarbonate salts (none, ammonium, sodium, and potassium). Bicarbonate salts were infused at a rate of 11.9 mmol/min, and propionic acid was infused at a rate of 16.7 mmol/min for all treatments. We speculated that infusion of ammonium reduces the hypophagic effects of propionate because of utilization of ATP for urea synthesis and that infusion of sodium or potassium affects DMI by altering the discharge rate of the hepatic vagus. However, infusion of ammonium propionate tended to decrease DMI compared to sodium propionate and potassium propionate (P < 0.08; 11.2 vs. 13.6 and 13.7 kg/12 h), and DMI was not different between sodium propionate and potassium propionate infusions. In the second experiment, effects of VFA (propionate vs. acetate) and salt type (sodium vs. ammonium) on DMI were evaluated using a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. The VFA salts were infused at a rate of 16.7 mmol/min. Ammonium treatment decreased DMI compared to sodium treatments (P < 0.001), and the effect of ammonium was significantly greater for cows infused with propionate (11.6 vs. 4.7 kg/12 h) compared to acetate (14.7 vs. 13.8 kg/12 h; interaction P < 0.0001). Contrary to our pre-trial hypothesis, ammonium has hypophagic effects, which might be because the urea cycle generates substrate for oxidation in the liver, increasing hepatic ATP concentration and decreasing DMI.

Impacts
This research is expected to lead to a greater understanding of factors limiting feed intake for diets with minimum forage concentrations.

Publications

  • Tjardes, K. E., D. D. Buskirk, M. S. Allen, and N. K. Ames. 2001. Neutral Detergent Fiber Concentration of Corn Silage and Rumen Inert Bulk Influences Dry Matter Intake and Ruminal Digesta Kinetics of Growing Steers. P. 60-72. Beef Cattle, Sheep, and Forage Systems Research and Demonstration Report 575, Michigan State University, East Lansing.
  • Tjardes, K. E., D. D. Buskirk, M. S. Allen, and R. J. Tempelman. 2001. Neutral Detergent Fiber Concentration in Corn Silage Influences Dry Matter Intake, Diet Digestibility, and Performance of Growing British and Holstein Steers. P. 73-81. Beef Cattle, Sheep, and Forage Systems Research and Demonstration Report 575, Michigan State University, East Lansing.
  • Tjardes, K.E., D.D. Buskirk, M.S. Allen, and R.J. Tempelman. 2001. Neutral Detergent Fiber Concentration in Corn Silage Influences Dry Matter Intake, Diet Digestibility, and Performance of Growing British and Holstein Steers. J. Anim. Sci. . 79(Suppl. 1):197-198.
  • Allen, M. S., M. Oba, and J. A. Voelker. 2001. Digestible fiber from forages for lactating cows. J. Dairy Sci. 84(Suppl. 1):198.
  • Burato, G. M, J. A. Voelker and M. S. Allen, 2001. Effects of pretrial milk yield on feed intake, production, and feeding behavior responses to forage particle size by lactating cows. J. Dairy Sci. 84(Suppl. 1):199.
  • Voelker, J.A., G.M. Burato, and M.S. Allen. 2001. Effect of pretrial milk yield on feed intake, digestion, and production responses to high- and low-fiber diets by lactating cows. J. Dairy Sci. 84(Suppl. 1):121.
  • Oba, M. and M. S. Allen. 2001. Dose-response effects of intra-ruminal infusion of propionate on feeding behavior of lactating dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 84(Suppl. 1):122.
  • Oba, M. and M. S. Allen. 2001. Effects of intra-ruminal infusion of propionate salts on feeding behavior of lactating dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 84(Suppl. 1):122.


Progress 01/01/00 to 12/31/00

Outputs
A method was developed to measure rate of absorption of valeric acid from the rumen, as an index of fractional rate of volatile fatty acid absorption. Valeric acid was chosen because it is a short-chain fatty acid with low ruminal background concentration and metabolism of valerate by mixed ruminal microbes was not detected for incubations up to 20 h in vitro. Solutions (634 ml, pH 6.0) containing valeric acid (1.84 moles) and Co-EDTA (5 g) were pulse-dosed into the rumen (5 sites) and ruminal fluid was sampled over time (5 sites). Primary assumptions are as follows: valerate is removed from the rumen by absorption and passage, cobalt is removed from the rumen by passage only, liquid pool size in the rumen is constant, and that dilution or concentration (by water ingestion, saliva flow, flux of water across ruminal wall) affect valerate and cobalt equally. Rate of concentration decline of valerate and cobalt from the rumen over time were estimated by nonlinear regression. Rate of absorption of valerate was estimated by subtracting rate of concentration decline over time determined for cobalt from that determined for valerate. Preliminary work with non-lactating, non-pregnant, mature Holstein cows resulted in fractional rates of valerate absorption ranging from 0.16 to 0.25 h-1 following a 2 week adaptation period for diets of low or high fermentability.

