@article{mason_mullen_washburn_anderson_baynes_2018, title={Comparison of the pharmacokinetics of plant-based treatments in milk and plasma of USDA organic dairy cattle with and without mastitis}, volume={35}, ISSN={["1944-0057"]}, DOI={10.1080/19440049.2018.1502475}, abstractNote={ABSTRACT Organic dairy products are the second largest sector of the organic food market. Organic dairy products come from United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) certified organic dairy cattle that meet USDA organic standards. Organic dairy cattle in the US cannot be treated with antibiotics for mastitis, one of the costliest diseases of dairy cattle, and thus effective alternatives are needed. When any compound (medication or other non-food product) is used in a food producing animal, a withhold time for that compound that meets US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) standards for food safety must be applied to the animal and its products (like milk). However, there are no US FDA products approved for mastitis that maintain USDA certified organic dairy cattle’s organic status. Thus, we studied the pharmacokinetics of 3 compounds (garlic, thymol and carvacrol) used on organic both healthy and mastitic organic dairy cattle. We also used this information to estimate a milk withhold time using methods consistent with US FDA requirements. For thymol intra-mammary and carvacrol intra-mammary or topical administration, all compounds were partially absorbed into the body from the milk or skin. Thymol and carvacrol are measurable in plasma (at 0.0183 and 0.0202 µg/mL, respectively) after intramammary administration with similar elimination half lives of 1.7 h. Milk concentrations of thymol and carvacrol are much higher at 2.958 and 4.487 µg/mL in healthy cattle, respectively. Concentrations are not significantly different in cows with mastitis as compared to those in healthy cows. Despite these compounds being natural products, they should have a withhold time for milk of at least 24 h after administration. For garlic, levels remained below the limit of detection in milk and plasma and thus no withdrawal time appears to be needed for milk.}, number={9}, journal={FOOD ADDITIVES AND CONTAMINANTS PART A-CHEMISTRY ANALYSIS CONTROL EXPOSURE & RISK ASSESSMENT}, author={Mason, Sharon E. and Mullen, Keena A. E. and Washburn, Steven P. and Anderson, Kevin L. and Baynes, Ronald E.}, year={2018}, pages={1716–1727} } @article{mullen_lyman_washburn_baynes_anderson_2018, title={Effect of 3 phytoceutical products on elimination of bacteria in experimentally induced Streptococcus uberis clinical mastitis}, volume={101}, ISSN={["1525-3198"]}, DOI={10.3168/jds.2017-14279}, abstractNote={Our objective was to assess the ability of 3 herbal products to eliminate experimentally induced Streptococcus uberis mastitis. These herbal products, also known as phytoceuticals, are used in organically managed dairy cattle to maintain or promote udder health. The products tested were an intramammary product, a topical product, and a product applied to the vulvar area. These products are not approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for treatment of mastitis but they are sold to enhance milk quality or for maintenance or improvement of udder health. Each of the products contains at least one component shown to have antibacterial activity. In this study, we successfully challenge-inoculated 25 lactating dairy cows maintained under organic conditions with an isolate of S. uberis. All challenged cows were positive for S. uberis by milk culture after challenge. When cows met predefined criteria indicating the presence of clinical mastitis, treatment with 1 of the 3 products was initiated based upon a predetermined random allocation. Culture of aseptically collected quarter milk samples was performed before, during, and following challenge with S. uberis. Eight, 8, and 9 cows received the intravulvar, intramammary, and topical treatments, respectively. Milk from all cows that were treated with phytoceuticals were culture-positive for S. uberis at every time point following treatment through 168 h following the last phytoceutical treatment. Based upon the presence of clinical signs and for humane reasons, 2 intravulvar-treated cows, 1 topical-treated, and 4 intramammary-treated cows received intramammary antibiotic therapy. We concluded that the phytoceuticals tested, as dosed and used in this trial, did not produce bacterial cures in S. uberis-induced mastitis.}, number={11}, journal={JOURNAL OF DAIRY SCIENCE}, author={Mullen, K. A. E. and Lyman, R. L. and Washburn, S. P. and Baynes, R. E. and Anderson, K. L.}, year={2018}, month={Nov}, pages={10409–10413} } @article{mason_mullen_anderson_washburn_yeatts_baynes_2017, title={Pharmacokinetic analysis of thymol, carvacrol and diallyl disulfide after intramammary and topical applications in healthy organic dairy cattle}, volume={34}, ISSN={1944-0049 1944-0057}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/19440049.2017.1285056}, DOI={10.1080/19440049.2017.1285056}, abstractNote={ABSTRACT Mastitis is among the most costly concerns for dairy producers whether cattle are managed conventionally or organically. Unfortunately, there are no USFDA-approved mastitis treatments that allow dairy cows in the United States to maintain organic dairy status. We investigated the plasma pharmacokinetics of three organic mastitis products currently used by organic producers and organic dairy veterinarians. Those products include intramammary, topical and intravaginal preparations, each dosed at two levels. Additionally, tissue data were collected for kidney, liver and fat in order to estimate a withholding time for each of the products. The lower limit of quantification (LOQ) and lower limit of detection (LOD) were 0.001 and 0.0005 µg ml–1, respectively, in plasma and all tissues except fat for both thymol and carvacrol. Fat had an LOQ of 0.01 µg ml–1 and an LOD of 0.005 µg ml–1 for thymol and carvacrol. Diallyl disulfide had an LOQ of 0.005 µg ml–1 and LOD of 0.001 µg ml–1 in all tissues. For diallyl disulfide (garlic), no levels above 0.001 µg ml–1 were measurable in plasma or tissues. For topical and intramammary products, levels were measurable in the plasma, liver, kidney and fat up to 72 h after the last dose. The plasma half-lives were short for thymol (approximately 1.6 h) and carvacrol (approximately 1.5 h), whereas the estimated half-lives for these substances in tissues ranged from 13.9 to 31.5 h for thymol and from 16.9 to 25 h for carvacrol. The predicted amount of time that the molecules would be found in the body based on the slowest depletion time of liver tissue was 13 days for thymol and 10 days for carvacrol. The apparent half-life of topically applied carvacrol was approximately 4.5 h in plasma, with an estimated withhold time of 10 days. These times were calculated using the USFDA’s tolerance limit method for meat withdrawal times.}, number={5}, journal={Food Additives & Contaminants: Part A}, publisher={Informa UK Limited}, author={Mason, Sharon E. and Mullen, Keena A. E. and Anderson, Kevin L. and Washburn, Steven P. and Yeatts, James L. and Baynes, Ronald E.