Projects

IMPROVING NUTRIENT DIGESTIBILITY TO ENHANCE FORAGE UTILIZATION IN LACTATING DAIRY COW FEEDING SYSTEMS Appropriated (D)   Accession Number: 412604

METHODS FOR IMPROVING FEED EVALUATION FOR USE IN ENHANCING LACTATING DAIRY COW EFFICIENCY AND NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT Appropriated (D)   Accession Number: 412831

OPPORTUNITIES & LIMITS TO PERTURBING FORAGE PLANT BIOCHEMISTRY, GROWTH, & DEVELOPMENT FOR IMPROVING FORAGE NUTRITIONAL BENEFITS IN DAIRY SYS Appropriated (D)   Accession Number: 412700

CONDUCTING DIGESTIBILITY TRIALS WITH LAMBS TO EVALUATE UNIQUE ALFALFA AND GRASS FORAGES Specific Cooperative Agreement (S)   Accession Number: 412048

DEVELOPING RAPID METHODS OF MONITORING FEEDS & ANIMALS FOR PRECISION FEEDING, IMPROVING ANIMAL HEALTH, PRODUCTIVITY, & ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT Specific Cooperative Agreement (S)   Accession Number: 409822

POST-APPROVAL STUDY: EFFECT OF RUMENSIN ON RUMINAL MICROBIAL PROFILES IN LACTATING DAIRY CATTLE UNDER CONDITIONS OF MILK FAT DEPRESSION Trust (T)   Accession Number: 411544

Publications

Cell wall fermentation kinetics impacted more by ferulate-lignin coupling than shifts in lignin composition - (Peer Reviewed Journal) - (25-Aug-08)

EFFECT OF SAMPLE PROCESSING PROCEDURES ON MEASUREMENT OF STARCH IN CORN SILAGE AND CORN GRAIN - (Peer Reviewed Journal) - (14-Aug-08)

Lignin and Fiber digestibility in Caffeic Acid 3-O-Methyltransferase and Caffeoyl CoA 3-O-Methyltransferase Downregulated Alfalfa - (Abstract)

Riday, H., Whalen, D., Bouton, J., Mertens, D.R., Jung, H.G., Chen, F., Temple, S., McCaslin, M., Dixon, R. 2008. Lignin and Fiber digestibility in Caffeic Acid 3-O-Methyltransferase and Caffeoyl CoA 3-O-Methyltransferase Downregulated Alfalfa [abstract]. Proceedings Joint Meeting of the 41st North American Alfalfa Improvement Conference & 20th Trifolium Conference, June 1-4, 2008, Dallas, TX. Abstract #18.

EFFECT OF MONENSIN FEEDING AND WITHDRAWAL ON POPULATIONS OF INDIVIDUAL BACTERIAL SPECIES IN THE RUMEN OF LACTATING DAIRY COWS FED HIGH-STARCH RATIONS - (Peer Reviewed Journal)

Weimer, P.J., Stevenson, D.M., Mertens, D.R., Thomas, E.E. 2008. Effect of monensin feeding and withdrawal on populations of individual bacterial species in the rumen of lactating dairy cows fed high-starch rations. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology. 80(1):135-145.

STANDARDIZING DIGESTIBILITY RESULTS ACROSS LABS: A POSSIBLE APPROACH - (Other)

Hall, M., Mertens, D.R. 2008. Standardizing digestibility results across labs: a possible approach. Available: http://www.ars.usda.gov/sp2UserFiles/ Place/36553000/pdf's/022808%20MBH%20Standardizing%20Digestibility.pdf.

Fiber Digestibility And Starch Content Of Corn Silage - (Proceedings/Symposium)

Martin, N.P., Mertens, D.R., Hall, M., Lauer, J.G. 2008. Fiber digestibility and starch content of corn silage. In: Proceedings of 2008 Idaho Alfalfa and Forage Conference, February 26-27, 2008, Burley, Idaho. p. 19-24.

Cell wall fermentation kinetics impacted more by lignin content and cross-linking than by diverse shifts in lignin composition - (Abstract)

Grabber, J. H., Mertens, D.R., Funk, C., Lu, F., Kim, H. 2008. Cell wall fermentation kinetics impacted more by lignin content and cross-linking than by diverse shifts in lignin composition [abstract]. Biotechnology for Fuels and Chemicals Symposium Proceedings. 1(31):17.

