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VOLUME XIX, NO. 5 |
TEXAS DAIRY & AG REVIEW |
MAY 2010 |
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Southwest Regional Dairy Center comes to life Spandet Dairy expects to draw large crowd Where’s the beef??? Be your own judge at Texas Steak Cookoff! Dairy of Merit will be awarded at DairyFest, July 3 Hoof-Tec takes special care in management of hoof care problems Heat stress impacts reproduction and production Dairy MAX Farm Tour Kit gives valuable tips to producers
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Southwest Regional Dairy Center comes to life |
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By Sherry Webb The much anticipated Tarleton State University Southwest Regional Dairy Center is shaping up as construction heads for a mid to late summer completion date. Dr. Don Cawthon, dean of the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, his assistant Dr. Sam Curl; and Dr. Barry Lambert, TSU/AgriLife Research animal scientist, have worked closely with Dr. Todd Bilby, AgriLife Extension dairy specialist, on the new center. Lambert said the center has been made possible through a joint effort of Tarleton dairy advisory committee members, Tarleton and AgriLife Research Administration, and State Rep. Sid Miller who played an important part in helping to secure the initial $11 million funding. The dairy center is a Confined Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) and is currently awaiting its 600-cow wastewater permit from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). Lambert said the wastewater permit has been submitted to the TCEQ by the engineering firm, CIRRUS Engineering, of Dallas, Texas, and is currently undergoing the usual channels for approval. Cottonwood Creek JV, with offices in Dublin and Midlothean, is the general contractor. Key features of the center are a state-of-the-art, 24-cow GEA Westfalia Surge rotary parlor to be installed by Josia Cortez of Hico, Texas. The rotary will milk 300 head of Holstein and mixed breed in the upcoming first phase of the operation. The center also facilitates a 300-cow free stall and stanchions with plans to expand it to a 600-head free stall in the next phase, and a calf/heifer barn, and commodity barn. For wastewater handling, the center will provide a settling basin with a sand settling area and a lagoon to serve as a retention control structure. “The settling basin is the only separation we will use…no mechanical separator,” Lambert said. “Composting is a possibility but otherwise solids will be used as fertilizer.” Wastewater will be recirculated onto crop fields. Through a partnership agreement, all of the solids and effluent application fields are located on adjacent AgriLife Research property with a center pivot and approximately 30 acres of Tifton 85 Bermuda. The center will provide direct access for student observation and for the public. “We especially want to make sure the public is aware of the center and its uses for continuing education, human-interaction with animals, visitor observation and regularly scheduled tours,” Lambert said. He added the center will be an open and transparent facility to enhance public knowledge of where milk and other dairy products are produced. The overall impact of the Tarleton Southwest Regional Dairy Center is expected to draw students from Texas and other southwest states. It will be the only university-affiliated teaching and research dairy in Texas and will support extension, outreach and public education/awareness opportunities. It is also considered critical to supporting the sustainability of the existing dairy industry in central and north/northeast Texas as well as the expanding industry in the southern high plains, including the Texas panhandle, New Mexico and other surrounding states. “We are looking at the prospect of partnering with a private dairy producer who owns his cows to run the milking operation or maybe some kind of a lease program,” Lambert said. He said the academics will be left up to a staff of Tarleton instructors, professors and extension specialists but the advisory board feels strongly the actual dairy operation, to maximize its total effect and hands-on-training, must come from an experienced dairy producer. “We are not exactly sure how this will play out since we haven’t gotten that far yet, but we will begin taking application materials from producers in the very near future,” Lambert said. Research facilities provide for an animal metabolism unit and laboratories that include ruminant nutrition, sample processing, reproductive physiology, and toxicology. The center will provide hands-on educational and internship opportunities in agriculture, veterinary medicine, environmental science, natural resource management, food science, engineering and business for undergraduate and graduate students. Also available will be resources for basic and applied research in dairy science, environmental science and engineering and field testing of new equipment and technology, and opportunities for continuing education for dairy and service industry representatives. “In addition to the capabilities that will support traditional and new dairy research, we are particularly excited about the expanded roles this facility will bring to teaching, research and demonstration for environmental issues and bioenergy recovery,” Cawthon said. “We are exploring new partnership models and actively pursuing these venues in conjunction with other public and private entities.” |
