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Organic, grassfed (OGF) dairy, which requires higher pasture and forage dry matter intake compared with standard organic dairy practices, is unique both in its management needs and in production challenges. The OGF dairy sector is rapidly growing, with the expansion of this industry outpacing other dairy sectors. There is a lack of research outlining OGF dairy production practices, producer-identified research needs or social factors that affect OGF systems. The objectives of this study were to, with a group of OGF dairy producers, (1) assess information regarding current production practices and producer knowledge, and (2) identify agronomic and social factors that may influence milk production on OGF farms across the United States. A mail survey, focused on demographics, forage and animal management, knowledge, and satisfaction of their farm, was developed and distributed in 2019, with 167 responses (47% response rate). The majority of producers indicated they belonged to the plain, or Amish-Mennonite, community. Milk production was greater on farms that had Holstein cattle, as compared to farms with Jerseys and mixed breeds, and employed intensive pasture rotation. Furthermore, most producers reported the use of supplements such as molasses and kelp meal, which can improve milk production, but also increase feed costs. Producers who indicated that they were at least satisfied with their milk production also reported high levels of knowledge of grazing management and cow reproductive performance. Comparison of response data from plain/non-plain respondents revealed that those that did not identify as plain were more likely to utilize certain government programs, had different priorities and utilized technology more frequently. Based on these results, more research exploring financial and production benchmarks, effective communication strategies to reach OGF producers and methods to improve cattle production through improved forage quality is needed.

Okara meal is a byproduct from the production of soymilk and tofu and can potentially replace soybean meal (SBM) in dairy diets due to its high crude protein (CP) concentration and residual fat. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of replacing SBM with okara meal on feed intake, yields of milk and milk components, milk fatty acid (FA) profile, nutrient utilization, and plasma AA concentration in lactating dairy cows. Twelve multiparous (65 ± 33 d in milk) and 8 primiparous (100 ± 35 d in milk) organically certified Jersey cows were paired by parity or days in milk, and within pair, randomly assigned to treatments in a crossover design with 21-d periods (14 d for diet adaptation and 7 d for data and sample collection). Diets were fed as total mixed ration formulated to be isonitrogenous and isofibrous and contained (dry matter basis) 50% mixed, mostly grass baleage, 2% sugarcane liquid molasses, 2% minerals-vitamins premix, and either (1) 8.1% SBM, 10% soyhulls, and 27.9% ground corn (CTRL); or (2) 15% okara meal, 8% soyhulls, and 23% ground corn (OKR). Dietary CP, ash-free neutral detergent fiber, and total FA averaged 15.4, 35.3, and 3.08% for CTRL and 15.9%, 36.3%, and 3.74% for OKR, respectively. Substitution of SBM with okara meal did not alter dry matter intake but increased intakes of CP and ash-free neutral detergent fiber. Additionally, no significant differences between treatments were observed for yields of milk and milk components, and concentrations of milk fat, lactose, and total solids. However, milk true protein concentration was lower in cows fed OKR (3.76%) versus CTRL (3.81%). Both milk urea N (8.51 vs. 9.47 mg/dL) and plasma urea N (16.9 vs. 17.8 mg/dL) concentrations decreased with OKR relative to the CTRL diet, respectively. Compared with CTRL, feeding OKR lowered the milk proportions of total odd-chain FA, de novo FA, and mixed FA and increased those of preformed FA, total n-6 FA, and total n-3 FA. The milk proportions of trans-10 18:1, trans-11 18:1, and cis-9,trans-11 18:2 were greater with feeding OKR versus the CTRL diet. The apparent total-tract digestibility of nutrients, urinary excretion of total purine derivatives (uric acid plus allantoin), and total N were not affected by treatments. Except for plasma Leu, which was lower in OKR compared with the CTRL diet, no other significant changes in the plasma concentrations of AA were observed. The plasma concentration of carnosine was lowest in cows receiving the OKR diet. Overall, our results revealed that okara meal can completely replace SBM without negatively affecting production and nutrient digestibility in early- to mid-lactation Jersey cows. Further research is needed to assess the economic feasibility of including okara meal in dairy diets, as well as the amount of okara meal that maximizes yields of milk and milk components in dairy cows in different stages of lactation.

The objective of this experiment was to identify and characterize the bovine milk proteome within the skim milk fraction and milk fat globule membrane (MFGM)-associated fraction from 16 organically certified lactating Jersey cows after a short term of grazing pastures with or without annual forage crops (AFC). Cows were offered a partial mixed ration (~60% of dry matter intake) and approximately 40% of their total dry matter intake as herbage. Eight cows were offered a cool-season grass–legume herbage (GLH), which included orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata), timothy (Phleum pratense), Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis), and white clover (Trifolium repens). The other 8 cows were offered the same GLH strip-tilled with the AFC, including oat (Avena sativa), millet (Pennisetum glaucum), teff (Eragrostis tef), buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum), and chickling vetch (Lathyrus sativus). Milk samples were collected from each cow during a.m. and p.m. milkings on d 19 to 21 of grazing, and composite milk samples per cow were analyzed for (1) the high-abundance milk protein profile, (2) the skim milk low-abundance protein-enriched proteome, and (3) the MFGM proteome. Of the 443 proteins identified in the skim and MFGM proteomes, 433 were included in statistical analysis, including 68 proteins identified in the skim milk fraction and 365 in the MFGM-associated fraction. Analysis of the skim and MFGM proteomes encompassed unique gene ontology profiles and proportions of functional classifications. In response to diet, αS1-casein as well as 8 low-abundance proteins were present in higher concentration or abundance in milk from cows grazing the GLH strip-tilled with the AFC compared with milk from cows grazing GLH, suggesting that even short-term grazing of pastures including some AFC may affect the milk proteome.

The brown seaweed Ascophyllum nodosum is known to bioaccumulate iodine (I). Previous research showed a linear relationship between A. nodosum meal (ASCO) intake and milk I concentration in dairy cows. Thus, improving milk I concentration by supplementation of ASCO to dairy cows may be a compelling strategy to naturally boost I intake in humans. A sensitivity analysis was conducted to gain insights regarding how different milk I intakes affect the I status of pregnant women relative to the United States Institute of Medicine (US IOM) recommended dietary allowance (RDA; 220 µg/d) and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended nutrient intake (RNI; 250 µg/d) for I. Four studies in which dairy cows received various amounts of ASCO generated the milk I data set used in the sensitivity analysis. The annual per capita consumption of 2% reduced-fat milk in the United States, converted to daily intake (i.e., 0.26 cup; 1 cup = 236.6 mL), was used as the actual milk intake in the simulations. Five additional milk intake scenarios (2, 3, 4, and 5 times the actual per capita milk consumption and the 3 cups-equivalent recommended by the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for American were also included in the sensitivity analysis with varying milk I concentrations (180, 765, and 483 µg/L). The 180, 765, and 483 µg/L values are milk I concentrations derived from cows not receiving ASCO or fed various amounts of ASCO in the diet or a single level (113 g/d) during the grazing season, respectively. With the actual United States milk per capita consumption of 0.26 cup/d and milk I concentrations of 180, 765, and 483 µg/L, 5.09, 21.7, and 13.6% of the RDA for I for pregnant women were met based on the US IOM, respectively. Similarly, 4.48, 19, and 12% of the RNI for I advised by the WHO was achieved with intake of 0.26 cup/d of milk containing I concentrations of 180, 765, and 483 µg/L, respectively. When 3 cups/d was included in the simulations, 58.2, 247, and 156% (US IOM), and 51.2, 217, and 137% (WHO) of the RDA or RNI for I required by gestating women was satisfied with milk I concentrations of 180, 765, and 483 µg/L, respectively. A regression analysis between I intake and milk I concentration revealed that 103 g/d of ASCO in the diet of dairy cows reached the maximum 500 µg/L threshold of I in milk recommended by the European Food Society Authority. Overall, milk from dairy cows fed ASCO can prevent I deficiency in pregnant women, but the amount of ASCO fed to cows needs to be fine-tuned to avoid excess I in milk. Further research is required to better understand the interactions between goitrogenic compounds from forages and concentrates and milk I concentration in cows fed ASCO. Research to evaluate the concentration of I in retail organic milk should be also conducted because of the high prevalence of ASCO fed in organic dairies in the United States.

