Progress 10/19/15 to 09/30/19
Outputs
Target Audience:Dairy farmers, forage producers, and veterinarians that service ruminant animals in PR. In addition, UPR- Agricultural Extension Service Specialists and Agents. Changes/Problems:On September 20, 2017 Hurricane María made landfall in Puerto Rico. The winds, rain and subsequent floods destroyed some forage corn plots and damaged the two-acre plot of Henorico rhizome perennial peanut to be planted and used to achieve experimental objectives. The dairy farm location remained without electric power for a period of approximately five months. The irrigation system necessary for forage plantings was damaged due to heavy rain and unreliable electric power during and after the Hurricane (reservoir and pump damage). The adverse effects of the Hurricane and its aftermath resulted in a significant reduction of milk production by lactating cows of about 20-25% compared to the previous year. The collection of milk production and composition data was not reliable during most of the first semester of 2018 due to malfunction of the electronic components of the milking equipment utilized for recording milk production and management information, thus making any experimental data collection impossible. Once the power was reestablished the equipment required additional calibrations and repair which further delayed its usefulness for research.. Management of the dairy herd (cows and replacement heifers) under the project was terminated as of May 31, 2018. This due to direct orders from the UPR-AES administration. Due to the damaged caused by Hurricane María and its aftermath objectives 1.2 and 1.3 proposed in the original project proposal could not be accomplished. To achieve them an extension of the project was necessary. However, I was informed by the AES Assoc. Dean that a request for a no-cost extension to the project will not be considered. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Two graduate students thesis were performed. One student worked directly with research objectives as part of his thesis, the other used the research animals at the farm dairy for her research. In addition, research of an undergraduate student in the Department of Animal Science was assisted and trained by research activity of the project. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Result and scope of the project was published in a electronic publication (Scientia) with worldwide audience. A summary of the results of forage research under the Hatch 393 project were presented at the XXVI Meeting of ALPA (Latin American Association of Animal Production) as an invited speaker. Guayaquil, Ecuador, May 2018. Results have been presented in various forums before farmers and other stakeholders. These biannual forums (two during the project) were coordinated in conjunction with the Cooperative Extension Service of the College of Agric Sci of the UPR. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Two feeding trials evaluating the milk yield and DMI potential of Maralfalfa (Pennisetu m spp) grass were run as part of the Master's Thesis of a graduate student (Moisés Villegas). The thesis will be presented and submitted on April 2020. Results are still preliminary but they indicate that Maralfalfa grass, when harvested as silage and fed to lactating dairy cattle has a similar potential for milk production to forage sorghum silage. Thus this perennial grass has good potential for substituting sorghum silage in dairy rations in the tropics. The 'slick' (short-hair) gene has been introduced to Holstein cows from beef-type cattle such as Senepol. This gene provide improved heat dissipation and allows these cows to maintain a lower uterine and rectal temperature than wild type Holsteins under heat stress conditions. Thus slick-type Holsteins hybrids have a tendency for lower milk production potential compared to regular (wild-type) Holstein. However, slick ('pelon') Holsteins stock cows in Puerto Rico acquired their slick genes from beef animals decades ago; thus have the peculiarity of being almost 100%pure Holsteins. Through breeding with elite AI bulls and selection we have improved the genetic and productive potential of the cattle containing the slick gene at the UPR dairy herd. We are confident, from genetic analysis and the research results, that the milk production potential of our slick cattle is equal or better than the regular type Holsteins at our herd. These animals are of high genetic value and can be used as stock for disseminating the slick gene throughout the Holstein population in the tropics and improving their tolerance to heat stress and their milk production. Management of the Dairy Herd to increase the production of Holstein Dairy cows with the 'slick' gene and maximize their productive efficiency and availability for research as part of the project (H393) was for all practical purposes terminated by the administration on May 31, 2018. Experimental Dairy Herd as of May 31, 2018: Cows 104 Lactating 52 Dry cows 17 cows for sale 173 Total cows Reproductive Status of Dairy cows Lactating cows Total cows Total cows in reproductive manag. 