Source: SOUTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY submitted to NRP
MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS TO IMPROVE THE ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY OF DAIRY ENTERPRISES (REV. NC-1119)
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
COMPLETE
Funding Source
HATCH
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
1002054
Grant No.
(N/A)
Cumulative Award Amt.
(N/A)
Proposal No.
(N/A)
Multistate No.
NC-_old2042
Project Start Date
Nov 15, 2013
Project End Date
Sep 30, 2018
Grant Year
(N/A)
Program Code
[(N/A)]- (N/A)
Recipient Organization
SOUTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY
PO BOX 2275A
BROOKINGS,SD 57007
Performing Department
Dairy Science
Non Technical Summary
The US is home to 51,500 dairy farms and 9 million dairy cows. The profitability and sustainability of dairy farming depends on efficient management practices that result in maximizing milk production at a minimum monetary and environmental cost. Therefore, the focus ofthis projectis to provide for collaborative research leading to dairy management strategies and systems to facilitate sustainable and profitable decisions by managers of milking cow and heifer enterprises. Dairy farming is a highly integrated decision intensive system. It must rely on a systems approach to define options to maintain a profitable business, accountable to consumers for environmental impacts, product quality and animal well-being. Profitable decisions cannot be made without useful support systems.
Animal Health Component
100%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
(N/A)
Applied
100%
Developmental
(N/A)
Classification

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

Subject Of Investigation
3410 - Dairy cattle, live animal;

Field Of Science
1010 - Nutrition and metabolism;
Goals / Objectives
Optimize calf and heifer performance through increased understanding of feeding strategies, management systems, well-being, productivity and environmental impact for productivity and profitability. Improve dairy cow management decisions through nutrient utilization, well-being and profitability.
Project Methods
Objective 1. Optimize calf and heifer performance through increased understanding of feeding strategies, management systems, well-being, productivity and environmental impact for productivity and profitability. Feeding experiments will be conducted with calves and heifers to evaluate the inclusion of distillers grains and other biofuel coproducts on growth, rumen development, nutrient utilization, nutrient excretion, and future lactation performance. Objective 2. Improve dairy cow management decisions through nutrient utilization, well-being and profitability. Feeding studies will investigate the benefits of new and emerging byproducts when fed to lactating dairy cows. Studies will attempt to understand the impact of various feeds and their nutrients on milk composition while exploring how these feeds may be included in ration formulations to maintain or increase milk fat and protein yield along with supporting nutrient and energy needs for reproduction and animal health. Studies will also investigate the relationship between diet, nutrient utilization in the rumen, and the fatty acid composition of milk.

Progress 11/15/13 to 09/30/18

Outputs
Target Audience: Nothing Reported Changes/Problems:Dr. Anderson has left SDSU. Submitting this report to terminate this project What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Nothing Reported How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Nothing Reported What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Dr. Anderson has left SDSU. Submitting this report to terminate this project

Publications


    Progress 10/01/16 to 09/30/17

    Outputs
    Target Audience:Target audiences included: fellow dairy researchers, ruminant nutritionist and technical service personnel for feed companies, extension personnel, and dairy producers. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?This project contributed to the training of 3 students, including 2 Ph.D. students (Rhea Lawrence and Nirosh Senevirathne) and 1 undergraduate student (Chelsea Schossow), all studying dairy cattle nutrition. Students learned experiment design, basics of conducting research, laboratory analysis, and how to report results. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Several peer-review articles were published over the past year related to this project and several more articles are in the process of being prepared for submission. Additionally, abstracts with corresponding oral presentations were presented at the Midwest branch American Dairy Science Association meetings held in March 2017 in Omaha, NE and at the Annual (National) American Dairy Science Association meetings held in June 2017 in Pittsburg, PA.A fewshort extension articles were also published on igrow.org, which is the SDSU extension webpage andavailable to the public. Also twoworkshop talkswere given on summaries of our research, one was an extension workshop hosted by theUniversity of Nebraska andthe other wasat the Student Affiliated Division- Midwest branch American Dairy Science Association meetings in Brookings, SD. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Objective 1. Optimize calf and heifer perfomance through increased understanding of feeding strategies, management systems, well-being, productivity and environmental impact for productivity and profitability. In the next year we will be working on three calf feeding projects and one heifer feeding project. Two of the calf feeding studies are on supplementinga syrup that is richincomplex carbohydratesand is a by-product of milkpremeate from a manufacturing facility. We hypothesize that the complex carbohydrates will help stimulate early rumen development and improve calf performance. The other calf study isevaluating the effects of supplementingsoy oil or flax oil on calf growth performance and health. The heifer study isa continuation of our researchon feeding carinata meal. In previous research with feeding carinata meals we have limit-fed the rationsat atargeted intake and growth rate. In the on-going study we are evaluating feedingcarinata meal aspart ofa high forageTMR fed ad libitum to growing heifers. Objective 2. Improve dairy cow management decisions through nutrient utilization, well-being, and profitability. We will conduct twolactating cow feeding studies. The first is a largerstudy with 36 cowstesting the effects ofsupplementing exogenousenzymes on forage utilization and lactationperformance. Thesecond study will be asmaller, more preliminary, study evaluating the effects of a feeding an ecapsulate flax oil product on milk fatty acid profile.

