Dairy
August
1999
MAXIMIZING PEAK MILK YIELD
Area Extension Dairy Specialist, MSU
Animal and Dairy Sciences Department
Peak milk yield sets the stage for how much total milk that will be produced during the lactation. Each additional pound of peak milk is worth 200 to 250 additional pounds of milk during the lactation. In most dairy herds, an achievable goal would be to increase average peak milk by 5 pounds. The result could increase production by as much as 1000 pounds per cow per lactation. For a 100-cow herd, this increase has a gross value of $15,000, assuming a milk price of $15.00 per hundredweight.
In many cases, peak milk yield can be increased with a limited amount of financial input leaving a large net return. Table 1 shows what peak milk yields should be, given differing herd production levels. These peak milk yields are averages and would be affected by season of calving and other factors.
Table
1. Average Peak (highest test day milk after 50
DIM) Milk Production of Holstein Cows By Herd
Average Production (LB)¹ Herd
Avg. Lactation
No. Lactation
No. Lactation
No. Lactation
No. less
than 14,000 52 61 67 62 14,000
to 15,999 61 72 78 71 16,000
to 17,999 66 80 86 77 18,000
to 19,999 71 71 86 93 83 more
than 20,000 78 94 101 91 All
Herds 64 78 84 76
¹From John Smith (Extension Dairy Scientist, Univ. of GA;
1996). Data summarized from DRMS @ Raleigh for herds in AL,
GA, FL, SC.
1
2
3
All
Another way to evaluate peak milk is to compare groups of cows within your own herd. First lactation cows should peak at 82 to 84% of second lactation cows and 76 to 77% of third plus lactation cows. Peak milk production of second lactation cows should be 92 to 93% of third plus lactation cows. If your cows deviate from these guidelines, you should investigate where the short-comings are. Remember that larger numbers will make the comparison more valid.
Finding ways to increase peak milk yield is the next logical challenge. Nutrition and management are the two critical areas to emphasize. Minor adjustments in both areas can have a positive impact on your herd's production and profitability.
Dry
Cow Management
Much of a cow's potential milk production can be robbed if
she has not been properly fed and managed during the
previous lactation and dry period. During the last 100 days
of lactation, cows should attain a body condition score of
3.0 to 3.5. This condition level must be maintained during
the dry period to provide for the demands of high peak milk
yields. Cows that lack condition should be challenged to
gain weight before dry off because large weight gains in the
dry period can lead to metabolic disorders. The optimum dry
period should be 45 to 60 days long.
One of the best ways to manage your dry cows is to divide them into two groups; (1) a far-off dry group of cows, more than three weeks away from calving and (2) a close-up or transition dry group of cows and springing heifers that are within the last three weeks of gestation.
Both groups require specific ration requirements and a nutritionist involved in formulating their rations. Poor feed intake prior to and immediately following calving has a tremendous effect on start-up milk production. Transition cows that have good appetites, however, tend to have higher feed intakes and less metabolic disorders after freshening and produce more milk even through peak milk. Implementing management techniques that increase feed intake (i.e. reducing heat stress, quality forages, fresh feed, etc.) will also work for the transition cows and set them up for higher peak milk production.
Some attainable goals for dry cows are as follows: Less than 8% with milk fever at or near calving. Fewer than 15% assisted births. Maintain a minimum average 25 lb. DM in take on all dry cows. Average dry period length of 50 to 60 days. Hold BCS within .25 points throughout the dry period.
Early
Lactation Cows
The first 30 to 60 days of lactation are the most stressful
days during a cow's life. The change from a non-lactating
pregnant cow to a milk-producing animal affects her
nutrition, hormones and mammary function. Feed intake
gradually increases following calving, but nutrient demand
outpaces intake until a cow peaks in milk production. It is
essential that fresh cows receive adequate amounts of
energy, protein and minerals during this time by accounting
for the gradual increase in dry matter intake. This will
minimize the mobilization of energy from body stores and
limit the drop in body condition.
The following guidelines should be used to allow early lactation cows to reach their potential peak milk production level.
- Ensure fresh feed is available at all times.
- Feed a ration that contains adequate fiber from high quality forages.
- Use highly palatable feeds that are free of mold. Clean out feed bunks daily.
