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The widespread adoption of automatic milking systems (AMS) in the United States has afforded dairy cows the flexibility to establish personalized milking, feeding, and resting schedules. Our study focused on investigating the short-term effects of transitioning milking permissions from every 4 (MP4) to 6 (MP6) hours on the 100th day of lactation on milking frequency, milk yields, and cow behavior. Twenty-four Holstein dairy cows were divided into control (maintaining a 4 h milking interval) and test groups (transitioning to a 6 h milking interval) and observed for 6 days. The analysis revealed that parity and treatment had no significant impact on milking frequency, milk/visit, or daily milk yield. However, multiparous cows spent more time inside the commitment pen, while test group cows exhibited more tail-swishing and displacement behavior, approached the AMS more frequently, and spent longer idle times. The interaction between parity and treatment influenced heart rate variability parameters, indicating increased stress in the test group cows. Additionally, the test group cows had greater total and daytime lying frequencies, suggesting short-term behavioral modifications. Despite no immediate impact on milk production, further research is recommended to assess the potential long-term effects on milk yield in AMS farms, considering the identified stress indicators short-term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The increasing use of automated milking systems (AMS) in the dairy industry has led to the necessity for changes in management practices implemented by producers. This study investigated the productive and metabolic impact of three versus six milkings per day (MPD) during early lactation on multiparous Holstein cows managed in an AMS. Mature cows (third and greater parity) with six MPD had greater milk fat production during the experimental phase (4 to 29 days in milk; DIM) and milk production during the carryover phase (30 to 90 DIM) than mature three MPD cows. The composition of milk fatty acids differed between MPD groups with cows, with three MPD having greater short-, medium-, odd- and branched-chain fatty acids during the experimental phase compared to cows with six MPD. Based on greater blood fatty acid and β-hydroxybutyrate concentrations, the mature six MPD cows may have been in a greater postpartum nutrient deficit and at greater risk of metabolic illness. Our findings suggest a need to strategically manage the MPD or nutrition of mature, early lactation dairy cows in an AMS. Automated milking systems (AMS) are increasingly adopted for dairy cow production, promoting individualized cow management dependent on factors like lactation stage, age, and productivity. The study objective was to investigate the effects of early lactation milking frequency on cows milked via AMS. Multiparous Holstein cows blocked by parity and due date were randomly assigned to treatments (n = 8 per treatment): three (3X) or six (6X) milkings per day (MPD). The experimental phase (EXP) was defined as 4 to 29 days in milk (DIM). The AMS settings were programed so 3X cows were limited to three MPD while 6X cows were allowed six MPD. Afterwards was the carry over phase (CO) ranging from 30 to 90 DIM; all cows were allowed up to six MPD. Measurements by the AMS included bodyweight, milk yield (MY), and pellet intake. Weekly composite milk samples were analyzed for macronutrient composition and fatty acid (FA) profile. Coccygeal blood was sampled at 3, 8 ± 1, and 13 ± 1 DIM; concentrations of blood plasma analytes were quantified. Greater MPD was achieved for 6X cows versus 3X cows during EXP, but similar during the CO. Daily MY was non-separable during the EXP while 6X cows in their third or greater lactation group (3 + LG) had greater MY than 3X cows of the same LG during the CO. Milk fat content and 4% fat-corrected MY were both greater for 6X, 3 + LG cows during the EXP compared to 3X, 3 + LG cows. Milk FA methyl esters (FAME) proportions were different between MPD groups, with 6X, 3 + LG cows having the lowest short, even-chain FA from de novo or post-absorptive origin. Differences in analytes indicated that 6X, 3 + LG cows experienced metabolic stress and incorporated greater FA from adipose tissue. Greater early lactation MPD in AMS may shift cow nutrient partitioning to support greater production in 3+ parity cows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. We described the process of engaging key stakeholders in a systematic review of requirements for a master of public health (MPH) degree within the Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of North Carolina Gillings School of Global Public Health, and summarized resulting changes. Methods. A benchmarking study of 11 peer institutions was completed. Key stakeholders (i.e., current students, alumni, faculty, staff, employers, and practicum preceptors) received online or print surveys. A faculty retreat was convened to process results and reach consensus on program revisions. Results. MPH program changes included (1) improved advising and mentoring program, (2) elimination of research and practice track options, (3) increased elective and decreased required credit hours, (4) replacement of master's paper requirement with 'deliverables' (written products such as reports, documents, and forms) produced as part of the required 'Capstone' course, (5) extended community field experience to 2 semesters and moved it to year 2 of the program, and (6) allowed practica of either 200, 300, or 400 hours. Conclusions. Engaging key stakeholders in the program review process yielded important changes to the MPH degree program requirements. Others may consider this approach when undertaking curriculum reviews. (Am J Public Health. 2010;100:1993-1999. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2009.177709)