Alejandro R. Castillo Ph.D.

Farm Advisor   Dairy Science - Emeritus

Cooperative Extension Merced County
2145 Wardrobe Avenue
Merced, CA 95341-6445
(209) 385-7403
arcastillo@ucanr.edu

http://cemerced.ucanr.edu

Specialty

Areas of Expertise (click to see all ANR academics with this expertise)

• Animals and Their Systems
• Nutrient Utilization in Animals
• Natural Resources and Environment

Bibliography

Peer Reviewed

• St-Pierre, N.; Castillo, A.R., et al.; Silva-del-Rio, N. (2013). "Mineral Concentrations in Diets, Water, and Milk and Their Value in Estimating On-Farm Excretion of Manure Minerals in Lactating Dairy Cows." Journal of Dairy Science (in press)
• Islas-Trejo, A.; Rincon, G., et al.; Castillo, A.R.; German, B.J. (2011). "Polymorphisms in genes in the SREBP1 signalling pathway and SCD are associated with milk fatty acid composition in Holstein cattle." Journal of Dairy Research 1: 1-10.
• Leach, D.A.; Moore, D.A., et al.; Bickett-Weddle, D.; Castillo, A.R.; Higginbotham, G.E.; Reed, B.A. (2010). "Evaluation of a biological risk management tool on large western United States dairies." Journal of Dairy Science(93): 4096-4104.
• Adaska, J.M.; More, D.A., et al.; Higginbotham, G.E.; Collar, C.A. (2009). Testing new dariy cattle for disease can boost herd health, cut costs. California Agriculture. 63:1, 29-34. 2009.
• Castillo, A.R. (2009). Whole-farm nutrient balances are an important tool for California dairy farms. California Agriculture. 63:3, 149-151. 2009.
• Castillo, A.R.; Cangiano, C.A., et al.; Guerrero, J (2008). Alfalfa Grazing Management. Irrigated Alfalfa Management.. Charles Summers & Dan Putnam. Oakland, California, University of California, Communication Services. ANR Publication 3215
• McV. Messan, L.L.; Stull, C.L., et al.; Collar, C.A.; Castillo, A.R.; Anderson, K.L. (2008). "Precipitation and Temperature Effects on Mortality and Lactation Parameters of Dairy Cattle in California." Journal of Dairy Science 91: 4579-4591.
• Santos, J.E.P.; Castillo, A.R., et al.; Tabone, T.J. (2006). Estimation of mineral balances in dairy herds including minerals in the drinking water. California Agriculture. 60:2, 90-95. 2006.
• Taverna, M.A.; Castillo, A.R., et al.; Paez, R.R.; Colombatto, D.; Garcia, M.S.; Chavez, M.; Drackley, J.K. (2006). "Fatty acid composition of milk from dairy cows fed fresh alalfa based diets." Animal Feed Science & Technology 131: 241-254.
• McCowan, B.; Kirk, J.H., et al.; Atwill, E.R.; Higginbotham, G.E.; Castillo, A.R.; Peterson, N.G. (2005). "Association of Antimicrobial Minimum Inhibitory Concentration Cluster Patterns with Dairy Management Practices for Environmental Bacteria Isolated from California Bulk Tank Milk." Journal of Dairy Science(88): 3710-3720.
• Castillo, A.R.; Gallardo, M.R., et al.; Bargo, F.; Maciel, M.; Castro, H.C. (2005). "Monesin for Lactating Dairy Cows Grazing Mixed-Alfalfa Pasture and Supplemented with Partial Mixed Ration." Journal of Dairy Science 88: 644-652.
• Gallardo, M.R.; Castillo, A.R., et al.; Maciel, M.; Conti, G.A.; Quaino, O; Hartnell, G.F. (2004). "Effects of Feeling Rations with Genetically Modified Whole Cottonseed to Lactating Holstein Cows." Journal of Dairy Science 87: 1778-1785.