61 Pregnant 62.8 66.3 31 Not pregnant 31.9 33.4 5 early postpartum, not pregnant 5.1 5.4 7 not served, not pregnant 6.7 - Dry cows 41 Pregnant 78.8 91.1 4 Not pregnant 7.7 8.9 7 not served, not pregnant (for sale) 13.5 - Replacement Heifers 61 heifers < one year old 44 heifers 2 yrs > n > 1 yr 80 heifers older than 2 yrs 37 not pregnant 43 Pregnant 2 for sale, to cull 187 Total replacement heifer inventory Registered heifers 0 registered less than one year old 18 registered, 2yr > n > 1yr 49 registered, > 2yr 67 total registed heifers Death rate for period July 2017 - June 2018 53 heifers born during the year 3 died during the year 5.3 % mortality rate Slick Hair (Pelonas) Animals Heifers 10 heifers, <1 yr old 7 heifers, 1 yr< n < 2 yr 23 heifers older than 2 yrs 40 Total no. of slick heifers Cows 30 slick lactating cows 11 slick dry cows 41 total no. of slick cows 2 slick bulls 81 Total no. of slick females 83 Total no. of slick animals
Publications
- Type:
Theses/Dissertations
Status:
Submitted
Year Published:
2020
Citation:
Villegas, M, Feeding Maralfalfa grass (Pennisetum spp) and forage sorghum to improve milk production of regular and slick type Holstein cows. Department of Animal Science, University of PR, Mayag�ez, April 2020.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Submitted
Year Published:
2020
Citation:
Ruiz, T. M. Unlocking the potential within Puerto Ricos milk industry. Scientia, www.scientia.global,
www.sciencediffussion.com, January 2020.
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Progress 10/01/17 to 09/30/18
Outputs
Target Audience:Dairy farmers, forage producers, and veterinarians that service ruminant animals in PR. In addition, UPR- Agricultural Extension Service Specialists and Agents. Special consideration is alsogiven to undegraduate and graduate students of the Animal Science department of the College of Agricultural Sciences. Changes/Problems:Tropical corn silage forage quality could not be evaluated as planned. A 10-acre plot of Mayorbela corn planted in September of 2017 to produce corn forage for silage was destroyed during hurricane María. Thus, the planned research during the first semester of 2018 was postponed. A second planting during late August 2018 failed due to malfunction of irrigation equipment. The irrigation system was damaged during the Hurricane (reservoir and pump damage). The system, apparently, was not working at 100% and failed during the second planting. The two-acre plot of Henorico rhizome perennial peanut was not planted due to flood damage (during and after María). The adverse effects of the Hurricane and its aftermath resulted in a reduction of milk production by lactating cows of about 20-25% compared to the previous year. The collection of milk production and composition data was not reliable during most of the first semester of 2018. The electronic components of the milking equipment utilized for recording production and management information did not function during and after the almost five months the dairy operated without power. At present, all problems related to the aftermath of Hurricane María have been addressed and/or resolved. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?A graduate student thesis and undergraduate research of students in the Department of Animal Science were assisted by research activity of the project. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?A summary of the results of forage research under the Hatch 393 project were presented at the XXVI Meeting of ALPA (Latin American Association of Animal Production) as an invited speaker. Guayaquil, Ecuador, May 2018. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Analyze experimental samples and research results. Write manuscripts summarizing research results in The project and submit them for publication. Plant a 2-acre plot of Henorico rhizome perennial peanut for hay production and forage evaluation. Continue the evaluation of Maralfalfa grass silage in a feeding trial at the dairy.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