Impacts
This method can be used to measure the absorptive capacity of the rumen and how it varies with different dietary treatments and physiological stages. In addition, with ruminal VFA concentrations, it provides valuable information associated with production rates of VFA in the rumen.

Publications

  • Andersen, L. L., J. L. Snow, P. K. Ku, H. H. Stein, M. S. Allen, and N. L. Trottier. 2000. Illeal starch, apparent protein and true protein digestibility of different corn hybrids fed to growing pigs. J. Anim. Sci. . 78(Suppl. 2):70.
  • Tjardes, K. E., D. D. Buskirk, M. S. Allen, N. K. Ames, L. D. Bourquin, and S. R. Rust. 2000. Brown midrib-3 improves fiber digestibility of corn silage diets fed to growing beef steers. J. Anim. Sci. . 78(Suppl. 2):87.
  • Allen, M. S., M. Oba, and C. S. Mooney. 2000. Automated system for collection of ruminal fluid and blood of ruminants. J. Dairy Sci. 83(Suppl. 1):288 Oba, M. and M. S. Allen. 2000. Effects of conservation method of corn grain and dietary starch content on DMI and productivity of lactating dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 83(Suppl. 1):248 Oba, M. and M. S. Allen. 2000. Effects of conservation method of corn grain and dietary starch content on starch digestibility and efficiency of microbial N production in lactating dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 83(Suppl. 1):248
  • Oba, M. and M. S. Allen. 2000. Diurnal variation in ruminal parameters of lactating dairy cows fed diets varying fermentability. J. Dairy Sci. 83(Suppl. 1):288
  • Longuski, R. A., M. S. Allen, and R. J. Tempelman. 2000. Effects of brown midrib-3 mutation in corn silage on lactational performance of dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 83(Suppl. 1):294
  • Oba, M. and M. S. Allen 2000. Effect of diet fermentability on efficiency of microbial N production. P. 13. Proc. 25th Conference on Rumen Function, 2265G Anthony Hall, Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824.
  • Oba, M., and M. S. Allen. 2000. Effects of brown midrib 3 mutation in corn silage on productivity of dairy cows fed two concentrations of dietary neutral detergent fiber: 2. Chewing activities. J. Dairy Sci. 33:1342-1349.
  • Oba, M., and M. S. Allen. 2000. Effects of brown midrib 3 mutation in corn silage on productivity of dairy cows fed two concentrations of dietary neutral detergent fiber: 3. Digestibility and microbial efficiency. J. Dairy Sci. 33:1350-1358.
  • Choi, B. -R., D. L. Palmquist, and M. S. Allen. 2000. Cholesystokinin mediates depression of feed intake in dairy cattle fed high fat diets. Domestic Anim. Endo. 19:159-175.
  • Tjardes, K. E., D. D. Buskirk, M. S. Allen, K. K. Ames, L. D. Bourquin, and S. R. Rust. 2000. Brown midrib-3 corn silage improves digestion but not performance of growing beef steers. J. Anim. Sci. 78:2957-2965.
  • Allen, M. S., L. E. Armentano, M. N. Pereira, Y. Ying, and J. Xu. 2000. Method to measure fractional rate of volatile fatty acid absorption from the rumen. P. 24. Proc. 25th Conference on Rumen Function, 2265G Anthony Hall, Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824.
  • Allen, M. S. 2000. Effects of diet on short-term regulation of feed intake by lactating dairy cattle. J. Dairy Sci. 83:1598-1624.
  • Oba, M., and M. S. Allen. 2000. Effects of brown midrib 3 mutation in corn silage on productivity of dairy cows fed two concentrations of dietary neutral detergent fiber: 1. Feeding behavior and nutrient utilization. J. Dairy Sci 33:1333-1341.


