Browsing by Author "Bailey, Thomas L."
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- Dairy Heifer Health, Disease Control, and VaccinationsBailey, Thomas L.; Murphy, Julia M.; James, Robert E. (Virginia Cooperative Extension, 2009-05-01)The future of the dairy herd is dependent on the production of superior heifers to replace culled lactating animals. It is imperative that the health status of the replacement animal is optimized.
- Early Heifer Development and Colostrum ManagementBailey, Thomas L.; Murphy, Julia M.; James, Robert E. (Virginia Cooperative Extension, 2009-05-01)Approximately 9% to 20% of the expenses in- incurred on dairy operations will involve rearing and developing heifers. Therefore, heifers should represent a sound investment, as their impact on future herd profitability is enormous.
- Early heifer development and colostrum managementBailey, Thomas L.; Murphy, Julia M.; James, Robert E. (Virginia Cooperative Extension, 1999)Raising dairy replacement heifers should represent a sound investment, as their impact on future herd profitability is enormous.
- Effects of Energy Balance on Ovarian Activity and Recovered Oocytes in Holstein Cows Using Transvaginal Follicular AspirationKendrick, Kerry Wyn II (Virginia Tech, 1997-05-12)The effects of energy balance on hormonal patterns and recovered oocytes were evaluated in 20 lactating Holstein cows during two trial periods (fall/spring). Cows were randomly selected and assigned to one of two dietary treatments formulated so that cows consumed 3.6% BW (HE- 1.78 mcal/kg; n=6 in fall, n=5 in spring) and 3.2% BW (LE-1.52 mcal/kg; n= 5 in fall, n=4 in spring). Body weight and body condition score (BCS) were recorded prior to parturition and weekly throughout the fall trial. Ultrasound guided transvaginal follicular aspirations were conducted twice weekly between d 30 and 100 of lactation. Follicle size and number were recorded. Follicular fluid (FF) was aspirated from the largest follicle, and serum samples were collected for hormone assay (IGF-1; estradiol (E2); progesterone (P4, serum ); LH and FSH). Oocytes were collected and graded based upon cumulus density and ooplasm homogeneity, then fertilized and cultured in vitro. Milk yield averaged 41.64 ± .3 kg/d (mean ± SE) for HE and 32.8 ± .3 kg/d for LE. There was a significant cubic day postpartum by treatment interaction for milk yield. Dry matter intake and BW treatment by week interactions were significant for the cubic and linear components, respectively. Oocyte numbers increased linearly from d 30 to 100 postpartum. HE cows produced more good + oocytes (1.5 ± .2 ) than LE cows (1.4 ± .1). Follicles less than or equal to 5 mm predominated throughout the study (6.4 ± 3.0). However, greater numbers of follicles 10 to 14 mm and greater than or equal to 15 mm were found in the fall (1.98 ± .08 and .50 ± .06) than spring (1.11 ± .3 and .23 ± .07). Follicular fluid IGF-1 was higher in HE (2.3 ± .2 ng/ml) than in LE cows (1.6 ± .2 ng/ml). Mean basal serum FSH concentration was lower at 28 d postpartum (173 ± 8 pg/ml) compared to later (521 ± 25 at d 60 and 650 ± 25 pg/ml at d 110). Serum P4 peaked at 35 d postpartum, with HE cows having 1 ng/ml higher P4 than LE cows. Low dietary energy reduced milk yield, DMI, BCS, FF IGF-1 and serum P4 and had a negative impact on oocyte quality.
