Progress 11/27/03 to 11/02/07
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416) 1) Assess the impact of forage polyphenols on carbon (C) sequestration, nitrogen (N) cycling, protein use, and profitability of dairy farms and develop systems to make use of polyphenol-containing forages. 2) Determine relationships among pasture canopy structure, physio-chemical properties of forage, and ruminant animal intake in grazed grass and grass-legume swards to improve the performance and profitability of grazing-based dairy farms. 3) Reduce nutrient losses and adverse environmental impacts by dairy farms through the development of improved and integrated feeding and manure management practices. 4) Analyze socio- economic and environmental aspects of dairy forage systems. Two SY's are added to this project, as they are principal investigators on related CRADA (425 Log 31562). Approach (from AD-416) Obj 1: Conduct field, laboratory & modeling studies to: 1) determine how condensed tannins affect soil C sequestration by forages; 2) improve polyphenol-containing red clover production systems; 3) assess polyphenol impacts on N cycling in forage-corn rotations; 4) assess environmental & harvest management effects on poyphenol-protein interactions in forages; 5) identify optimal forage polyphenol levels & feeding strategies to improve protein use & milk production by cattle; 6) evaluate N use & losses from manure as influenced by dietary polyphenols; & 7) integrate data to optimize management of polyphenol-containing forages on dairy farms. Obj 2: 1) characterize defoliation patterns in rotationally grazed pastures; 2) assess canopy structure of forage grasses; 3) determine forage quality & physical characteristics of grass morphological components; & 4) assess forage plant stature & growth habit influences on canopy structure & species balance in mixtures. Obj 3: Conduct field, lab & modeling studies to: 1) assess dairy diet effects on manure nutrient excretion & cycling in soils; 2) determine livestock-corralling effects on N loss from urine & feces; 3) evaluate bedding material's effects on manure N cycling; 4) evaluate ammonia & nitrate losses from dairy slurry incorporated by various methods; 5) predict crop uptake of manure N; 6) determine if grass leys enhance forage production, manure management, & grain yields of farms; & 7) compare impact of cropping systems & pasture on long-term soil fertility. Obj 4: Utilize surveys, field studies, & modeling to: 1) characterize current practices & identify opportunities, obstacles, & innovative solutions to manage agricultural nutrients on dairy farms; 2) compare yields, profitability, & environmental impact of cash grain & dairy farming systems; 3) evaluate tools to identify nutrient BMPs & develop comprehensive nutrient management plans for dairy farms; & 4) identify sustainable farming practices that reduce production, environmental, & economic risks of dairy forage systems. Significant Activities that Support Special Target Populations This project terminated on 11/02/2007. It terminated earlier than scheduled due to realignment of the U.S. Dairy Forage Research Center.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
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Progress 10/01/06 to 09/30/07
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416) 1) Assess the impact of forage polyphenols on carbon (C) sequestration, nitrogen (N) cycling, protein use, and profitability of dairy farms and develop systems to make use of polyphenol-containing forages. 2) Determine relationships among pasture canopy structure, physio-chemical properties of forage, and ruminant animal intake in grazed grass and grass-legume swards to improve the performance and profitability of grazing-based dairy farms. 3) Reduce nutrient losses and adverse environmental impacts by dairy farms through the development of improved and integrated feeding and manure management practices. 4) Analyze socio- economic and environmental aspects of dairy forage systems. Two SY's are added to this project, as they are principal investigators on related CRADA (425 Log 31562). Approach (from AD-416) Obj 1: Conduct field, laboratory & modeling studies to: 1) determine how condensed tannins affect soil C sequestration by forages; 2) improve polyphenol-containing red clover production systems; 3) assess polyphenol impacts on N cycling in forage-corn rotations; 4) assess environmental & harvest management effects on poyphenol-protein interactions in forages; 5) identify optimal forage polyphenol levels & feeding strategies to improve protein use & milk production by cattle; 6) evaluate N use & losses from manure as influenced by dietary polyphenols; & 7) integrate data to optimize management of polyphenol-containing forages on dairy farms. Obj 2: 1) characterize defoliation patterns in rotationally grazed pastures; 2) assess canopy structure of forage grasses; 3) determine forage quality & physical characteristics of grass morphological components; & 4) assess forage plant stature & growth habit influences on canopy structure & species balance in mixtures. Obj 3: Conduct field, lab & modeling studies to: 1) assess dairy diet effects on manure nutrient excretion & cycling in soils; 2) determine livestock-corralling effects on N loss from urine & feces; 3) evaluate bedding material's effects on manure N cycling; 4) evaluate ammonia & nitrate losses from dairy slurry incorporated by various methods; 5) predict crop uptake of manure N; 6) determine if grass leys enhance forage production, manure management, & grain yields of farms; & 7) compare impact of cropping systems & pasture on long-term soil fertility. Obj 4: Utilize surveys, field studies, & modeling to: 1) characterize current practices & identify opportunities, obstacles, & innovative solutions to manage agricultural nutrients on dairy farms; 2) compare yields, profitability, & environmental impact of cash grain & dairy farming systems; 3) evaluate tools to identify nutrient BMPs & develop comprehensive nutrient management plans for dairy farms; & 4) identify sustainable farming practices that reduce production, environmental, & economic risks of dairy forage systems. Accomplishments Nutrient management behavior on dairy farms. Nutrient management plans for livestock operations must account for rates and timing of manure application to cropland, as well as how manure is integrated with other nutrient sources. Little is known however about when, where and how much manure dairy farmers apply to their fields, and if application practices conform to recommendations and regulations. We developed and implemented methods to track fertilizer, manure, legume nitrogen and phosphorus applications to cropland. On thirty-three Wisconsin dairy farms we discovered that farmers were integrating fertilizer-manure-legume management much more than previously thought, that relatively few farms would have to change current practices to adhere to the proposed Wisconsin Code 590 Nutrient Management Standard, and that a relatively small proportion of farmers were employing nutrient management practices that may be detrimental to water quality. Policy makers are using this information to strategically allocate cost-sharing to small cropland areas and farmer practices where water quality improvements can be made. This accomplishment addresses research components described under NP206 Manure and Byproduct Utilization, including Nutrient Management (Problem Area #1 Animal Feeding and Management; and Problem Area #4 Farming Systems and Practices for Efficient and Balanced Manure Nutrient Management) Cow diets and management impact nutrient losses from dairy farms. Environmental regulations have been designed to minimize negative impacts of livestock farms on air and water quality. We conducted a survey of dairy feed practices and two integrated feed-manure management trials to examine relationships between dairy diets, milk production, manure nutrient excretions and environmental risks. On Wisconsin dairy farms, approximately 20-35% of feed crude protein (CP) and phosphorus (P) is secreted into milk and the remaining is excreted in manure. Feeding dietary CP above recommended levels increases excretions of nitrogen (N) in manure, especially of N in urine, and subsequent ammonia N loss in barns and after manure land application. Unnecessary dietary P supplements dramatically increase total and water-soluble P concentrations in manure, and also runoff P from soil surfaces after manure application. On Wisconsin dairy farms, the use of total mixed rations, balancing rations at least four times per year, and milking three times daily results in highest milk yields and levels of feed N and P transformed into milk. Farmers and their nutrition consultants are using this information to devise dietary options and practices that satisfy the nutritional requirements of high-producing dairy cows, and also produce manure less susceptible to environmental loss. This accomplishment addresses research components described under NP206 Manure and Byproduct Utilization, including Nutrient Management (Problem Area #1 Animal Feeding and Management; and Problem Area #4 Farming Systems and Practices for Efficient and Balanced Manure Nutrient Management) Design and calibration of chambers for measuring ammonia emissions from dairy barns. Dairy barns are thought to emit large amounts of ammonia, which can have detrimental effects on human health and natural ecosystems. In the U.S., relatively little is known however about ammonia emissions from dairy barns. We remodeled a conventional tie-stall dairy barn into four chambers to evaluate ammonia emissions from dairy cows fed different diets, from different beddings, and other in-barn management practices. Our calibrations and other initial measurements indicate that the chambers should provide precise data on ammonia emissions. Data from the chambers can be used to develop ammonia emission factors for tie-stall dairy barns in the Midwest USA. This accomplishment addresses research components described under NP206 Manure and Byproduct Utilization, Atmospheric Emissions (Problem Area #1 Understanding the Biological, Chemical, and Physical Mechanisms Affecting Emissions; and Problem Area #2 Emission Factors from Livestock Facilities) Long-term crop yields and gross margins from the Wisconsin Integrated Cropping System Trial. Yields of corn, soybeans, wheat, and alfalfa/mixed legume-grass forage, and grass-legume pasture have been typical of the North-Central United States. Overall, organic grain yields have been about 90% of conventional yields. Yields from conventional and organic forage systems and grazed pasture were equal but the organic forage and pasture systems had somewhat lower feed quality due to higher grass content. Weight gain by grazing heifers met a target of 1.8 lbs/day, similar to heifers raised in confinement. Our data over the past 17 years indicates that the lower input, more diverse systems can be as productive as the higher input, less diverse systems. When government programs and organic premiums for dairy feed are used, the organic cropping systems had the highest economic return per acre. Due to greater labor requirements and smaller size, organic farms will tend to have less total family income compared to larger conventional farms.(National Program Component: NP207 Integrated Research). Impact of cropping systems on soil phosphorus and potassium levels. The three forage systems (alfalfa, mixed legume-grass, and grass-legume pasture) in the Wisconsin Integrated Cropping Systems Trial primarily rely on manure inputs (10t/a/yr) to match forage off-take of nutrients. Although soil test phosphorus (STP) has remained stable on all three forage systems, potassium soil test levels (STK) have declined 5-6 ppm/year because potassium removal in forage exceeds additions in manure. In the continuous corn and corn-soybean grain systems, the use of starter fertilizer containing phosphorus and potassium, combined with lower nutrient removal in harvested grain resulted in minimal drawdown of STP and STK levels. Interestingly, an organic grain rotation has retained soil test levels above optimum levels even after 18 years of production without fertilizer additions. This supports the hypothesis that organic systems facilitate the release of nutrients from soil clay particles; we plan to further investigate this phenomenon in ongoing work. (National Program Components: NP207 Integrated Research; NP206 and 202 Nutrient Management). Significant Activities that Support Special Target Populations Formal presentations and informal discussions (on-farm "pasture walks") were made to managers of small dairy farms in Wisconsin, Illinois, and Ohio to address questions related to pasture management, present recent research findings, and provide producers the opportunity to observe the implementation of grazing management principals at the farm scale. We continue research on dairy farms having small to medium herd sizes (100 to 200 dairy cows/farm) to understand the impact of biophysical (soils, weather) and socioeconomic factors on nutrient (feed, fertilizer and manure) management practices and the opportunities and challenges to improvements in profitability and environmental impacts through enhanced nutrient use. Technology Transfer Number of Non-Peer Reviewed Presentations and Proceedings: 24 Number of Newspaper Articles,Presentations for NonScience Audiences: 6
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Powell, J.M., Misselbrook, T.H., Holmes, B.J. 2007. Design and Calibration of Chambers for Measuring Ammonia Emissions from Tie-stall Dairy Barns. Transactions of the ASABE. 50(3):1045-1051.