}, year={2017}, month={Feb}, pages={1–10} } @article{armorini_yeatts_mullen_mason_mehmeti_anderson_washburn_baynes_2016, title={Development of a HS-SPME-GC-MS/MS Method for the Quantitation of Thymol and Carvacrol in Bovine Matrices and To Determine Residue Depletion in Milk and. Tissues}, volume={64}, ISSN={["1520-5118"]}, DOI={10.1021/acs.jafc.6b02899}, abstractNote={Thymol and carvacrol may be present in several phytoceutical products but there are no well-defined methods to measure these compounds in meat and milk from treated animals. U.S. regulatory authorities deem their presence as an adulteration of food. A rapid and sensitive HS-SPME-GC-MS/MS method was developed for the detection of thymol and carvacrol in bovine milk, plasma, liver, kidney, and fat. Inter- and intraday precision values were all less than 15.7 and 20.2% for thymol and carvacrol, respectively. The accuracy was in ranges of 69.9-111.8% for thymol and 74.0-119.2% for carvacrol. With the exception of fat tissue, stability studies showed that both compounds are stable over a 2 month period. A pilot pharmacokinetic study was conducted to evaluate the developed analytical method and to provide initial estimates of thymol and carvacrol depletion in plasma, milk, and several tissues. Treatment of lactating dairy cattle with phytoceutical products containing these substances resulted in low but measurable residue levels at 96 h for liver and 36 h for milk with very short apparent plasma and milk half-lives (<3.0 h).}, number={41}, journal={JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY}, author={Armorini, Sara and Yeatts, James E. and Mullen, Keena A. E. and Mason, Sharon E. and Mehmeti, Elmira and Anderson, Kevin L. and Washburn, Steve P. and Baynes, Ronald E.}, year={2016}, month={Oct}, pages={7856–7865} } @article{glosson_hopkins_washburn_davidson_smith_earleywine_ma_2015, title={Effect of supplementing pasteurized milk balancer products to heat-treated whole milk on the growth and health of dairy calves}, volume={98}, ISSN={["1525-3198"]}, DOI={10.3168/jds.2014-8567}, abstractNote={Two experiments were conducted to determine the growth and health effects of supplementing heat-treated whole milk with pasteurized milk balancer products in calf-feeding programs. All calves were removed from their dams at birth (d 0), fed 3.8L of heat-treated colostrum, and received assigned treatments from d 1 until weaning at d 56. Calves were weighed and skeletal measurements taken every 7 d from d 0 until 56. Average daily gain (ADG) and feed efficiency (FE) were calculated. In experiment 1, 80 Holstein heifer calves were used to investigate the effects of supplementing 2 levels of heat-treated whole milk with or without a pasteurized all-milk balancer. Four dietary treatments (n=20) were used. Calves receiving milk (M) and milk plus balancer (M+B) were fed 3.8L of milk divided into 2 equal feedings daily. Calves fed increased milk (IM) and increased milk plus balancer (IM+B) received 3.8L of milk divided into 2 equal feedings from d 1 to 14, 5.7L from d 15 to 42, and 2.85L fed once daily from d 43 to 56. Treatments M+B and IM+B included pasteurized all-milk balancer fed at a rate of 0.23kg per 3.8L of milk. In experiment 2, 72 Holstein heifer calves were used to investigate the effects of supplementing either a pasteurized all-milk balancer or a pasteurized protein-blend milk balancer. Three dietary treatments (n=24) were used. Calves were fed 3.8L of milk divided into 2 equal feedings from d 1 to 14 and 5.7L from d 15 to 56. Treatment IM did not include any supplements. Balancer was added to IM+B and increased milk plus protein-blend balancer (IM+PB). Balancer was supplemented at a rate of 0.23kg per 3.8L of milk. In experiment 1, calves fed IM+B had greater average body weight (BW) and average daily gain compared with calves given other treatments. Calves fed 5.7L of milk had greater FE than those fed 3.8L regardless of balancer added. In experiment 2, calves fed IM+B and IM+PB had greater BW when compared with calves given M. Calves fed IM+PB had comparable BW and FE to calves given IM+B. The enhanced calf-feeding programs evaluated in this study were successful in increasing growth in preweaned calves when supplementing milk balancer product to heat-treated whole milk. Health scores of fecal, respiratory, and attitude determined illness. Feces were looser for calves receiving IM+B and IM+PB, but attitude scores did not confirm an illness and so overall health was not different between treatments.}, number={2}, journal={JOURNAL OF DAIRY SCIENCE}, author={Glosson, K. M. and Hopkins, B. A. and Washburn, S. P. and Davidson, S. and Smith, G. and Earleywine, T. and Ma, C.}, year={2015}, month={Feb}, pages={1127–1135} } @article{denning_washburn_watson_2014, title={Development of a novel walk-through fly trap for the control of horn flies and other pests on pastured dairy cows}, volume={97}, ISSN={["1525-3198"]}, DOI={10.3168/jds.2013-7872}, abstractNote={A prototype walk-through fly vacuum system, designed to remove horn flies Haematobia irritans (L.) (Diptera: Muscidae) from cattle, was developed and tested for efficacy. The study was conducted during 4 fly seasons over 17 consecutive weeks each year within the months of May through September at 1 dairy research herd in the coastal plain of North Carolina. Additional data on horn flies, as well as face flies (Musca autumnalis) and stable flies (Stomoxys calcitrans), were collected during 1 yr from 7 commercial pasture-based and organic dairy farms in the piedmont region of North Carolina. The number of flies observed on animals in the pasture was compared with the number of flies collected in the trap. Studies were initiated after horn fly densities had met or exceeded a threshold of 200 flies per animal. The vacuum trap removed between 1.3 and 2.5 million flies annually from the research station cattle. Most fly removal occurred during the first few weeks of operation and maintained densities below threshold thereafter. Cattle using the fly trap at the research farm had only about 28% the number of horn flies as untreated cattle, and reductions ranged from 67.5 to 74.5% across the 4-yr study. In addition to large numbers of horn flies, traps placed on commercial dairies during 1 yr collected stable flies, face flies, and house flies, all species with differing behavior and larger in size than horn flies. The estimated cost of running the trap is $72 per season at commercial rates of $0.12 per hour and an expected 4h of daily operation during the time of milking. Use of a vacuum system as described herein has potential as a cost-effective method in reducing populations of parasitic flies in pasture-based dairy production systems without the use of insecticides.}, number={7}, journal={JOURNAL OF DAIRY SCIENCE}, author={Denning, S. S. and Washburn, S. P. and Watson, D. W.}, year={2014}, month={Jul}, pages={4624–4631} } @article{mullen_anderson_washburn_2014, title={Effect of 2 herbal intramammary products on milk quantity and quality compared with conventional and no dry cow therapy}, volume={97}, ISSN={["1525-3198"]}, DOI={10.3168/jds.2013-7460}, abstractNote={Dry cow therapy, administered at the end of lactation, is aimed at eliminating current and preventing future intramammary (IMM) bacterial infections and typically involves intramammary administration of antibiotics. Certified organic dairies in the United States are restricted from using antibiotics and must consider an alternative therapy or no dry cow therapy. The current study compared 2 herbal products to conventional dry cow therapy and no treatment for a total of 5 treatments over 2 trials. Trial 1 was conducted over 3 yr on 1 research farm and trial 2 included 4 commercial farms plus the research herd over 2 yr. Treatments included (1) a conventional IMM antibiotic and internal teat sealant (penicillin-dihydrostreptomycin and bismuth subnitrate; CON); (2) an herbal IMM product purported to act as a teat sealant (Cinnatube, New AgriTech Enterprises, Locke, NY; CIN); (3) an herbal IMM product (Phyto-Mast, Bovinity Health LLC, Narvon, PA; P-M); (4) Phyto-Mast and Cinnatube (PC); or (5) no dry cow therapy (NT). Each treatment group was balanced by breed, lactation number, due date, herd, and year. However, the CON treatment was used only in the research herd because of the intent to avoid antibiotic usage on the other 4 farms. Comparisons among treatments included the difference between pre- and posttreatment 305-d mature equivalent milk production (trial 1), somatic cell score change from dry-off to freshening at the cow and quarter levels (trials 1 and 2), and milk microbiology change over the dry period (trial 2). We detected no significant differences among treatments for milk yield differences between the lactation following treatment and the lactation preceding treatment. Changes in somatic cell score from one lactation to the next also did not differ significantly among treatments in either trial. Cure rates were not significantly different among treatments; only 19.6% of all quarters were infected at dry off. The proportion of quarters with new infections at 3 to 5d postcalving did not significantly differ among treatments, except between CIN and NT. Percentages (least squares means ± standard error) of quarters with new infections were 24 ± 21% for CON, 15 ± 7% for CIN, 30 ± 10% for P-M, 32 ± 11% for PC, and 35 ± 11% for NT. The efficacy of the herbal products was similar to that of conventional therapy, and the herbal products had no apparent adverse effects.