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The need to release a certain amount of grazing land for agriculture generating sustainable mixed systems requires a certain degree of intensification of dairy farms . For this reason, and although the local information about the confined systems is scarce, the confinement of dairy cows in Argentina is currently receiving particular attention. This context generates a growing demand for information on intensified feed systems that include partial or complete confinement strategies to replace grazing. Milk production systems tend to intensify using different alternatives. One of them consists of the confinement and total replacement of grazing by balanced rations defined as TMR. Among the main advantages attributed to this feeding system, it stands out to allow the expression of milk production potential in cows of high genetic merit. As a disadvantage, production costs are usually higher, mainly in feeding and labor, which together represent more than 50% of these components . Another alternative to intensification is the combination of TMR and grazing, which is known as partially mixed rations (PMR) since the pasture does not constitute a physical part of the TMR. This semi-confined feeding system would allow obtaining partial advantages of both systems (pasture-based and confined). The use of pasture would reduce the amount of TMR in the total ration and consequently the feeding costs   , improving health and animal welfare . Although Argentine dairying is not excluded from the global trend of dairy farms intensification , there is a worldwide renewed interest in pasture-based systems     . According to  this interest is based on the lower expenses in feeds, equipment and infrastructure; improvement of animal health and reproduction (less culling); increasing pressure of regulatory organisms and the environmental care interest to reduce the accumulation of livestock waste and the improvement in life quality of the dairy farm workers (less stress, more free time, among other benefits).
Most studies that compared feeding systems have evaluated TMR vs. pasture without supplementation   , TMR vs. pasture plus concentrate   and TMR vs. pasture plus TMR  . On the other hand, information on the expected response in feeding systems combining different proportions of TMR and pasture is scarce   .
A comprehensive analysis of the available information indicates that milk and solids yields and total DM intake increase linearly with the level of inclusion of TMR in the diet in replacement of pasture, while no association was observed between conversion efficiency (CE) and the level of TMR intake . This suggests that the difference in milk production in favor of diets with higher proportion of TMR would be associated to a higher DM intake. However, most of these studies have been carried out during short evaluation periods. Few comparative long term or full lactation studies have been conducted   and none in Argentina. Conﬁned cows consuming TMR produced 19% more milk (29.8 vs. 25.1 kg∙day−1) than those on pasture-based systems but income over feeding costs resulted similar for the 3 feeding systems evaluated . Researchers from North Carolina State University (USA) reported that a based-pasture milk production system proved competitive in terms of profitability  and reproductive performance  compared with a confined system. The group of grazing cows supplemented daily with a corn-based concentrate produced less milk (11%) and had lower BCS and LW with fewer cases of clinical mastitis than the confined group consuming a nutritionally balanced TMR .
On the other hand, although numerous articles about factors that affect reproductive performance in dairy herds have been published, there are very few evaluating the effect of the production system . Consequently, a long-term trial with the objective of evaluating the effects of two feeding systems, confined with TMR supply vs. grazing with supplementation applied in two seasons of a year, over the productive response and the reproductive performance of high genetic merit dairy cows was carried out. Additionally, the economic viability of the 2 systems was evaluated using simple indicators.
2. Materials and Methods
2.1. Experimental Site and Animals
The trial was conducted using the research dairy herd of the National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA), located in Rafaela, province of Santa Fe, Argentina (31˚12'S, 61˚30'W), from May to November 2011 and consisted of a 3-week (covariate) pre-experimental period in which all cows received the control diet (100% TMR) and of an experimental period of 27 weeks. Fifty Holstein dairy cows (milk yield 34.3 ± 4.4 kg∙day−1; days in milk 52.6 ± 16.4; parity 2.6 ± 1.0; LW 586.6 ± 59.4 kg; mean ± SD) were used in this study. Animals were sorted on the basis of milk yield, parity and DIM and randomly assigned to one of 2 treatments (feeding systems) in 10 groups (pens) of 5 animals each (5 groups/treatment) in autumn-winter (Period I) and the subsequent spring (Period II). All cows were equipped with neck transponders that served to record daily milk production on an individual basis (ALPRO version 6.60/DeLaval, Tumba, Sweden). All procedures were consistent with the Guide for the Care and Use of Agricultural Animals in Agricultural Research and Teaching .
In the confined system the cows received only the TMR without pasture (TMR_100) in both periods. In the grazing system with supplementation cows were fed 75% TMR plus 25% oats pasture (Avena sativa L.) during Period I (PMR_75) and alfalfa pasture (Medicago sativa L.) plus concentrate (7.0 kg∙cow−1∙day−1) during Period II (P + C). This feeding system was defined based on the results obtained in previous trials conducted by the group   . The cows in TMR_100 had ad libitum access to the ration. The TMR was formulated based on  and was adjusted according to the requirements at the beginning of the second half of lactation. The autumn-winter TMR was composed (DM basis) by whole plant corn silage (32.6%), pelletized concentrate (33.6%), ground corn grain (5.4%), soybean meal (7.5%), cottonseed (5.7%), soybeans (7.2%) and alfalfa hay (7.6%). Spring TMR was composed (DM basis) of whole plant corn silage (36.6%), pelletized concentrate (27.8%), ground corn grain (5.2%), soybean meal (7.5 %), cottonseed (4.5%), soybeans (2.3%) and alfalfa hay (16.1%). The ration was prepared using vertical mixing equipment (Mixer Juarez, Model 1400) and distributed in two daily offers at 6:00 h and 16:00 h: 50%/50% and 80%/20%, for TMR_100 and PMR_75, respectively. Cows were housed and fed in 2 dry-lots divided in turn into 5 pens of the same area each with ad libitum access to water. In PMR_75 treatment, the cows were taken to the grazing plot once they finished the pre-fixed TMR intake. The amounts of TMR offered in each treatment were weighed daily and refusals were recorded 3 times/week.
The potential DM intake (DMIp, kg∙cow−1∙day−1) estimated during the last week of the pre-experimental period was used to define the pasture allowance (PA, kg DM cow−1∙day−1) of oat in a rotational grazing system. A PA equal to 2 times the expected DM intake  was set for the PMR_75 treatment: 2 × (DMIp × 0.25), where DMIp = 26.0 ± 1.0 kg DM cow−1∙day−1. The experimental concentrate was composed (wet basis) of corn grain (68%), soybean meal (22%), wheat bran (8%) and vitamin-mineral premix with monensin and the alfalfa were used in a rotational grazing system with a PA of at least 30 kg DM cow−1∙day−1 .
2.3.1. Forage Biomass
Weekly herbage biomass (kg DM ha−1) was estimated by means of cuts at ground level with manual scissors in an area delimited by a metal frame of 0.125 m2, cutting a total area of 1 m2 in each sampling. The total sample, composed of 8 subsamples of 0.125 m2, was dried in an oven at 65˚C for 48 hours to determine its DM content. Based on this estimate, the area of the daily grazing strips was determined according to the defined PA.
2.3.2. Chemical Composition of Feedstuffs
Representative samples of the TMR, the ingredients that composed it, the experimental concentrate and the pastures (oats in autumn-winter and alfalfa in spring) were taken every 10 days. The latter were obtained manually in the grazing horizon simulating the selectivity of the cow (hand-plucking) . All samples were dried in an oven with forced air circulation at 65˚C to constant weight to determine the DM content and grinded in a Wiley mill (1 mm mesh). The content of neutral detergent fiber (NDF; ), acid detergent fiber (ADF; , procedure 973.18), ether extract (EE; , procedure 920.39), acid detergent lignin (ADL; , procedure 973.18), total nitrogen (Kjeldhal method; , procedure 976.05), crude protein (CP; total nitrogen × 6.25), ash ( , procedure 942.05) and in vitro DM digestibility (IVDMD; ) was determined. The metabolizable energy content (ME) of the feedstuff was estimated with the following equation: ME (Mcal kg DM−1) = 4.4 Mcal gross energy (GE) kg DM−1 * 0.82 * IVDMD and the net energy of lactation (NEl) was calculated as 64% of ME . TMR samples were also sieved and separated by size using the Penn State Particle Separator with two sieves (19 and 8 mm)  obtaining three fractions: long particles (>19 mm), medium particles (<19 mm and >8 mm) and short particles (<8 mm). The content of NDF > 8 mm physically effective (peNDF>8) was determined as the NDF content of the TMR multiplied by the proportion of particles retained in the 19 and 8 mm sieves of the Penn State Particle Separator .
2.3.3. Milk Production and Composition