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Spandet Dairy expects to draw large crowd |
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MAY 27 IS THE DAY you’ve all been waiting for when the Schilderink family and Texas AgriLife Extension Service will host the Southwest Dairy Day at Spandet Dairy in Hart, Texas, at 10 a.m. sharp! The event will host guided tours of the spectacular Spandet Dairy, a 5,500 cow cross-ventilation facility. The tour will visit the 100-cow rotary parlor, 6,000-head open dry lot heifer operation, newest in cow comfort and cooling, nutrient management handling, and special needs facilities. Demonstrations will include a smoke test of the cross-ventilation barn, how to improve irrigation pump efficiency, and information on manure and sand separation. “Last year we had more than 70 booth exhibitors and equipment dealers, and served lunch to more than 650 people. Come out and spend the day with activities the whole family can enjoy,” said Dr. Todd Bilby, AgriLife Extension dairy specialist. Lunch will be provided courtesy of Sweet Bran, Intervet/Schering-Plough and Vi-COR. For more information contact Choyia Holley at (254) 968-4144, or e-mail c-holley@tamu.edu or visit http://texasdairymatters.org. |
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Where’s the beef??? Be your own judge at Texas Steak Cookoff! |
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Let your own taste buds be the best judge of the juiciest, tastiest and most delicious steaks you will ever eat at the Seventh Annual Texas Steak Cookoff in Hico, Texas on Sat., May 15, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. With Texas as #1 in beef cattle production, there is no question on May 15 this grand old state will have the best steaks in the nation at the largest steak cookoff in the entire Southwest, drawing thousands of tourists from all over the country each year. The public is encouraged to mark their calendars, grab their families and head to historic Hico, 90 miles southwest of the Dallas/Ft. Worth metroplex and approximately two hours north of Austin on scenic US 281. Rain or shine, you’re invited to visit Hico for the feast of a lifetime! The Cookoff is a competition for the best tasting 12 ounce Texas rib eye steak. Professional chefs from around the state compete in the Celebrity Chefs category to win the coveted gold and silver Texas-sized belt buckle. Celebrity Chefs will showcase their specialties in preparing and grilling 12-ounce Texas ribeyes; meet with the public, and may even share a few of their grilling secrets. Competition in this category is fierce as there is only one winner and no award for Second Place. The most anticipated prizes of the day are awarded in the Backyard Chef category where each chef eagerly yearns for the title of “Best Steak in Texas.” Any and all amateur grillers are invited to compete for cash prizes amounting to $2,500 for First Place; $1,250 for Second; $750 for Third; $500 for Fourth; and $250 for Fifth Place. A fan favorite is the Hors d'oeuvres competition that allows the public to interact with the chefs while sampling amazing food in the warm-up for the big event. Attendees can also browse the Cookoff grounds and vendors, enjoy Hico shopping, listen to live entertainment, and participate in a separate wine tasting event. The Texas Steak Cookoff has gained national recognition over the last six years. The 2008 Cookoff was shown on The FoodNetwork Challenge and it has also been highlighted in “Everyday with Rachael Ray!” The City of Hico has experienced its own amount of fame with a most recent display featured in the November 2009 issue of Southern Living Magazine. The Cookoff is an annual initiative by the Hico Economic Development Corporation and the City of Hico to promote economic growth and tourism. Profits from the event go to worthy area student scholarships. Tickets are $25 per person and include a rib-eye steak dinner with all the fixins’ and a chance to win several door prizes. Visit www.TexasSteakCookoff.com or call 254-485-2020 for more information and to secure your tickets early as they sell out quickly. Texas Steak Cookoff Schedule of Events 10:00 am — Event Begins; Hors d’oeuvres Served 11:00 am — Turn in