    Impacts
    What was accomplished under these goals? Objective 1: Optimize calf and heifer performance through increased understanding of feeding strategies, management systems, well-being, productivity and environmental impact for productivity and profitability. (100% complete). Project 1. Evaluation of solubles syrup from microbially-enhanced soy protein production as a supplement for growing dairy heifers. C. R. Schossow, J. L. Anderson, and W.R. Gibbons. The objective of this research was to conduct a preliminary study to determine if solubles syrup from a microbially-enhanced soy protein (MSP) production process has potential as a supplement for growing dairy heifers. A 6-wk randomized complete block design study was conducted using 14 Holstein and 4 Brown Swiss heifers [310 ± 16.4 d of age; body weight (BW) 337.6 ± 33 kg] to evaluate effects of diet on growth performance. Treatments were: 1) a control total mixed ration (TMR) with corn, soybean meal and distillers dried grains with solubles as concentrate ingredients (CON) and 2) a TMR with 6.5% MSP solubles syrup (DM basis) in partial replacement of soybean meal and corn (SYP). Both diets contained 34% corn silage, 35% grass hay, and 2.6% mineral mix and were isonitrogenous and isocaloric. Heifers were individually fed TMR for ad libitum intakes using a Calan gate feeding system. Treatments had similar (P > 0.05) DMI (9.9, and 9.7 kg/d for CON and SYP, respectively; SEM = 0.49), body weight (366.2, and 365.3 kg; SEM = 2.73), ADG (1.00 and 0.97 kg/d; SEM = 0.09), gain:feed (0.11, and 0.13; SEM = 0.02) and BCS (3.10, and 3.10; SEM = 0.30). Frame growth measures including hip height (134.9, and 131.3 cm; SEM = 1.92), withers height (131.0, and 131.0 cm; SEM = 0.40), heart girth (156.7, and 160.7 cm; SEM = 3.21), body length (124.5 and 129.2 cm; SEM = 2.64) and hip width (41.8 and 41.7; SEM = 0.38) and their rates of change were the same between treatments. Rumen pH (6.9, and 6.9; SEM = 0.072) was not affected by treatment. Results demonstrated that partially replacing soybean meal and ground corn with MSP solubles syrup maintained heifer growth performance with a similar gain:feed and improve total tract digestibility of nutrients. Project 2. Growth performance of dairy calves fed microbially-enhanced soy protein in starter pellets with pasteurized milk. (100% complete). Our objective was to investigate feeding microbially (fungal)-enhanced soy protein (MSP) in dairy calf starter pellets on growth performance, health, and nutrient utilization. Thirty-eight Holstein calves (2 d old; 25 females, 13 males) in individual hutches were used in a 12-wk randomized complete block design study. Treatments were two starter pellets including: a control (CON) versus 8 % MSP (DM basis). Calves were fed 2.83 L of pasteurized milk 2×/d during wk 1 to 5 and 1×/d during wk 6. Pellets and water were fed ad libitum. Total DMI (1,522 and 1,470 g/d; SEM = 48.62) was greater (P = 0.02) in CON than MSP. Calf BW (75.4 and 75.0 kg; SEM = 2.39), ADG (0.77 and 0.75 kg/d; SEM = 0.05), and withers height (89.1 and 90.1 cm; SEM = 0.86) were similar. Gain:feed (0.62 and 0.60 kg/kg; SEM = 0.03) was similar; however there was an interaction of treatment by wk (P < 0.01). Plasma urea nitrogen (12.6 and 11.1 mg/dl; SEM = 0.39) was less (P < 0.01), but β- hydroxyl butyrate (31.1 and 34.5 mg/dl; SEM = 1.28) was greater (P = 0.04) in calves fed MSP. Glucose (124.3 and 123.6 mg/dl; SEM = 2.59) and triglycerides (31.5 and 30.1 mg/dl; SEM = 1.19) were similar. Calves fed MSP had greater (P < 0.05) CP, NDF and ADF and tendency (P = 0.06) for greater DM total tract digestibility. Fecal scores were similar with an interaction of treatment by wk (P < 0.01). Body temperature and respiratory scores were similar (P > 0.05). Results demonstrated that feeding calves MSP improved total tract digestibility of nutrients, fecal consistency, and maintained growth performance. Project 3.Dairy heifer growth performance when fed hydroponically grown barley sprouts. (100% complete). Our objective was to determine the effects of feeding hydroponically grown barley sprouts to dairy heifers on growth and rumen fermentation. A 12-wk randomized complete block design study was conducted using 20 Holstein and 4 Brown Swiss heifers [215.1 ± 25 d of age; body weight (BW) 229.7 ± 39 kg]. Treatments were: 1) control (CON) diet which was a total mixed ration (TMR) with grass hay, corn silage, and ground corn and soybean meal as major concentrate ingredients and 2) a TMR with 14% (DM basis) hydroponic barley sprouts (HYD) replacing a portion of the concentrate mix. Diets were fed for ad libitum intakes and formulated to be isonitrogenous and isocaloric (DM basis), although the CON was 66 % DM and HYD was 44 % DM. Intakes were measured using the Calan gates. Heifer DMI was greater (P < 0.01) for HYD (7.5, and 8.0 kg/d for CON and HYD, respectively; SEM = 0.42). Heifer ADG tended (P = 0.07) to be greater for the CON treatment (1.2, and 1.0 kg/d; SEM = 0.06). Body weight (289.7, and 282.4 kg; SEM = 2.02) and gain: feed (0.16, and 0.13; SEM = 0.01) were greater (P < 0.01) for the CON treatment. Frame growth was similar between treatments. Results indicated that replacing ground corn and some soybean meal with hydroponic fresh barley sprouts maintained rumen fermentation and heifer body frame growth with slightly decreased gain:feed. The decreased gain:feed was most likely because of the overall high moisture content in the HYD TMR. Objective 2: Improve dairy cow management decisions throught nutrient utilization, well-being, and profitability. Project 1. Milk production and composition of dairy cows fed hydroponic barley sprouts. (100% complete). Our objective was to determine the effects on milk production and rumen fermentation of feeding cows hydroponically grown barley sprouts. Twenty mid-lactation Holsteins (DIM 205 ± 47.4) were used in a 6-wk randomized complete block design study. Treatments included: 1) control diet with ground corn and soybean meal as major concentrate ingredients (CON) and 2) 8% (DM basis) as hydroponic barley sprouts replacing some corn and soybean meal (HYD). Both diets were individually fed as total mixed rations using Calan gates and were isocaloric and isonitrogenous. Cows were milked 2×/d. Dry matter intake (23.0, and 23.0 kg/d, for CON and HYD, respectively; SEM = 0.54) was similar (P > 0.05) between treatments. Treatments had similar BW (690.0, and 680.5 kg; SEM = 3.72). Body condition score (3.09, and 3.08; SEM = 0.03) was greater (P = 0.03) for CON fed cows. Milk production (30.6, and 31.5 kg/d; SEM = 1.60) and feed efficiency (1.33 and 1.40; SEM = 0.046) had treatment by wk interactions (P = 0.01). Milk protein (0.94 and 0.94 kg/d; SEM=0.03) and fat (1.10 and 1.07, SEM =0.06) yields were similar (P > 0.05). Rumen pH (6.53, and 6.60; SEM = 0.11), ammonia-N (12.72, and 13.90 mg/dL; SEM = 1.00), total volatile fatty acids (95.6, and 95.0 mM; SEM = 1.81) and acetate to propionate ratio (3.0, and 3.1; SEM = 0.11) were similar. Triangle taste test participants were unable to discern a taste difference between milk collected during week 6 from CON vs. HYD on day 1 (Chi-squared = 0.55; P = 0.46) and day 2 (Chi-squared = 1.67; P = 0.20). Milk fatty acid profile was also similar between treatments. Results demonstrate that hydroponic barley sprouts can replace a portion of the corn and soybean meal and maintain rumen fermentation and lactation performance.