Milk production was measured individually and daily by the milk measurement system DeLaval ALPRO (DeLaval International AB, Tumba, Sweden). Milk production from the last week of the pre-experimental period was used as a covariate. Milk composition was evaluated from individual samples collected every 2 weeks. Two milk subsamples were taken from each cow in consecutives milkings (morning and afternoon) using milk meters (DeLaval International AB, Tumba, Sweden), then a single individual sample (pool) weighted by the respective production was obtained. In each composite sample the content of fat, total protein, lactose, total solids (TS), non-fat solids (NFS) and urea was determined by infrared spectrophotometry (MilkoScanTM Minor; FOSS Electric, Hilleroed, Denmark) according to . Milk casein content was calculated as 6.38 * (total N − non-casein N) after semi Micro-Kjeldhal digestion and colorimetric reading in Technicon continuous flow autoanalyzer according to . Fat-corrected milk (4% FCM) was calculated according to  and energy-corrected milk (ECM) as proposed by . An additional sample of milk (covariate) was taken during the last week of the pre-experimental period.
2.3.4. Live Weight and Body Condition Score
The cows were weighed individually with an electronic scale every 3 weeks, after the morning milking and preventing access to water. The variation of LW between two successive weighings was calculated as the difference between the final weight minus the initial weight divided by the number of days elapsed. Along with the weighing, the BCS was determined by two independent observers using a 5-point scale (1 = excessively thin and 5 = excessively fat) with 0.25 increments  and the value analyzed was the average result of both evaluators.
2.3.5. Dry Matter Intake
Four determinations of total DM intake were performed per repetition covering a period of 6 consecutive days each, 2 in autumn-winter (July, August) and 2 in spring (September, October). The DM intake of TMR was determined by the difference between the quantities offered and rejected. For the measurement of pasture DM intake, each repetition was assigned to different grazing strips. On each paddock, pasture DM intake was estimated by difference between pre- and post-grazing pasture mass according to the method described by . The determination of pasture DM intake by difference between pre- and post-grazing pasture mass has been compared with other techniques and validated by . Herbage disappearance was measured within a brief gap of time (24 h). Therefore, pasture growth during assessment was not considered . Within each pasture paddock, 10 pre- and 10 post-grazing pasture mass samples were taken, at fixed intervals, by clipping herbage contained into a 0.10 m2 circular frame at ground level with manual scissors. For the sampling, a transect line between diagonally opposite corners was extended. The transect line was a rope marked at 5.5 m intervals, all the way along its length. The diagonal transect was laid across the sampling area immediately prior to each pasture mass assessment (i.e., pre- and post-grazing). Each herbage mass assessment was randomly assigned to the left or right side of the transect line. In other words, if the pre-grazing pasture mass were assessed on the right side, the mass of the post-grazing pasture should be measured on the left side of the diagonal transect. Pre- and post-grazing measurements were made at the same time of the day (11:00 h) on two consecutive days. Individual samples were put into paper bags and then, weighed and dried at 65˚C for 48 h in a forced-air oven until constant weight to determine DM content.
2.3.6. Plasma Concentration of Metabolites and Hormones
Every 3 weeks, after the morning milking, blood samples were taken by puncture of the coccygeal vein. The blood was collected in tubes containing sodium heparin (5 U/ml). Plasma was obtained by centrifugation (2000 × g for 15 min at 4˚ C) and stored at –24˚ C until glucose (Enzymatic glycemia, Wiener Laboratory, Rosario, Argentina), urea (Uremia, Wiener Laboratory, Rosario, Argentina), non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA, Randox Laboratories Ltd., UK), insulin, growth hormone (GH) and somatomedin C or insulin-like growth factor (IGF-I) were analyzed as described in .
2.3.7. Reproductive Performance
The experimental herd was inseminated at a fixed time (fixed-time artificial insemination –TAI-) at the beginning of the reproductive season (May-July) and later, on return to estrus, with heat detection. Reproductive performance was assessed using the following indicators: TAI pregnancy (%), pregnancy at 42 and 84 days post-start service (%), final pregnancy (%), abortions (%) and calving-to-conception interval (CCI, days). The pregnancy diagnosis was carried out through transrectal ultrasonography (Aquila ultrasound, Pie Medical) with a 6 MHz linear transducer, 30 and 60 days after insemination.
2.3.8. Economic Evaluation
The economic evaluation of the studied feeding systems was carried out using the income over feeding cost, expressed in liters of milk∙cow−1∙day−1 (free milk liters over feeding costs) as an indicator. This is a commonly used indicator , since it includes the primary source of income of a dairy farm (sale of milk) and the main component of the cost of production (feed). This evaluation was complemented by an analysis of sensitivity to variations in the price of milk ($/liter delivered) and of feeding costs .
2.4. Statistical Analysis
The quantitative variables were analyzed according to a completely randomized design with repeated observations in time adjusted by covariate (α = 0.05), considering 2 periods: autumn-winter (Period I) and spring (Period II) and using the animal as the experimental unit. The following model was used:
Yijk = dependent variable, μ = general mean, Ti = treatment effect, Wj = sampling week effect, A(i)k = random effect of animal within treatment, (T × W)ij = effect of treatment interaction × sampling week, Cov = covariate and Eijk = residual error. Statistical analysis were performed using the MIXED procedure of the SAS statistical package .
Data referring to DM intake and conversion efficiency were analyzed by ANOVA for 2 treatments with 5 repetitions (pens). Qualitative variables were analyzed by difference of proportions using InfoStat .
3. Results and Discussion
3.1. Chemical Composition of Feedstuffs
The average values of the chemical composition of the pastures and the TMR used in the experiment are presented in Table 1. The chemical composition of the experimental concentrate was 90.2% ± 1.1% DM, 93.8% ± 0.6% OM, 18.2% ± 1.2% CP, 18.2% ± 1.3% NDF, 6.3% ± 0.5% ADF, 5.0% ± 0.4% EE and 86.0% ± 3.6% IVDMD. Herbage mass in the pregrazing strips of the oats and alfalfa pastures averaged 2366 ± 312 and 2074 ± 178 kg DM ha−1, respectively.
The average DM content of the oats pasture (Table 1) was very close to the upper limit of the critical range (15% - 18%) that would affect consumption , while the average digestibility value was elevated and the average content of CP was within the range (150 - 250 g CP kg DM−1) suggested by  in order to obtain high digestibility coefficients of the forage. In turn, the average NDF content of oats was well above the range of values (34% - 36%) that would allow maximizing the consumption of DM in dairy cows with a production level similar to that recorded in the present study . These results would contribute to explaining the decrease in total DM intake due to the replacement of TMR by pasture in PMR_75 (Table 3). Taken together, the results indicate an apparent high quality of the oats pasture; being comparable to those reported by  for a similar pasture. However, the contents of DM and NDF resulted in potential DM intake limitations. On the other hand, alfalfa quality parameters were adequate
Table 1. Chemical composition of the feedstuffs used1.
1Values expressed through the average ± the standard deviation. 2n.d. = not determined. DM = dry matter; OM = organic matter; IVDMD = in vitro DM digestibility; CP = crude protein; NDF = neutral detergent fiber; ADF = acid detergent fiber; EE = ether extract; peNDF>8 = NDF > 8 mm physically effective, measured as the NDF content of the TMR multiplied by the percentage of particles retained in the 19 and 8 mm sieves of the Penn State Particle Separator .
in order to allow high DM intake and very close to the average values reported for pastures of this specie in a state of optimum use in spring by the forage quality assessment laboratory of the EEA Rafaela of INTA .
The quality parameters of the TMR used (Table 1) were within the ranges of values reported in other studies     . The contents of peNDF>8 average of the TMR (Table 1) were above the minimum required value (18.5%) to prevent the development of subacute ruminal acidosis .
3.2. Milk Production and Composition
Most of the parameters of milk production and composition resulted significantly higher in TMR_100 for the two periods (Table 2), except contents of milk fat, TS, SNF and urea during Period I that remained unchanged (P > 0.05).
The cows of the TMR_100 group produced 4.3% and 3.6% more milk compared with those of the PMR_75 and P + C groups, during Periods I and II, respectively. Previous studies showed similar results   .
In a 6-week study, researchers from Virginia State University (USA) reported that milk production (29.1 kg∙day−1) of confined cows consuming TMR was significantly higher compared with cows consuming a.m. pasture (24%) and p.m. TMR (76%) or p.m. pasture (34%) and a.m. TMR (66%); 27.6 and 28.2 kg∙milk∙day−1,
Table 2. Milk production and composition in dairy cows under two different feeding systems during the two experimental periods1.
1Values are expressed as least square means (LSMeans) and standard error of LSMeans (SEM). 2Period I = autumn-winter; Period II = spring. 3TMR_100 = totally mixed ration; PMR_75 = partially mixed ration; P + C = pasture plus concentrate; 4Treatment effect. ECM = energy-corrected milk; 4% FCM = 4% fat-corrected milk; TS = total solids; SNF = non-fat solids; SCC = somatic cell count = log10 SCC.
