We now have decades of accumulated knowledge on strategies for mammary health management regarding milking – protocols were developed even as early as in the fifties or sixties, like dipping techniques. This could mislead us to think that there isn’t much new to learn about it, but science is in constant progress and brings in new concepts every day. That’s why we should look for opportunities to keep up with new developments. In this episode with our guest Dr. Valerie Ryman, we discuss the main challenges for mammary health and milk quality, key management strategies for improving mammary health, and somatic cell counts. Also, we talk about new tools for assessing differential somatic cell counts and a recent, controversial proposition that there may be a natural microbiome in the mammary gland rather than only pathogenic bacteria.

“To my mind, the appropriate application of a pre-dip is like an unsung hero in preventing a lot of mastitis – underestimated, but key.’’ Dr. Valerie Ryman ‬

What you’ll learn:

• Highlight (00:00)
• Introduction (1:33)
• Dairy industry trends in Georgia (10:21)
• Main challenges for mammary health and milk quality in Georgia (14:48)
• Key practices for mastitis control (19:03)
• Fore-stripping cows in the milking routine (24:04)
• Research on mammary health (26:28)
• What is differential somatic cell count? (29:31)
• Is there a microbiome in the mammary gland? (32:17)
• The final questions (38:03)

Meet the guest: Dr. Valerie Ryman‬

Experience:

• Current: Assistant Professor and State Dairy Extension Specialist at the University of Georgia
• Past: Postdoctoral Research Specialist at University of Georgia

Background:

• Ph.D., Comparative Medicine and Integrative Biology (Michigan State University)
• M.Sc., Animal and Dairy Science (The University of Georgia)
• B.Sc., Animal and Veterinary Science (Clemson University)

Connect with the guest on Social Media: LinkedIn

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

The Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:

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- Phibro

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- Evonik

- Adisseo

While most problems that dairy farms face both arise and are solved inside the farm, sometimes it’s not that easy – some natural hazards, over which we have little to no control, can cause harm. That is the case with wildfires: concerns over the danger posed by the air pollution caused by wildfires have been increasing in recent years. In order to reduce these impacts, we have to stay up to date with the latest research about the effects of poor air quality. That is precisely the topic of this episode’s roundtable, with Dr. Amy Skibiel and Dr. Pedram Rezamand: discussing air quality indicators, the impacts of wildfire air pollution on cow health and performance, and the development of research on the long-term effects, mitigation, and treatment of affected cows.

“The major issues with which producers deal in our area have to do with environmental issues.’’ – Dr. Pedram Rezamand‬

What you’ll learn:

• Highlight (00:00)
• Introduction (1:45)
• Quantifying air pollution (10:09)
• The impact of air pollution on cows (16:53)
• Smoke inhalation issues on calves (21:545)
• Controlled experiments for air pollution exposure (24:14)
• Further research on wildfire air pollution (27:17)
• Protection measures for dairy workers’ safety (32:33)
• The final questions (36:02)

Meet the guest: Dr. Amy Skibiel‬

Experience:

• Current: Assistant Professor at the University of Idaho

Background:

• Ph.D., Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (Auburn University)
• M.Sc., Ecology, and Evolutionary Biology (Auburn University)
• B.S., Biology (Juniata College)

Connect with the guest on Social Media: LinkedIn

Meet the guest: Dr. Pedram Rezamand‬

Experience:

• Current: Professor at the University of Idaho

Background:

• Ph.D., Animal Science (The University of Connecticut)

Connect with the guest on Social Media: LinkedIn

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

The Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:

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- Evonik

- Adisseo

Before we start thinking about formulating the most precise diet for our cows, we have to make sure that the feed is properly prepared and delivered to cows. In order to do that the right way, we have to understand the feeding behavior of cows. In this episode, Dr. Trevor DeVries discusses what drives cows to feel hungry, what the feeding frequency is, how we can identify the individual behavior of the animals at the feed bunk, the benefits of automatic systems, and the challenges of research on nutrition with automated milking systems.