}, number={6}, journal={JOURNAL OF DAIRY SCIENCE}, author={Mullen, K. A. E. and Anderson, K. L. and Washburn, S. P.}, year={2014}, month={Jun}, pages={3509–3522} } @article{washburn_2014, title={Forage systems adaptable to dry conditions}, volume={92}, ISSN={["1525-3163"]}, DOI={10.2527/jas.2014-8012}, number={7}, journal={JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE}, author={Washburn, S. P.}, year={2014}, month={Jul}, pages={2809–2810} } @article{washburn_mullen_2014, title={Invited review: Genetic considerations for various pasture-based dairy systems}, volume={97}, ISSN={["1525-3198"]}, DOI={10.3168/jds.2014-7925}, abstractNote={Pasture-based dairy systems use grazing to supply significant percentages of the dry matter intake of cows and heifers. Such systems vary from those for which pasture is used only as a supplemental feed for cows primarily fed a total mixed ration to those for which pasture is the primary source of dry matter for the herd. Cows that are optimal in a pasture system share many general characteristics with cows that are appropriate for a nonpasture system, including feed efficiency, maintenance of body condition, reproductive fitness, udder health, longevity, and the ability to adapt to various management systems. However, in such divergent feeding systems, the relative importance of various traits can differ. In pasture systems where cow nutrient demand intentionally coincides with seasonal forage availability, the focus of selection has emphasized fertility and other fitness traits, as well as yields of milk or milk components. Breeds or strains with higher yields of protein and fat typically have advantages in grazing systems that supply milk to solids-based or cheese markets. Holstein cows with high percentages of North American ancestry can work well in grazing systems that include supplemental concentrates or partial mixed rations, particularly if calving intervals are less restrictive. Crossbred cows can be selected for use in specific grazing systems as well as for specific milk markets, with the added advantage of heterosis. Breeds and crosses with high fertility are important for seasonal breeding and calving. The ability of cattle to both milk and maintain sufficient body condition for reproduction is important for any dairy production system but is critical in a seasonal system. Dairy farms that depend on pasture for most of dry matter for cows typically have lower production per cow than nongrazing dairies but have the potential to be economically competitive because of lower operating and overhead costs. Although the principles of selection are similar across a variety of pasture-based and nonpasture systems, we document from studies and observations covered herein that optimal breeds, breed strains, and selection strategies can differ based on varying management constraints and objectives.}, number={10}, journal={JOURNAL OF DAIRY SCIENCE}, author={Washburn, S. P. and Mullen, K. A. E.}, year={2014}, month={Oct}, pages={5923–5938} } @article{mullen_lee_lyman_mason_washburn_anderson_2014, title={Short communication: An in vitro assessment of the antibacterial activity of plant-derived oils}, volume={97}, ISSN={["1525-3198"]}, DOI={10.3168/jds.2013-7806}, abstractNote={Nonantibiotic treatments for mastitis are needed in organic dairy herds. Plant-derived oils may be useful but efficacy and potential mechanisms of action of such oils in mastitis therapy have not been well documented. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the antibacterial activity of the plant-derived oil components of Phyto-Mast (Bovinity Health LLC, Narvon, PA), an herbal intramammary product, against 3 mastitis-causing pathogens: Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus chromogenes, and Streptococcus uberis. Plant-derived oils evaluated were Thymus vulgaris (thyme), Gaultheria procumbens (wintergreen), Glycyrrhiza uralensis (Chinese licorice), Angelica sinensis, and Angelica dahurica. Broth dilution testing according to standard protocol was performed using ultrapasteurized whole milk instead of broth. Controls included milk only (negative control), milk + bacteria (positive control), and milk + bacteria + penicillin-streptomycin (antibiotic control, at 1 and 5% concentrations). Essential oil of thyme was tested by itself and not in combination with other oils because of its known antibacterial activity. The other plant-derived oils were tested alone and in combination for a total of 15 treatments, each replicated 3 times and tested at 0.5, 1, 2, and 4% to simulate concentrations potentially achievable in the milk within the pre-dry-off udder quarter. Thyme oil at concentrations ≥2% completely inhibited bacterial growth in all replications. Other plant-derived oils tested alone or in various combinations were not consistently antibacterial and did not show typical dose-response effects. Only thyme essential oil had consistent antibacterial activity against the 3 mastitis-causing organisms tested in vitro. Further evaluation of physiological effects of thyme oil in various preparations on mammary tissue is recommended to determine potential suitability for mastitis therapy.}, number={9}, journal={JOURNAL OF DAIRY SCIENCE}, author={Mullen, K. A. E. and Lee, A. R. and Lyman, R. L. and Mason, S. E. and Washburn, S. P. and Anderson, K. L.}, year={2014}, month={Sep}, pages={5587–5591} } @article{dhakal_maltecca_cassady_baloche_williams_washburn_2013, title={Calf birth weight, gestation length, calving ease, and neonatal calf mortality in Holstein, Jersey, and crossbred cows in a pasture system}, volume={96}, ISSN={["0022-0302"]}, url={http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-84871620780&partnerID=MN8TOARS}, DOI={10.3168/jds.2012-5817}, abstractNote={Holstein (HH), Jersey (JJ), and crosses of these breeds were mated to HH or JJ bulls to form purebreds, reciprocal crosses, backcrosses, and other crosses in a rotational mating system. The herd was located at the Center for Environmental Farming Systems in Goldsboro, North Carolina. Data for calf birth weight (CBW), calving ease (0 for unassisted, n=1,135, and 1 for assisted, n=96), and neonatal calf mortality (0 for alive, n=1,150, and 1 for abortions recorded after mid-gestation, stillborn, and dead within 48 h, n=81) of calves (n=1,231) were recorded over 9 calving seasons from 2003 through 2011. Gestation length (GL) was calculated as the number of days from last insemination to calving. Linear mixed models for CBW and GL included fixed effects of sex, parity (first vs. later parities), twin status, and 6 genetic groups: HH, JJ, reciprocal F(1) crosses (HJ, JH), crosses >50% Holsteins (HX) and crosses >50% Jerseys (JX), where sire breed is listed first. The CBW model also included GL as