- Evaluation of Stallion Frozen-Thawed Semen Using Conventional and Flow Cytometric AssaysDiGrassie, Wynne Aubin (Virginia Tech, 2000-06-02)Field evaluation of frozen-thawed stallion semen has been limited to tests such as post-thaw motility and morphology that are not only subjective but also evaluate only a small population of cells. Flow cytometry has provided a quick, repeatable, objective method of evaluating a large number of cells, including spermatozoa. Two experiments were designed to first validate the use of several flow cytometric tests on frozen-thawed stallion semen and then determine a model that may best explain variation in fertility. Comparing samples that were live and freeze-killed validated the flow cytometric tests. In experiment one, six ejaculates were collected from each of three stallions. The semen from each ejaculate was centrifuged and frozen in 0.5 ml polyvinyl chloride straws. Two straws from each ejaculate were thawed and evaluated. Semen was evaluated for post-thaw motility, morphology, mitochondrial activity using Rhodamine 123 (R123), plasma membrane integrity using propidium iodide (PI) and ethidium monoazide (EMA), and chromatin structure using the sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA). Data was recorded as percentages for all but the SCSA for both experiment one and two. The extent of chromatin denaturation was calculated using the SCSA and the alpha-t population [at = red/(red +green) fluorescence]. From the alpha-t population, statistics were calculated such mean (Xat), standard deviation (SDat), percentage of cells outside (COMPat) the main alpha-t population and the mean green fluorescence (mean green) of the population. Results from experiment one demonstrated that all flow cytometric tests except EMA were able to distinguish between live and freeze-killed samples (p < 0.0001). Also the stallion accounted for most of the variation in samples when compared to ejaculate and straw within an ejaculate. Therefore two straws could be chosen at random from a stallion and evaluated in experiment two. In experiment two, twenty-nine stallions were evaluated using the same tests as experiment one excluding EMA. Fertility data was obtained from the 1998 or 1999 breeding season. Multiple linear regression was used to determine the best-fit model to predict overall pregnancy rate. SCSA and R123-PI assays accounted for the largest amount of variation in fertility (R² = 0.65, p < 0.0004). Within SCSA and the R123/PI assays Xat and PI staining had the highest contribution to this variation in fertility (R² = 0.11, R² = 0.47) respectively. The best-fit model for predicting fertility included the assay combination listed above and the interactions between SDat and mean green staining as well as R123 and mean green staining. Post-thaw motility and morphology did not account for significant variation in fertility (p = 0.22, p = 0.46) respectively. Based on this project post-thaw motility and morphology are poor predictors of fertility in frozen-thawed stallion semen. However, through the addition of SCSA and R123-PI to the routine evaluation of frozen-thawed stallion semen time and money may be saved in advance by identifying those stallions with poor post-thaw fertility.
- Factors Important to the Efficiency of Artificial Insemination in Single-Ovulating and Superovulated CattleDalton, Joseph C. (Virginia Tech, 1999-04-09)To identify factors important to the efficiency of artificial insemination in cattle, four studies were conducted. In the first study, the addition of cream to the inseminate was used in an attempt to increase accessory sperm number. On d 6 after insemination, 60 embryos were evaluated. The addition of cream to the inseminate had no effect on accessory sperm number. In the second study, cryopreserved semen of a marked bull (spermatozoa exhibiting a semi-flattened anterior head) was matched with semen from an unmarked bull (conventional sperm head shape) to determine competitively the effect of a deep uterine insemination on accessory sperm number. Forty embryos were recovered 6 d after insemination and the ratio of accessory sperm observed was different: 62:38 for unmarked semen in the uterine body and marked semen in the uterine horn, and 72:28 for unmarked semen in the uterine horn and marked semen in the uterine body (P < .05). In the third study, superovulated cows were utilized to determine the effect of artificial insemination time on fertilization status and accessory sperm number. Cows were inseminated once at 0 h (n=10), 12 h (n=10), or 24 h (n=10) after the first standing event. On d 6 after insemination, 529 embryos(ova) were recovered. Fertilization rates were 29% (0 h); 60% (12 h); and 81% (24 h)(P < .01). Percentages of embryos with accessory sperm were: 5 (0 h); 8 (12 h); and 41(24 h) (P < .01). In the fourth study, three experiments utilizing superovulated cows were conducted to provide a basis for distinguishing unfertilized ova from very early embryonic death. In Exp. 1, recovered d 6 unfertilized ova were classified morphologically as either: 1) typical, 2) satellite, or 3) fragmented. In Exp. 2, recovered d 6 unfertilized ova from the third study were classified morphologically, and typical ova were fixed. In Exp. 3, ultrastructural features of preovulatory, tubal-stage, and typical d 6 unfertilized ova were investigated. Preovulatory ova revealed normal ultrastructure; tubal-stage ova exhibited evidence of degeneration; typical d 6 ova were degenerated and contained no discernable organelles. The first three studies support the use of accessory sperm evaluation as an alternative measure of fertility. The final study provides a basis from which future embryologists may distinguish fertilization failure from very early embryonic death.
- Heifer inventory and the economics of replacement rearingBailey, Thomas L.; Currin, John F. (Virginia Cooperative Extension, 1999)
- Heifer Inventory and the Economics of Replacement RearingBailey, Thomas L.; Currin, John F. (Virginia Cooperative Extension, 2009-05-01)Addresses the expense of replacement heifer rearing and how to minimize these costs.
- Mastitis control in heifers and first lactationJones, Gerald M.; Bailey, Thomas L. (Virginia Cooperative Extension, 1998)Many heifers may have a mastitis infection at calving. Management factors associated with reducing risk of infection are discussed.
