Priority Area: Ensuring animal health and welfare
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Replacement and improvement of video recording systems at the Mann Valley Farm Dairy Learning Center – Phase 3
This proposal is the final in a three-phase approach to replacing and improving the existing Network Video Recording (NVR) system at the Mann Valley Farm Dairy Learning Center. Phase 3…
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Using seed priming to improve alfalfa feed quality and value
Alfalfa Is a common source for livestock feed (as hay) owing to its high protein content. According to the USDA, there is a strong correlation between relative forage quality (RFQ),…
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Precision livestock farming: Harnessing data and machine learning for enhanced dairy calf health and welfare
This study proposes Precision Livestock Farming (PLF) to enhance dairy calf health and welfare. The traditional methods of periodic observations for monitoring animal health are deemed insufficient, leading to potential…
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Effects of in utero choline exposure on growth, feed efficiency, and carcass quality in Angus x Holstein cattle
Research suggests that Rumen protected choline (RPC) may positively affect offspring growth, health, and well-being. RPC is typically fed to gestating dairy cows for three weeks prepartum. In utero choline…
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Understanding Hepatic Carbon Metabolism During the Transition to Lactation
White and her post-doc France are investigating hepatic carbon flux during the transition to lactation, a critical period for health and productivity, and the onset of metabolic disorders. This project…
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Exploring factors that contribute to nutrient use for feed efficiency
White and her postdoc Arshad are exploring the factors that contribute to the nutrient use for feed efficiency. The ultimate goal is to understand nutrient use efficiency at cellular and…
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Testing the efficacy of plant essential oils in the management of Aphanomyces root rot of alfalfa
This project will utilize a fluorescent stereomicroscope (Leica M165FC Fluorescent Stereomicroscope) to assess internal colonization of oomycete pathogen in the infected roots of alfalfa seedlings to estimate disease severity scores.…
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Exploiting the food-grade organism Aspergillus oryzae as a biocontrol agent against Listeria monocytogenes in dairy products and cattle
Listeria monocytogenes is a prominent foodborne pathogen of particular concern in the dairy industry. Listeria frequently infects dairy cattle and contaminates the dairy food production chain and is highly resilient…
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Capacity of flies to acquire and transmit pathogenic bacteria to dairy cows
Mastitis and enteritis are two of the most common and costly diseases affecting dairy cattle in the United States and worldwide. However, very little is known about how dairy cows…
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A novel approach to understanding the impact of dry-off on dairy cow welfare in automatic milking systems
The abrupt cessation of milking is a well-established dairy management practice used to begin the dry period, but few studies have investigated the impact of abruptly ending milking on dairy…