respectively . The effects of two feeding systems (confined with TMR vs. grazing with supplementation) on the productive response of Holstein and Jersey cows were evaluated by  in a 4-year study. Results showed that cows in the grazing group with supplementation produced 11% less milk/lactation than cows fed with TMR. Likewise, cows (109 ± 39 days in lactation) consuming TMR ad libitum produced 19% and 33% more milk compared with cows consuming PMR (70% TMR and 30% pasture) and PC (60% pasture plus 40% concentrate), respectively . This result would be explained by differences in energy intake and the higher maintenance energy requirements related to grazing activity. Using the equations developed by , these researchers estimated that the energy cost of grazing activity was equivalent to 64% and 88% of the difference in milk production between TMR vs. PMR and TMR vs. PC, respectively. In the present study, assuming a content of 0.64 Mcal NEl/kg of milk it can be estimated  that the increase in energy requirements for maintenance would potentially represent 0.43 and 0.87 kg of milk for cows in PMR_75 and P + C, respectively. The observed decrease in energy intake (Table 3) plus the additional energy cost associated with grazing activity could explain the difference between treatments in milk production (Table 2) in accordance whit  who reported that in cows of high genetic merit 61% of the difference in milk production between a purely
Table 3. DM and NEl intake and conversion efficiency (CE) in dairy cows under two different feeding systems during two periods1.
1Values are expressed as least square means (LSMeans) and standard error of LSMeans (SEM). 2Period I = autumn-winter; Period II = spring. 3TMR_100 = totally mixed ration; PMR_75 = partially mixed ration; P + C = pasture plus concentrate. 4Treatment effect. 5NEl values for TMR Period I, TMR Period II, oats and alfalfa pastures: 1.71, 1.69, 1.77 and 1.69 Mcal kg DM−1, respectively.
grazing system and one confined with TMR supply would be explained by the higher DM intake of the TMR, while grazing activity and the removal of excess urea would explain 24% and 12%, respectively. These results are in line with  who reported that cows in early lactation consuming TMR ad libitum produced 10% more milk compared with cows consuming TMR and pasture for 6 or 9 hours/day (73% TMR: 27% pasture and 66% TMR: 34% pasture, respectively) and concluded that this result would be explained by the differences observed in the total DM intake and in the net energy for maintenance requirements between the confined and grazing cows.
In Period II the treatment per week interaction was significant (P < 0.01) for milk production (Figure 1). During the first 7 weeks of the period, milk production was similar between treatments while from the 8th week (week 22 of the experimental period) it was superior in TMR_100 with respect to P + C.
In the present study, a temporary decrease in milk production in the cows of the grazing group with supplementation would have been expected when changing from a diet with a high TMR content (PMR_75) to P + C in spring. In this regard, a rapid reduction in milk production was observed by  when the cows moved from a diet with TMR to pasture plus concentrate. These researchers reported a difference of 3.6 kg∙day−1 in milk production by autumn-calving Holstein cows grazing during the subsequent summer and supplemented with 6.2 kg DM day−1 of concentrate with respect to the projected milk production if the cows had remained confined consuming TMR. However, this difference would be somewhat overrated since the potential effect of heat stress for estimating projected milk production under confinement conditions was not taken into account and furthermore a short transition period (1 week) was used for the change of TMR to pasture plus concentrate. In the present study, the 3-week transition period (Figure 1) used for the change in the feeding of the grazing with supplementation group during the spring would help explain the absence of differences in milk production between TMR_100 and P + C during the first weeks of Period II.
Figure 1. Evolution of milk production in dairy cows under two different feeding systems.
Since milk fat concentration was not affected by treatments during Period I, the higher milk fat output observed in TMR_100 would be explained by the higher milk production of cows (Table 2) in accordance whit  who reported that milk fat content (3.30 vs. 3.35%) did not differ, but yield of milk fat (1.24 vs. 1.06 kg∙day−1) resulted higher in cows fed with TMR with respect to PMR (70% TMR + 30% pasture), respectively. In Period II, both milk fat content and yield were significantly higher in TMR_100 compared with P + C (Table 2). These results are in line with  who reported a higher fat content and yield in cows consuming TMR with respect to PC (60% pasture + 40% concentrate) and attributed the lower concentration of milk fat in PC treatment to the consumption of highly digestible fiber from the pasture in combination with the supply of concentrate separated from the forage twice a day during each milking shift. In the present experiment, the concentrate was mixed with the other components of the ration in TMR_100 minimizing the selectivity. On the other hand, the average content of peNDF>8 of the TMR (21.5 ± 2.1) was above the minimum value suggested by  to prevent the development of subacute ruminal acidosis, which contribute to explain the results obtained.
Milk protein concentration and yield were significantly higher in TMR_100 over the 2 periods (Table 2) and would be explained by the higher energy intake (Table 3). These results were consistent with  who reported that cows fed TMR produced the highest amount of milk protein (1.13 vs. 0.93 vs. 0.79 kg∙day−1) compared with PMR (70% TMR + 30% pasture) and the PC treatment (60% pasture + 40% concentrate), respectively; which was associated with a higher NEl intake (43.7, 40.2 and 35.3 Mcal day−1, for TMR, PMR and PC, respectively).
Milk lactose content resulted higher in TMR_100 for the two periods (Table 2), suggesting a greater availability of glucose at the mammary gland level, a result compatible with the higher milk production obtained in this treatment. In turn, milk casein content was higher, while the milk urea level resulted lower in TMR_100 (Table 2) suggesting a better energy-protein balance at the ruminal level.
The SCC, considered an indicator of subclinical mastitis, was not affected by the treatments (Table 2) as reported by    when grazing vs. confined systems was compared. However, a dilution effect of SCC in high production cows without intramammary infection was reported by . Since in TMR_100 the cows produced more milk (Table 2), actual differences in SCC could partly be masked by a dilution effect.
3.3. DM and Energy Intake
Total DM intake was significantly higher in TMR_100 compared with PMR_75 and also with P + C (Table 3) according to   .
In Period I, total DM intake decreased when fresh forage replaced TMR leading to a TMR:pasture ratio of 77:23 as reported by  when combinations of TMR and pasture (annual ryegrass) were evaluated. The authors postulated that the reduction in total DM intake in groups of cows consuming PMR with respect to the group fed TMR ad libitum could be explained by restrictions on grazing time and alterations in daily grazing patterns imposed by the schedules of confinement of cows affecting pasture DM intake.
The effects of different grazing schedules and access times to the parcels were tested by  comparing one or two grazing sessions when they provided a PMR composed of 50% pasture and 50% TMR. The cows of the group with the longest access time to the pasture (6 h after the a.m. milking and 3 h after the p.m. milking) grazed 50 more minutes compared with the group with restricted access (6 h after the a.m. milking) achieving a greater pasture DM intake.
In the present study, qualitative deficiencies in pasture quality (DM deficit, NDF excess) added to putative factors linked to animal behavior could have affected pasture DM intake and therefore total DM intake in PMR_75. In turn, the total DM intake in the P + C group (Table 3) was similar to that reported by  in cows fed 60% pasture plus 40% concentrate (21.6 kg DM day−1) and was within the range of values (20.9 - 22.5 kg DM day−1) obtained in previous trials  .
Total NEl intake was higher in TMR_100 compared with PMR_75 and P + C (Table 3) and would be explained by the higher total DM intake, since the estimated NEl content was higher in PMR_75 (1.72 Mcal kg DM−1) and P + C (1.78 Mcal kg DM−1) with respect to TMR_100 (1.70 Mcal kg DM−1).
Conversion efficiency expressed as kg Milk kg DM−1 was similar between TMR_100 and PMR_75, but tended (P < 0.06) to be higher in P + C compared with TMR_100. The loss of LW (P < 0.01) observed in the cows of the P + C treatment (Table 4) would be indicative of endogenous mobilization of energy to sustain milk production and would contribute to explaining the greater CE observed in this treatment.
3.4. Changes in Live Weight, Body Condition Score and Plasma Concentration of Metabolites and Hormones
The TMR_100 treatment increased LW and BCS gains (Table 4) according to the highest estimated NEl intake (Table 3) without changes on plasma NEFA levels. These results suggest that cows in the TMR_100 group did not channel all the additional energy to milk production deriving a part towards body reserves reconstitution. On the other hand, the loss of LW in the P + C group (−0.22 kg day−1) suggests that part of milk produced was obtained at the expense of endogenous energy mobilization as suggested by  even in cows in mid lactation.
Studies comparing confined feeding systems with TMR supply vs. grazing (with and without supplementation) often reported a negative effect of pasture inclusion on energy balance of high-yield dairy cows associated with lower DM and energy intake leading to losses of LW and BCS     . Cows fed TMR ad libitum either maintain LW and BCS  or increase these parameters