    Publications

    • Type: Other Status: Other Year Published: 2016 Citation: Anderson, J. L. University of Nebraska Extension. Rearing young stock for Dairy and Beef Production Workshop. Talk 1: Development, growth rate targets, and feeding strategies for growing heifers. Talk 2: Utilizing distillers grains and other alternative protein sources in growing heifer rations. November 9 and 10, 2016. Beatrice, NE and Norfolk, NE.
    • Type: Other Status: Other Year Published: 2017 Citation: Anderson, J. L. Midwest ADSA -Student Affiliated Division Meeting. Talk 1: Development, growth rate targets, and feeding strategies for growing heifers. Talk 2: Utilizing distillers grains and other alternative protein sources in growing heifer rations. Feb 4, 2017. Brookings, SD.
    • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Senevirathne, N. D, J. L. Anderson, W. R. Gibbons, and J. A. Clapper. 2017. Growth performance of calves fed microbially-enhanced soy protein in pelleted starters. J. Dairy Sci. 100: 199-212.
    • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Manthey, A. K., J. L. Anderson, G.A. Perry and D.H. Keisler. 2017. Feeding distillers dried grains in replacement of forage in limit-fed dairy heifer rations: Effects on metabolic profile and onset of puberty. J. Dairy Sci.100:2591-2602.
    • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Lawrence, R. D., J. L Anderson*, A.K. Manthey, and K.F. Kalscheur. 2017. Growth performance and total tract nutrient digestion for Holstein heifers limit-fed diets high in distillers grains with different forage particle size. Prof. Anim. Sci. 33:2591-2602.
    • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Rodriguez-Hernandez, K., J. L. Anderson., and M. A. Berhow. 2017. Preference of carinata meal compared with other oilseed meals and distillers dried grains by dairy heifers. J. Dairy Sci. 100, Suppl 1: 178 (Abstr. 366). (MW ASAS/ADSA)
    • Type: Journal Articles Status: Awaiting Publication Year Published: 2018 Citation: Rodriguez-Hernandez, K. and J. L. Anderson*. 2017. Evaluation of carinata meal as a feedstuff for growing dairy heifers: Effects on growth performance, rumen fermentation, and total tract digestibility of nutrients. J. Dairy Sci. Article-in-Press.
    • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Lawrence, R.D. and J. L. Anderson. 2017. Dairy heifer growth performance when fed hydroponically grown barley sprouts. J. Dairy Sci. 100: Suppl. 2: 328. (Abstr:T275) (ADSA Annual Meeting)
    • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Lawrence, R.D., J. L. Anderson, S. I. Martinez Monteagudo, and L. Metzger. 2017. Milk production and composition of dairy cows fed hydroponic barley sprouts. J. Dairy Sci. 100: Suppl. 2: 400. (Abstr: 437) (ADSA Annual Meeting)
    • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Ranathunga, S. D.*, K. F. Kalscheur, J. L. Anderson, and K.J. Herrick. 2017. Evaluation of a modified method to measure total starch in animal feeds. Anim. Feed Sci. Tech. 226:124-132.
    • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Manthey, A. K., and J. L. Anderson*. 2017. Short communication: Feeding distillers dried grains in replacement of forage in limit-fed dairy heifer rations: Effects on post trial performance. J. Dairy Sci.100:37133717.
    • Type: Journal Articles Status: Awaiting Publication Year Published: 2018 Citation: Manthey, A. K., and J. L. Anderson*. 2017. Growth performance, rumen fermentation, nutrient utilization, and metabolic profile of dairy heifers limit-fed distillers dried grains with ad libitum forage. J. Dairy Sci. Article-in-Press.
    • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Manthey, A. K., and J. L. Anderson. 2017. INVITED -Young Scholar Presentation: Feeding peripubertal dairy heifers diets high in distillers grains with varying forage-to-concentrate ratios. J. Dairy Sci. 100: Suppl. 1:183. (Abstr. 378). (MW ASAS/ADSA)
    • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Rodriguez-Hernandez, K., J. L. Anderson and J. A. Clapper. 2017. Metabolic profile of Holstein heifers fed carinata meal. J. Dairy Sci. 100: Suppl. 2: 399-400. (Abstr: 436) (ADSA Annual Meeting)
    • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Schossow, C. R. and J. L. Anderson. 2017. Evaluation of solubles syrup from microbially enhanced soy protein production as a supplement for growing dairy heifers. J. Dairy Sci. 100: Suppl. 2: 328. (Abstr: T274) (ADSA Annual Meeting)
    • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Senevirathne, N.D., J. L. Anderson, and W. R. Gibbons. 2017. Growth performance of dairy calves fed microbially enhanced soy protein in starter pellets with pasteurized milk. J. Dairy Sci. 100: Suppl. 2: 400-401. (Abstr: 439) (ADSA Annual Meeting)
    • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Rodriguez-Hernandez, K., J. Anderson, M. Berhow. 9/4/2017. Taste preference of carinata meal compared with different oilseed meals by dairy heifers. iGrow.org- Livestock  Dairy  Innovation/Research. http://igrow.org/livestock/dairy/dairy-heifer-taste-preference-carinata-meal-vs.-different-oilseed-meals-and/
    • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Manthey, A. and J. Anderson. 8/21/2017. Limit feeding DDGS with free choice hay to maintain growth performance and feed efficiency in growing heifers. iGrow.org- Livestock  Dairy  Innovation/Research. http://igrow.org/livestock/dairy/heifer-growth-performance-feed-efficiency-limit-feeding-ddgs-with-free-choi/
    • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Schossow, C., J. Anderson, and W. Gibbons. 8/4/2017. Solubles Syrup from Microbially-Enhanced Soy Protein Processing: A potential protein supplement. iGrow.org- Livestock  Dairy  Innovation/Research. http://igrow.org/livestock/dairy/solubles-syrup-from-microbially-enhanced-soy-protein-processing-a-potential/
    • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Rodriguez-Hernandez, K. and J. Anderson. 10/24/2016. Carinata Meal: Potential as a feedstuff for growing dairy heifers. iGrow.org- Livestock  Dairy  Innovation/Research. http://igrow.org/livestock/dairy/carinata-meal-potential-as-a-feedstuff-for-growing-dairy-heifers/


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

    Outputs
    Target Audience:The target audience for this research was other scientist in the field of dairy nutrition, dairy industry nutritionist and support staff, and dairy producers, in particular those involved with raising replacementcalves and heifers. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The research on this project contributed to the training of the3 Ph.D. graduate students, studying dairy cattle nutrition. Students learned and are learning experiment design, basics of conducting research, laboratory analysis, and how to report results. Two undergraduate students have alsoassisted with the research. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Results from two ofthe studies were reported as presentations at the Joint Annual Meeting of ASAS and ADSA in Salt LakeCity, UTin July 2016. Results from the calf water preference and MSP feedingstudy were reported as a presentationsat the Midwest ASAS-ADSA meeting in March 2016 in Des Moines. Several short iGrow articles have been reported locally through the SDSU extension website on this research to directly share findings with dairy producers. Manuscripts on this research are also in preparation for peer-reviewed journals. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?In the next year three manuscripts are in final preparation for submission to peer-review journals on thecalf water quality research andlimit-feeding DDG with ad libitum forage togrowing heifers (Objective 1).We are working on finishing the laboratory analysis and data analysis on the feeding studies related tofeeding hydroponic barley sprouts (Objective 1 &2). In the next year wewill be conduct two more calf studies related to supplements that are hypothesized to improve calf health andgrowth performance (Objective1).