“We don't want a cow to eat because they’ve been out of feed for so long that they’re hungry and need to do it right now – we want cows to be internally hungry.’’ – Dr. Trevor DeVries ‬

What you’ll learn:

• Highlight (00:00)
• Introduction (1:45)
• The access of cows to feed bunkers (6:00)
• Individual behavior at feed bunkers (11:00)
• How many times should we do feed push-ups? (15:00)
• Feed push-up technologies  (26:24)
• Nutrition with robotic milking systems (31:42)
• Technological integration in feed management (38:53)
• The final questions (41:39)

Meet the guest: Dr. Trevor DeVries‬

Experience:

• Current: Professor and Canada Research Chair on Dairy Cattle Behavior and Welfare at the University of Guelph

Background:

• Ph.D., Epidemiology (The University of British Columbia)
• B.Sc.; Agriculture, Animal Sciences (The University of British Columbia)

Connect with the guest on Social Media: LinkedIn

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

The Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:

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- Phibro

- Berg + Schmidt

- Evonik

- Adisseo

Minerals have always been important for the nutrition of cows – even more so when it comes to preparing the animals for calving, since they play a role in helping prevent disorders like hypocalcemia. The most successful example of that is DCAD diets. With that in mind, what are the latest advances regarding minerals for transition cows? To answer this question, we have to look at the most important minerals: calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. In this episode with Patrick Hoffman, we talk about the importance of these three minerals for transition cows as well as define what a zeolite binder is, how it works, and how it reduces hypocalcemia problems.

“I was very skeptical about zeolite products when they first emerged.’’  – Patrick Hoffman‬

What you’ll learn:

• Highlight (00:00)
• Introduction (2:05)
• Important minerals after calving (12:12)
• What is zeolite? (20:52)
• Zeolite mechanism of action on phosphorus homeostasis (25:37)
• Zeolite at farms (29:26)
• Zeolite for heifers: does it work? (33:24)
• The final questions (39:28)

Meet the guest: Patrick Hoffman‬

Experience:

• Current: Professor Emeritus at the University of Wisconsin-Madison; Scientist at Dairy Science Solutions, LLC
• Past: Dairy Technical Specialist at Vita Plus Corporation

Background:

• M.Sc., Dairy Science (University of Wisconsin-Madison)
• B.Sc., Agricultural Education (University of Wisconsin-Platteville)

Connect with the guest on Social Media: LinkedIn

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

The Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:

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- Phibro

- Berg + Schmidt

- Evonik

- Adisseo

Cow welfare has now become a concern for both producers and consumers. In this context, if we are aware of consumer priorities and industry plans regarding the issue, we can better address the main challenges on our dairy farms. In this episode with Dr. Jennifer Walker, we talk about animal welfare audit protocols, consumer interests, and the main issues in dairy systems related to the subject. Additionally, she shares some perspectives on milk quality.

“I think we're going to see benefits when we start thinking about how to simultaneously optimize both animal welfare with production.’’ - Dr. Jennifer Walker‬

What you’ll learn:

• Highlight (00:00)
• Introduction (1:45)
• Concerns about audits on dairy farms (5:40)
• The priorities of dairy consumers (13:22)
• The main challenges in welfare at dairies (12:06)
• Animal welfare and housing systems (24:45)
• Milk quality perspectives (31:47)
• The final questions (40:19)

Meet the guest: Dr. Jennifer Walker‬

Experience:

• Current: Director of Quality & Care at Danone North America
• Past: Director, Dairy Stewardship at Dean Foods; Graduate Research Assistant- Veterinary of Preventive Medicine at Ohio State University

Background:

• Ph.D., Veterinary Preventive Medicine (Ohio State University)
• M.Sc.; International Animal Welfare, Ethics & Law (University of Edinburgh)
• D.V.M., Food Animal Medicine (University of California, Davis)
• B.Sc., Animal Sciences (University of California, Davis)

Connect with the guest on Social Media: LinkedIn

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

The Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:

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- Phibro

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- Evonik

- Adisseo

Having successful lactating cows in the future depends on having successful heifers in the present. However, it is not that simple, as we need to be prepared for any challenges and disorders that heifers may face. With that in mind, how do we deal with udder edema? To answer the question, in this episode, Cora Okkema and I discuss what udder edema is, its prevalence, and how we can evaluate its causes. As a bonus, she also gives us some tips on maintaining mental health and engaging dairy consumers.