We aimed to evaluate the effects of feeding sugarcane liquid molasses (LM) with or without a commercial buffer mix (BFM) on ruminal fermentation parameters, milk fatty acid (FA) profile, and milk yield and composition in dairy cows fed high-concentrate diets (35:65 forage-to-concentrate ratio). Eight multiparous Holstein cows (4 ruminally cannulated) averaging 165 ± 12 d in milk at the beginning of the study were randomly assigned to a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. Each period lasted 21 d with 14 d for diet adaptation and 7 d for data and sample collection. Cows were fed the following diets: (1) no LM or BFM supplementation (CTRL), (2) LM without BFM supplementation (MOL), (3) BFM without LM supplementation (BUF), and (4) LM plus BFM supplementation (COMBO). These 4 isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets were formulated by replacing (dry matter basis) 5% ground corn with LM, whereas BFM replaced wheat bran at 0.8% of the diet. Significant LM × BFM interactions were observed for the duration of ruminal pH below 5.8, molar proportion of propionate, acetate-to-propionate ratio, milk proportions of trans-10 18:1 and total trans FA, and concentration and yield of milk fat. Feeding MOL and BUF alone were effective on reducing the time that ruminal pH remained below 5.8 compared with the CTRL treatment, and the COMBO diet decreased it further. A similar pattern was observed for the ruminal molar proportion of propionate. The milk proportions of trans-10 18:1 and total trans FA dropped significantly with BFM or LM supplementation versus cows fed CTRL, and the COMBO diet decreased these variables further. Note, however, that these changes elicited by the COMBO diet were not in the same magnitude as those caused by MOL or BUF fed alone. The ruminal molar proportion of acetate increased with the BUF diet and that of butyrate increased in cows fed MOL, but mean ruminal pH was not affected by treatments. Diets with LM resulted in increased concentrations of short- and medium-chain FA in milk fat. The yield of 3.5% fat-corrected milk increased significantly in cows fed MOL or BUF due to the improved concentration of milk fat. A trend and a significant increase for energy-corrected milk were observed with feeding MOL or BUF, respectively. Overall, inclusion of LM and BFM appears to reduce milk trans-10 18:1 FA and total trans FA by modulating ruminal pH and volatile FA profile in cows fed high-concentrate diets.

There has been an intense debate regarding the economic, social, and environmental sustainability of confinement versus grazing dairy systems. Our goal was to conduct a meta-analysis to compare dry matter intake, milk yield and composition, nutrient use efficiency (i.e., feed efficiency, milk N efficiency), and predicted enteric CH4 emissions using studies that simultaneously evaluated confinement and grazing. We were able to include in the meta-analysis 8 peer-reviewed articles that met the following selection criteria: (1) publication between 1991 and 2021 in English language, (2) report either SEM or SD, (3) inclusion of at least 1 confinement [total mixed ration or fresh cut herbage fed indoors (i.e., zero-grazing)] and 1 grazing treatment in the same study, and (4) use of markers (internal or external) to estimate herbage dry matter intake. Two unpublished experiments were added to the data set resulting in a total of 10 studies for comparing confinement and grazing. The magnitude of the effect (i.e., effect size) was evaluated using weighted raw mean differences between grazing and confinement systems for a random effect model. Enteric CH4 production was predicted as follows: CH4 (g/d) = 33.2 (13.54) + 13.6 (0.33) × dry matter intake + 2.43 (0.245) × neutral detergent fiber. Dry matter intake (–9.5%), milk yield (–9.3%), milk fat yield (–5.8%), milk protein yield (–10%), and energy-corrected milk (–12%) all decreased in grazing versus confined dairy cows. In contrast, concentration of milk fat and feed efficiency (energy-corrected milk/dry matter intake) were not affected by management system. Whereas milk protein concentration increased, milk nitrogen (N) efficiency (milk N/N intake) tended to decrease in grazing compared with confinement. Predicted enteric CH4 production was 6.1% lower in grazing than confined dairy cows. However, CH4 yield (g/kg of dry matter intake) and CH4 intensity (g/kg of energy-corrected milk) did not change between confinement and grazing. In conclusion, while production performance decreased in grazing dairy cows, nutrient use efficiency and predicted enteric CH4 emissions were relatively similar in both management systems. Results of our meta-analysis should be interpreted with caution due to the small number of studies that met our inclusion criteria leading to a limited number of treatment mean comparisons.

Cheese production such as mozzarella is affected by several factors including the processing technology (e.g., cuts, fermentation, curd stretching), as well as quantity and quality of raw materials and other ingredients. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between mozzarella cheese yield and buffalo milk composition, processing factors, and losses of whey constituents using polynomial regression and adjusted R2. All regression coefficients associated with each explanatory variable were significantly different from zero. The models explained an average of 99% of the variation in the dataset. The regression models showed that the concentration of milk components (e.g., fat, protein, casein, lactose, total solids), somatic cell score, age and acidity of the starter culture, time between curd cuts, and percentage of lost whey constituents highly influenced the mozzarella cheese yield. The buffalo dairy industry should focus on rigorous control of milk quality and processing factors to standardize and optimize mozzarella cheese yield efficiency.

Dual-flow continuous culture fermenters were used to evaluate the impacts of forage mixtures on ruminal fermentation. Diets (DM basis) contained 40% red clover combined with 1) 60% orchardgrass (OG); 2) 30% orchardgrass + 30% meadow fescue (MF); 3) 20% orchardgrass + 20% meadow fescue + 20% Kentucky bluegrass (KYBG); or 4) 15% orchardgrass + 15% meadow fescue + 15% Kentucky bluegrass + 15% perennial ryegrass (PRG). Treatments were randomly assigned to fermenters in a 4 x 4 Latin square design. Each 10-d period included a 7-d adaptation and 3-d sampling period. Diets (110 g DM/d) were added across 4 feedings/d (33% each, 0700 h and 1600 h; 17% each, 0820h and 1720 h). Fermenter pH was recorded continuously for 10-d. Methane was measured on d 7-10 at 0630 and 1530 h. Effluent samples were collected on d 8-10. Results were analyzed using PROC GLIMMIX of SAS with significance at P ≤ 0.05. Apparent digestibility of DM, OM, NDF, and ADF was greatest (P ≤ 0.05) for fermenters receiving KYBG, followed by PRG. Apparent DM and OM digestibility for OG and MF were less than KYBG by 18.0% and 19.6%, respectively. Fermenters receiving KYBG spent the greatest amount of time under pH 5.8 (avg. 15.5 h/d; P = 0.0004). Acetate:propionate and acetate + butyrate:propionate ratios were greater for fermenters receiving KYBG (4.09 and 4.71) and PRG (4.03 and 4.65; P < 0.0001). Water soluble carbohydrate concentration of effluent was least for KYBG (0.80 mg/ mL; P ≤ 0.05). Methane output for KYBG (116.8 mg/dL; P < 0.0001) was greater than that of OG (13.7 mg/dL), MF (31.7 mg/dL), and PRG (11.9 mg/dL) which did not differ from one another. These results suggest that diets containing KYBG and PRG were more digestible with PRG having the added benefit of decreased methane output.

Shifting the cutting of grass from morning to afternoon has been shown to increase the concentration of nonstructural carbohydrates (NSC) in forages. We compared the effects of diets (66:34, forage:concentrate ratio) containing a mix (% of the diet dry matter) of baleages (46.5%) and silages (19.3%) harvested from timothy cut in the afternoon (p.m.-cut TIM diet) or morning (a.m.-cut TIM diet) on omasal flows of NSC and nitrogenous fractions, ruminal and total-tract digestibilities of nutrients, plasma concentration of AA, and milk yield and composition. Eight ruminally cannulated Holstein cows averaging (mean ± standard deviation) 31.4 ± 6.13 kg/d of milk, 136 ± 17.0 d in milk, and 611 ± 66.4 kg of body weight in the beginning of the experiment were used in a crossover design with 21-d periods (14 d for diet adaptation and 7 d for data and sample collection). Intake of total ethanol-soluble carbohydrates (TESC; +150 g/d), starch (+129 g/d), and total NSC (TESC plus starch = +278 g/d) was greater with feeding the p.m.- than the a.m.-cut TIM diet. Likewise, the apparent ruminal digestibilities of TESC (+149 g/d), starch (+167 g/d), and total NSC (+316 g/d) increased in the p.m.-cut TIM diet. Diets, however, had no effect on the omasal flows and apparent ruminal and total-tract digestibilities of dry matter and organic matter. Intake of N increased in cows fed the p.m.- versus the a.m.-cut TIM diet (562 and 528 g/d, respectively) despite no effect of diets on dry matter intake. Diets did not affect the omasal flows of total nonammonia N, total bacterial nonammonia N, nonammonia and nonbacterial N, and individual AA, and the efficiency of microbial protein synthesis in the rumen. Contrarily, supply of rumen-degradable protein increased (+9.2%) in cows fed the p.m.-cut TIM diet, with this response driven by the 6.4% increase in N intake. Plasma concentrations of essential and nonessential AA followed the omasal flow of AA and were not changed by diets. Feeding the p.m.- versus the a.m.-cut diet significantly increased yields of 4% fat-corrected milk and milk fat, and tended to increase energy-corrected milk, milk true protein, and milk lactose yields. Overall, feeding the p.m.-cut TIM diet to mid-lactation dairy cows did not improve microbial protein synthesis and omasal flow of AA, and these responses were in line with the lack of a treatment effect on dry matter intake.