a covariate. Logistic regression for calving ease and neonatal calf mortality included fixed effects of sex, parity, and genetic group. Genetic groups were replaced by linear regression using percentage of HH genes as coefficients on the above models and included as covariates to determine various genetic effects. Year and dam were included as random effects in all models. Female calves (27.57±0.54 kg), twins (26.39±1.0 kg), and calves born to first-parity cows (27.67±0.56 kg) had lower CBW than respective male calves (29.53±0.53 kg), single births (30.71±0.19 kg), or calves born to multiparous cows (29.43±0.52 kg). Differences in genetic groups were observed for CBW and GL. Increased HH percentage in the calf increased CBW (+9.3±0.57 kg for HH vs. JJ calves), and increased HH percentage in the dams increased CBW (+1.71±0.53 kg for calves from HH dams vs. JJ dams); JH calves weighed 1.33 kg more than reciprocal HJ calves. Shorter GL was observed for twin births (272.6±1.1 d), female calves (273.9±0.6 d), and for first-parity dams (273.8±0.6 d). Direct genetic effects of HH alleles shortened GL (-3.5±0.7 d), whereas maternal HH alleles increased GL (2.7±0.6 d). Female calves had lower odds ratio (0.32, confidence interval=0.10-0.99) for neonatal calf mortality in second and later parities than did male calves. Maternal heterosis in crossbred primiparous dams was associated with reduced calf mortality.}, number={1}, journal={JOURNAL OF DAIRY SCIENCE}, author={Dhakal, K. and Maltecca, C. and Cassady, J. P. and Baloche, G. and Williams, C. M. and Washburn, S. P.}, year={2013}, month={Jan}, pages={690–698} } @article{mullen_sparks_lyman_washburn_anderson_2013, title={Comparisons of milk quality on North Carolina organic and conventional dairies}, volume={96}, ISSN={0022-0302}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.3168/jds.2012-6519}, DOI={10.3168/jds.2012-6519}, abstractNote={The organic dairy industry is growing rapidly across the United States and has recently expanded into the southeastern states. To date, no published comparisons of milk quality exist between organic and conventional dairies in the Southeastern United States. Maintaining high milk quality is challenging in this region due to the longer periods of high heat and humidity. The objective of this observational study was to compare milk quality on organic and conventional dairies in North Carolina during the warm summer months of the year. Data were compared from 7 organically and 7 conventionally managed herds in North Carolina. To assess milk quality, milk samples were aseptically collected from each functional quarter of each cow in the milking herds at the time of sampling and linear somatic cell scores (SCS) were obtained for individual cows. A total of 4,793 quarter milk samples (2,526 conventional and 2,267 organic) were collected from 1,247 cows (652 conventional and 595 organic). Milk samples were cultured and bacterial growth was identified using protocols consistent with those of the National Mastitis Council (Verona, WI). Subclinical mastitis was defined as the presence of SCS ≥ 4 and also a microbiological infection in at least 1 quarter. The proportion of cows with subclinical mastitis did not differ between conventional (20.8%) and organic (23.3%) herds. No significant difference was observed between herd management types in the proportion of cows without microbiological growth in milk samples. Also, no significant differences were observed between organic and conventional herds for cow-level prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus, coagulase-negative Staphylococcus spp., Streptococcus spp., or Corynebacterium spp. Two of the organic herds had a notably higher prevalence of Corynebacterium spp. and higher SCS. Coliforms were found in 5 of 7 conventional herds and in only 1 of 7 organic herds. Mean SCS did not differ between conventional (3.3±0.2) and organic (3.5±0.2) herds. Despite differences in herd management, milk quality was remarkably similar between the organic and conventional dairies compared for this study.}, number={10}, journal={Journal of Dairy Science}, publisher={American Dairy Science Association}, author={Mullen, K.A.E. and Sparks, L.G. and Lyman, R.L. and Washburn, S.P. and Anderson, K.L.}, year={2013}, month={Oct}, pages={6753–6762} } @article{poore_washburn_2013, title={FORAGES AND PASTURES SYMPOSIUM: Impact of Fungal Endophytes on Pasture and Environmental Sustainability}, volume={91}, ISSN={["1525-3163"]}, DOI={10.2527/jas.2013-6431}, abstractNote={The discovery of endophyte-grass associations in tall fescue [Lolium arundinaceum (Schreb.) Darbysh. syn. Festuca arundinacea Schreb.] and perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) has improved the understanding of fescue toxicosis, ryegrass staggers, and other related syndromes. These two forage species are of major importance in temperate grazing systems, and the presence of alkaloid toxins in many varieties produced by endophytic fungi (from the Epichloë and Neotyphodium genera) has led to poor animal performance and great economic losses. About 8 million beef cows in the United States graze tall fescue sometime during the year, and there are also significant numbers of dairy cattle, horses, and small ruminants present in the fescue belt. Total economic loss as a result of adverse effects on growth rate, reproduction, and milk production exceeds $1 billion/yr (Roberts and Andrae, 2010). Recent development and commercialization of tall fescue infected with an endophyte that does not produce toxic alkaloids (e.g., MaxQ, Pennington Seed, Madison, GA) represents the first use of endophyte technology to enhance the agronomic performance of a grass (i.e., Jesup tall fescue). Initial research demonstrated that agronomic characteristics of tall fescue infected with nontoxic endophytes were better than endophyte-free tall fescue and not different from tall fescue infected with wild-type (i.e., toxic) endophyte. Furthermore, animal performance was similar for endophyte-free and nontoxic-endophyte-infected tall fescue, both of which supported improved performance vs. tall fescue infected with wild-type endophyte (Parish et al., 2003). Questions remained about how long-term persistence of the nontoxic-endophyte-infected tall fescue would compare with wild-type-infected tall fescue. Two long-term studies have been published recently (Vibart et al., 2008; Drewnoski et al., 2009a,b; Franzluebbers et al., 2009) that confirmed the beneficial effects of the nontoxic endophyte on animal performance and also showed that long-term yield and persistence were improved compared with endophyte-free fescue and were nearly equal to tall fescue infected with wild-type endophyte.}, number={5}, journal={JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE}, author={Poore, M. H. and Washburn, S. P.