Table 4. Changes (Δ) in live weight (LW), body condition score (BCS) and plasma concentration of metabolites and hormones in dairy cows under two different feeding systems during two periods1.
1Values are expressed as least squared means (LSMeans) and standard error of LSMeans (SEM). 2Period I = autumn-winter; Period II = spring. 3TMR_100 = totally mixed ration; PMR_75 = partially mixed ration; P + C = pasture plus concentrate. 4Treatment effect. GH = somatotrophin; NEFA = non-esterified fatty acids; IGF-I = somatomedin C.
  while high yielding dairy cows fed only pasture mobilize body reserves with significant losses of body condition .
Plasma urea level (Table 4) was higher in P + C compared with TMR_100 according to the higher values of milk urea observed (Table 2) as reported by  in cows fed 60% pasture plus 40% concentrate compared with the TMR treatment. Plasma urea is a sensitive indicator of raw protein intake and its synchronism with the release of energy in the rumen, since its concentrations depends on the production and absorption of ruminal ammonium . In this study, total CP intake was significantly higher (P < 0.01) in P + C compared with TMR_100 (5.0 vs. 3.9 kg∙day−1) keeping with the higher plasmatic concentration of urea in the P + C group.
Plasma NEFA, glucose and regulatory hormones concentrations (insulin, GH and IGF-I) are dynamic or short-term indicators of energy balance . The negative energy balance generates a decrease in the concentration of glucose, insulin and IGF-I and an increase in the plasma NEFA and GH levels . In the present trial, plasma glucose was significantly higher in TMR_100 without changes in plasma insulin levels keeping with the highest energy intake (Table 3) and with the highest milk lactose content observed (Table 2).
Plasma IGF-I tended (P = 0.09) to decrease and GH to increase in P + C respect to TMR_100 according to the lower energy intake of cows (Table 3). These results are in line with  who reported that mid lactation cows subjected to dietary restriction doubled the plasma concentration of GH and reduced circulating levels of IGF-I by approximately 50%. The decrease in the number of GH receptors in liver tissue during periods of negative energy balance  would help explain the increase in the plasma concentration of GH and the reduction in liver production of IGF-I observed.
3.5. Reproductive Performance
Despite the positive effects of TMR_100 on parameters related to energy balance, the reproductive indicators evaluated were similar between treatments (Table 5).
These results were consistent with previously reported in  and . The effects of two feeding systems (grazing with supplementation vs. confined with TMR) on the productive response and reproductive performance were evaluated by  in a 4-year study involving 282 Holstein and 222 Jersey cows. The cows group in grazing conditions showed a lower BCS and LW than confined group but reproductive performance did not differ showing average pregnancy percentages (75 days of service) of 64.2% and 71.7% for the confined and grazing groups, respectively. In turn, the effects of two feeding strategies (based-pasture diet vs. PMR composed of 79% TMR and 21% pasture) on the energy balance, metabolic changes and reproductive performance of Holstein cows during the first 9 weeks of lactation were studied by . Results showed that despite the improvement in energy balance and reduction in the mobilization of body stores in cows fed with PMR, reproductive performance was not affected with pregnancy rates (84 days of service) of 72.1% and 77.1% for the PMR and the based-pasture groups, respectively.
In addition, a study of 17 dairy herds including various housing and feeding systems (confined and grazing) also found no relationship between the conception rate and the production system . In line with these results, a semi-quantitative risk assessment carried out by the European Panel for Animal Health and Animal Welfare concluded that the risk of reproductive or metabolic disorders is independent of the production system .
3.6. Economic Evaluation
In spite of the higher income (+4.0%) of the confined system compared to the grazing system with supplementation, the free milk liters over feeding costs were lower (−16.2%), due to the higher costs (+36.9%) of feeding (Table 6).
These results agree with those reported in the literature indicating that the economic return of pasture-based systems was greater    or similar  to the traditional confined systems based on TMR. According to  intensive grazing systems would be more profitable than confined systems based on TMR, provided that the milk production of the former is up to 6% lower than that of confined herds. In the present study, the difference in milk production in favor of the confined system was within the range reported by these authors: 4.3% (31.5 vs. 30.2 kg∙day−1).
Table 5. Reproductive performance in dairy cows under two different feeding systems.
1AI 21 days = inseminated cows the first 21 days of service. 2TAI = fixed-time artificial insemination. 3CCI = calving-to-conception interval.
Table 6. Economic evaluation of two different feeding systems during two periods.
1Period I = autumn-winter; Period II = spring. 2TMR_100 = totally mixed ration; PMR_75 = partially mixed ration; P + C = pasture pus concentrate; CS = confined system; GSS = grazing system with supplementation. 3Price of liter of milk: $12.0/liter delivered. 4Prices as of April 2019. 5Includes maintenance costs of pens. US$ value = $41.36.
Only in one of the studies reviewed , the net income of the confined system for cows of high genetic merit (45 kg∙milk∙day−1) was superior despite presenting the highest production costs. However, the sensitivity analysis of the results showed that in scenarios of low price of milk and high cost of feed (situation not uncommon in Argentina), the grazing system with supplementation was more profitable than confined system. The sensitivity analysis carried out in the present study (Table 7) showed that the free milk liters over feeding costs were superior in the grazing system with supplementation for all the proposed scenarios, accentuating the differences with respect to the confined system in situations of low milk prices and high feeding costs.
Finally, it is worth clarifying that despite the high relative weight of feed in the costs, to compare the profitability of the systems, other production costs (labor, health, replacement, manure management) should also be considered, which as
Table 7. Free milk liters over feeding costs based on changes in the price of milk and/or in the feeding costs of two different feeding systems during two periods.
1Period I = autumn-winter; Period II = spring. 2TMR_100 = totally mixed ration; PMR_75 = partially mixed ration; P + C = pasture plus concentrate; CS = confined system; GSS = grazing system with supplementation. Price of liter of milk: $12.0/liter delivered and feeding costs as of April 2019.
indicated by several reports worldwide are significantly lower in grazing systems, making them economically competitive with respect to confined systems; however, in the latter the need of land for forage production may be lower . On the other hand, it should be borne in mind that for the total confinement of cows a high investment in facilities (dry lot or free-stall pen) is required, while for a partial confinement combined with grazing only a feed-pad would be required defined as a hard surface area designed solely for feeding.
Under the conditions of the present study, the improve in the productive parameters obtained in the confined feeding system was not important sufficiently to offset the higher feeding costs at the same value of the liter of milk produced calculated in the absence of bonuses per protein or casein content of milk. The putative economic advantages of the confined system based on a better reproductive response or metabolic health of the herd were not confirmed. Including pasture at 25% of total DM intake in the autumn-winter system seems to have been insufficient to induce an important shortage in DM and energy intakes capable of affecting productive and reproductive responses. Greater pasture participation could have accentuated the differences between systems in milk yield and BCS of high yielding dairy cows and in their reproductive response inducing negative residual effects in the subsequent spring with greater economic and physiological implications that deserve to be explored in future studies. The economic analysis confirmed some advantage for the grazing system with supplementation, a result that will be accentuated in situations of low milk prices and high feeding costs. In the context of a low autumn-winter pasture participation (25% of total DM intake), the results indicate that the grazing system with supplementation is a more advantageous alternative compared to the confined system. An advisable strategy for autumn-calving cows would be to use a PMR during autumn-winter that will allow sustaining high milk yields and reproductive efficiency for later in spring, and with the herd in a more advanced stage of lactation, take advantage of lower grazing costs and use pastures with the strategic supplementation (P + C) implemented in this trial.
This work was supported by the National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA). This Institute is a decentralized state agency with operational and financial autarchy, under the Ministry of Agroindustry of the Argentine Republic. The authors thank Carlos Callaci for his assistance with economic evaluation, and Darío Arias for his assistance with the fieldwork.
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domain: agronomy