Grazing systems perform multiple ecosystem services including food production, climate regulation, nutrient cycling, and erosion control. Ruminants can also express their natural behaviors on pasture, with recent research revealing that dairy cows were more motivated to go outside for grazing than stay indoors consuming fresh TMR offered immediately after the afternoon milking. In addition, consumers often associate grazing systems with “healthier and happier cows” and are willing to pay premiums for “grass-fed” dairy products. However, milk production and nutrient utilization generally decrease in pasture-based compared with confinement systems, which may reduce farm profitability depending on milk pay prices. It should be noted that there is limited research reporting milk N efficiency (milk N/N intake) or methane emissions in confined versus grazing dairy cows using data collected from the same experiments. Therefore, our overarching objective was to build data sets to compare nutrient utilization in dairy cows under confinement or grazing management where milk N efficiency or methane emissions or both were reported in the same study. Dietary strategies to mitigate methane emissions in grazing dairy systems such as the use of high-quality forages (e.g., brassicas, perennial ryegrass), concentrate and seaweed supplementation, and forage species and management will be explored. For instance, Jersey cows grazing forage canola offered at 40% of the total DM emitted 31% less methane than those kept indoors and fed TMR (419 vs. 289 g/d, respectively) in an experiment conducted at the University of New Hampshire. Methane yield and methane intensity also decreased (P < 0.001) by 29.3% and 23.4%, respectively, in the same study. Irish researchers reported that methane production (-37%), yield (-11.5%), and intensity (-13%) decreased significantly in Holstein-Friesian cows offered perennial ryegrass herbage versus TMR. Data from whole-farm models comparing confinement and grazing systems will be presented and discussed.

Our objective was to investigate the interactions between starch level and rumen-protected Met, Lys, His (RP-MLH) on milk yield, plasma AA concentration, and nutrient utilization in dairy cows fed low metabolizable protein diets (mean = -119 g/d of metabolizable protein balance). Sixteen multiparous Holstein cows (138 ± 46 d in milk, 46 ± 6 kg/d in milk) were used in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. Each period lasted 21 d with 14 d for diet adaptation and 7 d for data and sample collection. Dietary starch level varied by replacing (dry matter basis) pelleted beet pulp and soyhulls with ground corn resulting in the following treatments: (1) 20% pelleted beet pulp and 10% soyhulls (reduced starch = RS), (2) RS plus RP-MLH (RS+AA), (3) 30% ground corn (high starch = HS), and (4) HS plus RP-MLH (HS+AA). Dietary starch concentrations averaged 12.3 and 34.4% for RS and HS basal diets, respectively. Diets were supplemented with RP-MLH products to supply digestible Met, Lys, and His. Compared with RS and RS+AA diets, HS and HS+AA diets increased yields of milk (37.9 vs. 40.1 kg/d) and milk protein (1.07 vs. 1.16 kg/d) and decreased dry matter intake (25.9 vs. 25.2 kg/d), milk urea N (12.6 vs. 11.0 mg/dL), and plasma urea N (13.3 vs. 11.6 mg/dL). Milk N efficiency was greater in cows fed the HS and HS+AA than RS and RS+AA diets (28.9 vs. 25%), and RP-MLH supplementation improved milk true protein concentration. Starch level × RP-MLH interactions were observed for plasma concentrations of Arg and Lys, with RP-MLH being more effective to increase plasma Arg (+16%) and Lys (+23%) when supplemented to the RS than the HS basal diet. Replacing pelleted beet pulp and soyhulls with ground corn lowered the plasma concentrations of all essential AA except Met and Thr. In addition, the plasma concentrations of His and Met increased with RP-MLH. The apparent total-tract digestibilities of neutral and acid detergent fiber were lower, and those of starch and ether extract greater in cows offered the HS and HS+AA diets than RS and RS+AA diets. Urinary excretion of urea N decreased by replacing pelleted beet pulp and soyhulls with ground corn. Enteric CH4 production, CH4 yield, and CH4 intensity all decreased in the HS and HS+AA versus RS and RS+AA diets. Diets did not affect the intakes of gross energy, metabolizable energy, and net energy of lactation. In contrast, digestible energy intake increased with feeding the RS and RS+AA diets, whereas CH4 energy decreased in cows fed the HS and HS+AA diets. Supplementation with RP-MLH had no effect on energy utilization variables. Overall, the lack of interactions between dietary starch level and RP-MLH supplementation on most variables measured herein showed that the effects of starch intake and RP-MLH were independent or additive.

The objective of this work was to investigate the factors which affect the consumption of organic foods enriched with functional properties. The study was developed by investigating the consumer profile of organic and functional foods by applying a questionnaire hosted on the Google Forms® platform (docs.google.com/forms/). The obtained results show that individuals in the age group 31 to 40 years old and those 51 and older, widowed, divorced and inhabitants of the Midwest, Southeast and South regions consume organic food more often. The education level did not influence the willingness to pay more for the purchase of an organic food, the consumption frequency or the interest in consuming organic food with functional potential. The interviewee group had a monthly income of up to R$4,686.00 (In Reais - 5 minimum monthly salaries) and showed a consumption frequency between “almost never” and “sometimes”, while those with an income higher than R$4,686.00 presented between “sometimes” and “often”. Residents of capital cities and from smaller cities showed similar behavior for all variables analyzed. We can conclude that the degree of confidence and the interest in consuming organic foods with functional potential were little influenced by socio-demographic differences.

Forages cut at sundown usually contain a greater concentration of nonstructural carbohydrates (NSC) than those cut at sunrise. Maceration can speed up the rate of moisture loss of cut forage during field drying and reduce NSC utilization by plant cells. We aimed to evaluate the effects of cutting time and forage maceration on feed preference, apparent total tract digestibility of nutrients, and N balance in growing steers. A mixed sward of birdsfoot trefoil and timothy grass was divided into two halves, with the first half cut at sundown (1800 h) after a sunny day and the second half at sunrise (0600 h) the next day. Approximately 50% of the sundown- and sunrise-cut herbage were macerated. Forages were harvested as hay resulting in four treatments: 1) sunrise-cut hay (AM); 2) AM plus maceration (AM-M); 3) sundown-cut hay (PM); and 4) PM plus maceration (PM-M). Hays were offered as the sole feed source to four crossbred steers (296.1 ± 7.25 kg) according to a 4 × 4 Latin square design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. Each period lasted 21 d with 14 d for diet adaptation and 7 d for collection. Hays cut at sundown had 15% greater NSC than those cut at sunrise. A cutting time by maceration interaction was found (P < 0.05) for intake and apparent digestibility of crude protein (CP), indicating that these two variables decreased more when maceration was applied to sundown- versus sunrise-cut hays. Similarly, interaction effects were observed (P < 0.05) for total digestible nutrients and digestible energy, showing that maceration decreased the energetic value of sundown-cut hays but did not change that of sunrise-cut hays. Steers fed hays cut at sundown had decreased urinary N excretion and improved retained N (P < 0.05), whereas N retention was reduced by maceration (P < 0.05). In addition, six crossbred steers were used to assess feed preference, 2 wk before (period 1) and 1 wk after (period 2) the digestibility trial. Animals were randomly assigned to receive a sequence of the four hays combined in pairs. The intake rate was greater for sundown- than sunrise-cut hays, and it was decreased by maceration. Steers showed the greatest preference for PM hay, while AM-M was the most rejected. In conclusion, shifting forage cutting from sunrise to sundown increased hay NSC concentration, which resulted in improved N utilization and preference. Forage maceration during field drying decreased CP concentration and N retention in beef steers under the conditions of our study.

The objective of this study was to correlate the gender and behavior of consumers of organic foods enriched with functional properties. The study was carried out by investigating the profile of organic and functional food consumers through the application of a questionnaire. A total of 1230 responses (of the questionnaire) were collected from people from all Brazilian states through social networks and e-mails following the snowball technique during the months of February and March 2017. The results showed that women expressed greater interest in consuming organic foods enriched with functional properties compared to men. Men and women agree that organic food are produced in a sustainable. Their high price, difficult access, irregular supply and availability in few establishments were highlighted as the main limiting factors for not consuming organic food, while an increased motivation (of consumption) was related to the awareness that organic foods are healthier and can improve quality of life. Fruits and vegetables are the most consumed organic foods among men and women, however women consume more functional foods than men. Thus, there are few differences in behavior and eating habits of organic foods between men and women.

Fourteen organic dairy farms in the northeastern United States were used to evaluate (1) seasonal variation in bioactive milk fatty acid (FA) profile from 2012 to 2015 and (2) supplementation of ground whole flaxseed (GFLX) to maintain elevated concentrations of bioactive milk FA during the nongrazing season. During regular farm visits, milk, feed, and pasture samples were collected, and diet composition, milk yield, and milk composition were recorded. During winters of 2013 to 2014 and 2014 to 2015, 9 farms supplemented GFLX at 6% of diet DM to half of each herd (n = 238 cows per treatment). Milk samples were collected and pooled by treatment (GFLX or control). Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS. A significant month × year interaction (P 0.15) milk yield or concentrations of milk fat or protein; however, BCS tended (P = 0.08) to be greater for GFLX cows. Compared with the control diet, GFLX decreased (P