    Impacts
    What was accomplished under these goals? Objective 1: Project 1. Growth performance, rumen fermentation, nutrient utilization, and metabolic profile of heifers limit-fed distillers dried grains with ad libitum forage. A.K. Manthey and J.L. Anderson. Our objective was to determine the growth performance and DMI of heifers when fed DDGS or a corn and soy products concentrate mix with ad libitum grass hay. A 16-wk randomized complete block design study was conducted using 24 heifers (18 Holstein and 6 Brown Swiss; 219 ± 2 d of age; 230 ± 4 kg BW). Treatments were: 1) a corn and soy product based control concentrate mix (CON) and 2) DDGS based concentrate mix (DG). Both concentrate mixes were fed at 0.8% of BW (DM basis) and grass hay was fed ad libitum. Heifers were individually fed respective concentrate mixes at 0800 h and hay was offered at 0900 h using a Calan gate feeding system. There were no significant interactions of treatment by wk. Heiferdry matter intakes(6.18 and 6.31 kg/d; SEM = 0.276 for the CON and DG, respectively),body weight(269.8 and 266.9 kg; SEM = 9.86), and ADG (0.99 and 0.96 kg/d; SEM = 0.050) were similar (P > 0.05) between treatments. The G:F (0.168 and 0.156 kg/kg; SEM = 0.010) was also similar (P = 0.38) between treatments. There were no differencesframe growth orbody condition scoresbetween treatments. Body condition scores (3.10 and 3.11; SEM = 0.026) were similar (P = 0.68) between treatments. Objective 1. Project 2. Effect of water treatment on drinking preferences of dairy heifers. N.D. Senevirathne, J. L. Anderson, M. Rovai and P. Erickson. As ground water is hard with high mineral content in eastern South Dakota there is concern about its effects on dairy cattle drinking behavior, which may consequentially affect health and performance. Our objective was to determine drinking preference of dairy heifers offered water treated with a reverse osmosis system (RO) or by a municipal water treatment plant (MW), compared to local untreated well water (WW). Six Holstein heifers (100 ± 6.5 d of age; 137 ± 5.9 kg BW) were used in a sequential elimination study. Kendall's coefficient of concordance (W) was calculated to evaluate agreement of preference among heifers. Average preference rankings were 1.67, 1.83, and 2.50 for RO, MW, and WW with lesser numbers indicating greater preference. Overall, W = 0.19 for agreement of preference among heifers with P = 0.31. Whenan outlying heifer was removed W = 0.53 with P = 0.07. Results showed RO was slightly preferred over MW and both were preferred over WW with more consumption when all three water types were offered. Objective 1. Project 3. Growth and health performance of dairy calves drinking reverse osmosis water compared to municipal water. N.D. Senevirathne, J. L. Anderson, and M. Rovai. Our objective was to determine effects of drinking reverse osmosis water (RO) versus municipal city water (MC) on growth and health performance of calves. Twenty-four Holstein calves (12 females, 12 males; 2 d old, 44.6 ± 6.10 kg BW), housed in individual hutches, were used in a 10-wk randomized complete block design study. Treatments were RO water (Culligan Water Filtration System, Brookings, SD) versus MC water (Brookings Municipal Utilities, Brookings, SD) which contained 13 and 387 mg/L total dissolved solids, respectively. Milk replacer (28% CP; 18% Fat) was fed twice daily during wk 1 through 5 and then once daily during wk 6. At each feeding 0.45 kg of dry milk replacer was mixed with 2.8 L of respective water type according to treatment. Calves were fed water and starter pellets ad libitum throughout the study.Daily total respiratory scores (healthy ≤ 3, sick ≥ 5) were calculated from the sum of scores for rectal temperature, cough, ocular, and nasal discharge. Fecal consistency scores (0 = firm, 3 = watery) were also recorded daily. Body weights (BW) and frame growth were measured 2 d every 2 wk and jugular blood samples were collected 1 d every 2 wk at 3 h post morning feeding. Fecal grab samples were collected 5×/d for 3 d during wk 10 for analysis of total tract digestibility (TTD) of nutrients. Results were analyzed using MIXED procedures with repeated measures in SAS 9.4. Totaldry matter intakeand gain:feed increased more over time for RO than MC. Water intake was less in RO than MC, indicating more efficient water use by calves. Frame growth, BW, ADG, serum glucose, plasma urea nitrogen (PUN), β-hydroxyl butyrate (βHB), TTD of DM and CP were similar. Fecal scores tended to be less (firmer) in calves on RO, with an interaction by time. Respiratory scores had a tendency to decrease more over time when calves drank RO. Results demonstrated calves drinking RO had similar growth with improved gain:feed and health scores over time compared to MC. Objective 1. Project 4. Evaluation of feeding microbially enhanced soy protein in calf starter with pasteurized milk on calf growth performance and nutrient utilization. N.D. Senevirathne, J. L. Anderson and W.R. Gibbons. In-Progress. Microbially-enhanced soy protein is derived from a microbial (fungal) conversion process starting with soybean meal (SBM).A second feeding trial with 38 newborn Holstein (2 d old) dairy calves (bulls and heifers) housed in individual hutches was conducted to evaluate calf growth performancewhen fed starter pellets with MSP included at 8% of the pellet or a control (CON) pellet containing SBM as the major protein source. Pellets were formulated to be isonitrogenous (22% CP) and isocaloric. All calves were fed 2.83 L of pasteurized waste milk (3.4% Protein; 4% Fat) twice daily for the first 5 wk of the study and once daily during wk 6. Calves were weaned on day 42 of the feeding period.Body weights (75.03 and 75.08 Kg for MSP and CON, respectively; SEM=2.39) were similar (P = 0.90) between the two treatments. Calf starter pellet dry matter intake (1,216.4, 1,180.5 g/d; SEM=49.4) was similar (P = 0.09) between treatments but it had strong treatment by week interaction.Average daily gain (0.75, 0.79 Kg/d; SEM=0.03 was similar (P =0.53) between treatments. Withers height, heart girth, paunch girth, body length, hip width and body condition score were similar between treatments over the trial period. Analysis of for total tract digestibility of pellets and effects on metabolic profile is still in progress. Further research on different feeding scenarios is necessary to find the optimum inclusion rate of MSP in calve diets. Objective 2: Project 1. Determination of the effects of feeding hydroponic barley sprouts to lactating dairy cows on milk production and composition. R.D. Lawrence and J. L. Anderson - In progress. Twenty mid-lactation Holstein cows were used in a randomized complete block design experiment with a 6 week feeding period.Treatment diets were control diet (CON) or a diet containing 8 % (DM basis) of hydroponically-grown fresh, 6-d old, barley sprouts (HYD). The hydroponic feed replaced portions of the corn and soybean meal in the control diet. It was fed at a rate such that cows on that treatment consume between 9-14 kg of hydroponic feed per day on an as-fed basis. Average DMI and milk production were similar between treatments, however there was a significant treatment by week interaction (P = 0.01) for milk production. Milk components and yields were also similar between treatments. It is still to be determine if milk fatty acid composition and anti-oxidation potential were affected by treatment. Overall, preliminary results indicate that hydroponically grown barley sprouts can replace a portion of the corn and some soybean meal in diets of mid-lactation cows and maintain or improve production performance. Laboratory analysis of feed, fecal, blood, rumen fluid, and milk (for fatty acids) samples is still in progress.