}, year={2013}, month={May}, pages={2367–2368} } @article{vibart_washburn_green_benson_williams_pacheco_lopez-villalobos_2012, title={Effects of feeding strategy on milk production, reproduction, pasture utilization, and economics of autumn-calving dairy cows in eastern North Carolina}, volume={95}, ISSN={["1525-3198"]}, DOI={10.3168/jds.2011-4755}, abstractNote={A balance among stocking rate (SR), pasture management, and supplementary feeding is required to optimize overall farm performance and profitability in pasture-based dairying. Beginning in September 2003, a seasonal, autumn-calving, pasture-based farming system was established to address the effects of feeding strategy (FS; i.e., a unique combination of stocking and supplementation rate) on productive, reproductive, and economic performance of lactating herds over 3 yr. Eighty lactating cows (1/3 Holsteins, 1/3 Jerseys, and 1/3 crosses of those breeds) were randomly assigned to either a lesser stocking, lesser supplementation group [LSR; 2.2 cows/ha, 6.3 kg of dry matter (DM) of a corn-based concentrate consumed daily, n=40] or a greater stocking, greater supplementation group (HSR; 3.3 cows/ha, 9.2 kg of DM of a corn-based concentrate consumed daily, n=40). Pasture/forage crop rotations included annual ryegrass and sorghum-Sudan (50%), annual ryegrass and bermudagrass (20%), and a tall fescue-white clover pasture (30%). Pre- and postgrazing herbage mass values and grazing intervals (3,347±255.8 kg of DM/ha, 1,861±160.6 kg of DM/ha, 23.6±1.9 d) did not differ between FS. The nutritive value of fresh and conserved forages was similar between feeding strategies, except for acid detergent fiber in freshly grazed bermudagrass (29.6 vs. 26.3% of DM for LSR and HSR, respectively). Cows on HSR tended to spend more time on an adjacent feeding area where conserved forages were offered (85 vs. 61 d/yr) as opposed to grazing paddocks (204 vs. 228 d/yr). Lactation performance was greater for HSR; cows on HSR produced 10.8% more milk fat and 6.3% more milk protein than cows on LSR. Holstein cows produced the greatest amounts of mature-equivalent milk, but did not differ from crossbred cows in terms of energy-corrected milk, and mature-equivalent fat and protein yields. Reproductive efficiency did not differ among feeding strategy, but breed differences were observed; conception rates at first and all services, as well as pregnancy rates, were greater for Jersey and crossbred cows compared with Holsteins. The greater stocking rate required additional supplemental concentrate and time away from grazing paddocks, but reproductive efficiency was similar and overall lactation performance was greater. The greater stocking rate resulted in increased productivity and greater income over feed costs per unit of land.}, number={2}, journal={JOURNAL OF DAIRY SCIENCE}, author={Vibart, R. E. and Washburn, S. P. and Green, J. T., Jr. and Benson, G. A. and Williams, C. M. and Pacheco, D. and Lopez-Villalobos, N.}, year={2012}, month={Feb}, pages={997–1010} } @article{olson_cassell_mcallister_washburn_2009, title={Dystocia, stillbirth, gestation length, and birth weight in Holstein, Jersey, and reciprocal crosses from a planned experiment}, volume={92}, ISSN={["0022-0302"]}, DOI={10.3168/jds.2009-2260}, abstractNote={Holstein and Jersey cows were mated to 4 Holstein (H) bulls and 4 Jersey (J) bulls to create HH, HJ, JH, and JJ genetic groups (sire breed listed first) in a diallele crossbreeding scheme. Calvings (n = 756) occurred in research herds in Virginia, Kentucky, and North Carolina with 243, 166, 194, and 153 calvings in the HH, HJ, JH, and JJ groups, respectively. Birth weights (BW), dystocia scores (0 for unassisted and 1 for assisted), and stillbirth (0 for alive or 1 for dead within 48 h) were recorded at calving. Gestation lengths (GL) were determined from breeding dates. An animal model was used to analyze BW and GL, and an animal model with logistic regression was used for dystocia and stillbirth. Fixed effects considered for model inclusion were genetic group, herd-year-season, sex, parity (primiparous or multiparous), twin status, and gestation length. Genetic group and effects significant in the model building process were kept in the final model for each trait. Heifer calves had lower BW, shorter GL, and had a lower odds ratio (0.53) for dystocia than bull calves. Twins had lower BW, shorter GL, were 3.86 times more likely to experience dystocia, and 7.80 times more likely to be stillborn than single births. Primiparous cows had calves with lower BW, shorter GL, were 2.50 times more likely to require assistance at birth, and were 2.35 times more likely to produce stillborns than calves from multiparous cows. Genetic group did not affect GL. Least squares means (kg) for BW were 37.7 +/- 1.1, 29.1 +/- 1.1, 30.3 +/- 1.0, and 22.5 +/- 1.3 for HH, HJ, JH, and JJ, respectively. Animals in HH weighed more than animals of other genetic groups; the JJ group had the smallest BW, with no differences for BW between HJ and JH. Probability of dystocia in JJ and JH were 5.73% and 18.98% of HH. Calves in HJ and HH were not different for dystocia. Calves in HJ were 3.38 times more likely to be stillborn than calves in JH, but no other genetic group differences were significant for probability of stillbirth. Groups HJ and JH differed for calving traits, with JH crosses experiencing less dystocia than HJ; JJ showed no indication of dystocia. No differences were observed between HH and JJ for stillbirths. Additional investigation of stillbirths in Jerseys is justified.}, number={12}, journal={JOURNAL OF DAIRY SCIENCE}, author={Olson, K. M. and Cassell, B. G. and McAllister, A. J. and Washburn, S. P.}, year={2009}, month={Dec}, pages={6167–6175} } @article{nino_sorenson_washburn_watson_2009, title={Effects of the Insect Growth Regulator, Methoprene, on Onthophagus taurus (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae)}, volume={38}, ISSN={["1938-2936"]}, DOI={10.1603/022.038.0224}, abstractNote={ABSTRACT A bioassay was conducted to determine the impact of methoprene, an insect growth regulator (IGR), on fecundity, larval survival, and size of progeny for Onthophagus taurus Schreber. Adult O. taurus dung beetles were offered methoprene-treated manure in three to five replications each at concentrations of 0.08, 0.45, and 4.5 ppm, respectively. An additional group of adult beetles was immersed in a methoprene-water solution and allowed to reproduce in containers with untreated manure. Data from all treatment groups were compared with untreated control groups. Methoprene did not seem to hinder brood production at 0.45 ppm. Survival of O. taurus was not affected by methoprene-treated manure at 0.08 ppm or when parent beetles were immersed in methoprene-water solution. However, progeny survival was significantly reduced on manure treated with methoprene at 4.5 ppm. Mean pronotal width of O. taurus progeny was significantly smaller in beetles fed methoprene-treated manure (4.5 ppm). The low dose of 0.08 ppm did not affect pronotal widths nor did topical application of methoprene to adults affect pronotal widths in resulting offspring. Although some adverse effects of methoprene were observed at higher concentrations, use of methoprene at concentrations of 0.08 ppm as part of a horn fly control program likely would not greatly affect populations of O. taurus, the most common paracoprid dung beetle in North Carolina.}, number={2}, journal={ENVIRONMENTAL ENTOMOLOGY}, author={Nino, Elina L. and Sorenson, Clyde E. and Washburn, Steven P. and Watson, D. Wes}, year={2009}, month={Apr}, pages={493–498} } @article{croissant_washburn_dean_drake_2007, title={Chemical properties and consumer perception of fluid milk from conventional and pasture-based production systems}, volume={90}, ISSN={["1525-3198"]}, DOI={10.3168/jds.2007-0456}, abstractNote={The continued popularity of organic and natural foods has generated interest in organic milk, and use of pasture for dairy cattle is a requirement for organic production. This process may improve the health benefits of fluid milk via increases in the unsaturated fatty acid content, including conjugated linoleic acid. Because pasture-based (PB) systems vary in types of forage, it is important to understand the impact of feed on the composition and flavor of fluid milk. The objectives of this study were to compare the chemical and sensory properties of PB milk with conventional fluid milk from Jersey and Holstein cows and to evaluate consumer acceptance of those milks. Fluid milk was collected throughout the 2006 growing season from Holstein and Jersey cows located in 2 herds: one fed a PB diet and one fed a conventional total mixed ration (TMR) diet. Milk was batch-pasteurized and homogenized. Sensory analyses, descriptive profiling, difference testing, and consumer