“We may never be able to completely remove or mitigate udder edema, but we can reduce its severity.’’ - Cora Okkema

What you’ll learn:

• Highlight (00:00)
• Introduction (1:48)
• What is udder edema? (8:37)
• Difficulties in researching udder edema  (18:56)
• How do we evaluate cows for udder edema?  (23:00)
• How do we reduce and prevent udder edema? (27:48)
• Mental health management (30:22)
• Engaging dairy consumers (37:05)
• The final questions (40:53)

Meet the guest: Cora Okkema

Experience:

• Current: Dairy Educator at Michigan State University Extension
• Past: Graduate Research Assistant at Colorado State University; Dairy Production Director of the Graduate Student Division at the American Dairy Science Association (ADSA)

Background:

• M.Sc., Animal Sciences (Colorado State University)
• B.Sc., Animal Sciences (Dordt University)

Connect with the guest on Social Media: LinkedIn

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

The Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:

- AB Vista

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- DSM

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- ICC

- Phibro

- Berg + Schmidt

- Evonik

- Adisseo

Technologies have come to stay on our farms! They may help us make better decisions and work with more precision, but in order to get the most out of them, we have to be up to date with the latest news and innovations. So what technologies are being successfully implemented on farms right now? To answer that question, I talk with our guest Dr. Jeffrey Bewley in this episode. As a scientist that is highly experienced with data and innovation, he discusses the most important technologies that have been developed in recent years, which ones every farm should have , and how we can better choose our tools to avoid falling into traps.

“It's not about a gadget or a certain piece of technology per se. It's more about the insight that we get from them and how that can help us make better decisions.’’ - Dr. Jeffrey Bewley‬‬‬‬

What you’ll learn:

• Highlight (00:00)
• Introduction (1:38)
• Wearable technologies for cow monitoring (5:52)
• What is the SmartHolstein Lab? (10:22)
• Using technologies for genetic evaluation (12:47)
• Traditional selection methods against computer-based methods (15:21)
• Data management technologies farmers should have (24:07)
•  Choosing the right technologies for your farm (26:31)
• The final questions (30:47)

Meet the guest: Dr. Jeffrey Bewley

Experience:

• Current: Dairy Analytics and Innovation Scientist at Holstein Association USA, Inc.; Partner at Fit Genetics; Partner at IceBlue Genetics
• Past: Dairy Housing and Analytics Specialist at Alltech 

Background:

• Ph.D., Animal Sciences (Purdue University)
• M.Sc., Dairy Science (University of Wisconsin-Madison)
• B.Sc., Animal Sciences (University of Kentucky)

Connect with the guest on Social Media: LinkedIn

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

The Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:

- AB Vista

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- DSM

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- ICC

- Phibro

- Berg + Schmidt

- Evonik

Recently, the rising prices of dairy feeds have tightened farm profits. To overcome this challenge, we need to make sure we have good-quality feed that can result in more milk production, which in turn demands being up to date with the latest advances in forage research. With that in mind, where are we in forage research? In this episode, with our guest Dr. Luiz Ferraretto, we talk about advances in such research over the last 15 years, discoveries regarding kernel starch digestibility, the development of good forage programs, and topics that are being looked into now.