We aimed to compare the effects of ground (GC) or cracked corn (CC), with or without flaxseed oil (FSO), on milk yield, milk and plasma fatty acid (FA) profile, and nutrient digestibility in Jersey cows fed diets formulated to contain similar starch concentrations. Twelve multiparous organic-certified Jersey cows averaging (mean ± standard deviation) 455 ± 41.9 kg of body weight and 152 ± 34 d in milk and 4 primiparous organic-certified Jersey cows averaging (mean ± standard deviation) 356 ± 2.41 kg of body weight and 174 ± 30 d in milk in the beginning of the experiment were used. Cows were randomly assigned to treatment sequences in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. Each period lasted 24 d with 18 d for diet adaptation and 6 d for data and sample collection. Treatments were fed as total mixed rations consisting of (dry matter basis): (1) 0% FSO + 27.1% GC, (2) 0% FSO + 28.3% CC, (3) 3% FSO + 27.1% GC, and (4) 3% FSO + 28.3% CC. All cows were offered 55% of the total diet dry matter as mixed grass-legume baleage and treatments averaged 20% starch. Significant FSO × corn grain particle size interactions were observed for some variables including milk concentration of lactose and proportions of cis-9,cis-12,cis-15 18:3 in milk and plasma. The proportion of cis-9,cis-12,cis-15 18:3 in milk and plasma decreased slightly when comparing GC versus CC in 0% FSO cows, but a larger reduction was observed in 3% FSO cows. Dry matter intake did not differ and averaged 16.1 kg/d across diets. Feeding 3% FSO increased yields of milk and milk fat and lactose and feed and milk N efficiencies, but decreased fat, true protein, and MUN concentrations and apparent total-tract digestibility of fiber. The Σ branched-chain, Σ

We investigated the effects of replacing ground corn (GRC) with incremental amounts of liquid molasses (LM) on milk enterolactone concentration, antioxidant enzymes activity in plasma, production, milk fatty acid (FA) profile, and nutrient utilization in Jersey cows fed flaxseed meal and low-starch diets. Sixteen multiparous organically certified Jersey cows averaging (mean ± standard deviation) 101 ± 45 d in milk, 462 ± 38 kg of body weight, and 19.8 ± 3.90 kg/d of milk in the beginning of the study were randomly assigned to treatment sequences in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design, with 14 d for diet adaptation and 7 d for data and sample collection. Diets were fed as total mixed rations consisting (dry matter basis) of 52% grass-legume baleage, 8% grass hay, 8.5% soyhulls, 2.5% roasted soybean, 15% flaxseed meal, and 2% minerals-vitamins premix. The GRC-to-LM dietary ratios (dry matter basis) were 12:0, 8:4, 4:8, and 0:12. Orthogonal polynomials were used to test linear, quadratic, and cubic effects using the MIXED procedure of SAS (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC). The milk concentration of enterolactone tended to respond cubically, thus suggesting that replacing GRC with LM did not affect this lignan in milk. The plasma activities of the antioxidant enzymes glutathione peroxidase and catalase did not differ, but superoxide dismutase activity tended to respond cubically with feeding increasing amounts of LM. Dry matter intake and yields of milk and milk fat, true protein, and lactose decreased linearly with substituting GRC for LM. Whereas the concentrations of milk fat and milk true protein did not differ across treatments, milk lactose content decreased linearly. Feeding incremental levels of LM reduced linearly the milk concentration of urea N and the amount of N excreted in urine, and tended to decrease linearly the concentration of plasma urea N. Apparent total-tract digestibilities of dry matter, organic matter, and neutral and acid detergent fiber did not differ across treatments, whereas digestibility of crude protein decreased linearly. Digestibility of starch responded linearly and quadratically, but the actual differences between treatments were too small to be biologically significant. Milk FA profile was substantially changed most notably by linear increases in cis-9,trans-11 18:2, cis-9,cis-12,cis-15 18:3, Σ odd-chain FA, and the trans-11-to-trans-10 ratio, and linear decreases in cis-9 18:1 and cis-9,cis-12 18:2 when replacing GRC by incremental amounts of LM.

Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) is one of the major crops cultivated in tropical and sub-tropical countries, and the primary purpose is to obtain raw sugar. It is an important substance for sugar and alcohol production by both the sugar and beverage industries. During cane processing, various byproducts are obtained, namely sugarcane bagasse, bagasse ash, pressmud cake, sugarcane vinasse, and spent wash. There are many challenging problems in storage, and they cause great environmental pollution. This review discusses their properties by which they can be used for cleaner agricultural and environmental sustainability. Utilization of byproducts results in value-added soil properties and crop yield. Replacing chemical fertilization with these organic natured byproducts not only minimizes the surplus usage of chemical fertilizers but is also cost-effective and an eco-friendly approach. The drawbacks of the long-term application of these byproducts in the agricultural ecosystem are not well documented. We conclude that the agriculture sector can dispose of sugar industry byproducts, but proper systematic disposal is needed. The need arises to arrange some seminars, meetings, and training to make the farming community aware of byproducts utilization and setting a friendly relationship between the farming community and industrialists.

The objective of this study was to compare the effects of ground corn or liquid molasses fed as the sole supplemental nonstructural carbohydrate (NSC) source on production performance, milk fatty acid (FA) profile, grazing behavior, and N metabolism in grazing dairy cows. A strip-grazing management system was used, with cows offered a new strip of fresh herbage after each milking, resulting in approximately 16 h of access to pasture daily. Animals were fed a diet formulated to yield an 86:14 forage-to-concentrate ratio consisting [dry matter (DM) basis] of 74% mixed grass-legume herbage, 12% mixed-mostly legume baleage, 12% NSC source, and 2% mineral-vitamin premix. Twenty Jersey cows averaging (mean ± standard deviation) 121 ± 73 d in milk in the beginning of the study were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 herbage supplementation treatments: (1) baleage plus ground corn (B+GC) or (2) baleage + liquid molasses (B+LM). Both NSC sources were fed at a flat rate of 1.6 kg of DM/cow daily. The study lasted from June to September for a total of 15 wk with data and sample collection conducted in wk 3, 7, 12, and 15. Milk samples for FA analysis were collected in wk 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 11, and 13. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC) for a randomized complete block design with repeated measures over time. Treatment × week interactions were observed for supplement DM intake, milk urea N, bite rate, urinary excretion of uric acid, and milk FA (e.g., 17:0, 18:0, cis-9,trans-11 18:2). Supplement DM intake was greatest in cows fed B+LM in wk 7, 12, and 15. Compared with cows fed B+GC, those fed B+LM had lower concentrations of milk urea N in wk 7 and 15. Milk yield, concentrations and yields of milk components, and plasma concentrations of essential AA, except Met, which was lowest with feeding B+LM, were not affected by supplementation. The plasma concentration of urea N was lowest with feeding B+LM. Cows fed B+GC spent more time grazing than those fed B+LM. Feeding B+GC increased cis-9 18:1 FA and most trans-18:1 FA in milk, whereas B+LM increased Σ odd-chain FA, Σ n-3 FA, and the trans-11 18:1 to trans-10 18:1 ratio, and decreased the n-6 to n-3 ratio. Based on current results, B+LM can entirely replace B+GC without negatively affecting milk yield or yields and concentrations of milk fat and true protein, while decreasing milk urea N, plasma urea N, and the milk trans-11 18:1 to trans-10 18:1 ratio, and increasing Σ n-3 FA.

Previous research has shown that cows fed ≥24% of the diet dry matter (DM) as field peas decreased milk yield as well as concentration and yield of milk protein, possibly due to reduced DM intake and limited supply of Lys and Met. Twelve multiparous and 4 primiparous lactating Holstein cows were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 diets in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design. The diets contained (DM basis) 34.8% corn silage, 15.2% grass-legume silage, 5.9% roasted soybean, 2.4% mineral-vitamin premix, 2.0% alfalfa pellets, and either (1) 36% ground corn, 2.4% soybean meal, and 1.3% urea (UR), (2) 29.7% ground corn, 9.8% soybean meal, 0.13% ruminally protected (RP) Lys, and 0.07% RP-Met (CSBAA), (3) 25% ground field peas, 12.3% ground corn, and 2.4% soybean meal (FP), or (4) FP supplemented with 0.15% RP-Lys and 0.05% RP-Met (FPAA). Our objective was to test the effects of FP versus UR, FPAA versus CSBAA, and FPAA versus FP on milk yield and composition, N utilization, nutrient digestibility, ruminal fermentation profile, and plasma concentration of AA. Milk yield did not differ across diets. Compared with cows fed UR, those fed FP had greater DM intake, concentration and yield of milk true protein, apparent total-tract digestibility of fiber, urinary excretion of purine derivatives, and concentrations of total volatile fatty acids in the rumen and Lys in plasma, and less milk urea N and ruminal NH3-N. The concentration of milk urea N, as well as the concentration and yield of milk fat increased in cows fed FPAA versus CSBAA. Moreover, cows fed FPAA had greater ruminal concentration of total volatile fatty acids, increased proportions of acetate and isobutyrate, and decreased proportions of propionate and valerate than those fed CSBAA. The plasma concentrations of His, Leu, and Phe decreased, whereas plasma Met increased and plasma Lys tended to increase in cows fed FPAA versus CSBAA. Concentration of milk true protein, but not yield, was increased in cows fed FPAA versus FP. However, cows fed FPAA showed decreased concentrations of His and Leu in plasma compared with those fed FP. Overall, compared with the CSBAA diet, feeding FPAA did not negatively affect milk yield and milk protein synthesis. Furthermore, RP-Lys and RP-Met supplementation of the FP diet did not improve milk yield or milk protein synthesis, but decreased urinary urea N excretion.