    Publications

    • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Manthey, A. K., J. L. Anderson*, and G.A. Perry. 2016. Feeding distillers dried grains in replacement of forage in limit-fed dairy heifer rations: Effects on growth performance, rumen fermentation, and total tract digestibility of nutrients. J. Dairy Sci. 99:72067215.
    • Type: Journal Articles Status: Accepted Year Published: 2017 Citation: Senevirathne, N.D, J. L. Anderson*, W. R. Gibbons, and J. A. Clapper. 2017. Growth performance of calves fed microbially-enhanced soy protein in pelleted starters. J. Dairy Sci. accepted.
    • Type: Theses/Dissertations Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Angela K. Manthey. 2016. Ph.D. Dissertation. Growth performance, nutrient utilization, and metabolic profile of dairy heifers fed diets high in distillers grains with different forage to concentrate ratios. South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD 57007.
    • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Senevirathne, N. D., J. L. Anderson, and M. Rovai. 2016. Effect of water treatment on drinking preferences of dairy heifers. J. Dairy Sci. 99: Suppl. 1: 3 (Abstr. 007). (Midwest ASAS and ADSA)
    • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Senevirathne, N. D., J. L. Anderson, and W. R. Gibbons. 2016. Feeding microbially-enhanced soy protein in starter pellets to dairy calves. J. Dairy Sci. 99: Suppl.1: 162. (Abstr. 356). (Midwest ASAS and ADSA)
    • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Senevirathne, N.D., J. L. Anderson, and M. Rovai. 2016. Growth and health performance of dairy calves drinking reverse osmosis water compared to municipal water. J. Dairy Sci. 99: E-Suppl. 1: 413. (Abstract 0876). (JAM ASAS/ADSA)
    • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Manthey, A. K, and J. L. Anderson. 2016. Growth performance of dairy heifers limit-fed distillers dried grains with ad libitum forage. J. Dairy Sci. 99: E-Suppl. 1: 669 (Abstract 1405). (JAM ASAS/ADSA)
    • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Extension article: Senevirathne, N. and J. Anderson. 8/24/2015. Microbially-Enhanced Soy Protein: An aquaculture feedstuff shows potential in dairy calf starters. iGrow.org  Livestock  Dairy  Innovation/Research. http://igrow.org/livestock/dairy/microbially-enhanced-soy-protein-an-aquaculture-feedstuff-shows-potential-i/#sthash.QPbItFpN.dpuf
    • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Extension article: Manthey, A. and J. Anderson. 12/1/2015. Reduced-Fat Distillers Grains: How much can we feed to growing dairy heifers? iGrow.org  Livestock  Dairy  Innovation/Research. http://igrow.org/livestock/dairy/reduced-fat-distillers-grains-how-much-can-we-feed-to-growing-dairy-heifers/#sthash.79hym4Pc.dpuf
    • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Extension article: Lawrence, R. and J. Anderson. 12/21/2015. Camelina meal and carinata meal: potential protein sources for dairy cattle. iGrow.org- Livestock  Dairy  Innovation/Research. http://igrow.org/livestock/dairy/camelina-meal-carinata-potential-protein-sources-for-dairy-cattle/
    • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Extension article: Lawrence, R. and J. Anderson. 12/31/2015. Feeding camelina meal to growing dairy heifers. iGrow.org- Livestock  Dairy  Innovation/Research. http://igrow.org/livestock/dairy/feeding-camelina-meal-to-growing-dairy-heifers/
    • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Extension article: Senevirathne, N., J. Anderson, M. Rovai, and P. Erickson. 7/18/2016. Water Quality Affects Drinking Preferences of Dairy Heifers. iGrow.org- Livestock  Dairy  Innovation/Research. http://igrow.org/livestock/dairy/water-quality-affects-drinking-preferences-of-dairy-heifers/
    • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Extension article: Senevirathne,N. J. Anderson, and M. Rovai. 7/18/2016. Drinking Reverse Osmosis Water Improves Health Performance of Young Calves. iGrow.org- Livestock  Dairy  Innovation/Research. http://igrow.org/livestock/dairy/drinking-reverse-osmosis-water-improves-health-performance-of-young-calves/
    • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Lawrence, R. D., J. L. Anderson*, and J. A. Clapper. 2016. Evaluation of camelina meal as a feedstuff for growing dairy heifers. J. Dairy Sci. 99: 62156228.


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

    Outputs
    Target Audience:Target audiences are dairy producers, livestock nutritionists, and fellow researchers in South Dakota, the US, and world wide. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The research on this project contributed to the train of the 3 graduate students including 1 M.S. student and 2 Ph.D. students, studying dairy cattle nutrition. Students learned experiment design, basics of conducting research, laboratory analysis, and how to report results. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Results from three of the studies were reported as presentation at the Joint Annual Meeting of ASAS and ADSA in Orlando, FL in July 2015. Results from the MSP- calf study will be reported as a presentation at the Midwest ASAS-ADSA meeting in March 2016. Resutls from all four studies were also presented to the group of research faculty from various universities and USDA at the annual 2042 meeting in Bracelona, Spain in October 2015. Several short iGrow articles have been reported locally through the SDSU extension website on this research. Manuscripts on this research are also in preparation for peer-reviewed journals. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?In the next year we are working on two calf feeding projects, one onthe effects of water quality on growth and a second trial on feedingmicrobial-enhanced proteinthat will contribute to objective 1. We are also working on two older heifer feeding studies including with newly developing oilseed meals and another study on feeding DDGS with adlibitum forage, that will both also contribute to objective 1.