- Feed a ration with 0.77 to 0.79 Mcal NEL/lb of dry matter with no more than 5 to 6% dietary, rumen degradable fat.
- Provide 38 to 40% non-fiber carbohydrate ration level with corn grain as the major source.
- Provide fresh water at all times.
- Keep cows comfortable by reducing heat stress, providing dry, clean bedding areas and reducing the time cows are required to stand on their feet (i.e. holding pens.)
Implementing these guidelines will not only increase milk production but also help cows breed back sooner. Your goal should be to maximize the amount of saleable milk each cow produces. Cows that breed back sooner will have more days during their lifetime producing at, or near peak production than those with longer calving intervals.
Assoc. Professor
Animal and Dairy Sciences Department, MSU
Had the opportunity to attend the National Dairy Science Annual Meetings held in Memphis in June. These meetings were special for two reasons. For one, Mississippi State University served as the meeting host, and used this opportunity to showcase Mississippi culture and heritage to people from all over the U.S. and the rest of the world. In addition, I thought that the meetings were special because of the information presented during the research sessions. These sessions serve as an avenue for dairy scientists to present recently conducted research to their peers and colleagues. In many instances, the information presented is very technical. For example, some molecular biologists are working on sequencing different genes in the dairy cow. However, some of the information presented has a very applied or practical focus, and can be used immediately on dairy farms. I like that kind of information. My ears perk up when I hear it. And I take notes.
The following is a description of some things I learned in Memphis: Although tube-feeding newborncalves is one of the most sure ways of getting a large quantity of colostrum (and antibodies) into the calf shortly after birth, there may be some drawbacks to this technique. I had read in the past that colostrum fed by tube-feeder might go into the rumen instead of being shunted into the abomasum. Unfortunately, the rumen does not absorb antibodies. They must instead pass through the abomasum to the small intestine to be absorbed by the calf.
At an Informal Calf Session attended by approximately forty scientists who conduct research with baby calves, the point was made that tube-fed colostrum can be "stuck" in the rumen for anywhere from two to four hours before being emptied into the abomasum and being allowed to travel to the small intestine. One scientist pointed out that bacteria from the calf's environment have been found in the small intestine just a few hours after birth. This means that with tube-feeding, it is possible that disease-causing bacteria could reach the small intestine prior to the arrival of the disease-fighting colostral antibodies. Another scientist at the session recommended that a nipple bottle be used to give the first dose of colostrum to the calf. The suckling motion by the calf causes a groove in the calf's throat to close, forcing the colostrum to go to the abomasum and then the small intestine, where it can be absorbed and can protect the calf from disease. Bottom line: use a nipple bottle to give the first dose of colostrum. If the calf won't drink, the tube-feeder would be the next best option.
I also enjoyed a symposium titled "Health and Safety Issues on the Dairy Farm". One speaker discussed Salmonella, a type of bacteria that not only makes cows sick, but can also infect humans. This bacterium is found in feces, and can be passed to other animals orally. The speaker mentioned that the design or layout of freestall barns can affect the transmission of salmonella from one cow to another. He showed slides of barns designed with crosswalks that were used for both cow traffic and equipment traffic. When the tractor and mixer wagon drove across the crosswalk, the tires picked up manure (and Salmonella) and then deposited it along the fenceline feeders; the cows were eating some of the fecal material as they consumed their total mixed ration. The scientist also showed some alleys that were flushed using recycled waste lagoon water. Again, the tractor drove across the contaminated alley and spread the bacteria throughout the eating area. In addition to mentioning Salmonella transmission, this researcher also indicated that typically, when one cow is identified with a visible Salmonella infection, there are many other cows in the herd who have sub-clinical infections (the bacteria is there, but is not causing observable symptoms). A little extra attention to facility design andcleanliness could prevent health problems in the future.