Progress 01/01/99 to 12/31/99

Outputs
Twelve multiparous lactating cows in mid-lactation were fed two diets (LF = low fill, 28% NDF; HF = high fill, 38% NDF) in a crossover design with 32 d periods. Diets were formulated to 18% crude protein and consisted of corn silage, alfalfa silage, ground corn, soybean meal, blood meal and vitamin and mineral mix. One half the cows were fed each diet in period 1, and diets were reversed in period 2. Within each period and diet, six infusates (no infusion, 0.75 M solutions of NaCl, acetic acid, propionic acid, sodium acetate, and sodium propionate) were assigned to cows according to a 6 x 6 Latin square balanced for carry-over effects. Solutions were infused into the rumen at 3 liters per 5 min (2.25 moles) at the onset of every meal using infusion pumps controlled by a computer program. Infusion and data collection periods were 12 h. Meals were defined when eating started 7.5 minutes after the end of the previous meal. No interactions of diets and infusates were found for any meal-related measurement (P > 0.42). HF reduced DMI (P < 0.01) and meal size (P < 0.05) but did not affect meal frequency or inter-meal interval compared to LF. All infusates reduced DMI (P < 0.01), meal size (P < 0.01), meal length (P < 0.01), inter-meal interval (P < 0.05), and increased meal frequency (P < 0.05) compared with no infusion. For VFA infusions, there was no effect of acid compared to salt for any meal-related measurement. Propionate as salt or acid decreased meal length (P < 0.01), meal size (P < 0.01), and DMI (P < 0.01) compared with acetate as salt or acid. NaCl infusion increased meal frequency, decreased meal length and meal size, and had no effect on DMI compared to no infusion. Infusions of NaCl and VFA salts had similar effects on meal length and meal size. However, NaCl infusion increased meal frequency (P < 0.05), resulting in higher DMI (P < 0.01) compared with infusion of VFA salts. NaCl infusion increased water intake compared with no infusion, and VFA salts increased water intake compared with free acids (P < 0.01). Infusion of VFA as free acids decreased water intake compared with no infusion (P < 0.01). Rumen motility was not affected by diet or infusates. Factors affecting meal cessation were physical fill, osmolality, and propionate in this experiment. Decreased meal length and meal size by infusion of NaCl compared to no infusion implies that meal cessation was regulated by osmolality. However, NaCl increased meal frequency more than VFA salts indicating an intrinsic satiety effect of VFA. Propionate infusions reduced meal length, meal size and DMI to a greater extent than acetate infusions indicating that meal cessation was affected by propionate in addition to osmolality. The effects of physical fill and VFA infusion on dry matter intake over 12 hours were additive.

Impacts
Although the primary limitation on DMI with high forage diets is distension by physical fill, regulation of DMI by VFA and distension is additive and not regulated by the most limiting factor. Therefore, highly fermentable grain sources could result in rapid production of propionate and limit DMI for cows on high forage diets.

Publications

  • Oba, M., Allen, M. S. 1999. Effects of brown midrib 3 mutation in corn silage on dry matter intake and productivity of high yielding dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 82:135-142.
  • Oba, M., Allen, M. S. 1999. Evaluation of the importance of the digestibility of neutral detergent fiber from forage: effects on dry matter intake and milk yield of dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 82:589-596.
  • VandeHaar, M. J., Yousif, G. , Sharma, B. K. , Herdt, T. H. , Emery, R. S. , Allen, M. S. , Liesman, J. S. 1999. Energy and protein density of prepartum diets alters fat and protein metabolism of dairy cows in the periparturient period. J. Dairy Sci. 82:1282-1295.
  • Rotz, C. A., Mertens, D. R. , Buckmaster, D. R. , Allen, M. S. , Harrison, J. H. 1999. A dairy herd model for use in whole farm simulations. J. Dairy Sci. 82:2826-2840.
  • Choi, B. R., Allen, M. S. 1999. Intake regulation by volatile fatty acids and rumen fill. S. Afr. J. Anim. Sci. 29(ISRP):40-41(Abstr.).
  • Oba, M. , Allen, M. S. 1999. Effects of ruminal fermentation on feeding behavior, voluntary intake and energy partitioning in lactating dairy cows. S. Afr. J. Anim. Sci. 29(ISRP):21-22 (Abstr.).
  • Tjardes, K. E., Buskirk, D. D., Allen, M. S. , Bourquin, L. D. , Ritchie, H. D. Rust, S. R. 1999. Influence of feeding brown midrib corn silage during the growth phase on performance of feedlot steers. J. Anim. Sci. 77(Suppl. 1):251.
  • Allen, M. S. 1999. Effects of diet on dry matter intake of lactating cows. J. Dairy Sci. 82(Suppl. 1):112.
  • Ying, Y. , Allen, M. S. 1999. Effects of brown midrib 3 mutation and brown midrib 3 plus TopCrossTM high oil corn silage on dry matter intake and milk yield of Holstein cows. J. Dairy Sci. 82(Suppl. 1):87.
  • Oliveira, J. S., Allen, M. S. 1999. Comparison of methods to increase rumen pH and milk fat content of cows consuming diets containing brown midrib corn silage. J. Dairy Sci. 82(Suppl. 1):88.
  • Oliveira, J. S., Main, D. G., Velez, I., Allen, M. S. 1999. Comparison of methods to evaluate in vitro NDF digestibility of corn silage. J. Dairy Sci. 82(Suppl. 1):88.
  • Oba, M. , Allen, M. S. 1999. The effects of bm3 corn silage on ruminal digestion and microbial efficiency. J. Dairy Sci. 82(Suppl. 1):41.
  • Xu, J. 1999. Effects of dietary lactose compared with ground corn on the growth rate of ruminal papilaae and rate of valerate absorption from the rumen. M.S. Thesis, Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University.