“When we work with forages, it's very interesting to see the whole lot of changes that happen – but they don't happen all at once, they continuously happen over time”. – Dr. Luiz Ferraretto

What you’ll learn:

• Highlight (00:00)
• Introduction (1:20)
• The most important recent advances in forage research (4:08)
• The breaking of more kernel starch and changes in fermentation (7:18)
• How do we develop a good forage program? (9:38)
• The importance of grouping cows for more precise nutrition (13:55)
• Current topics of interest in forage research (15:55)
• Do we need to analyze feed often? (21:22)
• The final questions (26:29)

Meet the guest: Dr. Luiz Ferraretto

Experience:

• Current: Assistant Professor and Ruminant Nutrition Extension Specialist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison
• Past: Assistant Professor at the University of Florida; Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the William H. Miner Agricultural Research Institute

Background:

• Ph.D., Dairy Science (University of Wisconsin-Madison)
• M.Sc., Dairy Science (University of Wisconsin-Madison)
• B.Sc., Animal Sciences (UNESP - Universidade Estadual Paulista)

Connect with the guest on Social Media: LinkedIn

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

The Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:

- AB Vista

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- DSM

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Staying up to date with the latest opportunities in the dairy milk market is important for every farmer, manager, and dairy industry worker. In that sense, and considering that the US is one of the largest global exporters of milk and dairy products, keeping an eye on the demands from other countries is a must. So how is China's milk market faring at the moment: are there opportunities to be had, or can they become competitors in the export market? In this episode, with Dr. Walter Chen, we discuss the market opportunities for dairy producers in China, the challenges faced by Chinese dairies, the country’s milk consumption, and the future of their milk production.

“I grew up in China as a kid, and I never drank milk. It's not that I didn't want to drink it, I couldn’t – there was no milk available.” - Dr. Walter Chen

What you’ll learn:

• Highlight (00:00)
• Introduction (1:35)
• Chinese requirements for milk (14:04)
• Reproduction challenges for Chinese dairy farmers (18:48)
• Nutritional strategies in China (28:04)
• The availability of feed additives (32:08)
• The evolution of the Chinese dairy research (35:19)
• Data recording and management (36:37)
• Data recording issues (40:38)
• The final questions (43:54)

Meet the guest: Dr. Walter Chen

Experience:

• Current: President of a dairy consulting business in China
• Past: Dairy Management Consultant for Cargill Nutrition; Manager at XCanton American Dairy Farm in Canton, China; Calf Manager at Canton American Dairy Farm

Background:

• Ph.D., Ruminant Nutrition (University of Arizona)
• M.Sc., Ruminant (University of Arizona)
• B.Sc. (South China Agricultural University)

Connect with the guest on Social Media: LinkedIn

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

The Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:

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Reproductive performance is key to maintaining a cow productive and guaranteeing the next lactation. To achieve good results, we need to improve our knowledge about the reproduction of transition cows: how do we manage them in order to be reproductively successful? With that in mind, our guest Dr. Stephen LeBlanc and I discuss, in this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, the main challenges in the reproduction of transition cows, metritis management, goals for reproductive parameters, and the use of technology to detect early reproductive diseases.

“So that's our challenge: keeping cows healthy, giving them the inputs of nutrition and management, and so on and so forth, so that they are set up with what they need for the success of their reproduction.” – Dr. Stephen LeBlanc

What you’ll learn:

• Highlight (00:00)
• Introduction (1:15)
• The influence of the transition period on the reproductive performance of cows (2:25)
• The indicators of success in reproductive performance  (8:39)
• Resilient cows and reproduction (15:34)
• Pregnancy rates: what’s the new goal? (21:01)
• Advances in the treatment of metritis (25:03)
• The use of sensors for metritis diagnosis (31:56)
• More milk, less fertility: is that true? (36:11)
• The final questions (40:29)

Meet the guest: Dr. Stephen LeBlanc

Experience:

• Current: Professor in the Department of Population Medicine at the Ontario Veterinary College; Director of Dairy at Guelph – The Centre for Dairy Research and Innovation, at the University of Guelph.