Non-Peer Reviewed

• Silva-del-Rio, N.; Castillo, A.R., et al.; St-Pierre, N. (2012). "Composition of Diets Fed to Different Groups of Lactating Cows on California Dairies." Journal of Dairy Science 95(Suppl. 2): 360.
• Castillo, A.R.; Silva-del-Rio, N. (2012). "Degree of agreement between the ration formulated and teh ration fed on seven California dairies." Journal of Dairy Science 95(Suppl. 2): 579.
• Castillo, A.R.; Higginbotham, G.E., et al.; Heguy, J.M. (2012). "Effect of Live Yeast on Milk Yield and Related Responses in a Commercial Dairy Herd." Journal of Dairy Science 95(Suppl. 2): 114.
• Silva-del-Rio, N.; Castillo, A.R., et al.; St-Pierre, N. (2012). "Effect of total solid contents in drinking water and milk yield per cow on milk mineral concentrations from California dairy farms." Journal of Dairy Science 95(Suppl. 2): 127.
• Burger, M.; Wang, Q., et al.; Castillo, A.R.; Mitloehner, F. (2012). "Effects of inorganic versus organic copper on nitrous oxide reductase activity in peat soil." Journal of Dairy Science 95(Suppl. 2): 709.
• Castillo, A.R. (2012). Noises, Vibrations, Stray Voltage, Electromagnetic Fields and dairy cows. California Dairy Newsletter:1, 6-7. February 2012.
• Castillo, A.R. (2012). Noises, Vibrations, Stray Voltage, Electromagnetic Fields and dairy cows. Western Dairy Business, CA2-4. August 2012.
• Castillo, A.R. (2012). Use of By-Products in Lactating Dairy Cow diets. California Dairy Newsletter:3, 5-6. August 2012.
• Castillo, A.R. (2011). California Dairy Farms: analyzing possible future trends. Merced County Farm News. July 23, 2011.
• Paez, R.R.; Taverna, M.A., et al.; Descalzo, A.; Costabel, L.; Garcia, P.; Castillo, A.R. (2011). "Efecto de la inclusión de alfalfa en la dieta sobre la calidad de la leche (Effect of including grazing alfalfa pastures in the diet on milk quality)." Revista Argentina de Producción Animal (Argentine Journal of Animal Science) 31(Supl. 1)
• Castillo, A.R. (2011). Effect of trace minerals on teh environment. Progressive Dairyman:Issue 7. May 2, 2011.
• Russi, P.F.; Russi, J.P., et al.; Simondi, J.M.; Naser Marzo, C; Castillo, A.R. (2011). "Evaluation of a rumen protected carbohydrate supplement prototype feed with fresh lactation dairy cows." Journal of Dairy Science 94(Supplement 1): W319.
• Castillo, A.R. (2011). Factors affecting feed conversion and nitrogen utilization efficiencies. Merced County Farm News. January 15, 2011.
• Castillo, A.R. (2011). Factors affecting feed conversion and nitrogen utilization efficiencies. California Dairy Newsletter:1. February 2011.
• Castillo, A.R. (2011). Impacto ambiental de los sistemas lecheros, problemas y soluciones (Environmental impact of dairy production systems, problems and solutions). III Congreso Argentino de Nutrición Animal (CAENA). Buenos Aires, Argentina. 76-78. Junio 23-24, 2011.
• Castillo, A.R. (2011). What affect fee and nitrogen efficiency? Hoards Dairyman, Feeding. March 10, 2011.
• Castillo, A.R. (2010). Balance de minerales en vacas lecheras (Mineral balance in dairy cows). VII Seminario Internacional en Carne y Leche. Medellín, Colombia. 153-9. October 21-22, 2010.
• Castillo, A.R. (2010). Effect of Dairy Diets on Manure Chemical Composition. American Society of Agronomy, Califoria Chapter, Session V Dairy Issues, California.
• Castillo, A.R. (2010). Eficiencia de conversión de alimentos, más dinero menos estiércol. California Dairy Newsletter en Espanol. February 2010.
• Castillo, A.R. (2010). Improving Feed Efficiency: changes in feed intake, milk yield and manure. Progressive Dairyman:Issue 4. September 22, 2010.
• Castillo, A.R. (2010). Improving Feed Efficiency: changes in feed intake, milk yield and manure. Merced County Farm News. May 15, 2010.