Progress 01/01/98 to 12/31/98

Outputs
A study was conducted to compare the effects of partial substitution of lactose for ground corn on growth rate of ruminal papillae. The goal of lactose addition was to increase production of butyric acid in the rumen for use as an energy source by papillae. Eight ruminally cannulated dry, non-pregnant Holstein cows were used in a crossover design. Treatments were ground corn and a mixture containing food grade lactose, ground corn and soybean meal. This mixture contained equal parts lactose (43%) and corn (43%), and soybean meal was added (14%) to equal the CP content of the corn treatment. Diets were formulated to contain 1.63 Mcal NEL / kg, 29% NDF, and 16% CP and consisted of 43.5% corn or lactose treatments, 36% mature orchardgrass-timothy hay, 17% soybean meal, and 3.5% minerals and vitamin premix. Diet DM was offered at 1.5% of BW. Each 28 d treatment period was preceded by a 14 d period in which a diet of wheat straw was offered at 1% of BW to shrink the ruminal papillae. Ruminal papillae were biopsied from 3 sites in the rumen on d 0, 14, and 28 of each treatment period. Papillae were scanned and papillae size was determined with image analysis software. Lactose treatment increased surface area, length, and width of ruminal papillae. A significant treatment by week interaction indicated that growth rate of ruminal papillae was greater with lactose treatment compared with ground corn. Rate of growth of ruminal papillae for the lactose treatment was 2.26, 2.20, and 1.78 times that for ground corn treatment for surface area, length, and width, respectively. Inclusion of lactose in dry cow diets might be useful to increase papillae absorptive surface area prior to calving.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

  • Firkins, J. L., Allen, M. S., Oldick, B. S. , St. Pierre, N. R. 1997. Modeling ruminal digestibility of carbohydrates and microbial protein flow to the duodenum. J. Dairy Sci. 81:3350-3369.
  • Allen. M. S. 1998. Hybrid effects on the nutritive value of corn silage. J. Dairy Sci. 81:1198.
  • Xu, J., Allen, M. S. 1998. Effects of dietary lactose compared with ground corn on growth rate of ruminal papillae. J. Dairy Sci 81(Suppl. 1):296.
  • Ying, Y., et al. 1998. Effects of fineness of grinding and conservation method of corn grain on ruminal and whole tract digestibility and ruminal microbial protein production of Holstein cows in early lactation. J. Dairy Sci 81(Suppl. 1):339.
  • Ying, Y., et al. 1998. Effects of fineness of grinding and conservation method of corn grain on ruminal and whole tract digestibility and ruminal microbial protein production of pregnant Holstein heifers. J. Dairy Sci 81(Suppl. 1):339.
  • Nadeau, E. M. G., Allen, M. S. 1998. Effects of maturity at harvest and length of cut on physical effectiveness of alfalfa silage NDF fed to lactating dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci 81(Suppl. 1):356.
  • Oba, M., Allen, M. S. 1998. The effects of enhanced NDF digestibility of corn silage on DMI and milk yield of high producing dairy cows fed two levels of dietary NDF. J. Dairy Sci 81(Suppl. 1):93.
  • Oba, M., Allen, M. S. 1998. 1998. Enhanced NDF digestibility of corn silage did not decrease physical effectiveness of NDF. J. Dairy Sci 81(Suppl. 1):356.
  • Ying, Y., Allen, M. S. 1998. Effects of fineness of grinding and conservation method of corn grain on ruminal starch digestion kinetics in Holstein heifers before and after calving. J. Dairy Sci 81(Suppl. 1):318.
  • Ying, Y. 1998. Effects of fineness of grinding and conservation method of corn grain on ruminal and whole tract digestibility, ruminal microbial protein production, and feeding behavior of Holstein heifers before and after calving. M.S. Thesis, Dept. of Anim. Sci., Michigan State University.
  • Oba, M. 1998. Effects of enhanced in vitro neutral detergent fiber digestibility of forage on feed intake and performance of lactating cows. M.S. Thesis, Dept. of Anim. Sci., Michigan State University.