The livestock industries are a major contributor to the economy of the northeastern United States. Climate models predict increased average maximum temperatures, days with temperatures exceeding 25 °C, and higher annual precipitation in the Northeast. These environmental changes combined with increased atmospheric CO2 concentration are expected to either increase or decrease forage productivity depending on the crop, and may decrease protein content and forage digestibility. Winter damage to sensitive forage species may also increase. Predicted temperature increases are expected to reduce fertility in dairy cattle and heat stress-induced inflammation may limit energy available for productive functions. Additional loss in milk production due to decreased feed intake is estimated to be up to 1% of the projected annual milk production through 2100. The effects of climate change on the beef industry in the Northeast are expected to be minimal. Broiler production in the region may benefit from warmer winter and summer temperatures, but future housing will require greater insulation and ventilation fan capacity. Providing adequate housing and ventilation to offset climate changes will also be important for the layer industry and will likely increase the price of eggs. Climate change is expected to have an economic impact on the horse industry in the region through additional management of land and forage resources, building of shelters, and heat abatement at equine events. Increased temperatures and more intense storms will increase nutrient losses and gaseous emissions from animal manure. Uncertainties about how host animals, pathogens, and disease vectors will respond to climate change highlight the need for continued animal health monitoring.

Evaluation of feed efficiency (FE; calculated as energy-corrected milk yield/dry matter intake) and milk nitrogen efficiency (MNE; calculated as milk N yield/N intake) is needed to help farmers make decisions regarding the economic and environmental sustainability of dairy farms. Our primary objective was to compare FE and MNE data obtained from studies conducted with organic versus conventional dairy cows. Specifically, 3 data sets were constructed to meet this goal: (1) the organic Jersey data set (ORG-JE) built with studies (n = 11) done at the University of New Hampshire Burley-Demeritt Organic Dairy Research Farm (Lee, NH), (2) the conventional Jersey data set (CON-JE) constructed using 19 experiments reported in the literature, and (3) the organic non-Jersey-breed (mostly Holstein, Swedish Red, and Norwegian Red) data set (ORG-NJE) created with 11 published studies. Comparisons were made between ORG-JE and CON-JE and between ORG-JE and ORG-NJE. A second objective was to compare the enteric methane (CH4) emission data set from studies using organic Jerseys (n = 5) with those using conventional Jerseys (n = 4). Cows used in the ORG-JE data set had lower FE (-16%) and MNE (-15.5%) than cows used in the CON-JE counterpart, possibly because dry matter intake increased by an average of 10.4% in organic cows. Feed efficiency and MNE computed from cows belonging to the ORG-NJE data set were intermediate between ORG-JE and CON-JE. Measured CH4 intensity (g/kg of energy-corrected milk) from cows in the ORG-JE CH4 data set increased by 71% compared with that from cows in the CON-JE CH4 data set. Estimated FE and enteric CH4 emissions revealed that Wisconsin organic dairies with the heaviest reliance on forage sources and longest grazing time during the summer were the least feed efficient and emitted the greatest amount of CH4 per kilogram of energy-corrected milk at the animal and whole-farm levels. Overall, the comparisons of FE, MNE, and enteric CH4 emissions between organic and conventional dairies and within organic systems made in this symposium review should be interpreted cautiously because they are based on study means and small data sets. Research is needed to better characterize the performance, efficiency, profitability, and carbon emissions of forage-based organic dairies in the United States, including the fast-growing "grass-fed" segment, which relies exclusively on forage diets. The effect of large organic dairies on the economic and social sustainability of small and mid-size organic dairy operations nationwide also deserves further investigation.

We showed previously that dairy cows fed [diet dry matter (DM) basis] 25% finely ground field pea (GFP) plus rumen-protected (RP)-Met and RP-Lys had greater milk true protein yield and plasma Met concentration, but lower plasma His, compared with those fed GFP without rumen-protected AA supplementation. The goal of the present study was to investigate the effects of diets containing soybean meal (SBM) or canola meal (CM) with or without a source of RP-Met on production, nutrient digestibility, and N metabolism in cows fed 25% GFP. Sixteen mid-lactation Holstein cows were used in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments (21-d periods). Cows were fed (DM basis) 35% corn silage, 14% grass-legume haylage, 25% GFP, and 11% SBM or 13.5% CM with or without 0.095% RP-Met supplementation as Smartamine M (Adisseo USA Inc., Alpharetta, GA). Protein source effects were observed for most production variables; cows fed diets containing CM plus GFP had greater DM intake, yields of milk and milk fat and true protein, and milk N efficiency than those offered SBM plus GFP. Feeding CM plus GFP also reduced the concentrations of milk urea N and plasma urea N, and the urinary excretion of NH3 N and urea N, suggesting improved N use efficiency. Moreover, replacing SBM with CM increased the concentrations of all essential AA (except Arg) in plasma collected from the coccygeal blood vessels. A protein source × RP-Met interaction was observed for the concentration of His in coccygeal plasma, with circulating His decreasing only when RP-Met was supplemented to the diet containing SBM plus GFP. Based on the arteriovenous difference method, Lys was the first limiting AA overall, with Met being the first limiting AA in diets that did not receive RP-Met. Apparent total-tract digestibilities of DM, organic matter, N, and acid detergent fiber increased with feeding SBM plus GFP versus CM plus GFP. Most variables were not affected by RP-Met supplementation, except plasma Met concentration, which increased by 63%. Collectively, our results indicate that CM appears to be a better companion rumen-degradable protein source to GFP than SBM, due to improved yields of milk and milk protein and N use efficiency.

A 4-unit, dual-flow continuous culture fermentor system was used to assess nutrient digestibility, volatile fatty acids (VFA) production, bacterial protein synthesis, and methane (CH4) output of warm-season annual grasses. Treatments were randomly assigned to fermentors in a 4 × 4 Latin square design using 7 d for adaptation to treatment and 3 d for sample collection. Treatments were (1) 100% orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.; ORD); (2) 50% orchardgrass + 50% Japanese millet [Echinochloa esculenta (A. Braun) H. Scholz; MIL]; (3) 50% orchardgrass + 50% brown midrib sorghum × sudangrass (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench × S. bicolor var. sudanense; SSG]; or (4) 50% orchardgrass + 25% millet + 25% sorghum × sudangrass (MIX). Fermentors were fed 60 g of dry matter (DM)/d in equal portions of herbage 4 times daily (0730, 1030, 1400, and 1900 h). To replicate a typical 12-h pasture rotation, fermentors were fed the orchardgrass at 0730 and 1030 h and the individual treatment herbage (orchardgrass, Japanese millet, sorghum × sudangrass, or 50:50 Japanese millet and sorghum × sudangrass) at 1400 and 1900 h. Gas samples for CH4 analysis were collected 6 times daily at 0725, 0900, 1000, 1355, 1530, and 1630 h. Fermentor pH was determined at the time of feeding, and fermentor effluent samples for NH3-N and VFA analyses were taken daily at 1030 h on d 8, 9, and 10. Samples were also analyzed for DM, organic matter (OM), crude protein, and fiber fractions to determine nutrient digestibilities. Bacterial efficiency was estimated by dividing bacterial N by truly digested OM. True DM and OM digestibilities and pH were not different among treatments. Apparent OM digestibility was greater in ORD than in MIL and SSG. The concentration of propionate was greater in ORD than in SSG and MIX, and that of butyrate was greatest in ORD and MIL. Methane output was greatest in MIL, intermediate in ORD, and lowest in SSG and MIX. Nitrogen intake did not differ across treatments, whereas bacterial N efficiency per kilogram of truly digestible OM was greatest in MIL, intermediate in SSG and MIX, and lowest in ORD. True crude protein digestibility was greater in ORD versus MIL, and ORD had lower total N, non-NH3-N, bacterial N, and dietary N in effluent flows than MIL. Overall, we detected little difference in true nutrient digestibility; however, SSG and MIX provided the lowest acetate to propionate ratio and lower CH4 output than MIL and ORD. Thus, improved warm-season annual pastures (i.e., brown midrib sorghum × sudangrass) could provide a reasonable alternative to orchardgrass pastures during the summer months when such perennial cool-season grass species have greatly reduced productivity.