    Impacts
    What was accomplished under these goals? Progress was made on three feeding studies contributing to goal 1 and an in situ digestibility study was accomplished and contributed to goal 2. Objective1. Study 1. Growth performance, nutrient utilization, metabolic profile, and onset of puberty in dairy heifers fed reduced fat distillers grains in replacement of forage in limit-fed rations. This study evaluated feeding reduced-fatdistillers dried grains with solubles (RFDDGS) in replacement of forage to dairy heifers. Last year the feeding project was conducted, during this year laboratory and data analysis was completed. A 16-wk randomized complete block design study was conducted using 48 Holstein heifers (199 ± 1.92 d of age; initial body weight (BW) of 266±4.98 kg). Treatments diets were: 1) 30% RFDDGS with 68.5% grass hay (30DG); 2) 40% RFDDGS with 58.5% grass hay (40DG) and 3) 50% RFDDGS with 48.5% grass hay (50DG) on a DM basis. All diets also contained 1.5% mineral mix. Rations were offered at 2.65, 2.50, and 2.35% of BW on a DM basis for 30DG, 40DG and 50DG, respectively.Data were analyzed in SAS 9.4 using repeated measures in MIXED procedures. Orthogonal contrasts were used for determination of linear and quadratic effects. Significance was declared at P <0.05). Results demonstrated gain to feed (0.14, 0.16, and 0.18 kg) linearly increased (P<0.01) with increasing concentrations of dietary RFDDGS. Serum glucose (76.3, 77.7, and 77.3 mg/dL) and plasma leptin (4.42, 4.35, 4.59 ng/mL) were similar (P > 0.05) among treatments. There were quadratic effects (P < 0.05) for plasma cholesterol (93.5, 89.2, and 97.1 mg/dL), plasma urea nitrogen (17.8, 17.8, and 19.9 mg/dL), and a quadratic tendency (P = 0.05) for IGF-1 (102.7, 100.0, and 109.4 ng/mL). Age at puberty (234.6, 244.3, and 235.5 d) and BW at puberty (246.4, 261.3, and 254.0 kg; SEM=24.9) were similar (P > 0.10) among treatments. However there was a significant (P <0.01) treatment by age interaction for age at puberty, with a larger percentage of heifers on 50DG beginning to cycle at earlier ages compared to the other treatments. Overall results demonstrate that heifers can be limit-fed diets with greater inclusion rates of RFDDGS than previously recommended and maintain growth performance and energy status, without accumulating excess adipose tissue as indicated by leptin. Feed efficiency is improved by including more RFDDGS heifer diets in replacement of forage in limit-fed rations. Objective 1. Study 2. Evaluation of the potential of camelina meal as a feedstuff for growing dairy heifers. The objective of this research trial was to evaluate the growth performance, metabolic profile, and nutrient utilization of dairy heifers fed camelina meal (CAM) compared to distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) or linseed meal (LIN) or. A 12-wk randomized complete block design study was conducted using 33 Holstein and 9 Brown Swiss heifers (144.8 ± 22 d of age) with three treatments. Treatments were 10% of the diet as CAM, LIN, or DDGS (DM basis). All diets contained 60% grass hay and 40% concentrate mix.Diets were limit-fed to 2.65% of BW using a Calan gate feeding system. Data were analyzed in SAS 9.4 using repeated measures in MIXED procedures. Tukey's test was used for mean comparisons.Results showed that heifer dry matter intake was similar between CAM and LIN, but greater (P = 0.03) for DDGS (4.83, 4.82, and 5.03 kg/d; for CAM, LIN, and DDGS, respectively). Body weights (BW) (199.5, 210.9, and 205.1 kg) were found to be less (P < 0.01) for heifers fed CAM and greatest for LIN. Average daily gain (ADG) (0.65, 0.72, 0.80 kg/d) CAM tended (P= 0.10) to less than LIN. Gain to feed (0.14, 0.17, 0.15 kg/d) was similar for CAM and DDGS, but greater (P < 0.05) for LIN. The CAM fed heifers tended (P = 0.09) to have less of the other thyroid hormone triiodothyronine (T3) (144.7, 157.5 and 154.5 ng/dl). This indicates that the low concentration of glucosinolates in the CAM diet may have still influenced thyroid function. Overall the study demonstrated that camelina meal could serve as an alternative protein source for growing dairy heifers and had limited adverse effects on growth performance when included at 10% of diet compared to DDGS and linseed meal. Objective1. Study 3. Growth performance of dairy calves fed microbially-enhanced soy protein in starter pellets with accelerated growth or traditional milk replacer. Our objective in this study was to evaluate growth performance of calves fed starter pellets with microbially-enhanced (fungally-treated) soy protein (MSP) compared to soybean meal and the interaction with milk replacer (MR). A 12-week randomized complete block design study was conducted with 36 Holstein calves (2 d old; 24 females, 12 males) in individual hutches. Treatments were: 1) MSP pellets with accelerated growth MR (MSPA), 2) SBM pellets with accelerated growth MR (SBMA), and 3) MSP pellets with traditional MR (MSPT). Starter pellets were similar, but had 23% MSP or 23% SBM (DM basis). Calves were weaned at day 42. Pellets and water were fed ad libitum throughout the 12 week feeding period. Results were analyzed in SAS 9.4 using repeated measured in MIXED procedures and Tukey's test for means comparisons. Significance was declared at P<0.05. Results showed that total dry matter intake (1,650, 1,759, 1,387 g/d for MSPA, SBMA and MSPT, respectively) were greatest for SBMA and least for MSPT with MSPA in between. Body weights (72.59, 68.53, and 67.75 kg) were greatestfor calves fed MSPA compared to SBMA and MSPT. Average daily gains (0.68, 0.63, and 0.59 kg/d) were less for MSPT fed calves compared to MSPA with SBMA intermediary and similar to both. Gain to feed ratios (0.46, 0.41, and 0.47) were increased in the MSPA and MSPT treatments compared to SBMA.Plasma glucose concentrations (98.83, 101.38, and 99.86 mg/dL) were similar among treatments. Plasma urea nitrogen (PUN) concentrations (15.58, 14.23, and 12.78 mg/dL) were greatest for MSPA fed calves and least for the MSPT. Plasma concentrations ofBHBA (34.48, 35.55, and 31.77 mg/dL) were greatest for the SBMA fed calves most likely due to greater starter pellet intakes. Concentration of plasma triglycerides (25.20, 27.74, and 28.78 mg/dL) was slightly greater in calves fed the MSPT treatment. Plasma concentrations of IGF-1 (63.75, 73.26, and 60.46 ng/mL) were observed to be greatest in the calves receiving SBMA compared to MSPA and MSPT and may also be related to increase DMI on that treatment. Incidences of scouring (diarrhea) were low and fecal consistency scores averaged 1.16 (meaning firm consistency) across treatments. Overall results demonstrated utilizing MSP in calf starters pellets results in decreased DMI, improved feed efficiency and maintained or enhanced growth performance compare to SBM. Objective 2: Study 1. Ruminal degradation and intestinal digestibility of camelina and carinata meal compared to other protein sources. Our objective in this study was to determine dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) ruminal degradability and intestinal digestibility of camelina meal (CAM) and carinata meal (CAR) compared to other oilseed meals, soybean meal (SBM) and reduced-fat distillers dried grains (DDGS). In situ measurements were done using three multiparous, ruminally-cannulated Holstein cows (BW 848.6 ± 94.7 kg). Six feeds were evaluated: CAM, CAR, canola meal (CAN), linseed meal (LIN), DDGS, and SBM. Result demonstrated that rumen degradable protein(76.4, 70.5, 52.0, 61.2, 44.1, and 58.5 % for CM, CR, CN, LIN, DG, and SBM respectively) was greatest ( P<0.05) in CM and CR. Thetotal digestibility protein concentrations(95.5, 94.4, 86.0, 92.9, 79.5, and 96.0 %) were similar for CM and CR compared to SBM and LN, but greater than CN and DG. Overall, results indicate that CM and CR are highly degradable in the rumen and are comparable protein sources to SBM and LN for total digestibility.