- A Microcomputer Simulation to Evaluate Management Strategies For Rearing Dairy ReplacementsBethard, Greg L. (Virginia Tech, 1997-04-18)A microcomputer simulation was developed as a tool for analyzing the dairy replacement enterprise. The simulation was constructed using a spreadsheet, and equations were developed using stepwise regression procedures. The simulation predicted BW, DMI, and fixed and variable costs for each week of a heifer's life from birth to calving. After calving, milk yield, feed costs, and fixed costs were predicted for first lactation. Variation was estimated for each predicted variable, thus enabling normal distribution of predicted values. The simulation was used to analyze profitability of various growth rate scenarios and marginal costs associated with changing feed costs, heat detection efficiency, death loss, and abortion rate. For the growth analysis, six scenarios were evaluated: 1) normal growth from 5 wk to calving, 2) Accelerated growth from 5 wk to calving, 3) slow growth from 5 wk to calving, 4) normal Growth from 5 wk to 14 mo and accelerated growth from 14 mo to calving, 5) accelerated growth from 5 wk to 14 mo and control growth from 14 mo to calving, and 6) slow growth from 5 wk to 14 mo and accelerated growth from 14 mo to calving. Average daily gain from birth to calving was 0.78, 0.90, 0.62, 0.78,0.75, and 0.80 kg/d, and age at calving was 25.1, 23.1, 27.4, 23.1, 23.0, and 23.1 mo,respectively. Total rearing cost from birth to calving was 1246, 1220, 1275, 1148, 1148, and 1138 $/heifer, and net profit through first lactation was 399, 407, 319, 441, 432, and 463 $/heifer, respectively. Results suggest modest growth rates from birth to calving (0.75 to 0.80 kg/d) with reduced first calving age <24 mo) is most desirable, and delayed calving (>24 mo) is costly and merits higher growth rates with earlier breeding. Increasing feed costs, death loss at birth through weaning, or abortion rate one percentage point increased rearing costs 7.33, 2.40, and 9.10 $/heifer. Improving heat detection efficiency one percentage point reduced rearing costs $2.80/heifer. For the heat detection analysis, the relationship between age at first calving and total rearing costs was -584.38 + 73.49 x calving age in mo (R-squared = 0.97), for ages at first calving from 24.4 to 26.6 mo. Results of this research agree with field observations that managers should strive for early calving (<24 mo) and modest growth rates (0.75 to 0.80 kg/d) to maximize profitability of the replacement enterprise. In addition, death loss, abortion rate, and heat detection efficiency are variables that a manager must control to minimize heifer rearing costs.
- Milk production evaluation in first lactation heifersBailey, Thomas L.; Currin, John F. (Virginia Cooperative Extension, 1999)
- Milk Production Evaluation in First Lactation HeifersBailey, Thomas L.; Currin, John F. (Virginia Cooperative Extension, 2009-05-01)A critical evaluation of production in first lactation heifers once they reach the milking herd is important to determine the effects of the heifer rearing program.
- Monitoring Dairy Heifer GrowthBailey, Thomas L.; Murphy, Julia M. (Virginia Cooperative Extension, 2009-05-01)Monitoring dairy heifer growth and development will insure that calves are on target to reach a weight of 1350 pounds at calving, with a height of 54 inches at the shoulders, and a body condition score of 3.25 to a 3.5 at 24 months of age
- Monitoring dairy heifer growthBailey, Thomas L.; Murphy, Julia M. (Virginia Cooperative Extension, 1999)Monitoring dairy heifer growth and development will insure that calves are on target to reach a weight of 1350 pounds at calving, with a height of 54 inches at the shoulders, and a body condition score of 3.25 to a 3.5 (5 Point scale) at 24 months of age (Figure 1 ). Heifers should start lactation with a post-calving weight between 1225 and 1250 pounds; therefore, they will need to add 50 pounds of body weight per month from birth to first calving for an average daily gain of 1.8 pounds per day. Average daily gains of 1.3 pounds per day are too low because they add only 40 pounds per month, resulting in a post-calving weight of 950 pounds. By strategically feeding during specific growth phases, producers can set goals for different months of age, cut expenses, and increase profits for the dairy...
- Nutrition for the early developing heiferBailey, Thomas L.; Murphy, Julia M.; James, Robert E. (Virginia Cooperative Extension, 1999)Discusses nutrition for heifers and presents several factors that can reduce replacement-rearing costs and increase profits for the producer.