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The Danish artist Sofie Bird Møller (b. 1974) has already made a name for herself on the German art scene. Martin Asbæk Gallery is therefore proud to present the artist's first solo exhibition in Denmark. Sofie Bird Møller is best known for the series Interferences, which makes use of advertisements from exclusive fashion magazines and journalistic periodicals, pain¬ted over with precision and controlled spontaneity using a brush, so that the female models appear evocative and abstract, almost anthropomorphic in expression. The exhibition presents the series Las Rudas and Interaction as well as an art film, Catch Me If You Can.
The series Las Rudas consists of modified monochrome photographs of female mar¬tial arts practitioners from an unnamed catalogue about Mexican wrestling. Clear structural traces in acrylic paint are left after the artist has used the palms of her hands and her fingers in the creation of the works. Sofie Bird Møller overpaints photographs to mix the expressive painting with figura¬tive photographs from reality. The photographs are all stagings of nude or partly nude women in the midst of fight scenes, either in a boxing ring or in more domestic surroundings. The series Las Rudas is deeply erotic, elegant and harmonious with expressive painting in a wide spectrum of colours shimmering in and out among one another.
The three posters in 180 x 120 cm format have earlier been exposed in city spaces and have interacted with the passers-by, after which they have been modi¬fied by Sofie Bird Møller so that their original message is concealed. The artist has used her body as a brush, so the stylish models on the posters are wholly or partly hidden. Only the slightly crumpled surfaces of the posters reveal that they have been displayed in the urban space. This patina gives the works a raw look and is a quite deliberate device from the artist.
CATCH ME IF YOU CAN
Lastly, the exhibition presents a 7-minute art film on a TV from the 1970s. The film is edited together from six black-and-white films from 1933-51, based on the science-fiction book The Invisible Man. The film involves a disturbing psychological analysis of the human mind and poses an interesting problem; for how would we react if we could make ourselves invisible? In the film we expe¬ri¬ence a triangle drama where the characters are invisible; only their move¬ments in the surroundings are experienced. They play cards, drink wine and smoke cigarettes - but the smoke comes from nothingness, or from the absence of an existing person. All in all, the film is a seven-minute, fascinating pseudo-action, where it is impossible to pin down or capture the invisible figure.
Sofie Bird Møller (b. 1974) lives and works in Berlin, Germany. In 1999 she began her training at the Akademie der Bildende Künste in Munich, then went on ex¬change to the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen, and graduated as a Master of Fine Art at the Byam Shaw School of Art in London in 2007. Sofie Bird Møller has exhibited in Germany, France and Denmark and is repre¬sented in a number of recognized private collections. Most recently the artist has published a catalogue with texts by the art critic Laura Henseler, the curator Anders Kold of the Louisiana Museum and the German art collector Wil¬helm Schürmann. The catalogue has been published by Snoeck in Cologne in 2011 and is on sale at the Martin Asbæk Gallery.