JUNE
1999 HONOR ROLL HERDS* Dairy County No.
Cows Lbs
ECM** 2X/3X RHA
Milk RHA
Fat RHA
Prot DOT G&B
DAIRY LINCOLN 39 80.8 2X 17301 709 629 06/25/99 TIM
WEEKS COPIAH 68 67.2 2X 0 0 0 06/01/99 STEWARD
FARM INC. TATE 361 65.8 2X 22866 0 0 06/01/99 THOMPSHON
BROTHERS MARSHALL 128 64.4 2X 19745 704 629 06/01/99 JODY
DEBLANC PIKE 39 59.8 2X 0 0 0 05/27/99 JODY
DEBLANC PIKE 39 59.4 2X 0 0 0 06/24/99 MELVIN
NICHOLSON NEWTON 128 59.0 2X 23175 773 742 06/14/99 ROWZEE
JERSEY FARM NEWTON 150 58.7 2X 17096 776 646 06/21/99 DAIVD
ROBINSON & SONS RANKIN 131 57.5 2X 21139 730 648 06/17/99 DIXIE
DAIRY SALES CARROLL 525 56.7 2X 19835 752 633 05/29/99 BRAD
BEAN AMITE 246 55.4 2X 20369 762 658 06/09/99 KNIGHTS
DAIRY FARM JONES 139 54.9 2X 20132 703 660 06/23/99 JAY
PAUL HOOVER NOXUBEE 177 54.8 2X 18179 0 0 06/23/99 COASTAL
PLAIN EXP. ST NEWTON 151 53.1 2X 20814 768 664 06/13/99 CHEEKS
DAIRY JONES 128 52.5 2X 17215 611 561 06/01/99 ELWAYNE
MAST NOXUBEE 179 51.9 2X 18290 681 581 06/22/99 SPEAKS
& SON WALTHALL 415 51.0 2X 17825 679 583 05/31/99 LEON
BARDWELL DAIRY LINCOLN 52 49.9 2X 18175 587 570 06/12/99 MS
STATE UNIVERSITY OKTIBBEHA 175 47.7 2X 18543 754 619 06/09/99 AL
BOYD JR WALTHALL 76 47.6 2X 19658 654 621 06/13/99 FREEMAN
DAIRY PIKE 120 47.1 2X 19847 663 672 06/19/99 NORTH
MISS EXP. STA. MARSHALL 90 47.1 2X 19757 704 651 06/09/99 RONALD
H. CLARK LINCOLN 76 46.7 2X 19381 668 631 06/25/99 CORY
CLEVELAND PIKE 25 45.9 2X 13798 603 516 05/31/99 PAR
ARD LINCOLN 176 43.8 2X 15809 592 544 06/11/99 MAX
LAWSON AMITE 210 43.6 2X 16325 565 543 06/23/99 *
Top 25 herds enrolled on supervised DHIA testing
programs by test day energy corrected milk.
** ECM = (.3246 x test day milk) + (12.86 x test
day lbs fat) + (7.04 x test day lbs protein)
Dairy Economist, MSU
June
BFP Begins Seasonal Rise; Increases 16 Cents
The Basic Formula Price, or BFP, increased 16 cents per
hundredweight (cwt.) in June marking the beginning of the
usual upward trend in milk prices that occurs each summer as
the hot and dry summer weather curtails milk production. The
BFP usually starts its seasonal upward trend each year in
June or July, and 1999 appears to conform to this
pattern.
The current strength in the dairy market is being fueled by an upward spurt of cheese prices that has witnessed more than a 30% increase in both block and barrel cheddar prices since late May. Demand for fluid dairy products remains weak in the middle of the summer but many cheese processors are searching for all the available milk supplies. These cheese manufacturers were attempting to purchase as much milk as possible prior to an anticipated run-up in milk prices this fall. Florida milk handlers are having to import milk supplies but have been able to meet these needs from their "usual" sources located in Southeast and Middle Atlantic states.
Weather related milk production problems have been and are spreading to most regions of the country and milk output has declined in response to very hot and dry conditions in the Northeast, Upper Midwest, and the Middle Atlantic. Deteriorating milk supplies are overshadowing the outlook in the dairy market and cheddar cheese prices continue their sharp upward spiral that began in late May. This "good" cheese price news should promote a further increase in the BFP through the remainder of this summer and reach a seasonal high near the 14.50 range sometime during September or October.
The June BFP was reported at $11.42 per cwt. which represents an INCREASE of 16 cents per cwt. (+1.4%) ABOVE the May BFP of $11.26. This year's June BFP is $1.68 per cwt. (or -12.8%) LOWER than the June 1998 BFP price of $13.10. Dairy producers need to remember that the June BFP will be used as the base price to calculate the August Class I and Class II milk prices and the June Class III milk price. Because about 80 percent of Mississippi milk is utilized as Class I and Class II products, farmers will not realize any increase in revenues caused by this 16-cent rise in the June BFP until they receive their "settlement" checks in mid-September as payment for milk sold in August.