ALFALFA: FORAGE CROP OF THE FUTURE - (Proceedings/Symposium)

Martin, N.P., Mertens, D.R., Hatfield, R.D., Jung, H.J. 2008. Alfalfa: forage crop of the future. In: Proceedings of the 28th Kentucky Alfalfa Conference, February 21, 2008, Cave City, Kentucky, p. 17-26.

Grass Yield and Quality Affect Potential Stocking Rate and Milk Production - (Peer Reviewed Journal)

Brink, G.E., Hall, M., Mertens, D.R., Casler, M.D. 2008. Grass Yield and Quality Affect Potential Stocking Rate and Milk Production. Forage and Grazinglands. Available: http://www.plantmanagementnetwork.org/sub/fg/research/2008/milk/.

IN VITRO FERMENTATION VESSEL TYPE AND METHOD ALTER FIBER DIGESTIBILITY ESTIMATES - (Peer Reviewed Journal)

Hall, M., Mertens, D.R. 2008. In vitro fermentation vessel type and method alter fiber digestibility estimates. Journal of Dairy Science. 91(1):301-307.

In-vitro fermentability of cell walls as influenced by lignin composition and cross-linking. - (Abstract)

Grabber, J.H., Mertens, D.R., Funk, C., Ralph, J. 2007. In-vitro fermentability of cell walls as influenced by lignin composition and cross-linking [abstract]. In: American Society of Agronomy Abstracts. American Society of Agronomy Annual Meeting, November 4-8, 2007, New Orleans, Louisiana. 2007 CDROM.

Grass forages:Dynamics of digestion in the rumen - (Proceedings/Symposium)

Mertens, D.R. 2007. Grass forages:Dynamics of digestion in the rumen. Ruminant Nutrition Conference Proceedings. p. 6.

EFFECT OF MONENSIN FEEDING AND WITHDRAWAL ON RUMINAL POPULATIONS OF INDIVIDUAL BACTERIAL SPECIES IN COWS FED HIGH-STARCH DIETS - (Abstract)

Weimer, P.J., Stevenson, D.M., Mertens, D.R., Thomas, E.E. 2007. Effect of monensin feeding and withdrawal on ruminal populations of individual bacterial species in cows fed high-starch diets [abstract]. Journal of Dairy Science 90(Supplement 1):175.

Do We Need to Consider NDF Digestibility in the Formulation of Ruminant Diets? - (Proceedings/Symposium)

Mertens, D.R. 2006. Do We Need to Consider NDF Digestibility in the Formulation of Ruminant Diets?. In: Proceedings of the 27th Western Nutrition Conference, September 19-20, 2006, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. p. 75-98.

DIRECT VERSES SEQUENTIAL ANALYSIS OF ACID-DETERGENT INSOLUBLE NITROGEN IN FORAGE LEGUME HAYS - (Abstract)

Grabber, J.H., Mertens, D.R. 2006. Direct verses sequential analysis of acid-detergent insoluble nitrogen in forage legume hays [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the ADSA and ASAS Annual Meeting, July 9-13, 2006, Minneapolis, Minnesota. 2006 CD ROM.

MEASURING DETERGENT FIBRE AND INSOLUBLE PROTEIN IN CORN SILAGE USING CRUCIBLES OR FILTER BAGS - (Peer Reviewed Journal)

Ferreira, G., Mertens, D.R. 2007. Measuring detergent fibre and insoluble protein in corn silage using crucibles or filter bags. Animal Feed Science And Technology. 133(3-4):335-340.

QUANTIFYING ASSAY VARIATION IN NUTRIENT ANALYSIS OF FEEDSTUFFS - (Abstract)

Mertens, D.R. 2006. Quantifying assay variation in nutrient analysis of feedstuffs [abstract]. Journal of Dairy Science. 89 Supplement 1):383.