domain: artistic


MILLVILLE -- Five Cumberland County Jail guards have been charged with assaulting an inmate.
The five men in their 20s were indicted this week on charges of aggravated assault and official misconduct. Authorities said they assaulted inmate Michael Ewing on June 30, 2008. Prosecutors have not released details.
Officials said one suspect no longer works at the lockup. The remaining four are in jobs that do not involve direct contact with inmates.


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We recommend using the Thunderstore Mod Manager or an alternative for installing mods
Tactical Magazines is a simple mod that displays magazine information when you are holding one. By default it will show a rough estimation of bullets remaining, the type of ammo (Light / Medium), and the max ammo. This can be configured to how you like.
(I tried for 3 hours to get a custom font in but sadly couldn't, so I'm sorry for the way it looks)
ModToggle: Toggle the mod ShowExactValue: Display the exact value of bullets compared to the estimation ColorLerp: Shift from green to red as ammo depletes, else will be grey SimpleDisplay: Show only necessary information

domain: hobby


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Pawsentive Experience for your Best Friend
At CatDog Grooming, we take pride in providing exceptional grooming services for both dogs and cats in Lowell, Massachusetts. Our experienced team understands the unique needs of your beloved pets, ensuring they receive the care and attention they deserve.
With a passion for pets and a commitment to their well-being, we’ve crafted a grooming experience that goes beyond appearances. We prioritize the comfort, health, and happiness of your beloved pets, ensuring they strut out of our salon with tails held high and whiskers that glisten.
Your friend will be treated as desirable. We are proud to see our customers reaction every time that they came back to get their furry friends. Book an appointment today and give a Pawsentive Experience for your best friend!
For our canine companions, we offer a range of tailored grooming options. From the simplicity of a refreshing bath to the exquisite Full Groom, our experienced groomers ensure your dog looks, feels, and smells their very best.
We provide gentle and comprehensive grooming services for cats, including basic baths, hygienic baths, and full grooming packages. Our groomers understand cats' unique sensitivities and handle them with utmost care.
The Full Groom
What we offer
We offer additional services to enhance your furry friend’s grooming experience. Feel free to ask our team about these options to make your dog’s grooming session even better.
Benefits of our Pet Grooming Service
At CatDog Grooming Salon, we take pride in providing the highest level of care during our pet grooming sessions.
Ready to treat your pet to a grooming experience they’ll love? Contact us today to schedule a an appointment in Lowell. Your friend deserves nothing but the best!
Book your appointment
For all breeds of dogs, most dog kennels require the animal to be at least 12 to 17 weeks (4 months) old. The reason for this is because we require incoming puppies to have had their first round of adult shots at 12 weeks, followed by the second round at about 16 weeks.
Absolutely. We exclusively use high-quality, pet-safe shampoos and conditioners tailored to your pet’s specific needs. Our products are gentle on their skin and fur.
The frequency of pet grooming can vary based on your pet’s breed, lifestyle, and individual needs. In general, most dogs benefit from a bath every 2-4 weeks, while cats may require less frequent bathing. Our experienced groomers can provide personalized recommendations during your appointment.
No, we only groom cats that are habituated to the grooming salon environment. Grooming can be a stressful experience for some cats, and we prioritize their well-being and safety. If a cat becomes too stressed or uncooperative during the session, we will stop the service and contact the owner.
We prioritize the safety of both our groomers and the cats. If a cat displays aggressive behavior or extreme anxiety during the grooming session, we may not be able to proceed with the service. In such cases, we will contact the owner to discuss alternative solutions.
The duration of a grooming session varies depending on the pet’s coat length, condition, and specific grooming needs. On average, a session can last anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours. Our groomers will provide an estimated time when you book an appointment.
If your cat doesn’t tolerate grooming well, it’s essential to communicate with our team. We understand that some cats can be more challenging to groom, and we’ll work with you to find the best approach. In cases where grooming is not possible due to the cat’s behavior, we will contact you to discuss alternatives.
While we understand that you may want to be present to comfort your pet, we recommend allowing our experienced groomers to work one-on-one with your pet. This helps create a calm environment, and our priority is ensuring your pet’s safety and comfort. Talk with our groomers about your specific needs.
We prioritize your pet’s safety by using gentle handling techniques, ensuring a calm environment, and closely monitoring their stress levels. Our groomers are trained to recognize signs of discomfort and adjust their approach accordingly.
Tips & Advice
The pool is a great place for your family and pets to spend their summers. It’s the perfect solution to cooling down, soaking up some sun, and having lots of fun. However, like with small children, your dog can potentially be at risk of getting hurt if not properly supervised. Not all dogs are great swimmers and not all pools are considered dog friendly.

domain: pet


Apr. 17, 2017
Bayern Munich's Manuel Neuer, Thomas Mueller cleared for Real Madrid clash
Bayern Munich received a timely boost ahead of Wednesday's Champions League quarter-final home clash with Real Madrid as both Manuel Neuer and Thomas Mueller returned to training.
The Germany duo took part in a full session on Monday, with Neuer expected to start in goal against the European champions after recovering from foot surgery that forced him to miss Bayern's last three games.
Mueller has shaken off an ankle injury that saw him sit out the past two matches and also hopes to feature at the Allianz Arena.
"I could take part in normal training, which is a good sign," said Mueller. "We are well prepared and full of confidence.
"This is a huge European match between two top teams. Of course, the anticipation is huge."
Bayern's top scorer Robert Lewandowski, who has scored seven Champions League goals this season in a haul of 38 in all competitions, trained alone after injuring his shoulder against Borussia Dortmund but is fit to play.
With Hummels sidelined Jerome Boateng and Javi Martinez will resume their centre-back partnership having played in Saturday's 4-1 win over Dortmund.
Madrid will be without Pepe after the Portugal centre-back broke two ribs in the 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid on Saturday and French defender Raphael Varane will also miss Wednesday's game.


Finance Strategy Consultation Paper
The Law Council of Australia provides a submission to the Treasury in response to its Sustainable Finance Strategy Consultation Paper, released in November 2023.
The Law Council broadly welcomes the Australian Government’s proposal for an Australian Sustainable Finance Strategy, and the 12 Priorities identified in the Treasury’s Consultation Paper.
It supports the adoption of a ‘climate first’ approach, whereby the Strategy would start with a climate-related focus in the short to medium term, before it is expanded to incorporate broader sustainability considerations.
Large-scale investment of capital in sustainable products, technologies and industries is critical to the transition to net zero. It is also crucial that Australia remains aligned and competitive with global practices and the emerging ways in which businesses, investors and governments across the world are responding rapidly to the unprecedented global emergency of climate change.
The Law Council commends the Australian Government’s express recognition that ‘there is a critical role for Government leadership’ in supporting the systemic shifts in markets, industries and technologies that will be necessary to underpin a prosperous net zero emissions future, and in providing greater long-term certainty to business on climate change policy.1
1 Australian Government, The Treasury, Sustainable Finance Strategy Consultation Paper (November 2023) 5 (‘Consultation Paper’).
Read full submission below.