    Publications

    • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Anderson, J.L, K.F. Kalscheur, A.D. Garcia, and D.J. Schingoethe. 2015. Feeding fat from distillers dried grains with solubles to dairy heifers: I. Effects on growth performance and total tract digestibility of nutrients. J. Dairy Sci. 98:5699-5708.
    • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Anderson, J.L., K.F. Kalscheur, J.A. Clapper, G.A. Perry, D. H. Keisler, A.D. Garcia, and D.J. Schingoethe. 2015. Feeding fat from distillers dried grains with solubles to dairy heifers: II. Effects on metabolic profile. J. Dairy Sci. 98:5709-5719
    • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Anderson, J.L., K. F. Kalscheur, A. D. Garcia, and D. J. Schingoethe. 2015. Short Communication: Feeding fat from distillers dried grains with solubles to dairy heifers: III. Effects on post-trial reproductive and lactation performance. J. Dairy Sci. 98:5720-5725.
    • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Anderson, J.L., K. F. Kalscheur, A. D. Garcia, D. J. Schingoethe, D. P. Casper, and D. H. Kleinschmit. 2015. Ensiling characteristics of distillers wet grains with cornstalks and determination of the feeding potential for dairy heifers. Prof. Anim. Sci. 31:359-367.
    • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Lawrence, R. D. and J. L. Anderson. 2015. Ruminal degradation and intestinal digestibility of camelina and carinata meal compared to other protein sources. J. Dairy Sci. 98: Suppl. 2: 459 (Abstr. T416)
    • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Lawrence, R. D., and J. L. Anderson. 2015. Evaluation of camelina meal as a feedstuff for growing dairy heifers. Journal of Dairy Science. J. Dairy Sci. 98: Suppl. 2: 463 (Abstr. T426)
    • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Manthey, A. K., J. L. Anderson, G. A. Perry. 2015. Growth performance of dairy heifers fed reduced-fat distillers grains in replacement of forage in limit-fed rations. J. Dairy Sci. 98: Suppl. 2: 459 (Abstr. T415).
    • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Manthey, A. K., J. L. Anderson, G. A. Perry, and D. H. Keisler. 2015. Metabolic profile and onset of puberty in dairy heifers fed reduced-fat distillers grains in replacement of forage. J. Dairy Sci. 98: Suppl. 2: 735 (Abstr. W329).
    • Type: Other Status: Accepted Year Published: 2016 Citation: Senevirathne, N. D., J. L. Anderson, and W. R. Gibbons. 2016. Feeding microbially-enhanced soy protein in starter pellets to dairy calves. Accepted. (March 14-16, 2016, Des Moines IA, Midwest meeting of ASAS and ADSA).


    Progress 11/15/13 to 09/30/14

    Outputs
    Target Audience: Target audiences are producers of ethanol coproducts, dairy producers, and livestock nutritionists in South Dakota, the US, and worldwide Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? This project provided training for graduate students studying dairy cattle nutrition. Students will learned experimental design, how to conduct research,how to analyze samples, and how to report results. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Results from two of the studies have been reported as presentations at Joint Annual Meeting of the ASAS and ADSA in Kansas City, Missouri in July 2014. Results from all three studies were also presented to group of research faculty from various universities and UDSA at the annual NC2042 meeting in Nebraska City, NE in October 2014. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Two research projects are currently being conducted to contribute to objective 1. One study is on feeding newly developed oilseed meals to growing heifers.A second study is being conducted on feeding microbially treated soybean meal to dairy calves.Tocontribute to objective 2 we are also conducting research on ruminal degradability in cows of newly developing oilseed meals and microbially treated protein sources.