- Macadam, J.W., Griggs, T.C., Beuselinck, P.R., Grabber, J.H. 2006. Birdsfoot trefoil, a valuable tannin-containing legume for mixed pastures. Forage and Grazinglands. Available:http://www.plantmanagementnetwork. org/fg/
- Vadas, P.A., Gburek, W., Sharpley, A.N., Kleinman, P.J., Moore Jr, P.A., Cabrera, M.L., Harmel, R.D. 2007. A model for phosphorus transformation and runoff loss for surface-applied manures. Journal of Environmental Quality. 36:324-332.
- Powell, J.M., Jackson-Smith, D.B., Mccrory, D.F., Saam, H., Mariola, M. 2007. Nutrient Management Behavior on Wisconsin Dairy Farms. Agronomy Journal. 99:211-219.
- Wu, Z., Powell, J.M. 2007. Dairy Manure Type, Application Rate and Frequency Impact Plants and Soils. Soil Science Society of America Journal. 71(4):1306-1313.
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Progress 10/01/05 to 09/30/06
Outputs
Progress Report 1. What major problem or issue is being resolved and how are you resolving it (summarize project aims and objectives)? How serious is the problem? Why does it matter? Economically and environmentally sound technologies are needed if U.S. dairy farmers are to be competitive in the global economy of the 21st century. With recent and impending passage of government regulations pertaining to non-point pollution and gaseous emissions, and economic pressures due to high input and low product prices, improved nutrient utilization and management will become increasingly critical to the long- term viability of the U.S. dairy industry. We are conducting interdisciplinary component and integrated research with the following objectives: (1) assess the impact of forage polyphenols on C sequestration, N cycling, protein use, and profitability of dairy farms and develop systems to make use of polyphenol-containing forages; (2) determine relationships among pasture
canopy structure, physio-chemical properties of forage, and ruminant animal intake in grazed grass and grass-legume swards to improve the performance and profitability of grazing-based dairy farms; (3) reduce nutrient losses and adverse environmental impacts by dairy farms through the development of improved and integrated feeding and manure management practices; and (4) analyze socio-economic and environmental aspects of dairy-forage systems. Our goal is to develop crop, pasture, feed, and manure management systems for confinement- and grazing-based dairy operations to enhance the socio- economic and environmental sustainability of dairy farms. Improved use of nutrients in pasture, stored feeds, and manure would increase the profitability of U.S dairy farms by at least $500 million annually and reduce nutrient contamination of the atmosphere, landscapes, and water resources. Consumers will ultimately benefit from a more sustainable animal agriculture and a cleaner environment. This
interdisciplinary research addresses goals identified under ARS National Programs 207, Integrated Agricultural Systems (60%), and 205, "Rangeland, Pasture, and Forages" (40%). Within program 207, it targets key factors that affect nutrient (carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus) use and loss from sub-components of the feed/animal/manure/soil- crop/environment continuum. Within program 205, the project addresses the research components related to "Forage Management" and "Grazing Management: Livestock Production and the Environment". This project also contributes to National Program 206, "Manure and By-Product Utilization" with an aim to develop cost-effective management practices for capturing the value of manure without degrading the environment or threatening human and animal health. 2. List by year the currently approved milestones (indicators of research progress) Objective 1: Assess the impact of forage polyphenols on C sequestration, N cycling, protein use, and profitability of dairy
farms and develop systems to make use of polyphenol-containing forages. 1.1 Carbon sequestration by forage swards (FY04-05) 1.2 Red clover cover crops and rotations with cereal crops (FY04-08) 1.3 N cycling in perennial forage-annual grass rotations (FY04-08) 1.4 Environmental, harvest, & storage interactions (FY04-06) 1.5 Protein use & N excretion by lactating cows (FY04-06) 1.6 N cycling from manure (FY04-07) 1.7 Integration by modeling (FY05-08) Objective 2: Determine relationships among pasture canopy structure, physio-chemical properties of forage, and ruminant animal intake in grazed grass and grass-legume swards to improve the performance and profitability of grazing-based dairy farms. 2.1 Defoliation patterns of grass swards (FY04-05) 2.2 Sward structure of diverse pasture grasses (FY04-06) 2.3 Forage quality and physical traits of grasses (FY04-08) 2.4 Sward structure of grass-legume mixtures (FY04-06) Objective 3: Reduce nutrient losses and adverse environmental impacts by
dairy farms through the development of improved and integrated feeding and manure management practices. 3.1 Dairy diet effects on nutrient cycles (FY04-08) 3.2 Corralling and N losses (FY04-06) 3.3 Bedding material and manure N cycling (FY04-08) 3.4 Manure incorporation, ammonia and nitrate loss (FY05-08) 3.5 Manure N mineralization and crop uptake (FY04-08) 3.6 Grass leys for manure management (FY04-08) 3.7 Impact of cropping and pasture on soil fertility (FY04-08) Objective 4: Analyze socio-economic and environmental aspects of dairy- forage systems. 4.1 On Farmers' Ground (FY04-06) 4.2 Comparison of cash grain and dairy systems (FY04-08) 4.3 Tools to improve farming systems (FY04-08) 4.4 Identify sustainable dairy forage systems (FY05-08) 4a List the single most significant research accomplishment during FY 2006. Reliable methods to assess feed and manure management on dairy farms. With regulations pertaining to environmental impacts of animal agriculture, dairy farmers seek new
ways to track and improve the management of nutrients contained in feed and manure. A research team of USDFRC scientists and University of Wisconsin faculty developed methods with dairy farmers to rapidly assess relationships between dairy feed nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) consumption, N and P secretions in milk, N and P excretions in manure, and how much manure is collected and land- applied Team findings provided an accurate snapshot of Wisconsin industry practices, as well as the range of feed and manure management practices on individual dairy farms. Information is being used to revise Wisconsin's Nutrient Management Curriculum and Wisconsin's Code 590 Nutrient Management Standards. The on-farm survey instruments have been requested and adapted for use in Iowa, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Australia. (National Program Component: NP207 Integrated Research) 4b List other significant research accomplishment(s), if any. Polyphenols and maceration enhance the value of protein
in forage legume hays and silages. Ranked third in value among U.S. crops, alfalfa is a protein-rich forage but because of excessive proteolysis during harvesting, storage, and ruminal digestion, less than 20% of its protein is digested and absorbed by cattle. It was demonstrated that condensed tannins in birdsfoot trefoil and o-quinones in red clover increased laboratory estimates of intestinal available protein by up to 50% in hays and up to 90% in silages compared to alfalfa. Mechanically macerating alfalfa and birdsfoot trefoil at harvest also increased intestinal available protein by 20% in hay and 75% in silage by mechanisms independent of tannins. These results indicate that protein utilization by cattle could be substantially enhanced by mechanical maceration or by feeding of tannin or o-quinone containing forages such as birdsfoot trefoil and red clover or feeding of alfalfa engineered to contain these polyphenols. (National Program Components: NP207 Integrated Research;
NP205 Forage Management.) An isotope that improves estimates of residual manure nitrogen availability to crops. Dairy farmers commonly apply manure to the same fields year after year. To accurately assess total plant availability of manure nutrients and avoid excessive nutrient application and environmental contamination, it is necessary to account for nutrients remaining in soil from previous manure applications. A six-year field trial conducted by soil scientists at USDFRC and University of Wisconsin revealed that more precise estimates of manure N uptake by corn the second and third year after manure application were obtained by using manure labeled with the stable isotope 15-nitrogen. These results have reduced the risk associated with manure nitrogen crediting, and have been incorporated into Wisconsins soil fertility recommendations. (National Program Components: NP207 Integrated Research). What dairy cows are fed impacts manure nitrogen excretion and cycling in soils. The
availability of dairy manure nitrogen (N) to crops is controlled by many factors, including the type of N contained in manure. USDFRC and University of Wisconsin-Madison dairy nutritionists and soil scientists used lactation trials, manure-soil incubations, and greenhouse trials to discover that dietary forage and crude protein (CP) options are available that satisfy the nutritional requirements of high-producing dairy cows and produce manure with desirable impacts on crop N nutrition and the environment. After application to soil, feces from cows fed alfalfa silage-based diets lead to higher levels of plant-available N, plant yields and N uptake than feces from corn silage-based diets. Feces from high CP diets resulted in greater levels of plant-available N and increased plant yield and N uptake than feces from low CP diets. Most diets from which the feces were derived had negligible impacts on milk production. Dairy nutritionists are using this information to reevaluate impacts of
forage types and crude protein on milk production, manure nutrient excretions and environmental impacts. (National Program Components: NP207 Integrated Research.) Bedding material can reduce ammonia emissions from dairy barns. Dairy farmers are increasingly held accountable for ammonia emitted from their farms. Ammonia emissions from dairy barns may be influenced by interactions between deposited urine and the materials used for bedding. Laboratory studies conducted by scientists at USDFRC and the Institute of Grasslands and Environmental Research in the UK discovered that the ability of beddings to separate urine and feces, and the relative absorbance of beddings were the most important factors influencing ammonia emissions. Recycled manure solids and chopped newspaper were the most absorbent bedding materials, followed by corn fodder, wheat straw, pine shavings and sand. We expected the more absorbent materials to have lower emissions, but the opposite effect was observed. Ammonia
emissions were least from sand and pine shavings and greatest from chopped newspaper, recycled manure solids and chopped corn fodder. Although primary criteria for bedding choice should include cow comfort and hygiene, bedding selection may also assist farmers to comply with regulations aimed at abating ammonia emissions from their dairy farms. (National Program Component: NP207 Integrated Research). 4c List significant activities that support special target populations. Formal presentations and informal discussions (on-farm "pasture walks") were made to managers from primarily small dairy farms to address questions related to pasture management and recent research findings, and to provide producers the opportunity to observe the implementation of grazing management principals at the farm scale. The "On Farmers Ground" project worked with 30-40 dairy farmers having small to large herd sizes to understand the impact of biophysical (soils, weather) and socioeconomic factors on nutrient