Pasture samples (n = 380) collected during the grazing season on 14 dairy farms (2012 to 2014) were analyzed for nutritional composition. The MIXED procedure of SAS was used to test effect of year, month, and farm. Frequency analysis was used to determine the proportion of pasture samples that met minimum NEl, CP, and macro mineral requirements of lactating Holstein and Jersey cows (25 kg of milk/d; NRC, 2001). The Large Ruminant Nutrition System model was used to evaluate feeding strategies that accompanied grazing. Each year, forage quality declined with the advancing grazing season (CP, NEl, P

Shifting cutting from morning to afternoon has been shown to increase the concentration of nonstructural carbohydrates in forages. We hypothesized that, compared with a total mixed ration containing timothy baleage and silage cut in the morning (a.m.-cut TIM), a total mixed ration containing timothy baleage and silage cut in the afternoon (p.m.-cut TIM) would improve animal performance and N use efficiency in mid-lactation Holstein cows due to enhanced supply of ruminal fermentable energy. The objective of this study was to compare the effects of p.m.- versus a.m.-cut TIM on milk yield, concentrations and yields of milk components, ruminal metabolism, and plasma concentrations of AA in mid-lactation Holstein cows. Ten (6 ruminally cannulated) primiparous cows averaging 139±13 d in milk and 550±56 kg of body weight, and 6 (2 ruminally cannulated) multiparous cows averaging 128±11 d in milk and 632±57 kg of body weight at the beginning of the experiment, were used in a crossover design. Each period lasted 21 d with 14 d for diet adaptation and 7 d for data and sample collection. The concentration of nonstructural carbohydrates (water-soluble carbohydrates plus starch) was numerically greater in the p.m.- versus the a.m.-cut TIM and averaged 13.2±1.06% and 12.2±1.13%, respectively. Treatment × parity effects were observed for milk urea N, feed efficiency, and milk N efficiency, whereas parity effects were observed for nutrient intake, milk yield, and plasma concentration of several essential and nonessential AA. Intakes of dry matter (19.3 versus 18.6 kg/d) and nonstructural carbohydrates (2.56 versus 2.31 kg/d), and yields of 4% fat-corrected milk (23.1 versus 22.2 kg/d), energy-corrected milk (25.0 versus 24.1 kg/d), milk fat (0.91 versus 0.88 kg/d), and milk protein (0.77 versus 0.73 kg/d) were all greatest with feeding p.m.-cut TIM. Milk yield (23.5 versus 22.7 kg/d) tended to increase in cows fed p.m.-cut TIM. The ruminal fermentation profiles and plasma concentrations of AA were mostly unaffected by treatments. However, ruminal valerate (1.01 versus 1.17 mol/100 mol) and plasma Gly (172 versus 188 µM) were lowest with feeding p.m.-cut TIM. Overall, feeding mid-lactation dairy cows a total mixed ration that consisted of p.m.-cut timothy baleage and silage significantly increased dry matter intake and yields of milk, milk fat, and milk protein.

Kelp meal (KM) is a supplement made from the brown seaweed Ascophyllum nodosum, known to bioaccumulate iodine (I) and to be the richest source of phlorotannins, which can inhibit ruminal proteolysis and microbial growth. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of KM on production, milk I, concentrations of blood metabolites, apparent total-tract digestibility of nutrients, and CH4 emissions in grazing dairy cows. Eight multiparous Jersey cows averaging (mean ± SD) 175 ± 60 d in milk and 12 primiparous Jersey cows averaging 142 ± 47 d in milk at the beginning of the study were assigned to either 0 g/d of KM (control diet, CTRL) or 113 g/d of KM (brown seaweed diet, BSW) in a randomized complete block design. Diets were formulated to yield a 70:30 forage-to-concentrate ratio and consisted of (dry matter basis): 48% cool-season perennial herbage and 52% partial TMR (pTMR). Each experimental period (n = 3) lasted 28 d, with data and sample collection taking place during the last 7 d of each period. Cows had approximately 16.5 h of access to pasture daily. Herbage dry matter intake increased, and total dry matter intake tended to increase in cows fed BSW versus the CTRL diet. Milk yield and concentrations and yields of milk components were not affected by diets. Similarly, blood concentrations of cortisol, glucose, fatty acids, and thyroxine did not change with feeding CTRL or BSW. However, a diet × period interaction was observed for milk I concentration; cows offered the BSW diet had greater milk I concentration during periods 1, 2, and 3, but the largest difference between BSW and CTRL was observed in period 2 (579 vs. 111 µg/L, respectively). Except for period 2, the concentration of milk I in cows fed KM did not exceed the 500 µg/L threshold recommended for human consumption. Diet × period interactions were also found for serum triiodothyronine concentration, total-tract digestibilities of crude protein and acid detergent fiber, CH4 production, and urinary excretion of purine derivatives. Overall, the lack of KM effects on milk yield and concentrations and yields of milk components indicate that dairy producers should consider costs before making KM supplementation decisions during the grazing season. Future research is needed to evaluate the concentration of I in retail organic milk because of the high prevalence of KM supplementation in northeastern and midwestern US organic dairies and possibly in other regions of the country.

The dairy industry can benefit from low crude protein (CP) diets due to reduced N excretion, but shortages of Met, Lys, and His may limit milk protein synthesis. We studied the effect of incremental amounts of rumen-protected (RP)-His on plasma and muscle AA profile, nutrient utilization, and yields of milk and milk true protein in dairy cows. Eight multiparous Holstein cows (130 ± 30 d in milk) were randomly assigned to treatment sequences in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design with 28-d experimental periods. Treatments included a basal diet composed (dry matter basis) of 50% corn silage, 15% haylage, and 35% concentrate supplemented with 0, 82, 164, and 246 g/d of RP-His and 11 g/d of RP-Met. Milk, plasma, and muscle samples were collected weekly or every other week during all 4 periods, whereas spot urine and fecal grab samples were taken only in wk 4 of each period. Data were analyzed individually by week using linear, quadratic, and cubic orthogonal polynomials and repeated measures. Plasma His increased linearly with RP-His during wk 1 (30.3 to 57.2 µM) to wk 4 (33.2 to 63.1 µM). Plasma carnosine increased linearly with supplemental RP-His except in wk 2. No treatment effect was observed for plasma 3-methylhistidine except a quadratic effect in wk 3. Inclusion of RP-His showed linear effects on muscle His in wk 2 (20.1 to 32.5 µM) and 4 (20.3 to 35.5 µM). Whereas muscle anserine and carnosine concentrations were not affected by treatments in wk 4, anserine responded quadratically and carnosine showed a trend for a quadratic response to RP-His in wk 2. During wk 4, treatments did not affect urinary excretion of total purine derivatives, as well as dry matter intake and milk concentrations of fat and true protein. In contrast, milk yield tended to increase linearly (31.2 to 32.7 kg/d) and milk true protein yield responded linearly (0.93 to 0.98 kg/d) and tended to increase quadratically to RP-His supplementation in wk 4. Also, milk urea-N (11.7 to 12.9 mg/dL) and urinary excretion of urea-N (23.7 to 27.0% of N intake) increased linearly with feeding RP-His in wk 4. Overall, RP-His was effective to enhance plasma and muscle concentrations of His and milk protein synthesis. Elevated milk urea-N and urinary excretion of urea-N suggest that plasma His may have exceeded the requirement with excess N converted to urea in the liver. Future research is needed to determine the bioavailability of RP-His supplements to improve the accuracy of diet formulation for AA.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of incremental amounts of ground flaxseed (GFX) on milk yield and concentrations and yields of milk components, milk fatty acids (FA) profile, ruminal metabolism, and nutrient digestibility in dairy cows fed high-forage diets. Twelve multiparous Jersey cows averaging (mean ± SD) 112±68d in milk and 441±21kg of body weight and 8 primiparous Jersey cows averaging 98±43d in milk and 401±43kg of body weight were randomly assigned to treatment sequences in a replicated 4×4 Latin square design. Each period lasted 21d with 14d for diet adaptation and 7d for data and sample collection. Treatments were fed as a total mixed ration (63:37 forage-to-concentrate ratio) with corn meal and soybean meal replaced by incremental levels (i.e., 0, 5, 10, or 15% diet dry matter) of GFX. The ruminal molar proportions of acetate and butyrate decreased linearly with GFX supplementation, whereas the ruminal molar proportion of propionate increased linearly resulting in decreased acetate-to-propionate ratio. Apparent total-tract digestibilities of nutrients either decreased (dry matter) or tended to decrease (organic matter, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber) linearly in cows fed GFX. Milk yield decreased linearly in cows fed increasing amounts of GFX, which is explained by the linear reduction in dry matter intake. Except for the concentrations of milk protein and urea N, which decreased linearly with GFX supplementation, no other changes in the concentration of milk components were observed. However, yields of milk protein and fat decreased linearly with GFX supplementation. The linear decrease in the yields of milk fat and protein are explained by reduced milk yield, whereas that in milk urea N is explained by decreased crude protein intake. No treatment effects were observed for plasma urea N and nonesterified fatty acids, serum cortisol, and body weight change. Milk odd- and branched-chain FA and saturated FA decreased linearly with GFX supplementation. Milk trans-11 18:1, α-linolenic acid, cis-9,trans-11 18:2, and the sum of n-3 FA all increased linearly and quadratically, whereas the milk ratio of n-6 to n-3 decreased linearly in cows fed GFX. Overall, compared with the control diet (0% GFX), the diet with 15% GFX supplementation resulted in the lowest milk yield but highest milk proportions and yields (data not shown) of cis-9,trans-11 18:2 and n-3 FA.