Background:

• D.V.S. (University of Guelph)
• D.V.M. (University of Guelph)
• B.Sc., Animal Science (McGill University)

Connect with the guest on Social Media: LinkedIn

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

The Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:

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Ensuring continuous efficiency at milk production isn't an easy task: there are many challenges in the process. So how can we accomplish that? In this episode, with Dr. Paola Bacigalupo Sanguesa, we talk about parlor and milking efficiency, issues associated with both concepts, milk losses caused by specific problems, and future research aimed at improving milking results. And, since Paola is an experienced extension educator, she also gives some tips on how we can develop and retain our employees at the farm.

“The idea that we want to change is that more cows through the parlor might not equal more pounds of milk. Maybe we can reach a similar amount of pounds by establishing a better milking routine, but without needing more cows.” – Dr. Paola Bacigalupo Sanguesa

What you’ll learn:

• Highlight (00:00)
• Introduction (1:30)
• Developing employees at farm (8:30)
• Parlor and milking efficiency (10:46)
• Delayed milk ejection (14:31)
• What is bimodal milking? (18:11)
• Impacts of milking efficiency (23:18)
• Future research on milking efficiency (27:20)
• The final questions (31:08)

Meet the guest: Dr. Paola Bacigalupo Sanguesa

Experience:

• Current: Extension - Dairy Educator at Michigan State University
• Past: Graduate Student Research Assistant at Colorado State University; Calves Rearing Manager at Agricola La Cascada

Background:

• M.Sc., Epidemiology (Epidemiology, Dairy Cattle)
• D.V.M., Veterinary Medicine (Universidad de Chile)

Connect with the guest on Social Media: LinkedIn

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

The Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:

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Dry off management has never been as important as it is now, since preparing a cow correctly for the next lactation is key when it comes to maintaining the animal healthy during this whole new period. With that in mind, what are the latest research and advances in the field? How can we improve performance, welfare, and profitability during the dry off period? In this episode, with Dr. Luciano Caixeta, we talk about acidogenic mineral bolus, the management of disorders and advances at the transition period, and the importance of data and farmer knowledge for solutions to the main problems regarding dry off and transition cows. When put together, all of that information helps drive success in transition cows and obtain healthy, highly productive animals.

“A lot of my ideas come from their (farmers’) questioning me and some solutions come from what they're doing at their farms” – Dr. Luciano Caixeta

What you’ll learn:

• Highlight (00:00)
• Introduction (1:40)
• Acidogenic mineral bolus in the dry off period (7:49)
• Economic impacts of the usage of acidogenic mineral bolus (15:41)
• The relation between welfare and acidogenic mineral bolus (19:19)
• Ketosis diagnostic and advances in management (21:23)
• Research in hypocalcemia (36:55)
• The importance of farmer knowledge and data records for research (40:30)
• Final questions (44:30)

Meet the guest: Dr. Luciano Caixeta

Experience:

• Current: Assistant Professor at the University of Minnesota
• Past: Dairy Field Service Clinical Instructor at Colorado State University

Background:

• Ph.D. (Cornell University)
• D.V.M. (Universidade Federal de Goiás, Brazil)

Connect with the guest on Social Media: Facebook; Instagram; Twitter; LinkedIn

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

The Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:

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- ICC

Cutting costs with feed is becoming a challenge on dairy farms due to increasing prices. In that scenario, growing adequate quantities of high-quality forages with quality and productivity is a key strategy for reducing costs. But how can we do that? What forages are suitable for that purpose? In this episode, with Dennis Hancock, we will talk about the main challenges in growing alfalfa, the ways we can overcome those challenges, and the benefits of using perennial forages.