Milk
Production
The lingering effects of record high milk prices during the
last 3 months of 1998 and the impact of prolonged moderate
to low feed prices are continuing to fuel increased milk
production during 1999. The USDA reports that national milk
output was 3.2% higher during the first six months of 1999
(or +2,589 million pounds) compared to the same period of
1998 and that June 1999 was 2.9% greater (+387 million
pounds) than the level of milk production during June 1998.
During the second quarter of 1999 (April - June), U.S. milk
production was 42.0 billion pounds representing an increase
of 3.0% compared to the same quarter of 1998. These
increases in milk supplies have been generated using fewer
cows (20,000 less) which have produced more pounds of milk
per cow (+142 more pounds).
Mississippi maintained its persistent decline in milk production and milk cows and was reported to have yielded 310 million pounds of milk during the first half of 1999 compared to 326 million pounds during the same months of 1998. This 16 million pound (-4.9%) reduction in Mississippi milk output was produced with 4,000 fewer cows (-9.3%) that obviously yielded more milk per cow in 1999 versus 1998. Moderate dairy feed costs over the past year have promoted these increases in milk output per cow in Mississippi and across the country.
Comparing the April - June quarter of 1999 to same quarter of 1998, the USDA reports that the states recording the largest percentage increases were Nebraska (+15.6%), California (+9.9%), Idaho (+9.1%), Oregon (+8.9%), Arizona (+8.6%), New Mexico (+7.0%), and Florida (+4.9%). The states reporting decreased output were: Arkansas (-21.0%), Missouri (-7.2%), Louisiana (-6.9%), Tennessee (-6.5%), Kentucky (-5.9%), Mississippi (-4.5%), and Alabama (-3.8%). These data confirm that the Southeast and the Midwest -- especially, those along the Mississippi River -- continue to suffer reduced milk production sector with fewer dairy farms and dairy cows yielding less milk. The trend of U.S. milk production shifting to the western states persists and the outward migration of the supporting industries is placing even more financial pressure of those dairy farmers that have survived in the Southeast.
Dairy
Product Prices
Decreasing milk supplies expected this summer and fall are
fueling cheddar cheese prices but have had very little
positive effect on butter and nonfat dry milk prices. The
upturn in the cheese market witnessed in mid-May has
continued to increase cheese price during mid-July but, the
strength in the butter market seems to have waned since
mid-June.
During the third week of July, the cheese market has maintained its "firm" description as cheese processors work hard to produce as much product as possible with "cheaper" raw milk supplies. Cheese prices on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) climbed steadily during a recent four-week period with both 40# block and barrel prices increasing, while the price spread between blocks and barrels has widened to as much as 14 cents and then narrowed to a more normal four cents per pound. On the CME, 40# block prices were reported at $1.6025 per pound on July 16 compared to $1.5000 on June 25-- indicating a 10.25-cent (+6.8%) increase over this period while barrel prices rose 9.25 cents from $1.4575 on June 25 to $1.5500 on July 16.
However, the butter market has not been positive and the market has been being described as "weak" because of larger than expected inventories held in commercial storage. During this same four-week period, CME butter prices decreased sharply during July and have not shown any indication of stabilizing at current prices.
On June 25, the Grade AA butter price was recorded at $1.4800 compared to $1.2700 on July 16 -- a decline of 21 cents (-14.2%) per pound. Nonfat dry milk (NDM) prices on the CME remained flat because the current market prices have been at the government price support level, as illustrated by the fact that Grade A NDM prices have been reported at $1.0500 since February 19 (for 24 straight weeks).
The USDA's Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) continues to increase the amount of its weekly purchases and reported that during the week of July 12 - 16 the CCC purchased 13.3 million pound of NDM -- which was the largest one-week purchase since 1991. NDM prices are expected to remain at the support levels over the next several months because there are no market signals to indicate an increase in the demand for NDM.
Near-term
Market Outlook
The outlook for the dairy market over the next several
months is "quite positive" with the market indicating that
milk and dairy product prices should increase over the next
several months. Dairy market analysts continue to believe
that milk and cheese prices have already experienced their
lowest levels for 1999 and expect the BFP to increase over
the next four to five months.