testing were conducted on pasteurized products in separate sessions. Instrumental volatile analysis and fatty acid composition profiling were also conducted. The instrumental and sensory analyses differentiated the PB and TMR milks. Greater percentages of unsaturated fatty acids, including 2 common isomers of conjugated linoleic acid, were measured in PB milks. Trained panelists documented greater intensities of grassy and cowy/barny flavors in PB milks compared with TMR milks when evaluated at 15 degrees C. Volatile compound analysis by solid-phase microextraction and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry separated PB and TMR milk samples. However, analyses showed no compounds unique to either sample. All identified compounds were common to both samples. Consumers were unable to consistently differentiate between PB and TMR milks when evaluated at 7 degrees C, and cow diet had no effect on overall consumer acceptance. These results indicate distinct flavor and compositional differences between TMR and PB milks, but the differences were such that they did not affect consumer acceptance. The current findings are useful to consider as interest in PB dairy production systems grows.}, number={11}, journal={JOURNAL OF DAIRY SCIENCE}, author={Croissant, A. E. and Washburn, S. P. and Dean, L. L. and Drake, M. A.}, year={2007}, month={Nov}, pages={4942–4953} } @article{bertone_green_washburn_poore_watson_2006, title={The contribution of tunneling dung beetles to pasture soil nutrition}, ISBN={1547-4631}, DOI={10.1094/fg-2006-0711-02-rs}, abstractNote={A highly quality printing of images such as photographs, designs, and the like, is effected without using special paper. The following is provided: a supply mechanism for supplying a recording medium; means for applying a surface modifier for coating the surface modifier on the surface modification area, which is the area to be the modified of the recording medium supplied with the aforementioned means for supplying; and means for drying for drying the surface modification area coated on the aforementioned surface modification area. An area can be printed on the surface modification area with high quality. As such, high quality printing is made possible with regular paper, without using special paper, as before.}, journal={Forage and Grazinglands}, author={Bertone, M. A. and Green, J. T. and Washburn, S. P. and Poore, M. H. and Watson, D. W.}, year={2006}, pages={1} } @article{vibart_washburn_fellner_poore_green_brownie_2007, title={Varying endophyte status and energy supplementation of fresh tall fescue in continuous culture}, volume={132}, ISSN={["0377-8401"]}, DOI={10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2006.03.002}, abstractNote={Eight dual-flow continuous culture vessels (700 ml) were used to compare in vitro effects of toxic, endophyte-infected (E+), endophyte-free (E−), and non-toxic, endophyte-infected (EN) Jesup tall fescue (vegetative stage) on ruminal fermentation at 4 levels (0, 150, 300, and 450 g kg−1 DM) of concentrate supplementation (ground corn) for a total of 12 experimental diets in a randomized incomplete block design with 2 replicates. Each culture vessel was offered a total of 15 g DM d−1. Forage was fed in four equal portions (fed at 03:00, 09:00, 15:00, and 21:00 h); and corn was fed in two equal portions (fed at 09:00 and 21:00 h). Headspace gas and liquid samples were analyzed for methane, ruminal culture pH, ammonia–N, and volatile fatty acid production. Ammonia–N output (g d−1) varied by grass; EN had lower values compared to those of E+ and E−. Increasing the level of grain linearly decreased ruminal culture pH, ammonia–N, acetate production, and the acetate-to-propionate ratio, whereas propionate and butyrate production increased with higher grain supplementation. Ruminal fermentation was minimally altered by the presence of the endophyte; however, for the highest level of grain fed (450 g kg−1 DM fed) the methane production pattern for all three grasses was altered. In addition to having the lowest ruminal ammonia–N accumulation, the non-toxic, endophyte-infected fescue resulted in the lowest methane production measured.}, number={1-2}, journal={ANIMAL FEED SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY}, author={Vibart, R. E. and Washburn, S. P. and Fellner, V. and Poore, M. H. and Green, J. T., Jr. and Brownie, C.}, year={2007}, month={Jan}, pages={123–136} } @article{bertone_green_washburn_poore_sorenson_watson_2005, title={Seasonal activity and species composition of dung beetles (Coleoptera : Scarabaeidae and Geotrupidae) inhabiting cattle pastures in North Carolina}, volume={98}, ISSN={["1938-2901"]}, DOI={10.1603/0013-8746(2005)098[0309:SAASCO]2.0.CO;2}, abstractNote={Abstract Species composition and seasonal distribution of dung beetles were studied on dairy and beef cattle pastures in North Carolina. Study sites included a dairy located in the piedmont region (North Carolina Department of Agriculture Piedmont Research Station, Salisbury, NC) and a combined dairy/beef facility in the coastal plain (North Carolina Department of Agriculture Center for Environmental Farming Systems, Goldsboro, NC). Dung beetles were trapped in cattle pastures from March 2002 through September 2003 by using dung-baited pitfall traps. Trapping yielded 4,111 beetles representing 14 species from the piedmont dairy, including Aphodius prodromus Brahm, a new record for North Carolina. Totals of 57,026 beetles representing 28 species and 28,857 beetles representing 26 species were trapped from the dairy unit and beef unit in the coastal plain site, respectively. Onthophagus gazella (F.), a second new record for North Carolina, was collected from the coastal plain. Beetles common to all collection sites include Aphodius erraticus (L.), Aphodius fimetarius (L.), Aphodius granarius (L.), Aphodius pseudolividus Balthasar, Onthophagus taurus Schreber, Onthophagus hecate hecate Panzer, and Onthophagus pennsylvanicus Harold. The introduced beetle O. taurus dominated the dung beetle population, accounting for >50% of the total beetles caught at either site. Beetle activity was greatest from March until November, with activity declining during the winter. Nine exotic species in the genera Onthophagus and Aphodius represented nearly 95% of the beetles trapped.}, number={3}, journal={ANNALS OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA}, author={Bertone, M and Green, J and Washburn, S and Poore, M and Sorenson, C and Watson, DW}, year={2005}, month={May}, pages={309–321} } @article{washburn_2004, title={Niche market perspective}, journal={Local and global considerations in animal agriculture: the big picture, USDA, Jefferson Auditorium, Washington, DC, USA, 22 September 2004}, publisher={Washington, DC : U.S. Dept. of Agriculture}, author={Washburn, S.}, year={2004} } @article{watson_stringham_denning_washburn_poore_meier_2002, title={Managing the horn fly (Diptera : Muscidae) using an electric walk-through fly trap}, volume={95}, ISSN={["1938-291X"]}, DOI={10.1603/0022-0493-95.5.1113}, abstractNote={An electric walk-through ßy trap was evaluated for the management of the horn ßy, Hematobia irritans (L.), on dairy cattle in North Carolina over 2 yr. The trap relies on black lights and electrocution grids to attract and kill ßies that are brushed from the cattle passing through. During the Þrst season, horn ßy densities were reduced from 1,400 to 200 ßies per animal. Horn ßy density averaged 269.2 25.8 on cattle using the walk-through ßy trap twice daily, and 400.2 43.5 on the control group during the Þrst year. The second year, seasonal mean horn ßy density was 177.3 10.8 on cattle using the walk-through ßy trap compared with 321.1 15.8 on the control group. No insecticides were used to control horn ßies during this 2-yr study.