META ANALYSIS OF RUMINAL DIGESTIVE RESPONSES OF CATTLE TO DIETARY NDF - (Abstract)

Sauvant, D., Mertens, D.R. 2006. Meta analysis of ruminal digestive responses of cattle to dietary NDF [abstract]. Journal of Dairy Science. 89 (Supplement 1):261.

EFFECT OF CORN SILAGE MATURITY AND MECHANICAL PROCESSING ON NUTRIENT DIGESTIBILITY BY LACTATING DAIRY COWS OF DIFFERENT LACTATION STAGES - (Abstract)

Ferreira, G., Mertens, D.R. 2006. Effect of corn silage maturity and mechanical processing on nutrient digestibility by lactating dairy cows of different lactation stages [abstract]. Journal of Dairy Science 89 (Supplement 1):262.192

FEED A POUND OF FAT STRATEGY TO IMPROVE PRODUCTIVITY OF DAIRY COWS - (Abstract)

Richards, B.F., Dhiman, T.R., Mertens, D.R., Young, A.J., Solorzano, L.C. 2006. Feed a pound of fat strategy to improve productivity of dairy cows [abstract]. Journal of Dairy Science 89 (Supplement 1):61.

EFFECT OF YEAST CULTURE ON EFFICIENCY OF NUTRIENT UTILIZATION FOR MILK PRODUCTION AND IMPACT ON FIBER DIGESTIBILITY AND FECAL PARTICLE SIZE - (Abstract)

Harrison, J.H., White, R., Mertens, D.R., Yoon, I., Sanchez, W., Nicholson, N. 2006. Effect of yeast culture on efficiency of nutrient utilization for milk production and impact on fiber digestibility and fecal particle size [abstract]. Journal of Dairy Science. 89 (Supplement 1):262.

PROCESSING WHOLE-PLANT CORN SILAGE: MACHINE, STORAGE, AND ANIMAL PERSPECTIVES - (Proceedings/Symposium)

Shinners, K.J., Mertens, D.R., Harrison, J. 2006. Processing whole-plant corn silage: machine, storage, and animal perspectives. In: Silage for Dairy Farms: Growing, Harvesting, Storing, and Feeding. Ithaca, NY: NRAES Publication 181. p. 140-157.

DIURNAL CHANGES IN FORAGE QUALITY AND THEIR EFFECTS ON ANIMAL PREFERENCE, INTAKE, AND PERFORMANCE - (Proceedings/Symposium)

Mayland, H., Gregorini, P., Mertens, D.R., Taylor, J.B., Burns, J.C., Fisher, D.S., Ciavarella, T., Smith, K., Shewmaker, G., Griggs, T. 2005. Diurnal changes in forage quality and their effects on animal preference, intake, and performance. Proceedings of the 35th California Alfalfa & Forage Symposium, December 12-14, 2005, Visalia, California. p. 223-230.

REINVENTING ALFALFA FOR DAIRY CATTLE AND NOVEL USES - (Proceedings/Symposium)

Martin, N.P., Hatfield, R.D., Mertens, D.R. 2005. Reinventing alfalfa for dairy cattle and novel uses. Proceedings of the 35th California Alfalfa & Forage Symposium. p. 299-311.

POLYPHENOLS AND MECHANICAL MACERATION SHIFT PROTEIN FRACTIONS IN LEGUME SILAGE FROM RAPIDLY TO SLOWLY DEGRADED FORMS. - (Abstract)

Grabber, J.H., Mertens, D.R., Davidson, C., Becker, M. 2005. Polyphenols and Mechanical Maceration Shift Protein Fractions in Legume Silage from Rapidly to Slowly Degraded Forms [CD-ROM]. In: ASA-CSSA-SSSA Annual Meeting Abstracts, November 6-10, 2005, Salt Lake City, Utah.

DIRECT VERSES SEQUENTIAL ANALYSIS OF ACID-DETERGENT INSOLUBLE NITROGEN IN FORAGE LEGUME SILAGES. - (Abstract)

Grabber, J.H., Mertens, D.R., Davidson, C., Becker, M. 2005. Direct Verses Sequential Analysis of Acid-Detergent Insoluble Nitrogen in Forage Legume Silages [abstract] [CD-ROM]. ASA-CSSA-SSSA Annual Meeting Abstracts,ASA-CSSA-SSSA Annual Meeting Abstracts. ASA-CSSA-SSSA Annual Meeting. November 6-10, 2005, Salt Lake City, UT.