“We've had a lot of challenges in keeping alfalfa on the stand, and persistence is an issue.” – Dr. Dennis Hancock

What you’ll learn:

• Highlight (00:00)
• Introduction (01:30)
• Key management strategies for alfalfa (7:26)
• Challenges on alfalfa in southern USA (11:20)
• The advantages of perennial forages (14:01)
• Future investments in forage research (18:50)
• Can grazing be sustainable? (30:44)
• The final questions (34:05)

Meet the guest: Dr. Dennis Hancock

Experience:

• Current: Center Director of the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA)
• Past: Professor and Extension Forage Agronomist at the University of Georgia

Background:

• Ph.D., Agronomy and Crop Science (University of Kentucky)
• M.Sc., Plant Sciences (University of Kentucky)

Connect with the guest on Social Media: LinkedIn

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

The Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:

- AB Vista

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- DSM

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Genetics can be a powerful tool for improving the efficiency of dairy herds, so it is vital that we keep up with the latest advances in genetic trait selection. With that in mind, there are two questions that are key. Firstly, what exactly are the right traits that improve efficiency? And secondly, what has been done so far, and what are the next steps in our selection programs? In this episode, Dr. Kent Weigel discusses what traits we can use to improve efficiency, how we can measure them, and how we are currently dealing with the evaluation of more complex traits – like resilience. Additionally, we talk about the future of our dairy students. How are researchers dealing with the fact that there are less kids who are interested in animal science? How do we keep our dairy scientists engaged in dairy fields?

“We started taking a look at my arrival in this field, as a scientist. It coincided with a time when people said 'let's not just make more milk, let's try to improve the fitness and functionality of the cow through genetic selection.'” – Dr. Kent Weigel

What you’ll learn:

• Highlight (00:00)
• Introduction (01:20)
• The importance of health traits (3:33)
• Genomic impacts on trait selection (13:15)
• How do we measure feed efficiency traits? (15:30)
• Using technologies to measure feed efficiency on commercial farms (27:18)
• The next steps in the selection of feed efficiency traits (31:40)
• The selection of resilience traits (35:05)
• Perspectives on new dairy scientists and students (39:40)
• How do we engage our dairy scientists and students? (43:20)
• Final questions (49:05)

Meet the guest: Dr. Kent Weigel

Experience:

• Current: Professor and Chair of the Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences at UW-Madison

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

The Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:

- AB Vista

- Protekta

- DSM

- Diamond V

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Animal welfare on dairy farms is critical and depends heavily on comfort assessments. In other words, taking good care of dairy cows means providing them with living conditions that are comfortable and where they are not subjected to unnecessary stress or discomfort. That is why comfort assessments are key: through them, we can identify areas where the environment of the cows can be improved and made more comfortable, which improves their health and productivity. In this episode, Lindsay Ferlito talks about cow comfort and lameness, and the crucial role of ensuring that cows are treated ethically and adequately. Besides discussing comfort assessments on dairy farms, she also talks about calf barn ventilation and design.

“Lameness is one of the most obvious welfare concerns on a dairy farm.” - Lindsay Ferlito

What you’ll learn:

• Highlight (00:00)
• Introduction (01:20)
• COWS programs and herd assessments all over the US (3:52)
• FARM animal care program (6:06)
• Overcrowding cows and its effects on their performance (12:13)
• The issue of lameness in the US dairy industry (15:38)
• Successful approaches to reducing lameness (20:24)
• Calf facility design (22:07)
• Final questions (28:38)

Meet the guest: Lindsay Ferlito

Experience:

• Current: Regional Dairy Specialist at Cornell University.
• Past: COWS Program Manager at Novus International, Inc.; Mobile Dairy Classroom Facilitator at BC Dairy Foundation; Research Assistant at Animal Welfare Program @ UBC.

Background:

• B.S., Animal Science (The University of British Columbia);
• M.S., Dairy Cattle Behavior and Well-being (The University of British Columbia).

Connect with the guest on Social Media: LinkedIn

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

The Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:

- AB Vista

- Protekta

- DSM

- Diamond V

- ICC

What do you know about lactose intolerance? You probably know someone who is affected by this disorder, right? In a few words, lactose intolerance is a common condition in which the body cannot digest lactose, a sugar found in milk and other dairy products. This condition is caused by a lack of the enzyme lactase produced by the small intestine's cells. As a deficiency related directly to dairy products, lactose intolerance is a concern for us. And that's why it's crucial to understand it fully. As part of this episode, Dr. Saviano discusses factors that affect lactose digestion and intolerance, including lactose load and fermentation of dairy foods. In addition, he discusses methods of identifying, as well as alternatives to manage the condition.