Hors d’oeuvres sample at Fire Hall for Judging 12:00 pm — 1st-Round Backyard Chefs Turn-in for Judging High Noon — Cookoff Opening Ceremony 12:15 pm — Celebrity Chefs Start Cooking 12:30 pm - 4:30 pm — Wine Tasting 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm — Quebe Sisters Band plays 1:00 pm — 2nd-Round Backyard Chefs Turn-in for Judging 2:00 pm — 3rd-Round Backyard Chefs Turn-in for Judging 2:30 pm — Announce Celebrity Chef Winner 2:45 pm — Announce Hors d’oeuvres Winner 3:00 pm — Announce “Top Hand” Awards 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm — Quebe Sisters Band plays 4:30 pm — “Top Hand” Steak Turn-in for Final Judging 5:00 pm — Serving Lines Open 5:15 pm — Distribute the Dinner Ribeye Steaks to Chefs 6:00 pm — VIP Dinner 7:00 pm — Announce ALL Winners (after everyone has been served) 8:00 pm — Event Ends |
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Dairy of Merit will be awarded at DairyFest, July 3 |
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The aesthetics of an attractive, well-maintained dairy farm reflects the natural wholesomeness of milk and creates confidence in consumers that will ultimately stimulate sales. The Erath County Dairy Committee and Stephenville Chamber of Commerce will soon score and present the annual Erath County Dairy of Merit sign to the most well-deserving dairies in the county at DairyFest on Sat., July 3, 2010, at Stephenville City Park. All Erath County dairy farms are eligible for this award and can even nominate their own dairy if they so desire. Based on a scoring method, dairies with 90% or better will receive a Dairy of Merit sign. Those who have been awarded a sign in the past can reapply for the award for the current year. Small “year” signs will be given to Dairy of Merit dairies to attach to the original sign each year they qualify for the award. Dairies are responsible for attaching these signs. Dairy farms are judged on several different visual aspects that include: Building Appearance-should be a uniform type of exterior construction, clean and nicely painted; Roadways-should be uniform with neat fences and weed-free fence lines; Landscape-should be free of rubbish, machinery, animals and fowl. Clean Cows and Facilities-calves and cows should be free of dirt and mud and manure piles well-maintained. Applications may be obtained from the Erath County Extension office in the Courthouse Annex in Stephenville. 254-965-1460. |
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Hoof-Tec takes special care in management of hoof care problems |
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By Sherry Webb Most dairymen are aware of the importance of good hoof care in their herds if they expect their cows to reach full milking potential. However, some producers may fall short of best management practices, particularly when it comes to the footbath. This can lead to debilitating hoof conditions such as footwarts. Hoof care should be addressed just as importantly as any other problems that affect the performance of dairy cows. “When their feet hurt, cows are reluctant to move. This can adversely affect their production and conception rates,” said Rosemary Smithyman, part owner with husband Dennis, of their newly formed business, Hoof-Tec, of Shreveport, Louisiana. “I can honestly say, I don’t think any other company takes the time and care that we do in teaching proper footbath management for dairy cows.” Rosemary said. “I’m flattered that now people refer to me as ‘the footbath lady.’ The footbath is not the most glamorous place on the dairy, but it is a vital tool in the control of painful footwarts.” An animal lover from way back, Rosemary gained a considerable amount of hoof care experience while working in the horse industry. But five years ago she found a special interest in bovine hoof care, and switched over to developing footbath products. “The first time I saw a footwart on a cow, I felt compelled to try to do something about it,” Rosemary said. “I really hate those things.” Originally, Rosemary and Dennis worked in different divisions for a company manufacturing anti-microbial products for the food and agricultural industries. When that company folded two years ago, the two decided to take a big risk and venture out on their own. Partnering with another former colleague, chemist Steve Mixon, they combined their knowledge, experience, and skills to develop the patent pending Hoof-Tec footbath product line. “When we went into business for ourselves, we weren’t sure how things were going to work out. It’s a bit scary being out there on your own. We are especially grateful to the dairy producers in Erath County and the surrounding areas that put their faith and trust in our products. They took a chance on us and believed in our abilities,” Rosemary said. “They gave us the confidence to expand further and now we have customers throughout