Therefore, the July BFP is expected to be $13.50 to $13.70 then steadily increasing over the next months and peaking near of $14.50 by September or October. On July 19, BFP futures contracts settlement prices were reported at $13.60 for the July contract, $14.52 for August, $14.60 for September and $14.15 for October. However, the current weakness in both the butter and NDM markets does hang like a dark and dreary cloud over the very bright cheese and milk markets. Price volatility remains as a major problem to dairy farmers and places extreme business and financial stress on dairy operations as they try to manage huge changes in the size of their monthly milk checks.
Southeast
"Blend" Price Increases to $14.47 in June
The Southeast Federal Order Milk Market Administrator
reported the June 1999 "blend" or uniform prices for milk
delivered in Federal Order (FO) #7 at $14.03 per cwt. (for
3.5% Butterfat milk) in Zone 7, see the Mississippi map for
zones (Zone 5 minus $0.25, Zone 6 minus $0.10, Zone 8 plus
$0.10, Zone 9 plus $0.20, Zone 10 plus $0.32, Zone 11 plus
$0.50, and Zone 12 plus $0.57 per cwt.).
The June "blend" price of $14.47 for Zone 7 of FO #7 represents an INCREASE of $0.44 per cwt. (+3.1%) compared to the May price of $14.03. The June 1999 blend price is $0.26 (or -1.8%) BELOW the June 1998 blend price of $14.73. This 44-cent per cwt. increase in the June blend price occurred because all three classes of milk prices increased almost 20-cents per cwt. and augmented by an increase in the Class I and Class II utilization rates (and corresponding decrease in the Class III utilization rate). Class I utilization went up 5.1% (from 76.6% in May to 81.7% in June), while Class II utilization also rose 1.8% (from 9.6% in May to 11.4% in June) and Class III utilization fell by 6.9% (from 13.8% in May to 6.9% in June).
The June Zone 7 "blend" price was calculated using: (1) the April BFP price of $11.81 plus the $3.08 Zone 7 Class I differential for a Class I price of $14.89; (2) the April BFP price of $11.81 plus the 30 cents per cwt. Class II differential for a Class II price of $12.11; and, (3) the June Class III price of $11.42 (which is the BFP).
Please consult the map in this newsletter to determine which Zone the plant you sell your milk to is located in FO #7. A dairy producer's uniform price and the amount of his milk check is affected by where the plant that processes his milk is located in the Southeast FO and NOT by where the milk was produced on the dairy farm.
Upcoming
Events Sept.
9- 10 Consultant
PCDART Workshop Tifton, GA Oct.7 PCDART
Producer Workshop (For beginners) Oct.
8 - 9 MS/LA
DHIA Technician Conference Oct.
- 11 PC
DART Workshop(Advanced) Oct.
- 15 Mississippi
State Fair Open Dairy Show 9:00 a.m. Oct.
- 16 Mississippi
State Fair Junior Dairy Show 8:30 a.m. Nov.
- 11 Mississippi/Louisiana
Dairy Management Conference
Contact Leigh Randle-706-453-7117
118 Kenna Hall, SW Community Coll.
Call Wesley Farmer-601-835-3460
Ramada Inn Hilltop Natchez, MS
118 Kenna Hall, SW Comm. College
For Info.-Wesley Farmer-601-835-3460
9:00 a.m. Percy Quinn State Park Convention Ctr.
McComb, MS
UNIFORM
or "BLEND" PRICE FOR JUNE 1999 ZONE
5: $14.19 ZONE
9: $14.67 ZONE
6: $14.37 ZONE
10: $14.79 ZONE
7: $14.47 ZONE
11: $14.97 ZONE
8: $14.57
CLASS
1 PRICE FOR AUGUST 1999 (using June 1999
BFP) ZONE
5: $14.25 ZONE
9: $14.70 ZONE
6: $14.40 ZONE
10: $14.82 ZONE
7: $14.50 ZONE
11: $15.00 ZONE
8: $14.60
Visit: DAFVM
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Last Modified: Wednesday, 18-Feb-04 11:17:38
URL: http://msucares.com/newsletters/dairy/1999/199908.html
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