    Impacts
    What was accomplished under these goals? Two projects on heifer nutrition and growth were conducted that contribute to objective 1. 1. Growth performance and total tract nutrient digestion for Holstein heifers precision-fed diets high in distillers grains with different forage particle size. This study evaluated dairy heifer growth performance and total tract nutrient digestion when fed diets high in dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) with different forage particle size, achieved by utilizing alfalfa hay that was processed differently. An 8-wk randomized complete block design study was conducted using twenty-two Holstein heifers (123 ± 32 d of age; initial body weight (BW) of 140±23.5 kg). Treatments were either 15% chopped (CHOP) or 15% pelleted (PELL) alfalfa hay on a dry matter (DM) basis. Both diets also contained 30% DDGS, 53.75% corn silage, and 1.25% mineral mix. Rations were precision-fed for a dry matter intake (DMI) of 2.3% of BW. Frame sizes, BW, and body condition scores (BCS) were taken on two consecutive days during wk 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8. During wk 8, titanium dioxide was fed and fecal grab samples were collected to measure total tract nutrient digestion. Heifer DMI increased (P<0.01) when fed CHOP versus PELL (4.42 and 4.19 kg/d for CHOP and PELL, respectively). Body weights (167.4 and 164.0 kg) and average daily gain (0.83 and 0.96 kg/d) were similar (P>0.05) between treatments. Gain to feed was less (P<0.01) in CHOP versus PELL (0.21 and 0.25). Hip height (110.7 and 110.9 cm), wither height (106.7 and 106.6 cm), and body length (95.1 and 94.9 cm) were similar between treatments. Paunch girth (153.6 and 150.4 cm), heart girth (122.4 and 120.4 cm), and hip width (30.2 and 29.6 cm) were greater (P<0.05) for CHOP versus PELL. Body condition score was less (P<0.01) for CHOP compared to PELL (3.03 and 3.09). For growth measurements there were no significant treatment by week interactions or differences in average daily changes. Total tract digestibility of DM (67.5 and 67.3 %), neutral detergent fiber (51.2 and 50.1 % of DM), and crude protein (68.3 and 67.9 % of DM) were similar between treatments. Heifers fed diets containing 30% DDGS with 15% chopped or pelleted alfalfa hay had similar total tract nutrient digestion and growth performance, with some very minor differences in frame growth and feed to gain. Overall, this study demonstrated that feeding dairy heifers diets with different forage particle sizes, achieved by inclusion of chopped or pelleted alfalfa hay, does not affect utilization of DDGS. 2. Evaluation of growth performance, nutrient utilization, metabolic profile, and onset of puberty in dairy heifers fed reduced fat distillers grains in replacement of forage in limit-fed rations. This study evaluated dairy heifer growth performance when heifers were fed reduced-fat distillers dried grains with solubles (RFDDGS) in replacement of forage. A 16-wk randomized complete block design study was conducted using 48 Holstein heifers (199 ± 1.92 d of age; initial body weight (BW) of 266±4.98 kg). The study was conducted from September 2013 to September 2014. Treatments diets were: 1) 30% RFDDGS with 68.5% grass hay (30DG); 2) 40% RFDDGS with 58.5% grass hay (40DG) and 3) 50% RFDDGS with 48.5% grass hay (50DG) on a DM basis. All diets also contained 1.5% mineral mix. Rations were precision-fed so that the amount of feed offered as a percentage of BW decreased across treatments as the dietary percentage of RFDDGS increased. Rations were offered at 2.65, 2.50, and 2.35% of BW on a DM basis for 30DG, 40DG and 50DG, respectively. This allowed for similar intakes of crude protein and energy across treatments. Frame sizes, BW, and body condition scores (BCS) were measured on two consecutive days during wk 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 14, and 16 of the feeding period. There were interactions of treatment by week for any of the parameters measured. Heifer DMI linearly decreased (P<0.01) with increasing concentrations of RFDDGS in the diet (6.49, 6.21, and 5.84 kg/d for 30DG, 40DG, and 50DG, respectively). Body weights (264.1, 266.2, and 266.4 kg) and average daily gain (0.89, 0.94, and 0.97 kg/d) were similar (P>0.05) among treatments. Gain to feed (0.14, 0.16, and 0.18 kg) linearly increased (P<0.01) with increasing concentrations of dietary RFDDGS (P<0.01). Hip height (124.8, 124.7, and 124.8 cm) andhip width (35.6, 35.8, and 35.8 cm) were similar among treatments (P>0.05). There was a tendency (P= 0.06) for a linear increase in body length (112.5, 112.9, and 113.1 cm) as dietary concentrations of RFDDGS increased (P<0.05). There was a quadratic effect for wither height (120.9, 121.7, and 121.6 cm), paunch girth (172.5, 173.9, and 172.5 cm), and BCS (3.11, 3.12, and 3.07), and a quadratic tendency for heart girth (140.9, 140.6, and 140.9 cm). Limit-feeding diets with higher inclusion rates of RFDDGS resulted in improved gain to feed rations without increased BCS. Overall, this study demonstrated that replacing forage with RFDDGS does not negatively affect heifer growth performance. During the feeding study blood, fecal, rumen, and feed samples were collected. Analysis of these samples will be conducted over the next six months to a year. Data is also being collected on reproductive and lactation (first 90d) performance post-trial. One project was worked on to contribute to Objective 2. Ruminal degradability and intestinal digestibility of protein in canola meal. Differences in processing by different plants may result in canola meal (CM) with varying nutritional composition. The Dairy NRC (2001) estimated CM to be 35.7% rumen undegradable protein (RUP) with an intestinal digestibility of 75% when DMI was set at 4% of BW. Seven CM samples were obtained from different processing plants and 1 soybean meal (SBM) to evaluate the variability in ruminal degradability and intestinal digestibility of CP. Dacron bags containing 5 g of each feed were incubated in the rumen in duplicate for 0, 2, 4, 8, 12, 16, 24 and 48 h using three ruminally cannulated lactating cows. The rate of passage was calculated at 6.6%/h. The A fraction (rapidly degradable CP) varied from 26.6% to 17.8%, respectively, for CM10 and CM5 (P<0.05). The B fraction (slowly degradable CP) was highest for CM5 (79.9%) and lowest for CM12 (62.4%), whereas the C fraction (undegradable CP) was highest for CM12 (14.6%) and lowest for SBM (0.6%). The rate of degradation of B fraction, Kd (%/h) was highest for SBM (11.1%/h) and lowest for CM12 (4.0%/h). The RUP (% of CP) was highest for CM12 (53.8%), whereas lowest for SBM (31.0%), while the IDP (measured by pepsin-pancreatin digestion) ranged from 94.5% for SBM to 71.6% for CM10. The total digestible protein (TDP) was highest for SBM (98.2%) and CM ranged from 85.1% to 90.8% for CM12 and CM10 (P<0.01), respectively. The mean ruminal and intestinal digestibilities of CM are in agreement with NRC, however considerable variation exists between CM processing plants.

    Publications

    • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Anderson, J. L. 2014. David J. Schingoethe Syposium-Invited: How much fat should growing dairy heifers be fed? J. Dairy Sci. 97 (E-Suppl.1):18 (Abstr 043).
    • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Jayasinghe, N., K. F. Kalscheur, J. L. Anderson, and D. P. Casper.2014. Ruminal degradability and intestinal digestibility of protein and amino acids in canola meal. J. Dairy Sci. Vol. 97, E-Suppl. 1: 566 (Abstr. M126)
    • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Lawrence, R. D., J. L. Anderson, T. J. Vanderwerf, A. K. Manthey, K. F. Kalscheur, and D. P. Casper. 2014. Growth performance and total tract nutrient digestion for Holstein heifers precision-fed diets high in distillers grains with different forage particle size. J. Dairy Sci. Vol. 97:(E-Suppl.1):825 (Abstr. T299).
    • Type: Theses/Dissertations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Jayasinghe, N.K. 2014. Ruminal degradabilities and intestinal digestibility of canola meal and the production response of cows fed canola meal with varying concentration of starch sources. M.S. Thesis, South Dakota State University, Brookings.