Texas as well as New Mexico, Arizona and as far as California, where our daughter, Kate, represents our business.” In Texas, Stephenville local, Rick McCoy provides sales and tech service for Hoof-Tec. Team Hoof-Tec’s combined background in business, chemistry and animal science has enabled them to develop and implement the protocols and conduct the field trials necessary to assure product success on commercial dairy operations. Rosemary, a trained hoof trimmer, said when developing footbath products, Hoof-Tec adheres to a very vigorous protocol that involves a hoof scoring system, as well as interface with hoof trimmers and farm management. “I look at and score all the feet myself,” Rosemary said. “These days that means I have to remember my glasses! I study the hoof trimmer records and work with the farm managers. It’s my reputation on the line, so I take this process very seriously.” Hoof-Tec’s latest and most advanced product to date is Hoof-Tec Complete. Hoof-Tec Complete is an all-in-one liquid that does not require additional materials such as expensive copper sulfate, foamers, soaps etc. Rosemary said “Hoof-Tec Complete is exactly what its name implies: Complete,” she said. “We now have an effective, economical, and easy to use alternative to both formaldehyde which presents serious health and safety issues, and to copper sulfate that is expensive and results in copper build up in the soil.” Hoof-Tec Complete can be added by hand or used in automated footbath systems. It is effective for 350-500 cow passes per 50 gallons of water. “One of the most important services we provide is developing footbath management programs for our customers. We train the workers in how to correctly use the product – including how much to use, how many days to use it, and how many cows the bath is effective for, based on their individual conditions. The greatest product in the world is worthless unless used properly. “Above all, we pride ourselves on providing our customers with personalized footbath programs and excellent service. We take a genuine interest in each one of our customer’s herds.” |
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Heat stress impacts reproduction and production |
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In the next few weeks the challenges associated with heat stress will be in full swing. While the common signs of heat stress are well-recognized and understood, improving herd reproductive performance in the midst of summertime heat continues to plague dairy operations. These challenges are estimated to cost the dairy industry $900 million annually, and will continue to negatively influence herd performance, health and reproductive function if measures to mitigate its effects are not implemented. What we’re up against “There are multiple effects heat stress has on the reproductive performance of the dairy cow,” says Dr. Todd Bilby, associate professor and extension specialist with Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension. “As we’ve bred cows to increase milk production, they have become more susceptible to heat stress due to elevated metabolic heat production.” By understanding how heat influences the reproductive cycle, we can match our practices to meet the cow’s needs. Here are a few ways reproductive function is impacted by summer heat: • Reduced dry matter intake. One of the first reactions cows have to heat stress is eating less feed, supplying less energy for use by the cow. “Since cows have been bred to produce high volumes of milk, cows naturally use available energy for daily maintenance and milk production first, with fewer nutrients available for reproductive health,” explains Dr. Bilby. • Reduced estrus expression. Cows in heat stress conditions show fewer, less intense heats than in cooler temperatures, notes Dr. Bilby. Studies1 have suggested that undetected estrous events were between 76 and 82 percent from June to September compared to 44 to 65 percent from October to May. • Follicular selection and development. Heat stress impairs follicle selection and increases the length of follicular waves, which can reduce the quality of the oocytes. It also allows for more than one dominant follicle to develop, explaining the increased twinning seen from cows conceiving in summertime heat. • Embryo development. Embryo quality and growth is often reduced during heat stress. Embryo loss is more common in these conditions as well, with cows conceiving in heat stress being 3.4 times more likely to lose their embryo when compared to those conceiving in cool seasons2. • Carryover effects. Even after the heat of summer is over, the carryover effects of heat stress can cause fertility to be delayed. This can reduce conception rates for a longer period of time and result in poor heat detection, more services per pregnancy and longer days open. For all of these reasons, pregnancy losses increase dramatically as the temperature-humidity index (THI) rises. Table 1 shows pregnancy loss rate climbs as high as 12 percent when THI is 69 or greater. Table 1. Pregnancy loss rates based on THI, 21 – 30 days of gestation