A feeding trial with 12 mid lactating cows was run to evaluate the quality of Maralfalfa grass when compared to commercial tropical grass hay. Cows were assigned to the following treatments according to a switchback design: 1) Maralfalfa grass harvested at a 60-day interval ensiled and fed ad libitum. 2) chopped commercial grass hay fed ad libitum. A 5-acre plot of Maralfalfa grass was harvested at a 60-day interval. The Maralfalfa forage was ensiled in a plastic bag to be used in a feeding trial. The management of the dairy herd was focused on increasing the number of Holstein cows with the 'slick' gene and maximize their productive efficiency and availability for research in project H-393 and other projects. At present the dairy farm has a total of 141 cows with the 'slick' gene, as proved by blood sample analysis. Since June 2018, 190 calves and heifers have been sent to Gurabo substation with the objective of completing their growth and development until they reach sexual maturity and are ready for artificial insemination. The pregnant cows are returned to Lajas, approximately 2 months before delivery. Of those sent to Gurabo, we have received 14 pregnant. An Advisory Board for the Lajas Dairy Farm was established, the members are: Dr. Guillermo Ortiz Colon, expert on Cattle Nutrition, Dr. Esbal Jiménez, expert in Animal Reproduction; Dr. Alfredo Aponte, Forage expert, Dr. José Torrado, Veterinarian, Ing. Eric Irizarry, Waste Management and Dr. Wilfredo Robles as Associate Dean of the Agriculture Experiment Station. Thanks to the hiring of veterinary services, the cattle has remained in optimal health. Pregnancy checks are made in Gurabo, when requested. The veterinarian visits the dairy farm twice a month to check for pregnancy, postpartum and heat synchronization. In addition, checks any other health problem that the cattle may present and is in constant communication with the person in charge of the health of the animals or any other management problem. The veterinarian established a vaccination protocols for calves, heifers and cows in production. At the same time, he prepared a guide with the most common diseases in cattle and how to treat them. With the help of the members of Advisory Board and the veterinarian, the days in milk have been reduced from 300 to 90. We are very pleased to have reduced these numbers considerably and hope to reach the goal of 66 days in milk in the next months. The dairy farm has 109 milking cows and the last two collections reach 4,111 and 4,160 liters of milk. In Lajas, seventy-five (75) animals have been inseminated. In addition, one hundred and three (103) births, seven (7) of them were born dead. Three (3) calves have had to be sacrificed because of septic arthritis. During the same period, two (2) cows had to be slaughtered and seven (7) died due to different health conditions such as gangrenous mastitis, extreme lameness and pneumonia. Three (3) animals were sold through direct sale (discarding). Mortality percentage among calves is 9.7% and insemination effectiveness is 42%. ?
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Ruiz, T. High quality forages for improved milk production. 2018. Memorias XXVI Reuni�n ALPA, Archivos Latinoamericanos de Producci�n Animal, Guayaquil, Ecuador. May, 2018.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Submitted
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Soto, I., T. M. Ruiz, and P. F. Randel. Suplementaci�n a vacas lecheras de transici�n con calcio en forma de gel para prevenir la hipocalcemia. Journal of Agric. Uni. PR
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Progress 10/01/16 to 09/30/17
Outputs
Target Audience:Dairy farmers and forage producers in PR. Agricultural Extension Service Specialists and Agents, professors teaching courses related to dairy production and veterinarians that service farm animals. Changes/Problems:During the final month of the present reporting period (Sept. 2017) two adverse situations affected the project. A six-acre plot of forage soybean (Glycine max L.(Merr.) was planted in August 2017 with the objective of harvesting and evaluating its hay for forage quality with dairy cows. The forage soybean seeds were obtained from an improved forage soybean line developed by the AES in Isabela PR. Approximately five weeks after planting wind and floods from hurricanes Irma and María destroyed the whole plot. The planned research could not be performed. The hurricanes interrupted all phases of the Lajas dairy operation including power supply and data collection in the milking parlor. In addition, the resignation in August of the research assistant who was collaborating with the project has delayed sample and data analysis. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?A feeding trial during the months of April to June was used to evaluate wheat by-product (wheat bran) as a source of protein and energy source in diets high or low in forage. Twelve lactating Holstein cows were assigned according to a switchback design o one of the following four experimental treatments: 1) wheat by-product concentrate fed at a high level (low forage), 2) wheat by-product concentrate fed at a low level (high-forage), 3) corn-soybean concentrate fed at a high level (low forage), 4) corn-soybean concentrate fed at a low level (high forage). All cows were fed sorghum silage as the only forage. Its intake was adjusted by controlling the level of concentrate intake. Silage was provided ad libitum and concentrate allotment was