}, number={5}, journal={JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY}, author={Watson, DW and Stringham, SM and Denning, SS and Washburn, SP and Poore, MH and Meier, A}, year={2002}, month={Oct}, pages={1113-+} } @article{white_benson_washburn_green_2002, title={Milk production and economic measures in confinement or pasture systems using seasonally calved Holstein and Jersey cows}, volume={85}, ISSN={["0022-0302"]}, DOI={10.3168/jds.S0022-0302(02)74057-5}, abstractNote={This 4-yr study examined total lactation performance of dairy cows in two feeding systems: pasture-based and confinement. Spring and fall calving herds were used and each seasonal herd had 36 cows on pasture and 36 cows in confinement with 282 Holstein and 222 Jersey cows included over seven seasonal replicates. Pasture-fed cows received variable amounts of grain and baled haylage depending upon pasture availability. Confinement cows received a total mixed ration with corn silage as the primary forage. Data were collected on milk production, feed costs, and other costs. Pasture-fed cows produced 11.1% less milk than confinement cows. Across treatments, Jerseys produced 23.3% less milk than Holsteins, but calving season and various interactions were not significant. Feed costs averaged $0.95/cow per day lower for pastured cows than confinement cows. Feed costs were lower for Jerseys than Holsteins and for cows calving in spring. Income over feed costs averaged $7.05 +/- 0.34 for confinement Holsteins, $6.89 +/- 0.34 for pastured Holsteins, $5.68 +/- 0.34 for confinement Jerseys, and $5.36 +/- 0.34 for pastured Jerseys; effects of breed were significant but treatment, season, and interactions were not. Economic factors such as labor for animal care, manure handling, forage management, and cow culling rates favored pastured cows. Higher fertility and lower mastitis among Jerseys partially offsets lower income over feed cost compared with Holsteins. Milk production was lower in this study for pasture-based systems but lower feed costs, lower culling costs, and other economic factors indicate that pasture-based systems can be competitive with confinement systems.}, number={1}, journal={JOURNAL OF DAIRY SCIENCE}, author={White, SL and Benson, GA and Washburn, SP and Green, JT}, year={2002}, month={Jan}, pages={95–104} } @article{washburn_white_green_benson_2002, title={Reproduction, mastitis, and body condition of seasonally calved Holstein and Jersey cows in confinement or pasture systems}, volume={85}, ISSN={["0022-0302"]}, DOI={10.3168/jds.S0022-0302(02)74058-7}, abstractNote={Dairy cows in confinement and pasture-based feeding systems were compared across four spring-calving and three fall-calving replicates for differences in reproduction, mastitis, body weights, and body condition scores. Feeding systems and replicates included both Jersey and Holstein cows. Cows in confinement were fed a total mixed ration, and cows on pasture were supplemented with concentrates and provided baled hay or haylage when pasture supply was limiting. Breeding periods were for 75 d in spring or fall. Reproductive performance did not differ significantly due to feeding system or season. Jerseys had higher conception rates (59.6 vs. 49.5 +/- 3.3%) and higher percentages of cows pregnant in 75 d (78.1 vs. 57.9 +/- 3.9%) than Holsteins. Cows in confinement had 1.8 times more clinical mastitis and eight times the rate of culling for mastitis than did cows on pasture. Jerseys had half as many clinical cases of mastitis per cow as Holsteins. Only 41 +/- 5% of confinement Holsteins remained for a subsequent lactation, starting within the defined calving season compared with 51 +/- 5% of pastured Holsteins and 71 and 72 +/- 5% of Jerseys, respectively. Body weights and condition scores were generally higher for confinement cows than pastured cows, and Jerseys had higher condition scores and lower body weights than Holsteins. In summary, pastured cows had fewer clinical cases of mastitis, lower body condition scores, and lower body weights than confinement cows. Holsteins were less likely to rebreed, had more mastitis, higher culling rates, and lower body condition scores than Jerseys.}, number={1}, journal={JOURNAL OF DAIRY SCIENCE}, author={Washburn, SP and White, SL and Green, JT and Benson, GA}, year={2002}, month={Jan}, pages={105–111} } @article{washburn_silvia_brown_mcdaniel_mcallister_2002, title={Trends in reproductive performance in Southeastern Holstein and Jersey DHI herds}, volume={85}, ISSN={["0022-0302"]}, DOI={10.3168/jds.S0022-0302(02)74073-3}, abstractNote={Trends in average days open and services per conception from 1976 to 1999 were examined in 532 Holstein and 29 Jersey herds from 10 Southeastern states. Three-year averages for eight intervals (time) were calculated (first: 1976 to 1978; eighth: 1997 to 1999). Milk, fat, fat-corrected milk, and number of cows increased across time. Herds of both breeds had linear, quadratic, and cubic effects of time on days open and services per conception. For 1976 to 1978, respective averages of days open and services per conception were 122 +/- 2.8 d and 1.91 +/- 0.08 for Jerseys, 124 +/- 0.7 d and 1.91 +/- 0.02 for Holsteins. Days open increased nonlinearly to 152 +/- 2.8 d for Jerseys and 168 +/- 0.7 d for Holsteins by 1997 to 1999, resulting in a breed x time interaction. Services per conception also increased nonlinearly, reaching 2.94 +/- 0.04 services for both breeds in 1994 to 1996, changing only slightly after 1996. Fat-corrected milk and number of cows had small but significant effects. Five subregions (one to three states) differed in mean days open and services per conception, but changes in those measures across time among subregions were similar. Days to first service increased by 16 (Holsteins) and 18 d (Jerseys) during the last five 3-yr periods, associated with increasing days open. Estrus detection rates generally declined from 1985 to 1999, associated inversely with services per conception. Reduced reproductive performance in Southeastern dairy herds is of concern. Multiple strategies are needed to attenuate further declines.}, number={1}, journal={JOURNAL OF DAIRY SCIENCE}, author={Washburn, SP and Silvia, WJ and Brown, CH and McDaniel, BT and McAllister, AJ}, year={2002}, month={Jan}, pages={244–251} } @article{white_bertrand_wade_washburn_green_jenkins_2001, title={Comparison of fatty acid content of milk from jersey and Holstein cows consuming pasture or a total mixed ration}, volume={84}, ISSN={["0022-0302"]}, DOI={10.3168/jds.S0022-0302(01)74676-0}, abstractNote={Holstein (n = 19) and Jersey (n = 18) cows were used to study effects of two feeding systems on fatty acid composition of milk. Confinement cows were fed a total mixed ration with corn silage and alfalfa silage and pastured cows grazed a crabgrass (90%) and clover (10%) pasture and were allowed 5.5 kg of grain per head daily. Two milk samples were collected from each cow at morning and afternoon milkings 1 d each week for four consecutive weeks in June and July 1998. One set of milk samples was analyzed to determine fatty acid composition, and the second set was used for crude protein and total fat analyses. Data were analyzed by the general linear models procedure of SAS, using a split-plot model with breed, treatment, and breed x treatment as main effects and time of sampling and week as subplot effects along with appropriate interactions. Milk from pastured cows was higher than milk from confinement cows for the cis-9, trans-11 octadecadienoic acid isomer of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). Also, milk from Holsteins was higher than milk from Jerseys for C16:1, C18:1, and CLA and lower than Jerseys for C6:0, C8:0, C10:0, C12:0, and C14:0. Several treatment x week interactions existed, but main effects were still important; for example, proportions of CLA in milk of grazed cows were relatively constant across weeks (0.66, 0.64, 0.64, and 0.69% +/- 0.02%, respectively), but the CLA in milk of confinement cows increased in wk 4 (0.35, 0.31, 0.31, and 0.48% +/- 0.02% for wk 1 to 4, respectively). There are potentially important differences in fatty acid composition of milk from cows consuming a warm season pasture species compared with milk from cows consuming a total mixed ration, as well as differences between Holstein and Jersey breeds.