"About three-fourths of the world's population and a quarter of the U.S. population have the potential for lactose intolerance.” - Dr. Dennis Savaiano

What you’ll learn:

• Highlight (00:00)
• Introduction (01:30)
• Genetics of lactose intolerance (02:19)
• Definitions of lactose intolerance (06:10)
• How can we measure lactose intolerance? (07:40)
• Factors that affect lactose intolerance (09:43)
• Differences in lactose among different dairy foods(15:18)
• Milk proteins and milk fats (16:56)
• Digestive aids to help manage lactose maldigestion (21:47)
• Plant-based alternatives to dairy products (25:23)
• Other gut disorders related to GI disturbances (27:05)
• The future of lactose intolerance research (29:48)

Meet the guest: Dr. Dennis Savaiano

Experience:

• Current: Virginia C. Meredith Professor of Nutrition Science at Purdue University.
• Past: Interim Dean of the Honors College Animal Nutrition Manager at Purdue University; Dean at College of Consumer and Family Sciences.

Background:

• Ph.D. in Nutrition from the University of California, Davis;
• B.A., Biology from Claremont McKenna College.

Connect with the guest on Social Media: LinkedIn

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

The Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:

- AB Vista

- Protekta

- DSM

- Diamond V

Technology came to stay and changed the way we see and do things. Dairy farming is an example of that. There has been a lot of progress in the development and application of technology in various ways, including monitoring cow health, facilitating labor shortages, improving production facilities, supporting reproduction techniques, etc. In this episode, Dr. Marcia Endres discusses precision dairy technologies, such as robotic milking systems, automated milk feeders, and individual cow behavior sensors. In addition, she discusses some exciting research on the impact of various housing and management systems on dairy cattle health, welfare, and performance.

"We see improvements in technology and how we manage cows and systems, train them, feed them. There's being an evolution, so we're doing a much better job." - Dr. Marcia Endres

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻:

1. Importance of nutrition to dairy cows
2. Technology adoption to different dairy systems
3. Experimental trials vs. commercial dairy farms
4. Dairy farming facilities
5. The cost of adopting technologies on dairy farms
6. Recent research on dairy technology
7. Errors in data interpretation

Meet the guest:

 What’s her experience?

• Current: Professor at the University of Minnesota
• Past: Animal Nutrition Manager at Dow AgroSciences.

What’s her academic background?

• PhD in Animal Science from University of Minnesota;
• M.S. from Iowa State University,
• Veterinary Medicine degree from University of Parana, Brazil.

Connect with the guest on social media: LinkedIn

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

The Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:

- AB Vista

- Protekta

- DSM

- Diamond V

When we talk about dairy research, the key to unlocking some answers for questions such as the importance and function of protozoa in the rumen environment and in methane mitigation can lie with fermenters. Today’s guest, Dr. Benjamin Wenner, breaks down the topic and sheds some light on how those fermenters work, and how the research done with them can impact the dairy industry. Additionally, he discusses some important points that we, the dairy industry, need to improve about our production.

“It is very important – even at the microbial level – to feed the animal on a very consistent basis for a lot of reasons.” - Dr. Benjamin Wenner

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻:

1. How does a fermenter work?
2. Research with fermenters
3. The importance of fermenters on how we feed cows
4. Protozoa in research with fermenters
5. The impacts of protozoa in the rumen
6. Good-quality water on the farm
7. The way farms are run should be challenged
8. Setting up successful dairy professionals