(feed, fertilizer and manure) management practices and the opportunities and challenges to improve profitability and environmental impacts through enhanced nutrient management. 5. Describe the major accomplishments to date and their predicted or actual impact. Dairy diet impacts on nutrient cycling and the environment. The sustainability of dairy farming increasingly relies not only on profitability, but also on farmers' ability to comply with nutrient, especially manure management regulations. Dairy nutrition and soil scientists at USDFRC and University of Wisconsin-Madison used lactation trials, manure-soil incubations, greenhouse and field trials to discover that forage and dietary crude protein impact the proportion of nitrogen (N) excreted in feces and urine, in-barn and in-field ammonia volatilization, and the mineralization of manure N in soils. Land application of manure derived from dairy cows fed a high P diet increased soluble phosphorus (P) runoff dramatically, compared to
manure derived from cows fed a P adequate diet. Multiple workshops with farmers, feed consultants and veterinarians explored challenges and opportunities in managing dietary N and P to satisfy nutritional needs of dairy cattle and produce excreta less susceptible to environmental loss. Published seminar proceedings, fact sheets and other outreach materials have been used to develop a graduate course on nutrient cycling in dairy systems, and feed management components for Wisconsin Cooperative Extension Nutrient Management Curriculums. In Wisconsin, recent surveys show significant reductions in dietary P levels. Mitigating environmental risks associated with reduced N and P loss from dairy farms due to reduced dietary N and P levels are "win-win" situations that will continue to enhance the profitability and environmental impacts of dairy farming in the U.S.. Dietary P reductions have already saved U.S. dairy farmers $30-35 million annually, and have the potential of an additional
savings of $65-70 million. (National Program Components: NP207 Integrated Research.) Development and application of dairy manure 15-N labeling techniques. Current estimates of dairy manure nitrogen (N) availability to crops are based on indirect measures and vary greatly. More accurate estimates are needed to improve predictions of manure N availability to crops. Soil scientists at USDFRC and University of Wisconsin-Madison developed two techniques to label dairy manure components with the stable isotope 15-N: (1) the forage method involves feeding 15-N enriched forage to dairy cattle to label urine and feces; and (2) the urea method involves feeding 15-N enriched urea to dairy cattle to label urine and only fecal microbial N. Long-term manure N field studies (more than 2 years) require manure enriched using the forage method, and shorter-term studies could use manure enriched using the less costly and laborious urea method. Estimates of manure N credits for corn based on 15-N manure
were much more accurate than estimates based on indirect measures. The 15-N labeling technique has been seen as a valuable research tool that can greatly improve the precision by which we determine dairy manure N cycling in soils and availability to crops. Field trial results using 15- N manure may reduce the risk associated with N crediting and improve manure management. Numerous requests have been received from scientists in the U.S. and Canada for information on labeling techniques, and to purchase 15-N labeled dairy manure. (National Program Components: NP207 Integrated Research.) Tannins hold promise for bigger dairy profits, better environment. Scientists at USDFRC have found that condensed tannins, found naturally in birdsfoot trefoil but not alfalfa, can increase dairy production and profit while reducing nitrogen losses. In one study, dairy cattle fed total mixed rations with birdsfoot trefoil silage containing optimum tannin levels produced 15% more milk than cattle fed
comparable rations with alfalfa silage. They also excreted 20% less urea nitrogen in their urine, indicating better use of dietary protein. Since urea in urine is readily converted to volatile ammonia, feeding a tannin-containing forage should reduce the amount of nitrogen lost from manure into the atmosphere. Using the ARS Integrated Farm System Model (Pasture Systems & Watershed Research Unit, University Park, Pennsylvania), the researchers project that if alfalfa contained tannins, dairy farms could generate up to 12% more profit and lose 25% less nitrogen to the environment. In this preliminary analysis, tannins reduced the need for protein supplements by up to 60% and increased the value of alfalfa silage by $23 and alfalfa hay by $11 per ton of dry matter. The total value of those benefits to the dairy industry could approach $300 million per year. In ongoing work, scientists at the USDFRC and other institutions are working to identify productive birdsfoot trefoil varieties with
optimal tannin levels for dairy cattle and other livestock. A longer-term research goal is to develop alfalfa with condensed tannins to eliminate bloat and help animals use protein more efficiently. (National Program Components: NP207 Integrated Research; NP205 Forage Management). On-farm research. Most research on livestock impacts on nutrient cycles and the environment has been conducted under controlled, experimental conditions. Understanding the challenges and opportunities farmers face in nutrient management is critical to focus research, extension and policy on information and technologies that enhance farm profits and the environment. Scientists from USDFRC collaborated with rural sociologists and economists from University of Wisconsin-Madison in studies aimed at improving the understanding of how dairy farmers manage feed, fertilizer and manure nutrients on their farms. A study of 98 dairy farms revealed that most producers fed excessive amounts of P, which increased
dramatically the cropland needed for manure spreading, and also affected greatly the number of cows a farm could keep and the duration a farm could operate before all cropland attained excessive levels of soil test P (due directly to excessive P feeding). A second study of 54 dairy farms revealed that farmers' inability to utilize more cropland for manure spreading was linked to: (1) the amount of manure collected; (2) manure storage; (3) labor availability and machinery capacity for manure spreading; (4) variations in number of days manure could be spread given regional differences in weather and soil conditions; and (5) distances between barns and fields. The survey instruments developed for on-farm research have been requested and adapted for use in Iowa, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Australia. Many findings have been incorporated into outreach materials, which have had wide distribution nationally, and have been used to revise Wisconsin Code 590 Nutrient Management
Standards, and used by USDA-NRCS to develop guidelines for Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plans. (National Program Components: NP207 Integrated Research). 6. What science and/or technologies have been transferred and to whom? When is the science and/or technology likely to become available to the end- user (industry, farmer, other scientists)? What are the constraints, if known, to the adoption and durability of the technology products? Multiple conferences, workshops and seminars have been conducted that highlight the integrative nature of nutrient management in dairy farming systems. "Enhanced Integrated Nutrient Management on Dairy Farms", a six- part seminar series brought together researchers, students, extension professionals, federal and state agency representatives, and feed and fertilizer consultants. Numerous focus-group discussions were conducted with farmers, their nutrient management consultants and veterinarians to discover ways to improve nutrient management on
dairy farms. Published proceedings from seminars http://dfrc.wisc.edu/powell/ and other outreach materials were used to develop a graduate course on nutrient cycling in dairy systems (http://dairynutrient.wisc.edu/468/index.php), and feed management components for Wisconsins Co-operative Extension Nutrient Management Curriculum (http://www.discoveryfarms.org/new/index.htm). The inaugural training workshop using this curriculum had 60 producers, feed consultants and extension specialists, the latter group will use materials for more widespread training in their assigned geographic locations. Results from the diet phosphorus research have been incorporated into extension fact sheets that have been requested and widely distributed nationally. Our participation in national and regional CNMP development and training has enhanced ARS' ability to deliver information needed for improving CNMP guidelines. Results from our studies aimed at identifying optimal polyphenol levels in forages for
enhancing nitrogen cycling, protein use, and profitability of dairy farms is being transferred in various publications and meetings to farmers and to scientists at USDFRC, private laboratories, and seed companies who are working on the development of polyphenol-containing alfalfa and improved varieties of birdsfoot trefoil and red clover. Farmers, extension personnel, and agricultural scientists are also regularly updated via publications and meetings on our efforts aimed at improving key components of grazing forage-based cropping systems to enhance the profitability and environmental stewardship of dairy farms. 7. List your most important publications in the popular press and presentations to organizations and articles written about your work. (NOTE: List your peer reviewed publications below). Grabber, J.H. Corn silage cover crops: They hold soil and establish a new forage crop. Hay and Forage, Fae Holin correspondent, January 2006. Dairy Farms Can Cut Their Ammonia Emissions.
Agri-View, October 20, 2005. A New Approach to Dairy Farming Thats "Out of Africa". Ag Waste Management. Vol. 1. No. 6. November-December, 2005. Ahead of the Curve: Getting Ready for Tougher Ammonia Emissions Regulations. Dairy Today, April 2006 Brink, G.E. and M.D. Casler. Evaluating pasture grasses: Fescues and other freaks of nature. Wisconsin Grazing Conference, Stevens Point, Wisconsin. February 2006. Brink, G.E. Exploiting the potential differences in pasture grasses. Fond du Lac Graziers winter meeting, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. March 2006. Brink, G.E. Grazing research ranks forages, identifies livestock preferences. Wisconsin State Farmer; Ray Mueller, correspondent. March 24, 2006. Brink, G.E. and M.D. Casler. Meadow fescue and Festulolium for pasture. Forage Focus Magazine, Midwest Forage Association. March 2006. Powell, J.M. Ammonia emissions from dairy farms. Invited presentation. Dairy Policy Summit. Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin. Madison Wisconsin.
November 2005. Powell, J.M. Manure management on Wisconsin dairy farms and implications for Code 590 Standards. Invited presentation to Board of Directors, Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. Madison Wisconsin. December 2005. Powell, J.M. How dairy rations impact ammonia emissions. Invited presentation. Wisconsin Agriculture Stewardship Initiative. Discovery Farms Program. Arlington, Wisconsin. February 2006. Powell, J.M. Dairy farming systems in the USA and Victoria, Australia. Invited presentation. Department of Primary Industries, Warrnambool, Victoria, Australia. March 2006. Powell, J.M. Dairy effluent: A review of current activities and research requirements. Invited presentation. Department of Primary Industries, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. April 2006. Powell, J.M. Environmental stewardship in animal agriculture. Invited lecture. College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Michigan State University. Lansing, Michigan. April 2006. Powell,
J.M. Animal agriculture and the clean water act. Chinese National Academy of Science. Beijing China. June 2006. Powell, J.M. Integrated nutrient management on dairy farms. China Agriculture University. Beijing China. June 2006. Powell, J.M. Rapid assessment of nutrient management and environmental risks of dairy farms. Chinese National Academy of Science. Beijing China. June 2006.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Brink, G.E., Hall, M.P., Shewmaker, G.E., Martin, N.P., Undersander, D.J., Walgenbach, R.P. 2006. Rate of yield and quality change in alfalfa. Proceedings of Idaho Alfalfa and Forage Conference. p. 5-10.