}, number={10}, journal={JOURNAL OF DAIRY SCIENCE}, author={White, SL and Bertrand, JA and Wade, MR and Washburn, SP and Green, JT and Jenkins, TC}, year={2001}, month={Oct}, pages={2295–2301} } @article{cavalieri_farin_kinder_van camp_whitacre_washburn_britt_2001, title={Ovarian follicular development following administration of progesterone or aspiration of ovarian follicles in Holstein cows}, volume={55}, ISSN={["1879-3231"]}, DOI={10.1016/S0093-691X(01)00445-9}, abstractNote={The objective of this study was to compare the effects of administration of a single injection of progesterone (P4) and follicle aspiration on Day 7 of the estrous cycle on the timing and synchrony of follicular wave emergence, time of ovulation, and concentrations of P4, estradiol and FSH in Holstein cows. Twenty cows were assigned to 4 groups (n=5 cows per group) in a 2 by 2 factorial arrangement. Cows were treated on Day 7 (Day 0 = estrus) of the estrous cycle with either sham follicular aspiration and an oil vehicle administered intramuscularly (control), aspiration of ovarian follicles (aspiration), 200 mg of P4 im, or aspiration and 200 mg of P4 im (aspiration + P4). On Day 11, PGF(2alpha)(25mg) was administered to all groups. Synchrony of ovulation was less variable in each of the treatment groups compared with the control group (P<0.05), whereas ovulation was delayed in cows in the P4 group (P<0.05). Day of follicular wave emergence was delayed in the cows of the P4 group compared with cows in the aspiration and aspiration + P4 groups (P<0.01), whereas variability in wave emergence was less among both groups of aspirated cows compared with the cows in the control group (P<0.01). More follicles 4 to 7 mm in diameter were detected in the 2 aspiration groups compared with the cows in the control and P4 group (P<0.05). No difference was detected among groups in the maximum concentration of FSH associated with follicular wave emergence. We conclude that both the administration of P4 and the aspiration of follicles on Day 7 of the estrous cycle improves the synchrony of ovulation when luteolysis is induced on Day 11 and results in similar concentrations of FSH at the time of follicular wave emergence, but the timing of wave emergence and the number of follicles post-emergence differ.}, number={3}, journal={THERIOGENOLOGY}, author={Cavalieri, J and Farin, PW and Kinder, JE and Van Camp, SD and Whitacre, MD and Washburn, SP and Britt, JH}, year={2001}, month={Feb}, pages={805–821} } @article{white_sheffield_washburn_king_green_2001, title={Spatial and time distribution of dairy cattle excreta in an intensive pasture system}, volume={30}, ISSN={["0047-2425"]}, DOI={10.2134/jeq2001.2180}, abstractNote={ABSTRACTThis study determined distribution of feces and urine from 36 lactating dairy cattle (Bos taurus) managed in a rotationally grazed 0.74‐ha endophyte‐free tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.)–white clover (Trifolium repens L.) pasture. Cows were observed for 24 h five times from July 1997 to April 1998, and for 13.5 h in September 1997. During each 24‐h observation period, the first grazing period (12 h) used 54% of the paddock and the second grazing period (8 h) used the entire paddock. Times and locations of all defecations and urinations from a subgroup of eight cows, observed while in the pasture, feed area, milking parlor, or in transit were recorded during the observation periods listed above and another time in May 1997. On pasture, all defecations and urinations were surveyed and mapped for all 36 cows. Feces and urine from six observation periods covered an estimated 10% of the paddock area in one year. Within 30 m of the water tank, concentrations of feces and urine from three warm‐season observations were significantly greater than concentrations during three cool‐season observations. Percentages of defecations and urinations on the pasture, feeding, and milking areas were highly correlated (r > 0.90) with time spent in those areas. Pasture‐based systems could reduce manure handling and storage requirements proportional to the time cattle are on pastures. Manure on the pasture was evenly distributed, except around the water tank during warm‐weather grazings. Results indicate that pasture‐based dairy systems may require smaller, less‐expensive manure management systems compared with confinement dairy farms.}, number={6}, journal={JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY}, author={White, SL and Sheffield, RE and Washburn, SP and King, LD and Green, JT}, year={2001}, pages={2180–2187} } @article{borchert_farin_washburn_1999, title={Effect of estrus synchronization with norgestomet on the integrity of oocytes from persistent follicles in beef cattle}, volume={77}, DOI={10.2527/1999.77102742x}, abstractNote={Our objective was to determine whether oocyte integrity is compromised when oocytes are recovered from progestogen-induced persistent follicles. Beef cows were presynchronized using PGF2alpha (PGF). Cows detected in estrus after PGF were assigned to either NOR (one 6-mg norgestomet implant for 10 d starting on d 16 of cycle; day 0 = estrus; n = 112) or CON (control, no implant [n = 128] and presynchronized 8 d later than NOR). All cows received 25 mg of PGF at the end of treatment (NOR, d 26; CON, d 18). Treatments produced persistent preovulatory follicles (NOR) or normal preovulatory-size follicles (CON), which were measured via ultrasonography 1 d before slaughter. Ovaries were collected from all animals (NOR, d 27; CON, d 19) along with random (RAN) ovaries from cattle slaughtered on the same days. Cumulus oocyte complexes (COC) were aspirated from the preovulatory follicles with recovery rates of 63% across treatments. Small follicles (2 to 7 mm diameter) from NOR, CON, and RAN cows were also aspirated to recover COC. Preovulatory follicles were larger (19.5+/-.9 vs. 13.6+/-.4 mm, P<.05), serum P4 was lower (.4+/-.1 vs. 3.9+/-.2 ng/mL, P<.05), and serum E2 was higher (28.7+/-1.6 vs. 7.6+/-.8 pg/mL, P<.05) in NOR than in CON cows. Cumulus oocyte complexes recovered from preovulatory follicles (62 NOR, 64 CON) were matured, fertilized, and cultured in vitro for comparison of embryonic development. A subset (24 NOR, 34 CON) of COC were assigned morphological quality grades. A separate set of recovered COC (10 NOR, 15 CON) was fixed within 1 h after recovery for assessment of the stage of meiosis. Treatments did not differ for oocyte quality grade or stage of meiosis. However, COC from NOR cows had more layers of cumulus cells (P<.05), and more of those COC had undergone cumulus expansion (29.2 vs. 5.9%, P<.05 for NOR vs. CON, respectively). Development of cleaved embryos to the morula and blastocyst stages from preovulatory follicles (22.6% NOR, 18.9% CON) or small follicles (42% NOR, 40% CON, 42% RAN) did not differ with treatment. Oocyte quality and in vitro developmental competence were not compromised for oocytes from induced persistent follicles compared with oocytes from normal preovulatory follicles. Increased expansion of cumulus cells associated with oocytes from progestogen-induced persistent follicles may be relevant to the reduction of in vivo fertility associated with such follicles.}, number={10}, journal={Journal of Animal Science}, author={Borchert, K. M. and Farin, C. E. and Washburn, S. P.}, year={1999}, pages={2742–2748} }