Combating the heat Dr. Bilby notes that the greatest opportunity to reduce the negative effects of heat stress both pre- and postpartum is through cooling. “Feedline sprinklers, shades and fans are all beneficial to help keep cows cool, reducing services per conception, reproductive culls and days open,” explains Dr. Bilby. “Milk yield also increases, leading to a significant return on investment compared to cows with just shades or feedline sprinklers alone.” 3 To effectively use the technologies available to mitigate heat stress, producers must be aware of hot spots in their operation, says Dr. Bilby. These places are the ones most often responsible for increasing ambient temperature rapidly and can often be places cows spend a significant portion of their day. To best manage hot spots for optimal cow performance and reproductive health: • Provide cooling devices. Shades, soakers and fans should be located in places that are extremely hot and where cows spend most of their time. This includes at the feedbunk and the holding pen as well as the freestall barn or shades on a dry lot facility. • Make ration changes. Cows in heat stress conditions are prone to rumen acidosis, which makes fiber quality especially important to maximize rumen buffering and saliva production. Feeding a high-quality bypass fat remains an effective way to provide an energy-dense diet at a time when cows are eating fewer pounds of feed, recommends Dr. Bilby. Also, increase levels of potassium in the diet as cattle utilize it as the primary sweat gland regulator. • Think water. Water consumption increases 1.2 to two times during heat stress conditions. Dr. Bilby notes that since milk is 90 percent water, how much cows drink is vital to milk production and maintained thermo homeostasis. • Don’t forget about the holding pen. Cow should spend no more than 60 to 90 minutes in the holding area to minimize the negative effects of this hot spot. In addition, provide shade, fans and sprinklers to keep cows cool. • Work when it’s coolest. Vet checks, pen moves and lock-up should be completed early in the morning when cows and temperatures are the coolest. Cow’s body temperature is warmest between 6 p.m. and midnight, so reducing activity during this time can also reduce heat stress.
Reproductive tools to beat the heat
• Increase estrous detection. If you visually watch for heats, increase the time and frequency of observation, and watch more often during cooler periods of the day. Tail chalking is another popular estrous detection aid that can identify cows in heat during summertime temperatures. Using available technologies such as pedometers can help increase estrous detection. Combination of two is always better. • Use A.I. for more breedings. “After a certain number of breedings some producers move cows into a pen with a bull for natural service breeding. During summertime heat, bull fertility is often impaired, which can negatively impact your reproductive program,” shares Dr. Bilby. Heat stress also decreases sperm concentration and motility and increases the percentages of abnormal sperm in an ejaculate. • Utilize timed-A.I. when possible. A timed-A.I. (TAI) protocol can help improve fertility during summer months. Research5 has shown that a TAI protocol increased pregnancy from 16.5 percent in the control group to 27 percent in the TAI protocol, while decreasing days open, interval from calving to first breeding and services per conception. Dr. Bilby notes that while many ways can help mitigate the heat, the most profitable and effective way to improve both milk production and reproduction during the summer months is by improving cooling systems. Enhanced cooling, coupled with appropriate ration adjustments and customized reproductive protocol changes can help to improve reproductive performance, even in the midst of hot weather. 1 Thatcher WW, Collier RJ. 1986. Effects of climate on bovine reproduction. In: D.A. Morrow, ed. Current Therapy in Theriogenology 2.,Philadelphia: W.B. Sanders, Co., 1986;301– 309. 2 López-Gatius F, Santolaria P, Yániz JL, Hunter RH. Timing of early foetal losss for since and twin pregnancies in dairy cattle. Reprod. Domest. Anim. 2004;39:429-433. 3 Garcia-Ispierto F, Lopez-Gatius G, Bech-Sabat P, Santolaria J, Yaniz L, Nogareda C, De Rensis F, Lopez-Bejar M. Climate factors affecting conception rates of high producing dairy cows iin northeastern Spain. Theriogenology 2007;67:1379-1385. 4 Wiersma F, Armstrong DV. Cooling dairy cattle in the holding pen. ASAE paper no. 83-4507. ASAE, St. Joseph, MI, 1983. 5 De la Sota RL, Burke JM, Risco CA, Moreira F, DeLorenzo MA, Thatcher WW. 1998. Evaluation of timed insemination during summer heat stress in lactating dairy cattle. Theriogenology 1998;49:761-770. |