- Brink, G.E., Hall, M.H., Shewmaker, G.E., Martin, N.P., Undersander, D.J., Walgenbach, R.P. 2006. Alfalfa yield and quality relationships within individual harvests. In: Proceedings of the American Forage and Grassland Conference, March 11-13, 2006, Austin, Texas. 2006 CDROM.
- Powell, J.M., Wattiaux, M.A., Broderick, G.A., Moreira, V.R., Casler, M.D. 2006. Dairy diet impacts on fecal chemical properties and nitrogen cycling in soils. Soil Science Society of America Journal. 70:786-794.
- Powell, J.M. 2006. Enhanced use of feed and manure nutrients in animal agriculture. In: Visions for Animal Agriculture and the Environment. The John M. Airy Beef Cattle Symposium, January 5-6, 2006, Kansas City, Missouri. Available: www.iowabeefcenter.org/content/Airy/POWELL%20Abstract. pdf
- Powell, J.M., Misselbrook, T.H. 2006. Reducing in-barn ammonia emissions to conserve the fertilizer nitrogen value of dairy manure. In: Proceedings of the 2006 Wisconsin Fertilizer, Aglime & Pest Management Conference, January 17-19, 2006, Madison, Wisconsin. p. 211-215.
- Grande, J.D., Karthikeyan, K.G., Miller, P.S., Powell, J.M. 2005. Corn residue level and manure application timing effects on phosphorus losses in runoff. Journal of Environmental Quality. 34:1620-1631.
- Powell, J.M. 2006. A review of research needs for dairy shed effluent management. State of Victoria, Department of Primary Industries. Ellinbank, Victoria, Australia. 26 p.
- Powell, J.M., Misselbrook, T., Broderick, G.A. 2006. Abating ammonia emissions from dairy barns through feed, herd and bedding management. In: Proceedings of Workshop on Agricultural Air Quality: State of Science, June 5-8, 2006, Raleigh, North Carolina. p. 1006-1010.
- Grabber, J.H., Mertens, D.R. 2006. Direct verses sequential analysis of acid-detergent insoluble nitrogen in forage legume hays [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the ADSA and ASAS Annual Meeting, July 9-13, 2006, Minneapolis, Minnesota. 2006 CD ROM.
- Grabber, J.H. 2006. Polyphenols and mechanical maceration shift protein fractions in legume hays from rapidly to slowly degraded forms [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the ADSA and ASAS Annual Meeting, July 9-13, 2006, Minneapolis, MN. 2006 CDROM.
- Grabber, J.H., Mertens, D.R., Davidson, C., Becker, M. 2005. Polyphenols and Mechanical Maceration Shift Protein Fractions in Legume Silage from Rapidly to Slowly Degraded Forms [CD-ROM]. In: ASA-CSSA-SSSA Annual Meeting Abstracts, November 6-10, 2005, Salt Lake City, Utah.
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Progress 10/01/04 to 09/30/05
Outputs
1. What major problem or issue is being resolved and how are you resolving it (summarize project aims and objectives)? How serious is the problem? What does it matter? Technical economies of scale, labor advantages, and other factors are causing rapid consolidation in the U.S. dairy industry. As dairy herds expand, more feed is imported and crop production is shifted from perennial forages to annual row crops. This often leads to increased loss of nutrients and soil from farms into water resources. Gaseous and particulate emissions into the air are also a growing concern. Economically sound and environmentally safe technologies are needed if U. S. dairy farmers are to be competitive in the global economy of the 21st century. This project is developing integrated crop, pasture, feed, and manure management systems for confinement- and grazing-based dairy operations to enhance farm profitability and lessen adverse environmental impacts. Improved use of nutrients in feed
and manure would improve the profitability of U.S dairy farms by at least $500 million annually and reduce nutrient contamination of the atmosphere, landscapes, and water resources. Reduction in ammonia emissions through diet manipulation, improved manure handling, storage, and land application could potentially reduce nitrogen loss to the atmosphere from a current level of about 60 kg/cow/yr to 20 kg/cow/yr. Utilizing pasture as the primary source of feed for dairy cattle has been gaining acceptance as an alternative to traditional production methods. This research has the potential to influence how farmers manage temperate pastures for dairy production. Improving pasture productivity, quality, and utilization will improve farm profitability and sustainability by reducing requirements for supplemental feed, fertilizer inputs, and equipment. Consumers will ultimately benefit from a more sustainable animal agriculture and a cleaner environment. 2. List the milestones (indicators of
progress) from your Project Plan. Objective 1: Assess the impact of forage polyphenols on C sequestration, N cycling, protein use, and profitability of dairy farms and develop systems to make use of polyphenol-containing forages. 1.1 Carbon sequestration by forage swards (years 1 & 2) 1.2 Red clover rotations with cereal crops (years 15) 1.3 N cycling in perennial forage-annual grass rotations (years 15) 1.4 Environmental, harvest, and storage interactions (years 13) 1.5 Protein use & N excretion by lactating cows (years 13) 1.6 N cycling from manure (years 14) 1.7 Integration by modeling (years 25) Objective 2: Determine relationships among pasture canopy structure, physio-chemical properties of forage, and ruminant animal intake in grazed grass and grass-legume swards to improve the performance and profitability of grazing-based dairy farms. 2.1 Defoliation patterns of grass swards (years 1 & 2) 2.2 Sward structure of diverse pasture grasses (years 13) 2.3 Forage quality and
physical traits of grasses (years 15) 2.4 Sward structure of grass-legume mixtures (years 13) Objective 3: Reduce nutrient losses and adverse environmental impacts by dairy farms through the development of improved and integrated feeding and manure management practices. 3.1 Dairy diet effects on nutrient cycles (years 15) 3.2 Corralling and N losses (years 13) 3.3 Bedding material and manure N cycling (years 15) 3.4 Manure incorporation, ammonia and nitrate loss (years 25) 3.5 Manure N mineralization and crop uptake (years 15) 3.6 Grass leys for manure management (years 15) 3.7 Impact of cropping and pasture on soil fertility (years 15) Objective 4: Analyze socio-economic and environmental aspects of dairy- forage systems. 4.1 On Farmers Ground (years 13) 4.2 Comparison of cash grain and dairy systems (years 15) 4.3 Tools to improve farming systems (years 15) 4.4 Identify sustainable dairy forage systems (years 25) 3a List the milestones that were scheduled to be addressed in FY 2005.
For each milestone, indicate the status: fully met, substantially met, or not met. If not met, why. 1. Objective 1. 1.1 Carbon sequestration by forage swards (years 1 & 2). Milestone Substantially Met 2. 1.2 Red clover rotations with cereal crops (years 15). Milestone Substantially Met 3. 1.3 N cycling in perennial forage-annual grass rotations (years 15). Milestone Substantially Met 4. 1.4 Environmental, harvest, & storage interactions (years 13). Milestone Substantially Met 5. 1.5 Protein use & N excretion by lactating cows (years 13). Milestone Substantially Met 6. 1.6 N cycling from manure (years 14). Milestone Substantially Met 7. 1.7 Integration by modeling (years 25). Milestone Not Met Critical SY Vacancy 8. Objective 2: 2.1 Defoliation patterns of grass swards (years 1 & 2). Milestone Not Met Progress slowed by resource limitation (human,fiscal,equipment, etc. 9. 2.2 Sward structure of diverse pasture grasses (years 13). Milestone Substantially Met 10. 2.3 Forage quality
and physical traits of grasses (years 15). Milestone Substantially Met 11. 2.4 Sward structure of grass-legume mixtures (years 13). Milestone Not Met Other 12. Objective 3: 3.1 Dairy diet effects on nutrient cycles (years 15). Milestone Fully Met 13. 3.2 Corralling and N losses (years 13). Milestone Substantially Met 14. 3.3 Bedding material and manure N cycling (years 15). Milestone Substantially Met 15. 3.4 Manure incorporation, ammonia and nitrate loss (years 25). Milestone Substantially Met 16. 3.5 Manure N mineralization and crop uptake (years 15). Milestone Substantially Met 17. 3.6 Grass leys for manure management (years 15). Milestone Substantially Met 18. 3.7 Impact of cropping and pasture on soil fertility (years 15). Milestone Substantially Met 19. Objective 4: 4.1 On Farmers Ground (years 13). Milestone Substantially Met 20. 4.2 Comparison of cash grain and dairy systems (years 15). Milestone Substantially Met 3b List the milestones that you expect to address over the next
3 years (FY 2006, 2007, and 2008). What do you expect to accomplish, year by year, over the next 3 years under each milestone? Objective 1. 1.1) Analyses of polyphenols in forage litter will be determined in 2006. Publication and transfer of results will occur in 2007. 1.2) Long-term trials examining the productivity, feed value, and nitrogen-use efficiency of red clover-corn and red clover-wheat rotations will continue from 2006 to 2008. 1.3). A second set of perennial forage plots will be terminated in 2006 and rotated into sorghum-sordangrass. In 2006 to 2007, the yield, N uptake, and inorganic soil N of sorghum-sudangrass will be monitored. In 2008, data will be summarized for publication. 1.4) Polyphenol concentrations and nonprotein N fractions in forages will be completed in 2006. In 2007, the ruminal and gastrointestinal protein degradability of forages will be determined by in vitro techniques. Publication and transfer of results will occur in 2006 and following years. 1.5)
A final feeding trial to evaluate the impact of polyphenols on milk production and protein-use efficiency of dairy cattle will be conducted in 2006. Feed ingredients, milk, and manure will be characterized during 2006 and 2007. Publication of results is planned for 2007 and beyond. 1.6) The residual effects of land application of manure derived from different forage tannin and polyphenol diets on crop yield, crop N uptake and soil N form, amount and distribution will be evaluated in 2006 and 2007, and written up in 2008. Feces and urine collected from a final feeding trial (see Obj. 1.5) will be used in additional cropping studies from 2006-2008. 1.7) From 2006 to 2008, data collected from Obj. 1.3-1.6 will be used to parameterize and validate the Integrated Farming Systems Model to more accurately predict the impact of polyphenol-containing forages on N- cycling in various types of dairy-forage systems in different regions of the U.S. Objective 2. 2.1) Conventional and electronic
techniques to assess sward structure will be compared in experimental pastures in 2006 and 2007, and if appropriate, publication and transfer of results will occur in 2008. 2.2) Results from studies of grass sward structure will be summarized, interpreted, and published, and transferred to stakeholders in 2006. Experimental pastures of four species will be established in 2006 to evaluate different grasses. Intake and grazing behavior will be evaluated in 2007 and 2008. 2.3) Results from a study of maturity effects on forage quality and morphology will be summarized, interpreted, and published in 2006. A study of species preference by dairy heifers will continue in 2006, with results to be summarized, interpreted, and published in 2007. 2.4) Reestablishment of research plots to evaluate sward structure of grass-legume mixtures under grazing will occur in 2006. Grasses will be seeded in spring, 2006, and space-plant white clover, red clover, and alfalfa planted in summer, 2006. Data