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On July 18, Representatives Luetkemeyer (R-MO) and Baca (D-CA) introduced H.R. 6139, a bill that would create a national charter for qualified non-depository creditors, to be known as National Consumer Credit Corporations (NCCCs). The bill would task the OCC with assessing applications with a focus on the applicant institution’s ability to offer products that provide credit to underserved consumers, and developing a process for approving financial products to be offered by NCCCs. The OCC would be able to establish an annual fee for a charter, but it would not be permitted to restrict the method by which an NCCC offers its products, or to establish usury limits. NCCCs would be subject to certain restrictions, including a prohibition on consumer loans with terms of 30 days or less. The House Financial Services Committee’s Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit held a hearing to consider H.R. 6139 on July 24, 2012.
On July 24, Senators Merkley (D-OR), Udall (D-NM), and Durbin (D-IL) introduced a bill, first revealed by Senator Merkley in March 2012, and now formalized as S. 3426, the Stopping Abuse and Fraud in Electronic Lending Act. According to a press release, the bill seeks to (i) ensure that a third party doesn’t gain control of a consumer’s account through remotely created checks, (ii) allow consumers to cancel a debit in connection with a small-dollar loan, (iii) require all lenders, including banks, to abide by a state’s rules for small-dollar, payday-like loans they offer customers in the state, (iv) ban lead generators and anonymously registered payday lending websites, and (v) give the CFPB authority to shut down payment processing for lenders that are violating state and other consumer lending laws through the Internet.
On July 26, the OCC and the DOJ announced resolution of actions brought against a national bank for alleged violations of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA). The DOJ filed a complaint and consent order in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, simultaneously bringing and resolving allegations that over a roughly five year period the bank failed to provide sufficient protections to servicemembers (i) denying valid requests for interest rate reductions because the servicemembers’ military orders did not include specific end dates for the period of military service, (ii) foreclosing without a court order, (iii) repossessing motor vehicles without a court order, and (iv) obtaining default judgments without first filing accurate affidavits. Under the DOJ settlement, the bank must pay $12 million in damages to servicemembers. Concurrently, the OCC released consent orders resolving similar allegations. Under both the DOJ and OCC orders, the bank must take specific actions to enhance compliance with SCRA, including with regard to vendor management, training, and internal reporting. The OCC also is requiring that the bank report periodically to the OCC, and conduct a look-back review of its servicemember accounts. The DOJ notes that the bank already has adopted enhanced SCRA policies on its own initiative, including extending a four percent interest rate to qualifying servicemembers and giving an additional one-year grace period before de-enrolling servicemembers from the reduced interest rate program.
This week, the Financial Stability Oversight Council (FSOC) and the Office of Financial Research (OFR) each published annual reports to Congress, as mandated by the Dodd-Frank Act. This is the first such report the OFR has prepared. The FSOC annual report surveys the macroeconomic environment within which the U.S. economy exists, identifies risks to U.S. financial stability, reports on implementation of the Dodd-Frank Act and activities of FSOC, and provides a series of recommendations for policymakers. The FSOC’s recommendations fall into four categories: (i) reforms to address structural vulnerabilities, (ii) heightened risk management and supervisory attention, (iii) housing finance reforms, and (iv) implementation and coordination of financial reform. Within the housing finance category, the FSOC notes recent efforts to encourage private capital to re-enter the market in the near term but stresses the continued need for long-term housing finance reform. This section also reviews federal efforts to alter mortgage servicing standards and recommends that federal agencies finalize comprehensive servicing standards. The OFR report summarizes the OFR’s efforts to (i) analyze threats to financial stability, (ii) conduct research on financial stability, (iii) address data gaps, and (iv) promote data standards. According to the report, over the next year, the OFR will focus on the migration of financial activities into the so-called shadow banking system, and will continue to build on research related to threats to financial stability, stress tests, and risk management.
On July 24, a bipartisan group of members of the House of Representatives, led by Representatives Barton (R-TX) and Markey (D-MA), sent letters to nine firms the members identified as “major data brokerage companies.” The letters ask each firm to provide information about how it collects, assembles, and sells consumer information. Among the series of specific inquiries, the letters seek information about collection processes and sources, data security measures, and consumer fees and notices. The House members asked each company to respond by August 15, 2012.
Senators Unveil Bill to Increase SEC Civil Penalties; House Members Propose Competing Bills to Enhance the SEC's Investment Adviser Oversight
On July 23, Senators Reed (D-RI) and Grassley (R-IA) unveiled legislation to increase statutory limits on SEC civil monetary penalties to $1 million per violation for individuals, and $10 million per violation for entities. The bill, S. 3416, would also allow for the size of penalties to be linked to the scope of harm and associated investor losses, and provide substantially higher penalties for repeat offenders. The legislation follows a letter SEC Chairman Shapiro sent to Senators Reed and Crapo (R-ID) in November 2011, seeking reforms to the SEC’s authority to impose civil penalties.
On July 24, Representatives Waters (D-CA), Frank (D-MA), and Capuano (D-MA) announced new legislation, H.R. 6204, that would provide the SEC with the authority to impose user fees on investment advisers for the purpose of funding an increase in the number and frequency of SEC examinations. This bill follows an earlier bill from Reps. Bachus (R-AL) and McCarthy (D-NY), H.R. 4624, which also seeks to improve oversight of investment advisers, but through the establishment of self-regulatory organizations overseen by the SEC that investment advisers with retail customers would be required to join.
On July 18, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit held that a mortgage servicer may be a debt collector subject to the FDCPA where it attempts to both enforce a security interest and collect a debt. Birster v. American Home Mortgage Servicing, Inc., No. 11-13574, 2012 WL 2913786 (11th Cir. July 18, 2012). The borrowers alleged that the servicer harassed them with phone calls and home inspections in connection with trying to collect mortgage payments. The district court granted summary judgment to the servicer, holding that the servicer’s actions constituted efforts to enforce a security interest, and not to collect a debt. As such, the borrower’s claims under the FDCPA could not survive. The appellate court reversed and remanded, relying on its decision in Reese v. Ellis, Painter, Rattertree & Adams, LLP, No. 10-14366, 2012 WL 1500108 (11th Cir. May 1, 2012), which came after the district court ruled in favor of the servicer, and which provides that an entity can both enforce a security interest and collect a debt. The court held that the borrowers sufficiently alleged facts to support a claim under the FDCPA, citing a letter the servicer sent in which it stated that it was attempting to collect a debt.
Illinois Enhances Borrower Protections. On July 25, Illinois enacted SB 1692, which enhances consumer protections related to mortgages and tax refund anticipation loans. The bill amends the state’s High Risk Home Loan Act to (i) update the definition of “high risk home loan” to be consistent with the federal standard, and prohibit prepayment penalties, balloon payments and modification fees for such loans, (ii) revise the definition of “points and fees” and clarify the prohibition on the financing of such fees in connection with high risk loans, and (iii) limit late payment fees to 4% of the amount past due. The bill also amends the state’s Tax Refund Anticipation Loan Disclosure Act to (i) revise certain definitions, (ii) limit the fees that can be charged in connection with tax refund loans and establish other prohibited activities, and (iii) amend the disclosures required for creditors making such loans. These and other changes in the bill are effective January 1, 2013.
Michigan Updates Guidance on Return Check Fees on Installment Sales Contracts. On July 19, the Michigan Office of Financial and Insurance Regulation (OFIR) published a letter to installment seller/sales finance licensees clarifying the regulator’s position on the use of return check fees in installment sales contracts. Previously, the OFIR had taken the position that inclusion of an NSF fee in a vehicle installment sales contract was not permitted because such a fee was not expressly permitted under the state’s Motor Vehicle Sales Finance Act (MVSFA). However, in its July 19 letter the OFIR clarified that the OFIR considers it a violation of state law for a licensee under the MVSFA to charge a fee for returned checks if the motor vehicle installment sales contract does not specifically provide for the assessment of such a fee. The OFIR states that the MVSFA requires a contract contain all of the terms of the agreement between a buyer and a seller, including any default charges. Although the state Credit Reform Act permits regulated lenders to charge return check fees up to a maximum of $25, because a returned check constitutes a default under the contract, a return check fee is considered a default charge and can only be assessed if disclosed in the agreement.
Oregon Adopts Rules to Implement Foreclosure Avoidance Program. Recently, the Oregon Department of Justice adopted temporary rules to implement the Foreclosure Avoidance Mediation Program established earlier this year. The rules establish (i) the accepted methods of notice required to be provided to the state Attorney General, (ii) the minimum training and qualifications for mediators, (iii) the fees and timing of fee payments, and (iv) the form of mediation notice for use in seeking nonjudicial foreclosure. The rules took effect July 11, 2012, and expire January 6, 2013.
On July 25, Fannie Mae issued Servicing Guide Announcement SVC-2012-12, which provides notice of miscellaneous changes to the Fannie Mae Servicing Guide related to (i) the MERS Rule 14 Notice, (ii) approved title company requirements for certain states, and (iii) allowable attorney fees. With respect to the MERS Rule 14 notice, servicers will now be required to notify Fannie Mae whenever they are required to send MERS notice of certain MERS-related legal challenges. Fannie Mae announced that it is eliminating the requirement that servicers select a Fannie Mae-approved title company for work performed inArizona,California andWashington. Instead, servicers may select the title company of their choice. Fannie Mae also announced changes to the allowable amount of attorney’s and trustee’s fees in several jurisdictions.
On July 23, the Uniform Loan Delivery Dataset (ULDD) mandate took effect for loans delivered to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Fannie Mae recently provided a notification, and Freddie Mac recently published a Bulletin, outlining updates to their ULDD resources.
On July 24, the FDIC published a final rule that prohibits any insured savings association from acquiring or retaining a corporate debt security unless the association first determines that the issuer has adequate capacity to meet its obligations through the projected life of the security. An issuer would satisfy this requirement if it presents a low risk of default and is likely to make a full and timely repayment of principal and interest. The final rule is largely identical to the rule as proposed, but makes one change to clarify the rule and harmonize it with parallel OCC regulations. In conjunction with the final rule, the FDIC also finalized guidance meant to assist savings associations in conducting due diligence to determine whether a security is eligible under the final rule. The finalized guidance is substantially similar to the proposed version. The final rule took effect July 21, 2012.
On July 25, the OCC released an update to its Bank Accounting Advisory Series, which provides accounting guidance for financial institutions. The updates are intended to address industry questions related to acquired loans, other real estate owned, troubled debt restructurings, nonaccrual, allowance for loan and lease losses, insurance claims, and debt discharged in bankruptcy.
- Andrea K. Mitchell to discuss "Developments in fair lending law" at the Mortgage Bankers Association Summit on Diversity and Inclusion
- David S. Krakoff to discuss "The DOJ corporate enforcement policy and your disclosure calculus one year in: Are companies benefitting?" at the American Conference Institute International Conference on the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act
- Moorari K. Shah to discuss "Legal & regulatory issues" at the Opal Group Marketplace Lending & Alternative Financing Summit
- Jonice Gray Tucker to discuss "Hot topics in consumer financial services" at the Practising Law Institute Banking Law Institute
- Daniel P. Stipano to discuss "New CDD Rule: Pitfalls in compliance" at the American Bankers Association/American Bar Association Financial Crimes Enforcement Conference
- Daniel P. Stipano to discuss "Anti-money laundering/OFAC compliance" at the Institute of International Bankers U.S. Regulatory/Compliance Orientation Program

domain: law


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|Sugar||2 Cup (32 tbs)|
|White corn syrup||1 1⁄4 Cup (20 tbs)|
|Heavy cream/1 cup heavy cream and 2 cups half and half||3 Cup (48 tbs)|
|Chopped nuts||1 Cup (16 tbs), chopped coarsely (Pecans, Walnuts, Or Whole Filberts Are Nice)|
Combine sugar, corn syrup, and 1 cup of cream in a heavy pan. Heat slowly and stir constantly until it starts to boil. Cook to soft-ball stage (236 degrees F.). Add second cup of cream and cook to soft-ball stage; then add the third cup of cream and cook to firm-ball stage (248 degrees F). Stir just occasionally during the cooking of the first two cups of cream. With the third cup of cream, stir constantly until a firm ball is formed in cold water. Add nuts. Butter the pan, and scrape the caramel into it. When cold, cut around edges of pan to loosen caramel; then turn pan upside down and strike hard to release candy onto cutting board. Cut candy into squares, and wrap in waxed paper. Be sure cream is fresh, or the mixture will lend to curdle.