fed twice daily, on top of the silage, after each milking. Cows were milked at 500 and 1600 h daily and housed in a freestall barn fitted with Calan Gates to record DM intake. Moisture content of sorghum silage, dairy concentrates and orts was determined twice weekly in a convection oven at a temperature of 60 C, in order to calculate DM intake. Milk production was recorded daily with the Afifarm milking system. Milk was sampled for four consecutive milking during each experimental period and analyzed fo fat, protein and lactose by the Dairy One milk laboratory (Ithaca, NY) Most of the feed and milk samples have been analyzed. Data from this trial will be combined with data from a previous trial and analyzed and published together in order to provide a more concluse results. Two genetically superior 'pelon' male calves were identified and are being raised for future genetic evaluation (Zoetis). These young bulls will be utilized for breeding to increase the 'pelon' heifers in our herd and for semen collection to distribute among dairy farmers interested in producing 'pelon' Holsteins. Approxiately seven 'pelon' heifers were born during the year. A plot of two acres under subterranean drip irrigation was prepared for planting perennial peanut for hay production. The size of the Maralfalfa grass plot was increased to about five acres; a one acre plot was prepared for seed production to increase the area planted. In another subproject the body condition(BC), defined as the relative abundance of energy reserves in the form of adipose tissue, was characterized for cows in the Lajas Substation dairy herd. The objective was to determine whether the routine feeding and management in use in the herd is keeping the animals in adequate BC (score scale 1-5, BCS). The lactating cows in the herd are grouped into an early to mid lactation group and a late lactation group, representing approximately 60 and 40% of the herd, respectively. In general the cows of both groups were found to maintain adequate BC. Among cows in normal health, the early-lactation group had a mean BCS of 3.12 ± .312 (CV= 10%) with only 4.5% of the observations scored as 2.5 or less. In the late-lactation group corresponding figures were 3.195 ± .598 (CV= 11.2%) and 6.25% of the observations scored equal or less than 2.5. It can be concluded that the situation is satisfactory over-all. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?A presentation of research results titled 'High quality forages for milk production in Puerto Rico' was presented in two Stakeholder meetings; San Sebastián, April 25 and Camuy, April 28, 2017. The meetings were attended by local dairy farmers, industry personnel and local Cooperative Extenesion Service agents. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Data from the completed trial will be analyzed statistically and results will be published during the year. Harvest a 5 acre plot of Maralfalfa grass for forage to produce silage. The silage will be evaluated for quality with lactating cows. Plant a 2-acre plot of Henorico rhizoma perennial peanut under subterranean drip irrigation system for hay production and evaluation. Increase production of Mayorbela corn (10-15 acres annually) to produce silage which will allow to supply about 50% of forage needs of our lactating cows. Increase the number of slick heifers by at least 15 Produce a minimum of two 'pelon' sires of high genetic merit and produce semen of these sires to distribute among interested dairymen. Increase the area in Maralfalfa grass by 5 acres. Another goal of this subproject is to describe cyclic body condition changes from calving to calving during five phases: 1) parturition, 2) early-lactation, 3) mid-lactation and early pregnancy, 4) late lactation and advancing pregnancy, and 6) next parturition. Data collection will continue as a large volume of date will be required. A third goal is to study the relationship between BCS and animal performance with regard to milk production (peak milk yield and lactation persistency), reproductive efficency, and incidence of health disorders. Statistical analysis of the final data set is projected to take place in the following fiscal year, 2018-2019.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