will be collected and summarized in 2007 and 2008. Objective 3. 3.1) Impacts of dairy cow diet on the amount and forms of N excreted in manure will be determined during lactation trials in 2006, 2007, and 2008. Ammonia emissions will be measured from 4 chambers, each containing 4 cows fed different diets during 2006 and 2007. The residual availability of manure N derived from different diets to following corn crops will be determined in field plots. Results of these studies will be analyzed, presented and written up in 2007 & 2008 and extended thereafter. 3.2) Data collection from field trial that compares corralling heifers on cropland to application of barn manure will be completed in 2006. This information will be presented at various meetings and published in scientific journals and as popular press articles in 2006 and 2007. 3.3) During 2006 & 2007, ammonia emissions will be measured seasonally from 4 chambers each containing 4 cows with different beddings. Manure from these
chambers will be applied to field plots to determine N availability to corn silage. 3.4) The field trial established in 2004 to investigate impact of dairy slurry application method on ammonia emission and nitrate leaching will continue in 2006 & 2007. This data will be analyzed, and published in 2008. 3.5) The 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th year of residual manure 15N uptake by corn silage will be monitored in field plots during 2006, 2007 & 2008. 3.6) Please see the 421 for 3655-21630-003-01S 3.7) Please see the 421 for 3655-21630-003-01S Objective 4. 4.1) Final data analyses, publications, and extension of results of the On-Farmers Ground project will occur in 2006 & 2007. 4.2) Please see the 421 for 3655-21630-003-01S 4.3) We will assess how changes in feeding, manure management and cropping practices impact the production, environmental performance and profitability of farms on a local or regional basis using the Integrated Farming Systems Model (IFSM). Data from the CRIS will be used to
parameterize and validate IFSM (2006). We will then evaluate how changes in feeding and cropping practices affect the overall N-use and loss pathways and the profitability of representative farms in major dairy regions of the United States (2006 and 2007) 4.4) Modeling activities aimed at identifying sustainable dairy farming practices will be conducted during 2006-2008 if an Agricultural/Dairy Scientist position is successfully filled at the U.S. Dairy Forage Research Center. 4a What was the single most significant accomplishment this past year? Outdoor confinement areas are nutrient hot spots on small dairy farms Manure management plans require knowing the amount of manure produced and collected for land-spreading. While manure production on typical dairy farms can be readily calculated, little is known about the type and amount of manure actually collected for spreading. A study of fifty-four representative Wisconsin dairy farms showed that less manure is collected from farms with
stanchion (66%) than free-stall (89%) housing and from small- to medium-sized herds than large herds. Manure collection in the hilly southwest (56% of total annual herd production) was also less than in the undulating south central (72%) or the flat northeast (68%) regions. Most uncollected manure accumulates in outdoor exercise lots and feeding areas, leading to excessive nutrient levels in soil. Small- to medium- sized dairy herds may require special assistance in managing manure in outside confinement areas to reduce the risk of impairing surface and ground water quality. 4b List other significant accomplishments, if any. Modifications to dairy cow diets can enhance profits and environmental impacts. Collaborative dairy nutrition and soils research is showing that cows can be fed diets to maintain high milk production while reducing nitrogen excretion in manure and environmental contamination. A decrease in dietary crude protein from 19.4 to 13.6% did not affect milk production or
composition, but reduced the total amount and proportion of easily lost forms of nitrogen in manure. Losses of manure nitrogen as ammonia after application to soil were higher (25%) with high-protein diets than with low-protein diets (9%). In other studies, replacing alfalfa with tannin-containing forage legumes decreased the proportion of manure nitrogen excreted in urine and the emission of ammonia gas from manure. Reducing manure N losses through diet modification can reduce feed costs, and enhance the fertilizer N value of manure and the environmental performance of dairy operations. Stable isotope techniques improve estimates of manure nitrogen availability to crops. Current estimates of dairy manure nitrogen (N) availability to crops, based on indirect measures, are not accurate enough for farmers to properly credit N contributions from manure for crop production. Two methods were developed to differentially label dairy manure with the stable isotope 15N. In the first method,
15N-enriched forage is fed to dairy cows to label urinary, fecal endogenous (mostly microbial), and undigested feed N components. In the second method, 15N-enriched urea is fed directly to cows to label only urinary and fecal endogenous N. Field research showed that long-term manure N cycling studies (greater than 2 years) require manure derived from 15N-enriched forage while manure derived from less costly 15N-enriched urea can be used in shorter-term studies. Estimates of manure N credits for corn based on 15N-labeled manure are much more accurate and, therefore, more dependable than estimates based on the indirect measures. In vitro fermentation techniques to evaluate fiber digestibility in forage crops. Evaluation of forage digestibility is essential to formulate dairy cattle diets that allow efficient utilization of dietary nitrogen and support profitable animal performance. Current methods of in vitro fermentation with ruminal microbes for evaluation of fiber digestion are
limited by logistics for the number of samples that can be processed (flasks in water baths, continuous gassing with carbon dioxide; this is the current gold standard system), or can process many samples but give reduced digestion values. An in vitro fermentation method was developed using continuously shaken 50-ml polyethylene tubes with septum stoppers as fermentation vessels. The fiber digestion values obtained from the new system were comparable to those from the current gold standard in vitro fermentation system. The new system has potential to allow evaluation of more samples per fermentation. Additionally, the new system allows measurement of gas production and composition to assess digestion characteristics of the soluble carbohydrates in the samples. The impact of this technique is that it has the potential to increase the ability and ease of research and commercial feed analysis laboratories to obtain forage digestibility numbers for use in forage evaluation and diet
formulation. 4c List any significant activities that support special target populations. Informal discussions (termed "pasture walks") were conducted with dairy grazers on several farms to address questions related to pasture management and recent research findings, and to provide producers the opportunity to observe the implementation of grazing management principles at the farm scale. The "On Farmers' Ground" project continues to work with 50 dairy farmers having small to large herd sizes to understand the impact of biophysical (soils, weather) and socioeconomic factors on nutrient (feed, fertilizer and manure) management practices and the opportunities and challenges to improve profitability and environmental impacts through enhanced nutrient management. 5. Describe the major accomplishments over the life of the project, including their predicted or actual impact. This report covers only two-year project accomplishments. A predicted outcome is scientifically sound information and
technologies that will be used to enhance the economic and environmental sustainability of dairy farms in the U.S. 6. What science and/or technologies have been transferred and to whom? When is the science and/or technology likely to become available to the end- user (industry, farmer, other scientists)? What are the constraints, if known, to the adoption and durability of the technology products? Traditional research has not dealt with the close interactions among feed, fertilizer, and manure nutrient components, or considered the challenges faced by farmers when making nutrient management decisions. "On Farmers' Ground" is designed to improve our understanding of how farmers manage nutrients in more realistic settings. Project results are assisting dairy farmers and other agricultural professionals to meet nutrient management challenges by considering all components of a farm operation. For example, recent evidence shows that our collaborative work with NRCS and the University of
Wisconsin Cooperative Extension is contributing to a reduction in the dietary phosphorus levels fed on Wisconsin dairy farms. Mean dietary phosphorus concentrations have decreased during the period 2002 to 2004 from about 0.5% to 0.4%, which is quite near the NRC- recommended value. The reduction in dietary phosphorus has decreased manure phosphorus content by 20 to 30%, which in turn decreases the amount of land needed for manure land-spreading and the risk of environmental contamination. Ultimately, this improved understanding of nutrient management in on-farm situations will allow progress in lowering nutrient buildup on dairy farms and the associated impairment of water quality through nutrient losses from farmland. To establish a common understanding and joint action plan, USDFRC scientists continue to lead a multi-stakeholder partnership for abating ammonia emissions from dairy farms. The partnership conducted a producer- orientated workshop "Optimizing Nitrogen Management on
Dairy Farms." The DVD resulting from this workshop and the extension publication "Dairy Manure and Air Quality: The Issues" have been widely distributed. 7. List your most important publications in the popular press and presentations to organizations and articles written about your work. (NOTE: List your peer reviewed publications below). Brink, G.E. Preparing grasses in the fall for spring production. Invited presentation to River Country Resource Conservation & Development Council winter grazing meeting, Black River Falls, Wisconsin. February, 2005. Brink, G.E. Pasture yield and quality All grasses are not created equal. Invited presentation to North Central Grazing Conference of Pri-Ru- Ta Resource Conservation & Development Council, Stetsonville, Wisconsin. March, 2005. Brink, G.E. and M.D. Casler. Sward structure All grasses are not equal. Forage Focus Magazine, Midwest Forage Association. March, 2005. Brink, G.E. and M.D. Casler. Sward structure and quality differences among
temperate grasses. American Forage and Grassland Council annual meeting, Bloomington, Illinois. June, 2005. Brink, G.E. Improved grasses for pasture. Invited presentation at Lancaster Agricultural Research Station field day. Lancaster, Wisconsin. August, 2005. Grabber, J.H. Intercropping clovers with corn silage shows promise. Forage Focus Magazine, Midwest Forage Association. May 2005. Hall, M. B. 2005. Ruminal acidosis: beyond the rumen. Presented at the Joint Annual Meeting of the American Dairy Science Association and American Society of Animal Science. (Invited presentation for the Alpharma Symposium: Animal Health Acidosis in Dairy Cattle). Cincinnati, OH. July 28, 2005. Hall, M. B. 2005. Starches and sugars: conceptual and analytical challenges. Presented at the Joint Annual Meeting of the American Dairy Science Association and American Society of Animal Science. (Invited presentation for the ADSA Production Division Symposium: Forage Analysis: Concept to Application).