domain: food


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Our chefs prepare every dish with care to ensure our customers enjoy the best dining experience possible. Classy casual, everyday style food made from fresh ingredients from local farms and fisherman makes our menu reminiscent of "wicked" good New England cooking.
Alaskan King Crab
1 pound of sweet crab legs steamed and served with hot drawn butter.
Warning: Raw and under cooked items such as meats, fish, eggs, and shellfish can pose a health risk to especially young children, pregnant women, older adults and those with compromised immune systems.


Described as "an addictive cardio party," 305 Fitness is one of New York City's most popular workout classes. Celebrities Miley Cyrus and Hailey Baldwin are fans of 305 Fitness, and NBA star Kevin Durant is an investor. The franchise has quickly expanded into Boston and Washington, D.C., and has a Los Angeles pop-up. This fall, CEO and founder Sadie Kurzban unveiled her third NYC location on the Upper East Side (UES), which features Miami-style art deco interiors. Classes at each location cost from $26 to $34 depending on which format you select.
The origins of 305 Fitness
Though 305 is a dance-based workout, Kurzban does not have any formal training in dance. She studied economics at Brown University.
"Some might say I was a full-time nerd. But, I wanted to work out without watching the clock," said Kurzban. "I started taking and then eventually teaching cardio dance classes. It was so much fun and inclusive. Everyone took the classes -- the academics, the athletes, guys and girls. It was such an exciting place to be."
After visiting her hometown of Miami for spring break, Kurzban decided to put together a business plan for her fitness class concept. "I grew up in Miami and it felt like my own prison instead of a paradise," Kurzban said. "By age 9, I was secretly counting calories in a food diary. My mom and older sister had eating disorders. I named my company 305, the city's area code, as a way to reclaim my power. I was building my own Miami, in another city."
Kurzban entered Brown's annual business plan competition in 2012 and won $25,000 to turn her cardio dance class concept into reality. She designed the class to be 55 minutes long and feature nonstop movement, including 30 minutes of dance, toning, sprints, hip-hop and stretching. "The moves are easy to follow," said Kurzban. "It's the most fun and original workout class out there. You feel like you are in a nightclub, only no booze and no judgments."
The 305 Fitness experience
The first thing I noticed was the live DJ, which Kurzban told me to look out for before attending the class. "Every single class is different -- it's a 55-minute journey into sound," she said. "The DJ chooses all the songs and it's a surprise to the instructor what will play next. It creates an enjoyable and spontaneous experience. No two classes are ever the same."
I got a tip to stand in the middle of the class so I could keep up with my high-energy instructor, Julian, and to see myself in the mirrors at the front of the studio. Unlike other classes, I didn't feel self-conscious at all -- there were a myriad fitness abilities and body types in class. There was also lots of good energy all around.
"At 305, we are helping people shed their shame," said Kurzban. "They can leave their self-consciousness behind and just enjoy an hour of pure unadulterated fun."
Julian wasted no time and got us moving with a warm-up. I didn't think I'd make it through, as I was getting over a cold. But the dance combos were pretty easy and the music was pumping. The music ranged from hits from Migos to Pitbull during the workout and the Backstreet Boys (so #nostalgic!) in the cool-down.
The cardio portion of class featured bursts of high-intensity moves such as high knees, fast feet, shadow boxing and high kicks. The DJ played up-tempo music most of the class and participants were constantly moving -- with a light show going on at the same time. It's an intense cardio workout disguised as a party.
The celeb effect
The high-octane dance workout has caught the attention of a few notables, including Amanda Seyfried and Ashley Olsen. Golden State Warriors forward Durant and famed producer and DJ Tiesto are both investors in 305 Fitness. "We've been inundated with requests from investors, largely because we are really owning the millennial female market," said Kurzban. "As a millennial woman, I've been able to craft a strong voice that's meant for my friends and me. Kevin has never taken a class -- sadly! But he and his [manager] and partner, Rich Kleiman [of Durant Co.], invested in the brand in 2016 through Thirty Five Ventures."
When espnW asked Kleiman about his and Durant's involvement in the cardio dance franchise, he responded via email: "Thirty Five Ventures invested in 305 Fitness in 2016 because Kevin and I were very intrigued by Sadie and her vision for the company. What she and 305 have done in such a short time in the workout space, particularly for millennial women, is very impressive -- having already grown to six locations across four cities. What we try to do as partners is offer them our business insight so they can keep expanding the business in a smart methodology."
The next day
This is a full-body workout and the moves are constantly changing. Unlike a lot of workouts (think cycling, boxing, running) that have repetitive, monotonous moves -- 305 classes keep the body guessing. And even though I stepped into class sniffling and slightly sluggish, I pushed through the workout and felt peppier the next day.
Overall, the experience felt like a fun night on the town opposed to a taxing workout. Bonus, I wore sneakers and not unconformable heels.
Janell M. Hickman is a seasoned fashion/beauty editor and branding consultant based in Brooklyn. She's written for BET Style, The Coveteur, StyleCaster, Teen Vogue, Man Repeller, TODAY Style and Lipstick.com.


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Here we have an Early Model 1933 Hitlerjugend Fahrtenmesser by Gebr Grafrath (Gräwiso) of Solingen-Widdert. The early style thin blade on this one looks great. The acid etched "Blut und Ehre!" motto and "Gräwiso Solingen" / "Ges. Geschützt." maker mark are all nicely executed! The fit continues to remain nice and tight and the tip comes to a nice point. The blade rates a solid Exc+/Exc++. It has been ever-so-slightly sharpened, shows surface scratches, age spotting and age grey throughout. The original brown leather buffer remains intact. The steel based black enamel painted scabbard looks excellent! 95%+ of its original paint coverage remains intact. It remains completely dent free. The scabbard leather is in great condition. It has all of its rivets intact and the snap continues to work well! The steel based nickel-silver plated hilt retains 95%+ of its plating. The black bakelite checkered grip plates are in near perfect condition. Both solid nickel silver rivets tightly secure the grip plates to the hilt. The small HJ diamond shows minor surface scratches yet retains 97%+ of its enamel. A great looking early one!
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Drashti and vivian dating
He also participated in and won the fifth season of the popular dance reality show Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa with choreographer Shampa Sonthalia.
After this show, he played the role of a business magnate Maan Singh Khurana in Geet – Hui Sabse Parayi He had a lead role in the show Punar Vivah as Yash Sindhia, a widower father of two.
Dressed in red and looking astonishingly elegant, the ever gracious Drashti Dhami has finally entered the wedlock with her boyfriend Neeraj after a courtship of almost six years.
In a private ceremony for close friends and family, the actress got married to Neeraj, on Saturday.
Drashti's friends from the industry including Vivian Dsena, Nakuul Mehta, Sanaya Irani, Mouni Roy graced the celebrations.
Drashti's good friends Karan Singh Grover and Jennifer Winget are reported to have graced the event as well.

domain: entertainment