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Dairy MAX Farm Tour Kit gives valuable tips to producers |
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Most farmers are aware the general public does not know the full workings of a dairy. City folks may know milk comes from cows, but that may be the extent of their knowledge. It is up to the dairyman to display a good image of his environment and convey an informative and educational message that ensures visitors they are getting a safe and wholesome dairy product. To help farmers connect with consumers, Dairy Max created the Farm Tour Kit, an excellent tool to advise them of the necessary steps if they decide to present their farms for public tours. “It’s important to know the interests and background of visitors before planning the tour,” Littlefield said. “The tour guide is designed to help plan the tour from start to finish, answering tough questions along the way.” The kit is a practical user guide that outlines how to prepare for a successful and entertaining tour, how to convey a positive dairy image, and helpful tips on planning. Dairy MAX created the kit as a shelf-ready resource for dairy farmers. The kit features educational materials for all ages and provides easy to understand materials and terms geared toward the consumers. “Sometimes so much of what goes on at the farm is common sense and second nature to producers, but to a city person---it can be foreign and they don’t understand,” said Patty Littlefield, director of operations for Dairy MAX. Littlefield added it is important visitors do not misconstrue the most common agriculture procedures that are perfectly normal to farmers. The guide suggests ways to talk to visitors in terms they can relate to and to avoid jargon, acronyms or abbreviated terminology guests won’t understand. It also says to stay positive, stick with the basics of the operation, and take every opportunity to repeat key messages about animal care, environmental stewardship, and wholesome dairy products. The guide says the entire on-farm experience should be an ongoing commitment by the farmer to meet “standards for appearance,” meaning not everyone will want to host a farm tour. When showing animal facilities, farmers should explain the nutritious diets provided for their cows and calves, the cow comfort living conditions, and practice of routine animal medical care. The safety and security of a farm and its guests should be handled with the utmost responsibly. The kit points out dairymen should know their liability insurance policy; restrict people from entering “off limits” areas and route people away from large machinery and equipment. The guide reminds farmers that visitors can introduce biological hazards to their farms and vice—versa. It emphasizes that contact with farm animals can transmit several organisms harmful to humans and they should wash their hands after any animal contact. Other health precautions concern visitors from other countries that may carry foreign organisms dangerous to the cows and calves. The best thing about the kit, Littlefield said, is the variety of the content. Among the elements is the “Our Land, Our Cows, Our Passion … From Our Farm to You” DVD. This DVD provides a “virtual tour” of the dairy industry for people who are unable to attend or for educators who want to use it in the classroom. Several key issues are addressed by a farmer in the video including: calf care, quality milk production and environmental stewardship. Also in the kit are samples of various handouts, featuring: Frequently asked questions; Trivia quiz; Fun facts; How milk is made; and Cow care and original recycler. “The reaction from producers has been positive,” Littlefield said. “They’re saying this is exactly what they need. In fact, many of these handouts were developed from suggestions made by producers who asked for these types of tools.” “The importance of the farm tour kit to the producer has become very evident,” said Marty McKinzie, who works for Dairy MAX in Industry Image and Relations. “The producers see the value of conducting these tours and they want to have educational resources at their fingertips that can make the entire farm visit more effective and memorable. Dairy MAX wants this to be a win-win for the farmers and for those who are visiting.” “Our hope is the first tool producers will reach for is the Farm Tour Kit that will get them started in the right direction and help ease the planning,” Littlefield said. Producers who are planning to host visitors and would like a Farm Tour Kit or other DairyMAX materials can contact their local Dairy MAX representative or call 1-800-332-4790. Be sure to order your selected handouts at least two weeks before your tour is scheduled. |
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