• St-Pierre, N.; Castillo, A.R., et al.; Silva-del-Rio, N. (2010). "Mineral Balances in California Dairy Farms: 2. Factors associated to feed conversion and nitrogen utilization efficiencies." Journal of Dairy Science 93(E-Supplement. 1): W391.
• Castillo, A.R. (2010). Mineral Balances on Dairy Farms - Effect of Trace Minerals on the Environment. The mid-South Ruminant Nutrition Conference. Arlington, Texas. 39-41. 2010.
• St-Pierre, N.; Castillo, A.R., et al.; Silva-del-Rio, N. (2010). "Nutrient Balances in California Dairy Farms: 1. Effect of salt content in drinking water and milk yield per cow on nutrient utilization efficiency." Journal of Dairy Science 93(E--Supplement. 1): W411.
• Castillo, A.R. (2010). Suplementación mineral en rodeos lecheros de alta producción (Mineral supplements for high yielding dairy animals). Suplementación mineral en rodeos lecheros de alta producción (Mineral supplements for high yielding dairy animals). Delicias, México. 7-16. September 9-11, 2010.
• Castillo, A.R. (2009). Controlling dietary mineral content in lactating dairy animals may reduce fee cost and manure production. Ag Nutrient Management:10, 8-9. 2009.
• Castillo, A.R. (2009). Controlling dietary mineral content in lactating dairy animals may reduce feed cost and manure production. California Dairy Newsletter:3. 2009.
• Price, T.; Meyer, D., et al.; Collar, C.A.; Heguy, A.; Karle, G. (2009). Evaluating dairy facility options in the Central Valley. California Dairy Newsletter:2. May 2009.
• Castillo, A.R. (2009). Feed conversion efficiency, more money and less manure? Merced County Farm News, 8. February 14, 2009.
• Castillo, A.R. (2009). Feed conversion efficiency, more money and less manure? Progressive Dairyman:10, 8-9. 2009.
• Castillo, A.R. (2009). Feed conversion efficiency, more money less manure? California Dairy Newsleter. January 2009.
• St-Pierre, N.; Castillo, A.R., et al.; Silva-del-Rio, N. (2009). "Mineral Balances in California Dairy Farms." Journal of Dairy Science 86(Suppl. 1): 724.
• Silva-del-Rio, N.; Castillo, A.R., et al.; St-Pierre, N. (2009). "Total Mixed Ration Mineral Content in California Dairy Farms." Journal of Dairy Science 86(Suppl. 1): W293.
• Castillo, A.R. (2008). A significant storm event. UCCE Merced. Dairy Notes. January 2008.
• Castillo, A.R. (2008). A significant storm event. California Dairies:1, 11. 2008.
• Castillo, A.R. (2008). Mineral balances in dairy farms including drinking water for animals. 2008 Intermountain Nutrition Conference. Utah State University, Logan, Utah. 185-189. 2008.
• Castillo, A.R. (2008). Nitrogen excretion in dairy cows: is one percent crude protein in the diet important? UCCE Merced. Dairy Notes. May 2008.
• Castillo, A.R. (2008). Nitrogen excretion in dairy cows: is one percent crude protein in the diet important? Progressive Dairyman:10, 29. 2008.
• Castillo, A.R. (2008). Nitrogen excretion in dairy cows: is one percent protein in the diet important? California Dairies:6, 9. 2008.
• Castillo, A.R. (2008). Some practical considerations to remember about drinking water for dairy animals. Progressive Dairyman:7, 9. 2008.
• Castillo, A.R. (2008). Waste water storage capacity in dairy farms: the milk parlor water use. UCCE Merced. Dairy Notes. May 2008.
• Castillo, A.R. (2008). Waste water storage capacity in dairy farms: the milk parlor water use. Progressive Dairyman:10, 30. 2008.
• Castillo, A.R. (2008). Waste water storage capacity in dairy farms: the milk parlor water use. Ag Nutrient Management:4, 7. 2008.
• Castillo, A.R. (2008). Waste water storage capacity in dairy farms: the milk parlor water use. California Dairies. 17:8. 2008.
• Castillo, A.R. (2007). Dairy cows nutrition: the corn grain dilemma. UCCE Merced. Dairy Notes. March 2007.
