Priority Area: Ensuring animal health and welfare
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Improving the health and welfare of dairy calves
This project takes a three-pronged approach to addressing research questions related to calf welfare and health. The first project is to refine a disbudding paste applicator prototype. Although paste is…
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Harnessing the power of computer vision systems to improve animal health and welfare in transition dairy cows
Nearly all cows will experience negative energy balance in order to support the high energy demands of lactation during the transition period. This can lead to a variety of metabolic…
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Improving health and welfare of dairy cattle by synchronizing and optimizing the transition period
Calving and transition to lactation increases susceptibility to and incidence of disease in the dairy cow. In dairy and beef farms, calvings occur in a wide range before and after…
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The genetic determinants of gastrointestinal tract colonization by Listeria monocytogenes
Listeria monocytogenes (Listeria) is a dangerous foodborne pathogen commonly associated with dairy product outbreaks. Listeria infection has remarkably high hospitalization and mortality rates, thus the FDA implements a zero-tolerance policy for…
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Nanosculpted silicon membranes for shape-based biological separations
Dairy farmers contend with a broad array of pathogens in their efforts to produce high-quality milk. For example, almost 20 different microbes are known to cause mastitis, the most common…
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Selection for resilient dairy cows
This project seeks to improve the health and welfare of dairy cows and the sustainability of dairy farms by genetic selection for resistance to, and rapid recovery from, environmental and…
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Buccal swabbing as a molecular tool for rumen microbial profiling and diagnosis in dairy cattle
A healthy and optimal rumen microbiome is critical to the wellbeing of highly productive dairy cows. Current methods for rumen sampling are invasive, laborious, and infeasible for large herds. A…
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Comparing the efficacy of EGTA and 5-HTP induction and resolution of hypocalcemia in dairy cows
Hypocalcemia, which causes lethargy and death if left untreated, is a common and pervasive disease in the dairy industry. Research has shown that inducing transient hypocalcemia prepartum causes a resistance…
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Developing novel and sustainable disease management strategies against Aphanomyces root rot of alfalfa
Alfalfa is the most widely grown forage legume in the United States and is used for hay and silage. Although many cultivars that are grown in Wisconsin are relatively hardy,…
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Replacement and improvement of video recording systems at the Mann Valley Farm Dairy Learning Center, phase 1
Vogel’s project will replace and improve the Network Video Recording (NVR) system at the Dairy Learning Center at UW–River Falls. Phase 1, the most critical, will include a data center,…