Cincinnati, OH. July 28, 2005. Hall, M. B. 2005. Definitions of feed analysis methods as sources of error in nutritional models. Invited talk presented at the 2005 Animal Science Modelers Pre-Conference, Cincinnati, OH. July 23, 2005. Hall, M. B. 2005. Sugars in dairy cattle rations: sweetening the pot or not? Four-State Dairy Nutrition and Management Conference, Dubuque, IA. June 16, 2005. Hall, M. B. 2005. Diagnosing & managing subclinical rumen acidosis in dairy cattle. In: Proc. 23rd Annual Forum of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Baltimore, MD. June 3, 2005 Hall, M. B. 2005. The latest in carbohydrate nutrition & evaluating its impact on health and performance. 45th Annual New England Dairy Feed Conference, West Lebanon, NH. March 31, 2005. Hall, M. B. 2005. The latest in carbohydrate nutrition & evaluating its impact on health and performance. New York State Ruminant Health - Nutrition Conference, Syracuse, NY. March 29, 2005. Hall, M. B. 2005. Working with
carbohydrates in dairy rations. 2005 Annual Nutrition Seminar, Farmers Feed & Supply Co., Inc. & Nutrition Service Co., Inc., DePere, WI. March 17, 2005. Hall, M. B. 2005. What we do and dont know about forage and carbohydrate digestion in the dairy cow (and some more food for thought). Feed and Nutritional Management Cow College, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA. January 11, 2005. Hall, M. B. 2005. Using manure evaluation as a diagnostic tool for ration evaluation. Feed and Nutritional Management Cow College, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA. January 12, 2005. Powell, J.M. Dairy farming in Wisconsin: The ins and outs of nutrient management. College of Natural Resources. University of Wisconsin- Stephens Point. October 20, 2004 Powell, J.M. Feeding less phosphorus and protein to dairy cows can improve water and air quality. EPA Regional Science Workshop on Animal Feeding Operations (AFOs) - Science and Technical
Support Needs, College Park Maryland. EPA Office of Research and Development. December 6, 2004 Powell, J.M. Predicting manure-spreading days using climate and soils data in Wisconsin. EPA Regional Science Workshop on Animal Feeding Operations (AFOs) - Science and Technical Support Needs, College Park Maryland. EPA Office of Research and Development. December 7, 2004. Powell, J.M. Nutrient cycles on dairy farms. EMBRAPA Dairy Cattle Research Center, Juis de Fora, Brazil. December 15, 2004. Powell, J.M. Ammonia, why the concern? Lake Michigan Air Directors Consortium Workshop. Ammonia Emissions from Dairy Operations and the Role of Ammonia in Regional Air Pollution Problems. Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. Madison, Wisconsin. January 21, 2005. Powell, J.M. Challenges and opportunities for improving manure management on Wisconsin dairy farms. Manure management strategies for Dane County, Wisconsin. Dane County Agribusiness Delegation. February 17,
2005. Powell, J.M. On farmers ground: A study of nutrient management on fifty- four Wisconsin dairy farms. Technical Advisory Committee, Nutrient and Pest Management Program. University of Wisconsin, Madison. March 18, 2005 Powell, J.M. Nitrogen cycling on Wisconsin dairy farms. Optimizing Nitrogen Management on Dairy Farms. State of Knowledge Workshop. Lussier Family Center, Madison, Wisconsin. March 30, 2005. Powell, J.M. Changing views of environmental change and resource management. Land Tenure Center. University of Wisconsin-Madison. April 12, 2005. Powell, J.M. Manure collection, storage and spreading on Wisconsin dairy farms. Dane County Lakes and Watershed Commission. Manure Management Task Force. April 13, 2005. Powell, J.M. Whole-Farm nutrient management. Faculty and students of Monterey (Mexico) Agricultural College, USDFRC, Madison, Wisconsin. June 24, 2005. Jason Stein. Research testing pollution cows generate. Wisconsin State Journal. November 11, 2004.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- McCrory, D.F., Saam, H., Powell, J.M., Jackson-Smith, D.B., Rotz, C.A. 2004. Predicting the number of suitable days for manure spreading across Wisconsin [abstract]. ASA-CSSA-SSSA Annual Meeting Abstracts. Paper No. 6277.
- Bundy, L.G., Studnicka, J.S., Powell, J.M. 2004. Manure handling and extraction procedure effects on determination of water-extractable phosphorus in manures [abstract]. American Society of Agronomy. Paper No. 4522.
- Grabber, J.H., Massingill, L.J. 2005. Establishment and production year yields of red clover and alfalfa seeded alone or into winter wheat. Western Society of Crop Science, June 19-22, 2005, Bozeman, Montana. 2005 CDROM.
- Grabber, J. H., Davidson, C.L., Massingill, L.J. 2005. Non-protein nitrogen formation in legume silages as influenced by condensed tannins, polyphenols, and harvesting methods. ADSA, ASAS, CSAS Annual Meeting. July 24-28, 2005. Cincinnati, Ohio. CDROM 2005
- Hymes Fecht, U.C., Broderick, G.A., Muck, R.E., Grabber, J.H. 2004. Effects of feeding legume silage with differing tannin levels on lactating dairy cattle [abstract]. Journal of Dairy Science. 87 (Supplement 1):249.
- Grabber, J.H., Davidson, C., Massingill, L.J. 2004. Condensed tannin and polyphenol interactions with forage protein as influenced by the severity of mechanical conditioning [abstract]. ASA-CSSA-SSSA Annual Meeting Abstracts. CDROM.
- Brink, G.E., Casler, M.D. 2004. Sward structure and quality of temperate grasses [abstract]. ASA-CSSA-SSSA Annual Meeting Abstracts. Paper No. 6496.
- Li, Y., McCrory, D.F., Powell, J.M., Saam, H., Jackson-Smith, D.B. 2005. Heavy metal concentrations in dairy feed: a survey of heavy metal concentrations in Wisconsin dairy feeds. Journal of Dairy Science. 88:2911- 2922.
- Grande, J.D., Karthikeyan, K.G., Miller, P.S., Powell, J.M. 2005. Crop residue level and manure application timing effects on runoff and sediment losses from no-till corn. Journal of Environmental Quality. 34:1337-1346.
- Misselbrook, T.H., Powell, J.M., Broderick, G.A., Grabber, J.H. 2004. Reducing ammonia losses from dairy manure application to soil through dietary manipulation [abstract]. American Society of Agronomy. Paper No. 4522.
- Saam, H., Powell, J.M., McCrory, D.F., Jackson-Smith, D.B. 2004. Balancing cropland and livestock on Wisconsin dairy farms [abstract]. American Society of Agronomy. Paper No. 5417.
- Powell, J.M. 2005. Contributions to society: manure-fertilizer/fuel, developed countries. In: Pond, W.G., Bell, A.W., editors. Encyclopedia of Animal Science. New York, NY: Marcel Dekker, Inc. p. 254-257.
- Powell, J.M., Russelle, M.P. 2004. Corralling dairy cows on cropland to enhance manure management [abstract]. ASA-CSSA-SSSA Annual Meeting Abstracts. CD-ROM. Paper No. 4680.