• Castillo, A.R. (2007). Dairy cows nutrition: the corn grain dilemma. The Farm Bureau. Merced County Farm News, 10-11. 2007.
• Castillo, A.R. (2007). Dairy cows nutrition: the corn grain dilemma. Agribusiness Dairyman, 24-25. 2007.
• Castillo, A.R. (2007). Dairy cows nutrition: the corn grain dilemma. The Western Farm Press, 8-9. April 7, 2007.
• Castillo, A.R. (2007). Milk production in winter time. Agribusiness Dairyman:1, 24. 2007.
• Castillo, A.R. (2006). Animal nutrition and dairy industry sustainability. Merced Sun-Star. Agribusiness. April 17, 2006.
• Castillo, A.R. (2006). Animal nutrition and dairy industry sustainability. Agribusiness Dairyman:5, 13. 2006.
• Castillo, A.R. (2006). Animal nutrition and dairy industry sustainability. The Farm Bureau. Merced County Farm News, 6. May 13, 2006.
• Castillo, A.R. (2006). Animal nutrition and dairy industry sustainability. UCCE Merced. Dairy Notes. April 2006.
• Castillo, A.R. (2006). Dairies are at risk from all fronts. Agribusiness Dairyman:8, 12. 2006.
• Castillo, A.R. (2006). Dairies are at risk from all fronts. Merced Sun-Star. Agribusiness. July 10, 2006.
• Castillo, A.R. (2006). Dairy industry and biosecurity, planning ahead. UCCE Merced. Dairy Notes. July 2006.
• Castillo, A.R. (2006). Environmental effects of dairy cattle. The Farm Bureau. Merced County Farm News, 9. August 12, 2006.
• Castillo, A.R. (2006). Environmental effects on dairy cattle. Los Banos Enterprise. Farm Focus. August 8, 2006.
• Castillo, A.R. (2006). Environmental effects on dairy cattle. Merced Sun-Star. Agribusiness. August 14, 2006.
• Castillo, A.R. (2006). Managing the dairy business in the next decade. UCCE Merced. Dairy Notes. October 2006.
• Castillo, A.R. (2006). Managing the dairy business in the next decade. Agribusiness Dairyman:10, 10. 2006.
• Castillo, A.R. (2006). Managing the dairy business in the next decade. Los Banos Enterprise. Farm Focus. September 8, 2006.
• Castillo, A.R. (2006). Managing the dairy business in the next decade. The Farm Bureau. Merced County Farm News, 8. September 16, 2006.
• Castillo, A.R. (2006). Milk fat depression in dairy cows. UCCE Merced. Dairy Notes. October 2006.
• Castillo, A.R. (2006). Milk fat depression in dairy cows. The Farm Bureau. Merced County Farm News, 17. October 14, 2006.
• Castillo, A.R. (2006). Milk fat depression in dairy cows. The Progressive Dairyman. January 2007.
• Castillo, A.R. (2005). A bold new look at milk fat. Merced Sun-Star. Agribusiness. Octobe 31, 2005.
• Castillo, A.R. (2005). Dairy cows emissions research update. UCCE Merced. Dairy Notes. March 2005.
• Castillo, A.R. (2005). Dairy cows emissions research update. Merced Sun-Star. Agribusiness. February 28, 2005.
• Santos, J.E.P.; Castillo, A.R., et al.; Kirk, J.H. (2005). "Feed conversion and efficiency of NPK utilization in lactating dairy cows." Journal of Dairy Science 88(Suppl. 1, Abstract 252)
• Castillo, A.R. (2005). Feeding a growing population. Merced Sun-Star. Agribusiness. January 17, 2005.
• Castillo, A.R. (2005). Finding a balance on Valley Dairies. Merced Sun-Star. Agribusiness. April 11, 2005.
• Castillo, A.R. (2005). Finding a balance on Valley Dairies. UCCE Merced. Dairy Notes. September 2005.
• Castillo, A.R. (2005). Future bodes well for county dairy industry. Merced Sun-Star. Agribusiness. June 27, 2005.
• Castillo, A.R. (2005). Impact of feeding multiple rations in dairy herds on animal performance. UCCE. Dairy Notes. December 2005.
• Castillo, A.R. (2005). Impact of feeding multiple rations. California Dairy Herd Improvement:1, 20-21. 2005.
• Castillo, A.R. (2005). It is economical to feed more than 1 ration? Western Dairy Business. 87:2, CA6-CA8. 2005.