- Nutrition For The Early Developing HeiferBailey, Thomas L.; Murphy, Julia M.; James, Robert E. (Virginia Cooperative Extension, 2009-05-01)Discusses nutritional factors for developing heifers and reducing replacement rearing costs, while increasing potential profits for the producer.
- Optimal time of insemination in dairy cattle identified in estrus by HeatWatchGrove, Mary Beth (Virginia Tech, 1996-10-29)Estrus detection programs practiced on most U.S. dairy farms are not intense enough to provide the information needed to accurately time insemination, thus preventing AI from obtaining its full conception rate potential. Herds (n = 17) participated in a trial designed to evaluate percent pregnant relative to various characteristics of estrus. Herds utilized HeatWatch® electronic estrus detection system to detect and record mounting activity for cows in estrus. Inseminations were performed daily during a three hour interval for all cows identified in estrus the previous 24 h. Model characterizing percent pregnant for cows (services = 2661) included effects of interval from first mount to AI (P < 0.01), mounts per estrus (P < 0.01), DIM at insemination (P < 0.01), herd (P <0.05), and season of AI (P < 0.05). As mounts per estrus and days in milk increased, percent diagnosed pregnant increased. Interval affected probability of pregnancy with highest odds ratios for percent pregnant occurring >4 to 16 h following onset of estrus. Model for heifers (n = 306) included linear effects of interval (P < 0.01), season (P < 0.05), and herd (P < 0.01). In dairy heifers, as interval from first mount to AI increased, percent pregnant decreased. Timing of insemination in dairy cows can now be performed relative to first mount of estrus, with highest probability of pregnancy occurring between >4 to 16 h after onset. If onset of estrus is not known, insemination should be performed at the next most convenient time within 3 h.
- Predicting bull fertilityWhittier, W. Dee; Bailey, Thomas L. (Virginia Cooperative Extension, 2000)
- Predicting Bull FertilityWhittier, W. Dee; Bailey, Thomas L. (Virginia Cooperative Extension, 2005-09-01)Discusses the Breeding Soundness Examination, a valuable tool or predicting fertility of bulls and increasing herd reproductive performance.
- Reproduction and Endocrine Aspects of Early and Mid Lactation Holstein CowsPryor, Andrew William (Virginia Tech, 2002-04-26)This study was designed to determine the effects of stage of lactation and subsequent energy status on metabolic and endocrine measures, follicular development, and the quality of oocytes obtained from Holstein cows. Holstein cows were selected prior to calving and assigned to the early lactation (EL) group (n=8) while, cows at d 90 postpartum were selected for the mid-lactation (ML) group (n=7). Blood samples were taken twice weekly from 4 wk prior to the start of follicular aspirations and then on through the aspiration periods for metabolite and hormone determination. Ultrasound-guided transvaginal follicular aspiration (TVFA) was conducted twice weekly for a 10-wk period on all cows. Follicular fluid samples were obtained from the largest follicle, > 10 mm in diameter, for hormone determination. All data were analyzed by ANOVA, using the general linear model procedures. Mean energy balance was positive for (2.43 ± 0.32 Mcal/kg) for ML cows and negative (-1.55 ± 0.33 Mcal/kg) for EL cows. In ML cows serum progesterone (P4) decreased rapidly from 2.7 ± 0.1 ng/ml at the first aspiration session to a nadir of 0.33 ± 0.1 ng/ml at wk 8, while follicular fluid P4 increased from 0.9 ± 0.5 to 5.6 ± 0.5 ng/ml. In the EL cows serum and follicular fluid P4 remained relatively constant over the course of aspirations. There was a linear increase in follicular fluid insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) for EL and ML cows, however the increase was more rapid for ML cows (159 ± 36 to 200 ± 36 ng/ml) than for EL cows (145 ± 36 to 164 ± 36 ng/ml). Over the aspiration period nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) declined rapidly for the EL cows (0.32 ± 0.2 to 0.22 ± 0.2 mEq/L), while serum NEFA for the ML cows were relatively stable (0.19 ± 0.2 to 0.22 ± 0.2 mEq/L). The number of follicles observed during the aspiration sessions increased linearly for both EL and ML cows (P < 0.05) over the 10-wk period. However, the increase was larger for the ML cows than for the EL cows, going from 14.2 ± 0.5 to 18.1 ± 0.5 and 14.9 ± 0.3 to 15.7 ± 0.5, respectively. These results show that cows in early lactation are physiologically under more production stress than cows in mid lactation. Furthermore, increasing levels of serum and follicular fluid IGF-I in mid lactation may reflect differences in follicle and oocyte measures.