Dr. Benjamin Wenner attended Michigan State University for his B.S., completed an M.S. in Animal Sciences at the Ohio State University, and received his Ph.D. in Nutrition from the OSU Interdisciplinary Ph.D. Program. At the latter, he used continuous culture fermenters to demonstrate the effect of rumen physiological conditions on microbial growth and diet fermentation. After a couple of years in the industry, with dairy technical services and research, Dr. Wenner returned to OSU, where he is now an Associate Professor in Animal Sciences with teaching and Extension roles. Primarily, he teaches the principles of nutrition, small ruminant management, vitamin and mineral metabolism, and hands-on laboratory learning courses; with Ohio 4-H, Benjamin pioneered virtual youth Skillathons during the COVID pandemic; and he also devotes his Extension time to a growing statewide livestock educational contest participation and teaching core animal feeding practices. While his research interests vary widely, they can be summarized into three categories: continuous culture fermentation as a mechanism to investigate feed additives for methane mitigation, the use of small ruminants as potential control mechanisms for invasive plant species, and supporting undergraduate research projects that enhance lab methodologies or teaching strategies.

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

The Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:

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Society's expectations towards the dairy industry have been dramatically changing in the past few decades. Consumers not only demand that the products have high quality, but they also want to know that they are produced in an appropriate and respectful way towards the animals. As the dairy industry, the responsibility to adapt to the new consumer expectations and find the right balance to do what is both economically practicable and best for the animals falls in our hands. Dr. Jennifer Van Os, our guest in today's episode and a specialist in animal welfare, shares key points on how we can improve our dairy practices and gain the consumers' trust in our dairy products.

“Consumers want to know that farmers share their values and that they truly care about the animals.” - Dr. Jennifer Van Os

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻:

1. Animal welfare and animal rights
2. The importance of animal welfare
3. Quality of life for cows
4. Consumers’ expectations and trust
5. Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) program
6. Training the workforce and the Mooving program
7. The background of paired calves
8.  Pair or individual housing calves
9. Information deficit model

Dr. Jennifer Van Os received her PhD in the interdisciplinary Animal Behavior graduate program at the University of California-Davis and conducted postdoctoral research in the Animal Welfare Program at the University of British Columbia. She is currently an Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist in Animal Welfare in the faculty of the Department of Animal & Dairy Sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her research at UW-Madison focuses on understanding, evaluating, and improving the welfare of dairy animals from biological and social-science perspectives. The goal of Dr. Van Os’ extension program is to promote best practices in management and housing to help the dairy industry adapt as our scientific knowledge about animal welfare continues to grow.

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

The Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:

- AB Vista (https://www.abvista.com/)

- Protekta (https://protekta.com)

- DSM (https://www.dsm.com/anh/species/ruminants.html)

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The rumen is probably the most important machinery that drives cows’ production and health, yet there remains a lot that is unknown of how the rumen actually works. Mimicking the rumen environment in in vitro systems has been an important tool to understand rumen microbiology. Dr. Antonio Faciola, our guest on today’s episode, replicates the rumen environment in systems called fermenters. He and his group strive for a better understanding of how rumen microbiology works. He talks about the rumen microbes’ effects on methane production and possible effects in immune response in dairy cows.

“We know very little of the microorganisms that are present in the rumen; there are several that we simply don't know” - Dr. Antonio Faciola

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻:

1. Why do rumen make cows such special animals?
2. Studying the rumen outside of the cow
3. Selection of rumen fluid to form fermenters
4. Disadvantages of the in vitro system
5. In vitro systems to understand methane production
6. Lipopolysaccharides
7. Rumen acidosis and LPS levels
8. Is the rumen leaking?
9.  Next steps on understanding rumen biology

Dr. Antonio Faciola started his career in Brazil and received his Ph.D from the University of Wisconsin. Further, he received his Post-doctorate at Cornell University and ARS – USDA. Currently, he is an Associate Professor of Livestock Nutrition in the Department of Animal Sciences at the University of Florida. His overall research goal is to further our understanding of ruminant nutrition, to improve the efficiency of nutrient use as a means to enhance animal production and minimize negative environmental impacts.

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

The Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:

- AB Vista (https://www.abvista.com/)

- Protekta (https://protekta.com)

- DSM (https://www.dsm.com/anh/species/ruminants.html)

- Diamond V (https://diamondv.com/)