- Grabber, J.H., Massingill, L.J. 2005. Yield and soil nitrate levels of cover crop and living-mulch systems for corn silage fertilized with manure. Western Society of Crop Science, June 19-22, 2005, Bozeman, Montana. 2005 CDROM
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Progress 10/01/03 to 09/30/04
Outputs
1. What major problem or issue is being resolved and how are you resolving it (summarize project aims and objectives)? How serious is the problem? What does it matter? Technical economies of scale, labor advantages, and other factors are causing rapid consolidation in the U.S. dairy industry. As dairy herds expand, more feed is imported and crop production is shifted from perennial forages to annual row crops. This often leads to increased loss of nutrients and soil from farms into water resources. Gaseous and particulate emissions into the air are also a growing concern. Economically sound and environmentally safe technologies are needed if American dairy farmers are to be competitive in the global economy of the 21st century. This project is developing integrated crop, pasture, feed, and manure management systems for confinement- and grazing-based dairy operations to enhance farm profitability and lessen adverse environmental impacts. Improved use of nutrients in
feed and manure would improve the profitability of U.S dairy farms by at least $500 million annually and reduce nutrient contamination of the atmosphere, landscapes, and water resources. Reduction in ammonia emissions through diet manipulation, improved manure handling, storage and land application could potentially reduce nitrogen loss to the atmosphere from a current level of about 60 kg/cow/yr to 20 kg/cow/yr. This research has the potential to influence how farmers manage temperate pastures for dairy production. Improving pasture productivity, quality, and utilization will improve farm profitability and sustainability by reducing requirements for supplemental feed, fertilizer inputs, and equipment. Consumers will ultimately benefit from a more sustainable animal agriculture and a cleaner environment. 2. List the milestones (indicators of progress) from your Project Plan. Objective 1: Assess the impact of forage polyphenols on C sequestration, N cycling, protein use, and
profitability of dairy farms and develop systems to make use of polyphenol-containing forages 1.1 Carbon sequestration by forage swards (years 1 and 2) 1.2 Red clover rotations with cereal crops (years 1-5) 1.3 N cycling in perennial forage-annual grass rotations (years 1-5) 1.4 Environmental, harvest, & storage interactions (years 1-3) 1.5 Protein use & N excretion by lactating cows (years 1-3) 1.6 N cycling from manure (years 1-4) 1.7 Integration by modeling (years 2-5) Objective 2: Determine relationships among pasture canopy structure, physio-chemical properties of forage, and ruminant animal intake in grazed grass and grass-legume swards to improve the performance and profitability of grazing-based dairy farms 2.1 Defoliation patterns of grass swards (years 1 and 2) 2.2 Sward structure of diverse pasture grasses (years 1-3) 2.3 Forage quality and physical characteristics of grasses (years 1-5) 2.4 Sward structure of grass-legume mixtures (years 1-3) Objective 3:
Reduce nutrient losses and adverse environmental impacts by dairy farms through the development of improved and integrated feeding and manure management practices 3.1 Dairy diet effects on nutrient cycles (years 1-5) 3.2 Corralling and N losses (years 1-3) 3.3 Bedding material and manure N cycling (years 1-5) 3.4 Manure incorporation, ammonia & nitrate loss (years 2-5) 3.5 Manure N mineralization & crop uptake (years 1-5) 3.6 Grass leys for manure management (years 1-5) 3.7 Impact of cropping & pasture on soil fertility (years 1-5) Objective 4: Analyze socio-economic and environmental aspects of dairy- forage systems 4.1 "On Farmers' Ground" (years 1-3) 4.2 Comparison of cash grain and dairy systems (years 1-5) 4.3 Tools to improve farming systems (years 1-5) 4.4 Identify sustainable dairy-forage systems (years 2-5) 3. Milestones: A. List the milestones that were scheduled to be addressed in FY 2004. How many milestones did you fully or substantially meet in FY 2004, and
indicate, which ones were not fully or substantially met, briefly explain why not, and your plans to do so. (Note: This CRIS is in year 1 of its project plan). Objective 1. 1.1) This study is examining whether polyphenols will increase carbon sequestration in soil under perennial forage swards. As planned, isolation of carbon fractions from soils collected in 2000 to 2003 was completed in 2004. Time did not permit analysis of forage polyphenols in 2004; these assays will be done in 2005. 1.2) As planned, long-term trials comparing the productivity, feed value, and nitrogen-use efficiency of red clover-corn and red clover-wheat rotations to various living mulch/cover crop-corn rotations and alfalfa- wheat rotations were continued in 2004. One trial was abandoned due to excessive damage to red clover and alfalfa from rodents during the winter of 2003/2004. This trial will be re-established in 2005 or 2006. 1.3) This study examines whether forage polyphenols will slow nitrogen (N)
mineralization from forage residues and enhance N uptake by subsequent annual row crops. As planned, sorghum-sudangrass was sown into terminated forage stands in the spring of 2004. The accumulation of soil inorganic N from decaying forage residues and the uptake of forage-derived N and fertilizer N by sorghum-sudangrass were monitored during the 2004 growing season. In order to test production year effects and the reproducibility of polyphenol effects on N cycling, a second set of perennial forage plots were seeded in 2004 for eventual rotation into sorghum-sudangrass. 1.4) This trial is investigating how polyphenol-protein interactions vary with growth environment and with methods used to harvest and store forages. According to schedule, forages harvested in 2001-2003 were analyzed for buffer soluble N and for protease degradable N. Due to time constraints, assays for polyphenols were not initiated as planned in 2004, but will be run in 2005. 1.5) This project is conduced in
collaboration with another CRIS at the U. S. Dairy Forage Research Center to determine whether forage polyphenols improve protein utilization by dairy cattle and reduce the need for diet protein supplementation. As planned, spring and summer harvests of low to high tannin birdsfoot trefoils and polyphenol-containing red clover were ensiled in 2004 for feeding trials during 2005. 1.6) Excretion of N in feces and urine by lactating cows fed different forage tannin levels was determined. Feces and urine from these diets were applied to soil and measurements were made of ammonia emission, N mineralization and crop N uptake. 1.7) No modeling activities examining the whole-farm impact of polyphenols on farm N cycling were planned or conducted during 2004. Objective 2. 2.1) Difficulties in engineering a device to discern differences in grass consumption and losses due to trampling by animals have complicated efforts to measure defoliation in grazed swards. The proposed electronic techniques
will be reevaluated and/or alternative techniques tested in FY 2005. 2.2) Sward structure of 10 pasture grasses was fully assessed at multiple locations during the spring, summer, and fall growth periods of FY 2004. Analysis of forage quality within each canopy layer is to be completed after the current growing season. 2.3) Maturity effects on forage yield and quality of diverse grasses were fully assessed at multiple locations during the spring, summer, and fall growth periods of FY 2004. Analysis of forage quality is to be completed after the current growing season. Grasses to be utilized for measurement of physical characteristics in conjunction with grazing were successfully established in FY 2004 in anticipation of experimentation in FY 2005. 2.4) Severe winter conditions prevented successful establishment of all grass treatments in FY 2003. Missing treatments were successfully established in FY 2004. Legumes will be seeded in fall, and if establishment is successful,
assessment of sward structure in mixed swards will begin in FY 2005. Objective 3. 3.1) Relative excretion of N in feces and urine by lactating cows fed different protein-fiber combinations (and forage tannin levels as described in 1.6) was determined. These materials were applied to soils in a greenhouse trial, in a laboratory incubation trial, and to field plots to evaluate relative mineralization and crop uptake of this manure N. 3.2) Average first year corn silage yield and N uptake in plots where heifers were corralled for 2 days/month during Oct-March were 33 and 48% greater than in plots where 2 days of barn manure was applied. Average wheat yield and N uptake in plots where heifers were corralled for 2 days/month during April-Sept were only 3 and 12% greater. Corralling for 4 nights depressed initial crop yield and N. The residual positive effects of 2 and 4 nights of corralling on crop yield and N uptake were evident during the second and third years after application. 3.3) A
system of small laboratory chambers was used to measure ammonia emissions from 6 urine-soaked bedding materials or the same dry beddings after a standard urine application. 3.4) A field trial was established to investigate impact of 3 methods of applying dairy slurry to cropland (injection, surface application followed partial tillage and surface application) on ammonia emission and nitrate leaching. This trial was established one-year ahead of schedule. 3.5) Direct (15N recovery) and indirect (difference method and fertilizer equivalence) estimates of first-year dairy manure N availability to corn silage were evaluated over three years. Use of 15N-labeled manure, although more costly and time-consuming provided more consistent and reliable results. 3.6) Please see the 421 for 3655-21630-003-01S ("Crop and Livestock Production Systems for Improved Stewardship and Profitability"). 3.7) Please see the 421 for 3655-21630-003-01S (same title as above). Objective 4. 4.1) Dairy farmers in
the southwest (SW) region of Wisconsin spread manure on 44% of cropland, whilst farmers in the northeast (NE) use 23%. Simulations using the Integrated Farm System Model show that on average farmers in the SW have approximately 15 more spreading days per year than farmers in the NE. Regional differences in soil rather than climate appear to dictate the number of available days for manure spreading. 4.2) Please see the 421 for 3655-21630-003-01S (same title as above). 4.3) A two-year collaboration with Cornell University and University of Wisconsin-Madison resulted in the final project report "Whole-Farm Nutrient Management on Dairy Farms to Improve Profitability and Reduce Environmental Impacts." 4.4) No modeling activities aimed at identifying sustainable dairy farming practices were planned or conducted during 2004. B. List the milestones that are scheduled to be addressed over the next 3 years (FY 2005, 2006, and 2007). What do you expect to accomplish, year by year, over the
next 3 years under each milestone? Objective 1. 1.1) Polyphenol concentrations in forage herbage and roots will be determined in 2005 and 2006. Publication and transfer of results will occur in 2006 and 2007. 1.2) Long-term trials examining the productivity, feed value, and nitrogen-use efficiency of red clover-corn and red clover-wheat rotations will continue from 2005 to 2007. 1.3) In 2005, sorghum-sudangrass will again be sown into plots that formerly grew perennial forage crops. The accumulation of soil inorganic N from decaying forage residues and the uptake of forage-derived N and fertilizer N by sorghum-sudangrass will again be monitored during the 2005 growing season. A second set of perennial forage plots will be harvested during 2005 and then rotated into sorghum-sudangrass during 2006 and 2007. 1.4) Polyphenol concentrations and fiber-bound N fractions in forages will be determined in 2005. In 2006, the ruminal and gastrointestinal protein degradability of forages will be
determined in vitro using rumen microflora and pepsin-pancreatin. Publication and transfer of results will occur in 2006 and following years. 1.5) Low to high tannin birdsfoot trefoils and red clover ensiled in 2003 and 2004 will be fed in total-mixed rations to lactating cows during 2005 to determine the impact of polyphenols on milk production and protein-use efficiency of dairy cattle. Feed ingredients, milk, and manure will be characterized during 2005 and 2006. Publication of results is planned for 2007 and beyond. 1.6) The residual effects of land application of manure derived from different forage tannin and polyphenol diets on crop yield, crop N uptake and soil N form, amount and distribution will be completed in 2005 and written up in 2006. Feces and urine collected from study 1.5 will be used in additional cropping studies during 2005-2007. 1.7) From 2005 to 2007, data collected from 1.3-1.6 will be used to parameterize and validate the Integrated Farming Systems Model to