Progress 01/01/97 to 12/31/97

Outputs
Effects of enhanced NDF digestibility of corn silage on rumination activity and rumen kinetics of NDF were evaluated using 8 multiparous high producing dairy cows (70 DIM) in a duplicated 4 x 4 Latin Square design. Experimental diets consisted of either brown midrib (bm3) corn silage or its isogenic normal counterpart at two levels of dietary NDF (29% and 38%). NDF digestibility estimated by 30h in vitro fermentation was higher for bm3 corn silage by 9.4 units. Feeding behavior of animals was monitored continuously for 4 days each period by computerized data acquisition system. Rumen digesta was evacuated twice per period to determine the ruminal nutrient pool and its turnover rate. High NDF treatment resulted in greater NDF intake and rumen pool size of NDF, faster ruminal NDF turnover, and greater rumination time per day. High NDF digestibility treatment had no effect on NDF intake, NDF pool size in the rumen, or rumination time per day, but increased ruminal NDF turnover rate. . There was no effect of treatment on rumination time per kg NDF intake. There is no evidence to support a decrease in physical effectiveness of NDF with enhanced NDF digestibility of corn silage.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

  • ALLEN, M. S. 1997. Relationship between ruminal fermentation and the requirement for physically effective fiber. J. Dairy Sci. 80:1447-1462.
  • BORTON, L. R., C. A. ROTZ, J. R. BLACK, M. S. ALLEN, J. W. LLOYD. 1997. Alfalfa and corn silage systems compared on Michigan dairy farms. J. Dairy Sci. 80:1813-1826.
  • MOONEY, C. S., M. S. ALLEN. 1997. Effects of whole linted cottonseed neutral detergent fiber substituted for alfalfa silage neutral detergent fiber at two lengths of cut on performance and feeding behavior of lactating Holstein cows. J. Dairy Sci. 80:2052-2061.
  • CHOI, B. R., D. L. PALMQUIST, M. S. ALLEN. 1997. Sodium mercaptoacetate is not a useful probe to study the role of fat in regulation of feed intake in dairy cattle. J. Nutr. 127:171-176.
  • VANDEHAAR, M. J., M. S. ALLEN. 1997. Approaches for the next NRC: balancing diets for protein. J. Dairy Sci. 80(Suppl 1):256.
  • OBA, M., M. S. ALLEN. 1997. Effect of NDF digestibility of corn silage on DMI and milk production of high producing dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 80(Suppl 1):157.
  • OBA, M., M. S. ALLEN. 1997. Effect of enhanced NDF digestibility of forages on dry matter intake and milk production of dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 80(Suppl 1):217.
  • ALLEN, M. S., M. OBA, D. STORCK, J. F. BECK. 1997. Effect of brown midrib 3 gene on forage quality and yield of corn hybrids. J. Dairy Sci. 80(Suppl 1):157.
  • OBA, M., M. S. ALLEN. 1997. The role of ruminal fermentation in regulation of DMI of high producing dairy cows. Rumen Function Conference Proc. 24: 24.
  • YING, Y., M. S. ALLEN. 1997. Effect of bm3 mutation on rate and extent of neutral detergent fiber digestion of corn silage grown in multiple environments. Rumen Function Conference Proc. 24: 46.
  • YING, Y., M. S. ALLEN, M. J. VANDEHAAR. 1997. Effects of corn grain particle size and maturity at harvest on feeding behavior and ruminal pH of Holstein heifers before and after calving. Rumen Function Conference Proc. 24: 47.