A feeding trial during the months of April to June was used to evaluate wheat by-product (wheat bran) as a source of protein and energy source in diets high or low in forage. Twelve lactating Holstein cows were assigned, according to a switchback design,one of the following four experimental treatments: 1) wheat by-product concentrate fed at a high level (low forage), 2) wheat by-product concentrate fed at a low level (high-forage), 3) corn-soybean concentrate fed at a high level (low forage), 4) corn-soybean concentrate fed at a low level (high forage). All cows were fed sorghum silage as the only forage. Its intake was adjusted by controlling the level of concentrate intake. Silage was provided ad-libitum and concentrate allotment was fed twice daily, on top of the silage, after each milking. Cows were milked at 500 and 1600 hoursdaily and housed in a freestall barn fitted with Calan Gates to record DM intake. Moisture content of sorghum silage, dairy concentrates and orts was determined twice weekly in a convection oven at a temperature of 60 C, in order to calculate DM intake. Milk production was recorded daily with the Afifarm milking system. Milk was sampled for four consecutive milking during each experimental period and analyzed fo fat, protein and lactose by the Dairy One milk laboratory (Ithaca, NY) Most of the feed and milk samples have been analyzed. Data from this trial will be combined with data from a previous trial and analyzed and published together in order to provide a more concluse results. Two genetically superior 'pelon' male calves were identified and are being raised for future genetic evaluation (Zoetis). These young bulls will be utilized for breeding to increase the 'pelon' heifers in our herd and for semen collection to distribute among dairy farmers interested in producing 'pelon' Holsteins. Approxiately seven 'pelon' heifers were born during the year. A plot of two acres under subterranean drip irrigation was prepared for planting perennial peanut for hay production. The size of the Maralfalfa grass plot was increased to about five acres; a one acre plot was prepared for seed production to increase the area planted. In another subproject the body condition (BC), defined as the relative abundance of energy reserves in the form of adipose tissue, was characterized for cows in the Lajas Substation dairy herd. The objective was to determine whether the routine feeding and management in use in the herd is keeping the animals in adequate BC (score scale 1-5, BCS). The lactating cows in the herd are grouped into an early to mid lactation group and a late lactation group, representing approximately 60 and 40% of the herd, respectively. In general the cows of both groups were found to maintain adequate BC. Among cows in normal health, the early-lactation group had a mean BCS of 3.12 ± .312 (CV= 10%) with only 4.5% of the observations scored as 2.5 or less. In the late-lactation group corresponding figures were 3.195 ± .598 (CV= 11.2%) and 6.25% of the observations scored equal or less than 2.5. It can be concluded that the situation is satisfactory over-all.
Publications
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Progress 10/19/15 to 09/30/16
Outputs
Target Audience:Dairy farmers and forage producers in the southwestern region of PR. Agricultural Extension Service Specialist and Agents, professors teaching courses related to dairy production and veterinarians that attend farm animals. Changes/Problems:During the last half of the year the experimental site received unusually high amounts of rain (record amounts) and the rainy period or season was unusually long preventing the use of machinery for planting and harvesting forages. The Maralfalfa plots could not be cultivated and was not possible to harvest the forage at the correct maturity, therefore the forage could not be used for the proposed trial. The corn planting was not possible at the time proposed or any other period during the last part of the year. Similarly, the subterranean drip irrigation system could not be installed. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?We have hosted about 96 laboratory sections of Animal Science courses from the University of PR-Mayaguez, UPR-Utuado, and Medical Sciences campuses. Helping train approximately one hundreds students which most will be future professionals working in the Beef and Dairy sectors of our Agricultural industry. The graduate student whose thesis topic was testing the calcium supplement in gel form, gained experience in the laboratory performing the analytical procedure for measuring the calcium level in blood serum samples, also in reading and using the pertinent scientific literature, in submitting experimental data for statistical analysis and interperating the results, and in writing the thesis and preparing to defend it. The undergraduate student who studied the incidence of retained placenta and associated factors in a dairy herd records, in organizing the course, gained experience in use of the computerized herd records, in organizing the information obtained, and in the use of pertinent literature sources upon writing the final report. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Results were disseminated through farmer visits. Local farmers were invited to visit experimental plots of Maralfalfa grass and Mayorbela corn to observe field plantings and to promote the use of these forages. Maralfafa seed was provided to three farmers and a young 'pelon' bull was sold to another farmer wanting to introduce the short hair gene to his herd. Several other farmers visited the forage plots (Mayorbela corn, Maralfalfa grass, and Henorico rhizoma perennial peanut). What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Plant approximately 5 acres of Mayorbela corn to evaluate yield and nutritive value. In addition, silage produced will be evaluated for its quality with lactating dairy cows. Harvest a 5 acre plot of Maralfalfa grass for forage to produce silage. The silage will be evaluated for quality with lactating cows. Install the subterranean drip irrigation system in a 2 acre plot. Subsequently plant Henorico rhizoma perennial peanut in the plot . Increase the number of slick heifers by at least 20; produce a minimum of two 'pelon' sires of high genetic merit and produce semen of these sires to distribute among interested dairymen. Increase the area in Maralfalfa grass by 5 acres. Plant about 15 acres of Mayorbela corn and harvest it for silage production. The results obtained in testing a calcium supplement in gel form, administered orally, to prevent hypocalcemia in peripartunient dairy cows, which were first incorporated into an MS thesis finished in December, 2016, will next be used to prepare a manuscript for peer review publication. Writing of the first draft of the manuscripts should be completed in the first months of 2017. Thereafter, it will be preliminary reviewed at department level and then submitted to the Journal of Agriculture of the University of Puerto Rico. Given that this information is potentially of immediate practical application, a decision as to the best format for communicating iT to local milk producers will be made in consultation with the local Extension Dairyman. The results of the study in the incidence of retained placenta in a dairy herd of a 20-month period, will be presented by the Undergraduate Student who performed the study at the Sigma Xi Poster Day activity during the academic spring semester at the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez Campus.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Two tropical locally developed adapted corn varieties, Mayorbela and Sure Sweet were planted in three acre plots to evaluate them for suitability for forage production. The Mayorbela variety produced more uniform plants and higher dry matter yield. It also demonstrated good resistance to Spodoptera fugipenda and Helminthosporium damage under conditions of low chemical use at the site. All the materials for the installation of the subterranean drip irrigation were purchased and fitted for field installation. Two genetically superior 'pelon' bulls were retained and are being raised. They have been evaluated genetically (Zoetis) and determined to have high positive PD value for milk production and certified free of genetic defects. These young bulls are being used to increase the 'pelon' heifers in our herd. In addition, semen straws of these bulls have been produced, stored and made available to local farmers interested in producing 'pelon' Holsteins. Approximately 10 'pelon' heifers were born during the year. A commercial calcium supplement in gel form, adminitered orally, to prevent hypocalcemia in periparturient dairy cows (n=60), was tested in the University herd at Lajas. The supplement did cause a transitory increase in blood serum calcium levels, but the untreated control animal showed only a low incidence of subclinical hypocalcemia and no clinical cases. Milk production was not affected, but the supplemented cows suffered a lower incidence of other subsequent health problems such as metritis and mastitis. In a second phase of the project, a study of the incident of retained placenta (RP) was completed using records of the same dairy herd. Cows and heifers calving from January 2015, thru August 2016 (n= 167) had a 14.97% incidence of RP. There were no significant differences in indidence rate between seasons of the year, but cows that retained the placenta delayed longer in returning to estrus than those not so affected. In a third a phase of the project, the longterm process of judging body condition score of all cows in the University dairy herd at different stages of the productive cycle was initiated and has continued into the next fiscal year. The partial data to date show a clear attrition of body condition in the lactating cows, which points to a slow recovery of body stores of energy in mid to late lactation, probably due at least in part to suboptimal forage quality.
Publications
- Type:
Theses/Dissertations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Soto-Soto, I. 2016. Effect of calcium supplementation via an ovally administered gel in the prevalence of hypocalcium and milk production in early lactation of Holstein cows (translated from the spanish). MS Thesis, University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez. .
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