Cloning not catching on in mainstream ag

It’s been years since the first calves were cloned from embryonic cells at the University of Wisconsin, but the technology remains in the laboratory — not on the farm. And, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, researchers don’t expect that to change anytime soon.

Soldier fly larvae a manure-management solution?

Researchers at Texas A&M University have found that soldier fly larvae may provide a way to significantly reduce manure volume and nutrient content. Preliminary work with dairy calf hutches shows that manure dry weight can be cut 30 percent to 50 percent

Goat milk ramming its way into ice cream stores

One small-scale ice cream maker is touting the benefits of goat milk. A retailer who carries the product says it is a good alternative for lactose-intolerant consumers who don’t want soy.

Mom’s beverage choice affects girls’ choices, as well

Parents concerned about a young daughter's bone health should make milk a part of the child's mealtime routine. According to a study by Agricultural Research Service scientists in Texas, girls whose mothers served milk with meals and snacks on a frequent basis were still drinking significant amounts of milk at age nine.

Bedding material link to E.coli confirmed

Veterinary researchers at Ohio State University have found a direct relationship between dairies using sawdust bedding and the survival of Escherichia coli 0157:H7 in the environment. The researchers tested cattle on 20 commercial dairies — 10 using sawdust bedding and 10 using sand bedding. They discovered that animals in sand-bedded herds had a significantly lower prevalence of E. coli 0157:H7 than those in sawdust-bedded herds.

Calf formula reduces transport stress

USDA researchers have developed an anti-stress formula that may one day help you alleviate transport stress in young calves.

Calves fed the supplement prior to transport had lower levels of fibrinogen, a liver protein that typically increases with stress, than non-supplemented calves. They also had higher immunoglobulin-G levels. The formula contained electrolytes, beta-glucan from yeast-cell walls and vitamin C. More work is under way to determine the supplement’s mode of action on the immune system.

Dairy could get left behind

According to EPA documents “animal-feeding operations that choose not to sign an Air Compliance Agreement will be subject to potential enforcement action by the Federal Government for any clean-air violations.” So, unless enough dairy producers sign up, dairy will be excluded from the compliance agreement, says Karl Czymmek, of Cornell University’s Pro-Dairy program. Then, the industry then could face one of two possibilities:

• Air-quality charts for dairy would be developed from existing data or from data collected in the pork and poultry industries.
• EPA could require certain dairy operations to monitor emissions at their own expense and come into compliance with all applicable federal laws.

Report attacks milk's role in building strong bones

According to an article in the February issue of Pediatrics, milk may not be the best calcium source to help kids build strong bones. And, unless you know the lead researcher is a member of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine — an animal-rights group with just 5 percent of the membership being physicians — you may be inclined to believe the message

Study takes "whole-farm" approach to phosphorus reduction

A new multi-agency ag-research project in Texas is looking at how to reduce phosphorus runoff from dairies. Using the “real world” laboratory of farms, scientists will examine how numerous management factors can be adjusted to address phosphorus buildup and runoff.

Less tolerance for mastitis in low-SCC herds

Herds with a low somatic cell count are not so tolerant of high-SCC cows, according to research in the February Journal of Dairy Science. In low-SCC herds, Holstein cows with an average SCC greater than 700,000 were 3.4 times more likely to be culled than cows with a SCC of between 200,000 and 250,000. By contrast, in high-SCC herds, cows with a SCC greater than 700,000 were just 2.3 times more likely to be culled than cows with a SCC of between 200,000 to 250,000

Manage for maximum milk

Trying to achieve lower culling rates is a worthy goal. But don’t do it by managing cows to produce less milk — it’s just not a profitable option, says Bruce Jones, agricultural economist at the University of Wisconsin. It’s better to manage for maximum milk production, he says.

Oregon develops online manure-spreading tool

Dairy producers in Oregon have a new Web-based tool to help them abide by manure-spreading guidelines. The Manure Spreading Index from the Oregon Department of Agriculture provides producers with location-specific precipitation levels, allowing them to assess whether it’s a good time to spread manure.