The objective of this study was to measure enteric CH 4 emissions using a new portable automated open-circuit gas quantification system (GQS) and the sulfur hexafluoride tracer technique (SF 6 ) in midlactation Holstein cows housed in a tiestall barn. Sixteen cows averaging 176±34d in milk, 40.7±6.1kg of milk yield, and 685±49kg of body weight were randomly assigned to 1 out of 2 treatments according to a crossover design. Treatments were (1) ad libitum (adjusted daily to yield 10% orts) and (2) restricted feed intake [set to restrict feed by 10% of baseline dry matter intake (DMI)]. Each experimental period lasted 22d, with 14d for treatment adaptation and 8d for data and sample collection. A common diet was fed to the cows as a total mixed ration and contained 40.4% corn silage, 11.2% grass-legume haylage, and 48.4% concentrate on a dry matter basis. Spot 5-min measurements using the GQS were taken twice daily with a 12-h interval between sampling and sampling times advanced 2h daily to account for diurnal variation in CH 4 emissions. Canisters for the SF 6 method were sampled twice daily before milking with 4 local background gas canisters inside the barn analyzed for background gas concentrations. Enteric CH 4 emissions were not affected by treatments and averaged 472 and 458g/d (standard error of the mean=18g/d) for ad libitum and restricted intake treatments, respectively (data not shown). The GQS appears to be a reliable method because of the relatively low coefficients of variation (ranging from 14.1 to 22.4%) for CH 4 emissions and a moderate relationship (coefficient of determination=0.42) between CH 4 emissions and DMI. The SF 6 resulted in large coefficients of variation (ranging from 16.0 to 111%) for CH 4 emissions and a poor relationship (coefficient of determination=0.17) between CH 4 emissions and DMI, likely because of limited barn ventilation and high background gas concentration. Research with improved barn ventilation systems or outdoors is warranted to further assess the GQS and SF 6 methodologies.

Objective To describe a 2-stage rumen cannulation technique for dairy cows. Study Design Case series. Animals 172 dairy cows from 2 research institutions. Methods The 2-stage rumen cannulation technique first exteriorized a rumen segment within a wooden clamp, fixing the clamp to the skin with 6 mattress sutures. After 1 week, the necrotic rumen segment was removed, leaving a rumen fistula in which a 7.5 cm cannula was inserted. This was replaced by a 10 cm cannula a further 1 week later. The surgery took an average of 30 minutes. At least 1 assistant is required for the technique. Results The overall complication frequency was 7/172 (4%). One cow and 1 heifer aborted less than 10 days after surgery. Two late-pregnant heifers died from peritonitis after insertion of the 7.5 cm cannula because of incomplete adhesion of the rumen to the abdominal wall. The exteriorized rumen segment slipped back in the abdomen in 3 cows but was successfully re-clamped prior to insertion of the 7.5 cm cannula. Conclusion A high success rate was achieved with this 2-stage cannulation technique. Postoperative complications were attributed to delayed adhesion of the rumen, perhaps because of stress-related factors (e.g., transport, mixing with other animals, transition period).

We investigated the interactions of corn meal or molasses [nonstructural carbohydrate (NSC) supplements] with a soybean-sunflower meal mix or flaxseed meal [rumen-degradable protein (RDP) supplements] on animal production, milk fatty acids profile, and nutrient utilization in dairy cows fed grass hay diets. Eight multiparous and 8 primiparous Jersey cows averaging 135±49d in milk and 386±61kg of body weight in the beginning of the study were randomly assigned to 4 replicated 4×4 Latin squares with a 2×2 factorial arrangement of treatments. Each period lasted 19d with 14d for diet adaptation and 5d for data and sample collection. Cows were fed diets composed of mixed-mostly grass hay plus 1 of the following 4 concentrate blends: (1) corn meal plus a protein mix containing soybean meal and sunflower meal; (2) corn meal plus flaxseed meal; (3) liquid molasses plus a protein mix containing soybean meal and sunflower meal; or (4) liquid molasses plus flaxseed meal. Data were analyzed for main effects of NSC and RDP supplements, and the NSC × RDP supplement interactions. Significant NSC × RDP supplement interactions were observed for milk urea N, milk N efficiency, and the sums of milk saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acids. No effect of NSC supplements was observed for nutrient intake and milk yield. However, 4% fat-corrected milk (-0.70kg/d) and energy-corrected milk (-0.60kg/d) were significantly reduced in cows fed liquid molasses due to a trend to decreased concentration of milk fat (-0.17%). Diets with liquid molasses resulted in increased (+35%) concentration and yield of milk enterolactone, indicating that this mammalian lignan can be modulated by supplements with different NSC profiles. Overall, NSC and RDP supplements profoundly changed the milk fatty acid profile, likely because of differences in fatty acids intake, Δ(9)-desaturase indices, and ruminal biohydrogenation pathways. Feeding liquid molasses significantly reduced plasma urea N (-1.2mg/dL), urinary N excretion (-20g/d), and N digestibility (-3.2 percentage units). Flaxseed meal significantly reduced yields of milk (-1.3kg/d), milk fat (-90g/d), and milk lactose (-60g/d), but significantly increased the concentration and yield of milk enterolactone. Further research is needed to elucidate the negative responses of flaxseed meal on yields of milk and milk components.

Flaxseed is the richest source of the plant lignan secoisolariciresinol diglucoside, which is converted to the mammalian lignans enterolactone (EL) and enterodiol by the gut microbiota of ruminants and humans. Enterolactone has been associated with improved animal and human health due to its antioxidant and anticarcinogenic properties. The objective of this study was to determine the pharmacokinetics of EL in newborn dairy calves fed milk replacer or EL-enriched milk. We hypothesized that newborn Holstein calves fed EL-enriched milk would have greater area under the curve and plasma concentration of EL compared with those fed milk replacer. On d 5 of life, calves were administered 2 L of milk replacer (n = 10; low-EL treatment: 123 nmol/L of EL) or 2 L of EL-enriched milk (n = 10; high-EL treatment: 481 nmol/L of EL) during the morning feeding (0700 h). Blood samples were taken from the jugular vein before (0 h) and at 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 24, and 48 h after oral administration of treatments. The area under the curve for the plasma concentration of EL was analyzed according to the trapezoidal rule between 0 and 12 h after treatment administration, and it was greater in high- (26 nmol/L × h) than low-EL calves (4.30 nmol/L × h). Similarly, the maximum concentration of EL in plasma was greater in high- (5.06 nmol/L) versus low-EL calves (1.95 nmol/L). Furthermore, the time after treatment intake to reach maximum plasma concentration of EL was faster in high- (4.31 h) compared with low-EL (4.44 h) treatment. Calves were able to absorb EL, indicating that EL-enriched milk can potentially be used as source of EL to pre-weaned ruminants.

A 4-unit dual-flow continuous-culture fermentor system was used to assess the effect of supplementing 7-d sprouted barley (SB) or barley grain (BG) with an herbage-based or haylage-based diet on nutrient digestibility, volatile fatty acid (VFA) profiles, bacterial protein synthesis, and methane (CH 4 ) output. Treatments were randomly assigned to fermentors in a 4×4 Latin square design with a 2×2 factorial arrangement using 7 d for diet adaptation and 3 d for sample collection. Experimental diets were (1) 55.5g of herbage dry matter (DM) + 4.5g of SB DM, (2) 56.0g of herbage DM + 4.0g of BG DM, (3) 55.5g of haylage DM + 4.5g of SB DM, and (4) 56.0g of haylage DM + 4.0g of BG DM. Forages were fed at 0730, 1030, 1400, and 1900h, whereas SB and BG were fed at 0730 and 1400h. Gas samples for CH 4 analysis were collected at 0725, 0900, 1000, 1355, 1530, and 1630h on d 8, 9, and 10. Fluid samples were taken once daily on d 8, 9, and 10 for pH measurements and for ammonia-N and VFA analysis and analyzed for DM, organic matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber for determination of nutrient digestibilities and estimation of bacterial protein synthesis. Orthogonal contrasts were used to compare the effect of forage source (haylage vs. herbage), supplement (BG vs. SB), and the forage × supplement interaction. Apparent and true DM and organic matter digestibilities as well as apparent crude protein digestibility were not affected by forage source. However, true DM digestibility was greatest for diets supplemented with SB. Apparent neutral and acid detergent fiber digestibilities of herbage-based diets were higher than haylage-based diets but fiber digestibility was not affected by supplement. Diets supplemented with SB had higher mean and minimum pH than BG; however, maximum pH was not affected by diet. Supplementation with BG produced a greater concentration of total VFA compared with diets supplemented with SB. Haylage-based diets produced greater CH 4 output compared with herbage-based diets but supplementation did not affect CH 4 output. Efficiency of bacterial protein synthesis was greater for herbage-based diets compared with haylage-based diets, with no effect of supplementation. Overall, supplementation with SB marginally increased true DM digestibility of herbage- and haylage-based diets but did not affect fiber and crude protein digestibilities, CH 4 output, and bacterial efficiency, compared with BG.