ANIMAL RESPONSES TO CIRCADIAN RHYTHMS IN FORAGE QUALITY - (Abstract)

Mayland, H.F., Burns, J.C., Fisher, D.S., Mertens, D.R., Taylor, J.B. 2005. Animal Responses to Circadian Rhythms in Forage Quality [abstract]. In: ASA-CSSA-SSSA Annual Meeting Abstracts, November 6-10, 2005, Salt Lake City, Utah. 2005 CDROM.

THE EFFECTS OF ALFALFA HAY NEUTRAL DETERGENT FIBER CONCENTRATION AND DIGESTIBILITY ON HOLSTEIN DAIRY COW PERFORMANCE - (Abstract)

Raeth-Knight, M.L., Peterson, P.R., Jung, H.G., Linn, J.G., Mertens, D.R. 2005. The effects of alfalfa hay neutral detergent fiber concentration and digestibility on Holstein dairy cow performance. American Forage and Grassland Conference Proceedings. p. 113.

CHECKING DRY MATTERS MADE EASY - (Popular Publication)

Mertens, D.R., Bolton, K, Jorgensen. M. 2005. Checking dry matters made easy. Hoard's Dairyman. 150(11):444-445.

PARTICLE SIZE, FRAGMENTATION INDEX, AND EFFECTIVE FIBER: TOOLS FOR EVALUATING THE PHYSICAL ATTRIBUTES OF CORN SILAGES - (Proceedings/Symposium)

Mertens, D.R. 2005. Particle size, fragmentation index, and effective fiber: Tools for evaluating the physical attributes of corn silages. In Proceedings of the 4-State Dairy Nutrition and Management Conference. Midwest Plan Service, Iowa State Univ., Ames. p. 211-220.

QUANTITATIVE ASPECTS OF RUMINANT DIGESTION AND METABOLISM - (Book/Chapter)

Mertens, D.R. 2005. Rate and extent of digestion. In: Dijkstra, J., Forbes, J.M., France, J., eds. Quantitative Aspects of Ruminant Digestion and Metabolism. 2nd Edition. Cambridge, MA: CABI Publishing. p. 13-47.

INFLUENCE OF FERMENTATION METHOD ON NDF DEGRADATION PARAMETER ESTIMATES - (Abstract)

Bossen, D., Mertens, D.R., Weisbjerg, M.R. 2005. Influence of fermentation method on NDF degradation parameter estimates [abstract]. Journal of Dairy Science. 88(Suppl.1):188.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN FORAGE TESTING LABORATORIES AND THE IMPACT ON YOUR OPERATION? - (Proceedings/Symposium)

Undersander, D., Martin, N., Mertens, D. 2005. What are the differences between forage testing laboratories and the impact on you operation? In: Proc. 2005 Annual Conference Volume 14 [CD-ROM]. American Forage and Grassland Council. 5 pp.

AOAC INTERNATIONAL MATERIALS COMMUNITY, FEED NUTRIENTS SUB GROUP: PROGRAM OF WORK AND RELATED ACTIVITIES - (Abstract)

Mertens, D. R. 2005. AOAC INTERNATIONAL Materials Community, Feed Nutrients Sub Group: Program of Work and Related Activities. In: AOAC INTERNATIONAL Midwest Section Annual Meeting and Exposition Final Program. [Abstract 1108]. p. 53.

IMPACT OF ALFALFA HAY NEUTRAL DETERGENT FIBER CONCENTRATION AND DIGESTIBILITY ON HOLSTEIN DAIRY COW PERFORMANCE: I. HAY ANALYSES AND LACTATION PERFORMANCE-USDFRC - (Abstract)

Mertens, D. R., Raeth-Knight, M. L., Linn, J. G., Jung, H. G., and Peterson, P. R. 2005. Impact of alfalfa hay neutral detergent fiber concentration and digestibility on Holstein dairy cow performance: I. Hay analyses and lactation performance - USDFRC. [abstract] Journal of Dairy Science. 88(Suppl.1):250.