• Castillo, A.R. (2005). Some practical consideration about drinking water for dairy animals. UCCE Merced. Dairy Notes. July 2005.
• Ustarroz, E; Martinez Ferrer, J., et al.; Ferrayoli, C.G.; Alomar, D (2005). Supplementation under intensive grazing, silage or grain-based diets for beef production on steer performance and meat fatty acid composition. XXth International Grassland Congress, Cork, Ireland.
• Castillo, A.R. (2005). The Future of the Dairy Industry in Merced County. The Farm Bureau. Merced County Farm News:6. JUne 11, 2005.
• Castillo, A.R. (2004). Can genetically modified feeds help human food? Merced Sun-Star. Agribusiness. June 21, 2004.
• Castillo, A.R. (2004). Dairy cows essential for the food chain. Merced Sun-Star. Agribusiness. December 6, 2004.
• Castillo, A.R. (2004). Dairy farms reaching for a sustainable state. Merced Sun-Star. Agribusiness. September 13, 2004.
• Castillo, A.R. (2004). Drinking water guidelines for dairy animals. UCCE Merced. Dairy Notes. May 2004.
• Castillo, A.R. (2004). Drinking water guidelines for dairy animals. Progressive Dairyman, 26-27. April 2004.
• Castillo, A.R. (2004). Flushing and scraping free-stall and dry lot pens. UCCE Merced. Dairy Notes. September 2004.
• Castillo, A.R. (2004). Flushing and scraping free-stall and dry lot pens. The Progressive Dairyman, 15. November 2004.
• Kirk, J.H.; Higginbotham, G.E., et al.; Coral, CC.; Berry, S.L.; Robison, J.D. (2004). "Impact of conducting a dairy herdsman short-course in California." Journal of Dairy Science 87(Suppl. 1, Abstract 381): 246.
• Castillo, A.R. (2004). Milk, calcium intake and obesity. Merced Sun-Star. Agribusiness. October 25, 2004.
• Castillo, A.R. (2004). Nitrogen cycle and dairy cows. Merced Sun-Star. Agribusiness. August 9, 2004.
• Castillo, A.R. (2004). Preventing heat stress in dairy animals. UCCE Merced. Dairy Notes. May 2004.
• Castillo, A.R. (2004). Preventing heat stress in dairy animals. Farm Bureau. The Farm News, 11. June 12, 2004.
• Gallardo, M.R.; Castillo, A.R., et al.; Gaggiotti, M.C.; Quaino, O (2003). "Manipulating rumen fermentation of dairy cows fed fresh alfalfa using feed additives." Journal of Dairy Science 86(Suppl. 1, Summaryt M185): 223.
• Garcia, M.S.; Castillo, A.R., et al.; Paez, R.R.; Pensel, N (2003). "Milk fatty acids profile of dairy cows fed fresh alfalfa and different fee additives." Journal of Dairy Science 86(Suppl. 1, Summary M189): 224.
• Castillo, A.R. (2003). Multi-crop forage production in dairy farms. VCCE Merced. Dairy Notes. June 2003.
• Castillo, A.R. (2003). Nitrogen balances in dairy farms. UCCE Merced. Dairy Notes. December 2003.
• Castillo, A.R. (2003). Nitrogen excretion in dairy cows. UCCE Merced. Dairy Notes. April 2003.
• Castillo, A.R. (2003). Nitrogen excretion in dairy cows: effect of grouping animals and balancing diets. UCCE Merced. Dairy Notes. May 2003.
• Castillo, A.R. (2003). Nitrogen excretion in dairy cows: effect of protein intake. UCCE Merced. Dairy Notes. August 2003.
• Castillo, A.R.; Gallardo, M.R., et al.; Gaggiotti, M.C.; Arronna, S.; Cuatrin, A (2003). "Use of intra-ruminal monensin capsules in dairy cows under alfalfa grazing conditions. I. Milk yield and composition." Journal of Dairy Science 86(Suppl. 1, Summary M172): 220.
• Maciel, M.; Abdalla, A.A., et al.; Gallardo, M.R.; Cuatrin, A; Allassia, S.P.; Castillo, A.R. (2003). "Use of intra-ruminal monensin capsules in dairy cows under alfalfa grazing conditions. II Reproductive performance." Journal of Dairy Science 86(Suppl.1, Summary T65): 252.
• Castillo, A.R. (2003). Water analysis in dairy farms. UCCE Merced. Dairy Notes. December 2003.
• Castillo, A.R. (2001). Research Update: News About Milk Fat Composition. California Dairy Newsletter:4, 5. November 2011.

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