The present study aimed to determine whether the improvement in postpartum energy balance frequently reported in cows under short dry period management could be due to an improvement in ruminal function related to the reduction in the number of diet changes before calving. Six multiparous and 6 primiparous Holstein cows equipped with ruminal cannula were assigned to 6 blocks of 2 cows each according to parity, projected milk production at 305 d, and expected calving date. Within each block, cows were randomly assigned to either a conventional (CDP; 63.2 ± 2.0 d) or a short dry period (SDP; 35.2 ± 2.0 d) management in a randomized complete block design. The CDP cows were fed a far-off diet until 28 d before calving, followed by a prepartum diet, whereas SDP cows received only the prepartum diet. After calving, both groups were fed the same lactation diet. Milk yield and dry matter intake (DMI) were recorded daily and milk composition, weekly. Blood samples were taken twice a week during the first 4 wk postcalving and weekly otherwise. Omasal and ruminal samples were collected approximately 3 wk prior and 3 wk after calving. From 28 d before calving until calving, when the 2 groups of cows were fed the same prepartum diet, there was no effect of the dry period length management on DMI, plasma concentrations of β-hydroxybutyrate, nonesterified fatty acids, and glucose and nutrient digestibility in the rumen. However, CDP cows tended to have lower ruminal pH and higher ruminal concentrations of total volatile fatty acids than SDP cows. From calving to 60 d in milk, daily DMI was higher for SDP than for CDP cows (22.3 ± 0.44 vs. 20.7 ± 0.30 kg), but milk production and milk concentrations and yields of fat, protein, and total solids were not affected by the dry period length management. After calving, body weight loss was reduced and body condition score tended to increase more rapidly for SDP than for CDP cows. Nutrient digestibility in the rumen, expressed in kilograms per day, was greater or tended to be greater for SDP cows, but differences were no longer significant when expressed per unit of nutrient ingested. The decrease in plasma nonesterified fatty acids and β-hydroxybutyrate in SDP cows without effect on milk yield suggests an improved energy balance likely due to greater DMI. Results from the present study seem to indicate that reducing the number of diet changes before calving could facilitate ruminal adaptation to the lactation diet and improve energy balance postpartum.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of feeding alfalfa baleage with different concentrations of nonstructural carbohydrates (NSC) supplemented with a common corn-based concentrate on performance, ruminal fermentation profile, N utilization, and omasal flow of nutrients in dairy cows during early lactation. Ten multiparous (8 ruminally cannulated) and 8 primiparous Holstein cows were randomly assigned to treatments (high- or low-NSC diet) in a crossover design. The difference in NSC concentration between the 2 alfalfa baleages fed from d14 to 21 averaged 14g of NSC/kg of dry matter (DM). Forages and concentrate were offered in separate meals with forages fed once and concentrate offered 3 times daily. Except for the molar proportion of valerate, which was lowest in cows fed the high-NSC diet, no other changes in ruminal fermentation were observed. Omasal flows of most nitrogenous fractions, including bacterial nonammonia N and AA, were not affected by treatments. Apparent ruminal digestibilities of neutral and acid detergent fiber and N were lowest, whereas that of total ethanol-soluble carbohydrates was highest when feeding the high-NSC diet. Postruminal digestibilities of DM, organic matter, fiber, and N were highest in cows fed the high-NSC diet, resulting in no difference in total-tract digestibilities. Total-tract digestibility of total ethanol-soluble carbohydrates was highest in cows fed the high-NSC diet, but that of starch did not differ across treatments. Although milk yield and total DM intake did not differ between treatments, yields of milk fat and 4% fat-corrected milk decreased significantly in cows fed the high-NSC diet. Milk concentration of urea N was lowest, and that of ruminal NH 3 -N highest, in cows fed the high-NSC diet. Plasma urea N concentration tended to be decreased in cows fed the high-NSC diet, but concentrations of AA were not affected by treatments, with the exception of Asp and Cys, both of which were lowest in cows fed the low-NSC diet. Feeding diets with contrasting NSC concentrations did not improve milk production, N utilization, or bacterial protein synthesis, possibly because intakes of NSC and DM were similar between treatments. Overall, results from the current study should be interpreted cautiously because of the lack of difference in dietary NSC intake between treatments and reduced N and fiber intakes when feeding the high-NSC diet.

Demand for locally-produced food is growing in areas outside traditionally dominant agricultural regions due to concerns over food safety, quality, and sovereignty, rural livelihoods, and environmental integrity. Strategies for meeting this demand rely upon agricultural land use change, in various forms of either intensification or extensification (converting non-agricultural land, including native landforms, to agricultural use). The nature and extent of the impacts of these changes on non-food-provisioning ecosystem services are determined by a complex suite of scale-dependent interactions among farming practices, site-specific characteristics, and the ecosystem services under consideration. Ecosystem modeling strategies which honor such complexity are often impenetrable by non-experts, resulting in a prevalent conceptual gap between ecosystem sciences and the field of sustainable agriculture. Referencing heavily forested New England as an example, we present a conceptual framework designed to synthesize and convey understanding of the scale- and landscape-dependent nature of the relationship between agriculture and various ecosystem services. By accounting for the total impact of multiple disturbances across a landscape while considering the effects of scale, the framework is intended to stimulate and support the collaborative efforts of land managers, scientists, citizen stakeholders, and policy makers as they address the challenges of expanding local agriculture.

Maceration and evening-cutting are 2 forage management techniques that have independently improved forage quality and nutrient utilization in ruminants, but have not been evaluated in combination. Using a dual-fl ow continuous culture fermenter system, this preliminary study was designed to evaluate the individual and combined effects of time of cutting and maceration on in vitro ruminal digestion, nutrient fl ows, and microbial protein synthesis. Forages were harvested as hay from a timothy (Phleum pratense L.)-birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.) stand in the morning (AM) or evening (PM). Half of each morning- and evening-cut treatment was macerated (AM-M, PM-M). The chemical composition (DM, OM, CP, NDF, ADF), including nonstructural carbohydrates (NSC) and water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC), was determined for each of the 4 treatments (AM, AM-M, PM, PM-M). Forages were ground to 2 mm and allocated to separate fermenters at 60 g of DM/d in a 4 × 4 Latin square design. Fermenters were operated over four 10-d periods with the fi rst 7 d for adaptation followed by 3 d of sampling. Evening- cutting enhanced the apparent digestibility of NDF (P = 0.02) and ADF (P = 0.006), with a tendency (P 0.10) by time of cutting, though evening-cutting increased (P = 0.02) total concentration of VFA. Maceration had no effect (P > 0.10) on true nutrient digestibility or microbial protein synthesis. An interaction of time of cutting and maceration (P < 0.05) was observed whereby maceration decreased true DM and OM digestibilities in evening-cut treatments, but had no effect in morning-cut treatments. Similarly, maceration reduced total N supply (P < 0.001) and molar proportions of acetate (P = 0.04) and increased molar proportions of propionate (P = 0.01) in evening-cut treatments with no effect on morning-cut treatments. These results indicate that independent use of evening cutting increased fi ber digestibility and total VFA concentration, and independent use of maceration shifted molar proportions of VFA toward glucogenic fermentation. The combined use of these management techniques afforded no improvement for in vitro digestibility or metabolism when applied to morning-cut hay, and decreased nutrient digestibility when applied to evening-cut hay. Due to inherent limitations of in vitro systems, the results of this study should be interpreted with caution. Further in vivo studies are needed to support our conclusions.

Fifty-two dairy calves were blocked by birth date and, within each block, randomly assigned to 1 of 4 treatments to investigate the effects of incremental levels of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO(3)) on IgG metabolism. Treatments were (1) colostrum replacer (CR)+0 g of NaHCO(3) (control); (2) CR+15 g of NaHCO(3); (3) CR+30 g of NaHCO(3); or (4) CR+45 g of NaHCO(3). Calves were fed colostrum replacer (200 g of IgG) in one feeding within 45 min of birth (0 h) and 2 L of milk replacer at 12, 24, 36, and 48 h. Only calves born in calving pens from multiparous cows with no dystocia were used in this study. Blood samples were taken at 0, 6, 12, 24, and 48 h postpartum, and serum was analyzed for IgG using radial immunoassay and bicarbonate using spectrophotometry. Feeding increasing levels of sodium bicarbonate had negative linear effects on IgG concentration, IgG apparent efficiency of absorption, and IgG area under the curve, primarily due to the effect of the highest dose of NaHCO(3) (45 g). Sodium bicarbonate treatments had no effect on serum bicarbonate concentration. However, area under the curve of serum bicarbonate increased linearly with the amount of NaHCO(3) fed.

Molasses is used by some producers with grazing dairy cows to replace greater-costing corn. However, anecdotal results are mixed, and little research exists evaluating the effects of molasses fed to grazing dairy cows as the sole supplement. This study evaluated the effect of rate of molasses supplementation and forage nutritive value (NV) on ruminal fermentation in continuous-culture fermentors. We used a 4 × 4 Latin-square design with treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement, and the treatments were 1) good NV pasture (63 g DM/d; 26.8% CP, 35.9% NDF) plus blackstrap molasses at 10% of total DM fed (7 g DM/d; G10); 2) good NV pasture (66.5 g DM/d) plus molasses at 5% of total DM fed (3.5 g DM/d; G5); 3) poor NV pasture [relative to good NV pasture (20.4% CP, 45.3% NDF); 63 g DM/d] plus molasses at 10% of total DM fed (7 g DM/d; P10); and 4) poor NV pasture (66.5 g DM/d) plus molasses at 5% of total DM fed (3.5 g DM/d; P5). Apparent OM and ADF digestibilities and true DM and OM digestibilities, mean ruminal pH, and concentrations of total and individual VFA were greater (P 0.10) by forage NV or molasses supplementation rate. No significant interaction between forage NV and molasses supplementation rate relative to ruminal fermentation was detected. Molasses may need to be evaluated on a case-bycase basis to determine feasibility as an energy substitute for grazing dairy cows.