IMPACT OF ALFALFA HAY NEUTRAL DETERGENT FIBER CONCENTRATION AND DIGESTIBILITY ON HOLSTEIN DAIRY COW PERFORMANCE: I. LACTATION PERFORMANCE - ST. PAUL - (Abstract)

Raeth-Knight, M.L., Linn, J.G., Jung, H.G., Mertens, D.R., Peterson, P.R. 2005. Impact of alfalfa hay neutral detergent fiber concentration and digestibility on Holstein dairy cow performance: II. Lactation performance - St. Paul [abstract]. Journal of Dairy Science. 88(Supplement 1):250.

IMPACT OF ALFALFA HAY NEUTRAL DETERGENT FIBER CONCENTRATION AND DIGESTIBILITY ON HOLSTEIN DAIRY COW PERFORMANCE: II. DIET DIGESTIBILITY - ST. PAUL - (Abstract)

Raeth-Knight, M.L., Linn, J.G., Jung, H.G., Mertens, D.R., Peterson, P.R. 2005. Impact of alfalfa hay neutral detergent fiber concentration and digestibility on Holstein dairy cow performance: III. Diet digestibility [abstract]. Journal of Dairy Science. 88(Supplement 1):250.

IN VITRO GAS PRODUCTION AND BACTERIAL BIOMASS ESTIMATION OF LUCERNE SILAGE INOCULATED WITH ONE OF THREE LACTIC ACID BACTERIAL INOCULANTS - (Abstract)

Contreras-Govea, F.E., Muck, R.E., Filya, I., Mertens, D.R., Weimer, P.J. 2005. In vitro gas production and bacterial biomass estimation for lucerne silage inoculated with one of three lactic acid bacterial inoculants. In: Park, R.S., Stronge, M.D., editors. Silage production and utilisation, XIVth International Silage Conference, July 3-6, 2005, Belfast, Northern Ireland. p. 207.

CHEMICAL AND PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF CORN SILAGES AND THEIR EFFECTS ON IN VITRO - (Peer Reviewed Journal)

Ferreira, G., Mertens, D.R. 2005. Chemical and physical characteristics of corn silages and their effects on in vitro. Journal of Dairy Science. 88:4414-4425.

POTENTIAL BENEFITS OF PLANT MODIFICATION OF ALFALFA AND CORN SILAGE TO DAIRY DIETS - (Review Article)

Hartnell, G.F., Hatfield, R.D., Mertens, D.R., and Martin, N.P. 2005. Potential benefits of plant modification of alfalfa and corn silage to dairy diets. In: Proceedings of the 20th Southwest Nutrition and Management Conference, University of Arizona, Tucson. p. 156-172.

IMPACT OF ALFALFA HAY NEUTRAL DETERGENT FIBER CONCENTRATION AND DIGESTIBILITY ON HOLSTEIN DAIRY COW PERFORMANCE - (Abstract)

Raeth-Knight, M.L., Linn, J.G., Jung, H.G., Mertens, D.R. 2005. Impact of alfalfa hay neutral detergent fiber concentration and digestibility on Holstein dairy cow performance [abstract]. ADSA-ASAS Midwest Annual Meeting Abstracts. Abstract No. 272.

DEVELOPING CONSISTENT RELATIONSHIPS AMONG FIBER FRACTIONS FOR UNIFORM ALFALFA HAY QUALITY GUIDELINES - (Abstract)

Mertens, D.R., Getz, J.E. 2004. Developing consistent relationships among fiber fractions for uniform alfalfa hay quality guidelines. [abstract]. Journal of Dairy Science. 87(1):292.

IS RUMINAL ACIDOSIS RELATED TO HIGH DIET FERMENTABILITY OR LOW BUFFER RECYCLING? - (Abstract)

Sauvant, D., Mertens, D.R. 2004. Is ruminal acidosis related to high diet fermentability or low buffer recycling?. [abstract]. Journal of Dairy Science. 87(1):271.

EFFECTS OF PENDF AND STARCH SOURCE ON DIGESTIBILITY AND RUMINAL PH AND TRUNOVER IN DAIRY COWS - (Abstract)

Berzaghi, P., Mertens, D.R. 2004. Effects of peNCF and starch source on digestibility and ruminal pH and trunover in dairy cows. [abstract]. Journal of Dairy Science. 87(1):462.