more accurately predict the impact of polyphenol-containing forages on N- cycling in various types of dairy-forage systems in different regions of the U.S. Objective 2. 2.1) New techniques for assessing sward structure will be evaluated in FY 2005, and if successful, tested again in FY 2006. Publication and transfer of results will occur in FY 2007. 2.2) Sward structure of diverse grasses will be evaluated again in FY 2005, and results summarized, interpreted, and published in FY 2006. Results will be transferred to stakeholders in FY 2006 and 2007. Results of this study will assist in treatment selection for a grazing experiment that will begin in FY 2006. 2.3) Measurement of chemical and physical traits of diverse grasses will continue in FY 2005 and FY 2006, and results summarized, interpreted, and published in FY 2006 and 2007. Results will be transferred to stakeholders in FY 2006 and 2007. Results of this study will assist in treatment selection for a grazing experiment that
will begin in FY 2006. 2.4) Experiments to evaluate sward structure of grass-legume mixtures will be conducted in FY 2005 and 2006. Results will be interpreted and published in FY 2006 and 2007. Objective 3. 3.1) Impacts of dairy cow diet on the amount and forms of N excreted in manure will be determined during lactation trials FY 2005-2007. During FY 2005 and 2006, feces and urine from diets will be mixed in proportion to the amounts excreted and placed on the barn floor and ammonia losses will be measured. Ammonia emissions will also be measured from 4 chambers each containing 4 cows fed different diets. The residual availability to corn of manure N derived from different diets will be determined in field plots. Results of these studies will be analyzed, presented and written up in FY 2007 and extended thereafter. 3.2) Crop uptake of residual manure N applied via corralling heifers on cropland or as barn manure will be monitored in 2005 and 2006. This information will be presented
at various meetings and published in scientific journals and as popular press articles in 2007. 3.3) During 2005 and 2006, ammonia emissions will be measured seasonally from 4 chambers each containing 4 cows with different bedding. Manure from these chambers will be applied to field plots to determine N availability to corn silage. 3.4) The field trial established in 2004 to investigate impact of dairy slurry application method on ammonia emission and nitrate leaching will continue in 2005 and 2006. These data will be analyzed and written up and published in 2007. 3.5) Second, third, fourth, and fifth year residual manure 15N uptake by corn silage will be monitored in field plots during 2006-2008. 3.6) Please see the 421 report for 3655-21630-003-01S, "Crop and Livestock Production Systems for Improved Stewardship and Profitability." 3.7) Please see the 421 report for 3655-21630-003-01S (same title as above). Objective 4. 4.1) Focus group meeting with dairy farmers participating in
"On Farmers' Ground" project will be conducted in 2005 to seek farmer feedback on their nutrient management challenges and opportunities for improvement. Final data analyses, publications, and extension of results will occur in 2006-2007. 4.2) Please see the 421 for 3655-21630-003-01S (title cited above). 4.3) We will assess how changes in feeding, manure management and cropping practices impact the production, environmental performance and profitability of farms on a local or regional basis using the Integrated Farming Systems Model (IFSM). Data from the CRIS will be used to parameterize and validate IFSM (2006). We will then evaluate how changes in feeding and cropping practices affect the overall N-use and loss pathways and the profitability of representative farms in major dairy regions of the United States (2006 and 2007). 4.4) Modeling activities aimed at identifying sustainable dairy farming practices will be conducted during 2005-2007 if an Agricultural Scientist position is
successfully filled at the U.S. Dairy Forage Research Center. 4. What were the most significant accomplishments this past year? A. Single most significant accomplishment during FY 2004. Binding of condensed tannins to protein can moderate proteolysis in forages during ensiling, ruminal digestion, and decay of residues in soil. During the first year of this CRIS project, we continued forage quality, feeding, cropping, and manure management studies with tannin-free alfalfa and three birdsfoot trefoil populations containing about 1, 2 and 4% tannin to identify optimal forage tannin concentrations and management practices for improving protein and nitrogen use on dairy farms. In the first of several planned lactation trials, total mixed rations formulated with 50% legume silage plus 10% corn silage and 40% concentrate had similar intakes, but production of 3.5% fat-corrected milk was 2.4, 4.9, and 3.9 kg/day greater for low, medium, and high tannin trefoils, respectively, compared to
alfalfa. In addition to greater milk production, levels of milk urea nitrogen were lowest in diets formulated with moderate and high tannin trefoil, indicating greater protein-use efficiency. Total manure N excretion was similar among diets, but ratios of urinary N:fecal N decreased from 53:47 to 42:58 as forage tannin levels increased. These shifts in manure N excretion decreased ammonia losses from manure by up to 30%. Ongoing field and laboratory trials will reveal how tannins influence the nutritive value of protein in feeds and the mineralization and crop uptake of N from manure and forage residues by row crops. Previous farm-level simulations with the Integrated Farming Systems Model indicated that the use of a tannin-containing alfalfa on a Wisconsin dairy farm would increase long-term farm profitability up to 12% and reduce nitrogen losses up to 25%. After the model is refined with data from our current studies, simulations will be run to identify forage tannin levels and
management practices that optimize the economic and environmental performance of dairy farms in the United States. Because of the potential economic and environmental benefits, our Center is partnering with other groups to develop alfalfa with optimal levels of tannins for use by dairy and other types of livestock farms. B. Other significant accomplishment(s), if any. We completed the final report: "Whole-farm nutrient management on dairy farms to improve profitability and reduce environmental impacts." This report evaluated nine nutrient management software tools. The primary audiences are researchers, extension personnel and other professionals that generate knowledge and provide assistance to dairy farmers in issues related to feed, fertilizer and manure management. Using the logic model as a planning and evaluation tool, ARS scientists, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and the Wisconsin Agricultural Stewardship Initiative formalized "Partnership in Understanding
and Abating Ammonia Emissions from Wisconsin Dairy Farms." Long-, medium-, and short-term outcomes have been established and a workshop and field trip were attended by 50-60 federal and state policy makers, land use planners, dairy farmers, agribusiness, researchers, and extension personnel. We assumed co-coordination of ARS's national research related to crop- livestock systems. We developed maps that depict the geographic distribution of ARS crop-livestock research relative to the national distribution of beef, dairy, swine and poultry, and the major agro- ecoregions of the U.S. C. Significant activities that support special target populations. A survey of dairy farmers in Wisconsin was conducted to determine extent of utilization and species of forage legumes in grazed pastures, and possible explanation for trends in legume utilization. Results of this survey were presented to producers at 2004 Wisconsin grazing conference. The "On Farmers' Ground" project continues to work with
50 dairy farmers of varying size to understand the impact of biophysical (soils, weather) and socioeconomic factors on nutrient (feed, fertilizer and manure) management practices and the opportunities and challenges to improving profitability and environmental impacts through enhance nutrient management. 5. Describe the major accomplishments over the life of the project, including their predicted or actual impact. This report covers only first-year project accomplishments. A predicted outcome is scientifically sound information and technologies that will be used to enhance the economic and environmental sustainability of dairy farms in the United States. 6. What science and/or technologies have been transferred and to whom? When is the science and/or technology likely to become available to the end- user (industry, farmer, other scientists)? What are the constraints, if known, to the adoption and durability of the technology products? "Whole-Farm Nutrient Management on Dairy Farms to
Improve Profitability and Reduce Environmental Impacts," an evaluation of nutrient management software tools and curriculum, was published and distributed to researchers, extension personnel and other professionals that generate knowledge and provide assistance to dairy farmers in issues related to feed, fertilizer and manure management. 7. List your most important publications in the popular press and presentations to organizations and articles written about your work. Powell, J.M. A Story of Manure. Invited Lecture. Technical Advisory Committee, Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resource Management, Catholic Relief Services, Baltimore, Maryland. November 26, 2003. Powell, J.M. People, Livestock, Soils and the Environment. Invited Lecture. Center for Sustainability and the Global Environment (SAGE), Gaylord Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies. University of Wisconsin-Madison. March 10, 2004. Powell, J.M. Grazing Systems in Semi-Arid West Africa. Presentation to Southwest
Wisconsin Profitable Pastures Seminar, Mineral Point, Wisconsin, March 10, 2004. Powell, J.M. Ammonia Emissions: Why the Concern? 11.5-minute video clip as part of Proceedings of Ammonia Emissions Workshop, Frederick Center, University of Wisconsin Extension-Madison. May 20, 2004. Smukowski, M., Powell, J.M. (Presenter). Food Safety in the United States: A Case of Small Cheese Plants. Presented to China National Institute of Standardization, Beijing, China. June 11, 2004 Powell, J.M. Environmental Policy for Animal Agriculture in the United States. Presented at Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China. June 16, 2004 Powell, J.M. Dairy Whole-Farm Nutrient Management. Presented to Tongzhou Science and Technology Commission. Beijing, China. June 21, 2003. Powell, J.M., Whole-Farm Nutrient Management: The Diet Connection. Presentation to Babcock Institute International Dairy Short Course for Chinese Farm Managers, U.S.
Grains Council-University of Wisconsin- Madison. August 11, 2004. Ammonia: Next Big Environmental Issue to Face Farmers? Agri-View. May 27, 2004. Ag Conference Explores Importance of Ammonia Emissions. Wisconsin State Farmer, May 28, 2004. Farm Odor Issue Moves to the Forefront. The Country Today. May 26, 2004.
Impacts
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Publications
- Grabber, J.H., Broderick, G.A., Powell, J.M., Rotz, C.A., Ehlke, N.J., Davidson, C., Hymes Fecht, U.C., Massingill, L.J., Niemann, K.M., Vellekson, D. 2004. Impact of forage condensed tannins on protein utilization and nitrogen cycling on dairy farms: a progress report. In: American Forage and Grassland Council Conference Proceedings. Volume 13, June 12-16, 2004, Roanoke, Virginia. 2004 CDROM.
- Grabber, J.H., Broderick, G.A., Sullivan, M.L., Hatfield, R.D., Powell, J. M., Rotz, C.A., Muck, R.E., Ehlke, N.J. 2004. Protein-binding polyphenols enhance nitrogen cycling and profitability of dairy farms. In: 228th ACS National Meeting, August 22-26, 2004, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 2004 CDROM.
- Powell, J.M., Mccrory, D., Saam, H., Jackson-Smith, D.B. 2003. Efficiency of manure recovery and land-spreading on wisconsin dairy farms. In: American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, Soil Science Society of America Annual Meeting Abstracts, November 2-6, 2003, Denver, CO. 2003 CDROM.
- Powell, J.M., Kelling, K. 2003. 15n labeling and use of dairy manure components for N cycling studies. In: Proceedings of the Sustainable Land Application Conference, January 4-8, 2004, Buena Vista, Florida. p.117.
- Munoz, G.R., Kelling, K.A., Powell, J.M., Speth, P.E. 2004. Comparison of estimates of first-year dairy manure n availability or recovery using 15n and other techniques. Journal of Environmental Quality. 33:719-727.
- Powell, J.M., Pearson, R.A., Hiernaux, P.H. 2004. Crop-livestock interactions in the west African drylands. Agronomy Journal. 96:469-483.
- Mccrory, D., Powell, J.M., Jackson-Smith, D., Saam, H., Li, Y. 2004. Heavy metal loading rates on soils of wisconsin dairy farms. In: Sustainable Land Application Conference, January 4-8, 2004, Buena Vista, Florida. p. 112.
- Li, Y., Mccrory, D., Powell, J.M., Saam, H., Jackson-Smith, D. 2004. Heavy metal concentration in manure on wisconsin dairy farms. In: Sustainable Land Application Conference, January 4-8, 2004, Buena Vista, Florida. p. 111.
- Powell, J.M., Ketterings, Q., Rasmussen, C., Adams, L.N., Albrecht, G., Czymmek, K., Rotz, A., Muck, R.E., Norman, J., Stangel, B. 2004. Whole- farm nutrient management on dairy farms to improve profitability and reduce environment impacts. Cornell University Crop and Soil Sciences Research Series R04-1 and University of Wisconsin Extension Publication A3794.
- Powell, J.M., Satter, L.D., Misselbrook, T.A. 2004. Ammonia production and loss from dairy farms. Integrated pest & crop management. Dairy manure and air quality:the issues. Available: http://ipcm.wisc. edu/pubs/nutrient/Manure-AQ.htm.
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