IMPACT OF PARTICLE SIZE ON FIBER EVALUATIONS USING NIRS AND CHEMICAL METHODS - (Abstract)

Mertens, D.R. 2004. Impact of particle size on fiber evaluations using NIRS and chemical methods [abstract]. Association of Analytical Communities International Midwest Section. Paper No. 11.

EFFECT OF MODIFICATIONS ON ANALYSIS OF NFTA SAMPLES - (Abstract)

Mertens, D.R. 2004. Effect of modifications on analysis of nfta samples [abstract]. Association of Analytical Communities International Midwest Section. Paper No. 9.

ALFALFA: HAY, HAYLAGE, BALEAGE AND OTHER NOVEL PRODUCTS - (Proceedings/Symposium)

Martin, N.P., Mertens, D.R., Weimer, P.J. 2004. Alfalfa: hay, haylage, baleage and other novel products. In: Proceedings of the Idaho Alfalfa and Forage Conference, February 24-25, 2004, Twin Falls, Idaho. p. 9-18.

EFFECT OF PLANT MATURITY AND CONSERVATION METHODS ON FIBRE CHARCTERISTICS AND NUTRITIVE VALUE - (Proceedings/Symposium)

Mertens, D.R. 2003. Effect of plant maturity and conservation methods on fibre charcteristics and nutritive value. Proceedings of The Skjervold Symposium. p. 17-34.

THE SCIENCE OF DAIRY NUTRITION-THE SNIFFEN LEGACY - (Proceedings/Symposium)

Mertens, D.R. 2003. The science of dairy nutrition-the sniffen legacy. Proceeding of the Cornell Nutrition Conference for Feed Manufacturers. p. 31-40.

CHALLENGES IN MEASURING INSOLUBLE DIETARY FIBER - (Peer Reviewed Journal)

Mertens, D.R. 2003. Challenges in measuring insoluble dietary fiber. Journal of Animal Science. 81:3233-3249.

DEVELOPMENT OF STANDARD METHODS TO ESTIMATE MANURE PRODUCTION AND NUTRIENT CHARACTERISTICS FROM DAIRY CATTLE - (Abstract)

Meyer, D., Harrison, J., Kincaid, R., Koelsch, R., Mertens, D.R., Powers, W., Weiss, W. 2003. Development of standard methods to estimate manure production and nutrient characteristics from dairy cattle. Journal of Dairy Science.

MEASURING DETERGENT INSOLUBLE PROTEIN AND FIBER IN CORN SILAGE USING CRUCIBLES OR FILTER BAGS - (Abstract)

Ferreira, G., Mertens, D.R. 2003. Measuring detergent insoluble protein and fiber in corn silage using crucibles or filter bags. [abstract]. Journal of Dairy Science. 86(1):287.

EFFECT OF CHANGES IN PENDF AND STARCH SOURCE INTAKE, MILK PRODUCTION AND MILK COMPOSITION OF DAIRY COWS - (Abstract)

Berzaghi, P., Mertens, D.R. 2003. Effect of changes in pendf and starch source intake, milk production and milk composition of dairy cows. [abstract].Journal of Dairy Science. 86(1):64.

NUTRITIONAL IMPLICATIONS OF FIBER AND CARBOHYDRATE CHARACTERISTICS OF CORN SILAGE AND ALFALFA HAY - (Proceedings/Symposium)

Mertens, D.R. 2003. Nutritional implications of fiber and carbohydrate characteristics of corn silage and alfalfa hay. Proceedings of Animal Nutrition Conference. p. 94-107.

REDESIGNING ALFALFA FOR DAIRY CATTLE - (Proceedings/Symposium)

Martin, N.P., Hatfield, R.D., Mertens, D.R. 2003. Redesigning alfalfa for dairy cattle. In: Land O Lakes Feed Division Leading Producer Conference, January 21, 2003, Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin. p. 1-3.

TANNIN-CONTAINING ALFALFA: A WAY TO IMPROVE NITROGEN-USE AND PROFITABILITY OF DAIRY FARMS? - (Abstract) - (17-Jul-02)