The Dairy Podcast Show
The Dairy Podcast Show is designed for professionals in the dairy industry who want to stay updated with the latest research, trends, and hot topics. It features high-impact strategies and insights from leading experts, presented in a light and interesting format. The podcast aims to help listeners improve dairy production and save time while learning.
Episodes
Dr. Juan Piñeiro: Sorghum Silage for Dairy Cows | Ep. 219
In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Juan Piñeiro, Associate Professor and Extension Dairy Specialist at Texas A&M University, explains how sorghum silage can support dairy production under water limitations. He discusses hybrid selection, harvest timing, grain processing, starch and fiber digestibility, and forage diversification. Practical research findings show how producers can i
Rick Brown: Preventing Hypocalcemia Through Nutrition | Ep. 218
In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Rick Brown, Dairy Science Director at Chemlock Nutrition, discusses close-up diet strategies to reduce hypocalcemia and improve transition cow performance. He explains emerging research on phosphorus management, links between inflammation and calcium regulation, and practical ways dairy teams can support dry matter intake, herd health, and profitability.
Julian Koopman: Smarter Cow Monitoring Systems | Ep. 217
In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Julian Koopman from Kooba Dairy in North Carolina explains how cow monitoring technology supports herd health, reproductive performance, parlor efficiency, and culling decisions. He shares practical experiences using activity monitoring, rumination data, milk analysis, and feed efficiency tools to improve management across a 1,250-cow dairy. Listen now on
Dr. Lori Nagel: Youngstock Data for Better Decisions | Ep. 216
In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Lori Nagel, Performance Specialist at CowManager, discusses how youngstock monitoring is expanding visibility from calf to cow. She explains how behavioral data, insight reports, research, and group trends can reveal health and management patterns throughout the development process. Continuous monitoring may ultimately link early-life information to f
Dr. Sabine Mann: Colostrum Feeding Management On Farm | Ep. 215
In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Sabine Mann, Associate Professor at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, explains how transition cow nutrition, dry cow care, and colostrum feeding shape calf resilience. She discusses seasonal colostrum shortages, colostrum banking, IgG transfer, and why the first-feeding volume should match the calf's body weight. Listen now on all
Dr. Larry Roth: Protecting First-Lactation Heifers | Ep. 214
In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Larry Roth, Vice President of Nutrition at Agrarian Solutions, explains why first-lactation heifers face distinct challenges around calving. He discusses reduced feed intake, social stress, uterine inflammation, the risk of metritis, and the long-term effects on fertility and herd retention. Dr. Roth also shares research on nutritional and antioxidant
Scott Brenner: A Shift in Dairy Feeding | Ep. 213
In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Scott Brenner, owner-operator of Hunter Haven Farms, shares how adopting a nutrition strategy focused on beneficial rumen microorganisms changed his approach to feeding cows. He explains why digestible forages, dry cow feed access, mineral choices, and water management all matter when improving efficiency on a dairy operation. Listen now on all major plat
Dr. Charlie Elrod: Medium Chain Monoglycerides for Calf Health | Ep. 212
In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Charlie Elrod, President of Natural Biologics, explains why medium chain monoglycerides can support calf health during early disease pressure. He discusses the science behind lipid envelope viruses, gut integrity, antimicrobial stewardship, and practical field results showing lower calf mortality and treatment rates. Listen now on all major platforms!
Dr. Barb Petersen: Smarter Dairy Monitoring | Ep. 211
In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Barb Petersen, dairy veterinarian and owner of Sunrise Veterinary Service, explains how precision dairy technologies can improve early health detection and support better management decisions. She shares practical insights on interpreting health alerts, choosing the right monitoring system for your operation, and combining technology with hands-on ani
Brittany Herzfeldt: Microbiology Nutrition For Dairy Cows | Ep. 210
In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Brittany Herzfeldt from Priority IAC discusses how microbial nutrition supports rumen health, helps prevent acidosis, and improves feed utilization in dairy cattle. She explains forage management, corn silage strategies, ration formulation, and the role of beneficial bacteria in dairy production. Learn practical approaches to optimize herd performance and
Dr. Christopher Rock: Immune Modulation in Dairy Cows | Ep. 209
In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Christopher Rock, Technical Services Consultant and DVM at Animal Health Vision (AHV), a division of Elanco, discusses quorum sensing inhibition, biofilm disruption, and immune modulation in dairy cattle. He explains how these technologies support animal health, manage inflammation, and influence recovery, rumination, and body temperature responses. L
John Lawlor: Beyond Calcium in Transition Cows | Ep. 208
In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, John Lawlor, Managing Director of Anchor Life Science Ltd., discusses how transition cow performance depends on more than calcium alone. Natural mineral technology, inflammation, metabolic health, oral calcium strategies, and recent research findings are explored to improve milk production, fertility, and transition success. Listen now on all major platfo
Roundtable: Methionine Cools Cows from the Inside Out | Ep. 207
In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Jimena Laporta from the University of Wisconsin Madison and Dr. Danielle Sherlock from Adisseo discuss how methionine supplementation may help dairy cows better manage heat stress. They explore its effects on milk components, liver and mammary function, placental development, calf growth, and the potential long-term impacts on productivity across futu
Dr. Sivan Lacker: Connecting Cow Behavior And Technology | Ep. 206
In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Sivan Lacker, Product and Applications Manager at Afimilk and a veterinarian, explains how understanding cow behavior can improve dairy management and increase technology success on the farm. She explores how vision, hearing, habituation, and behavioral adaptation influence cow interactions with equipment, data collection, and daily routines. Discover
Roundtable: The Generational Toll of Heat Stress | Ep. 205
In this special roundtable episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Jimena Laporta from the University of Wisconsin Madison, alongside Dr. Danielle Sherlock and Dr. Katie Boesche from Adisseo, discuss how heat stress during the dry period affects dairy cows and future generations. Topics include fetal development, lifetime productivity, mammary physiology, thermoregulation, and transgenerational imp
Dr. José Neto: Meta-Analysis for Dairy Nutrition | Ep. 204
In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. José Neto, Assistant Professor at Michigan State University, explains how meta-analysis and large-scale data analytics are improving dairy nutrition research. He discusses fatty acid supplementation, nutrient interactions, digestibility responses, nutrition modeling, and opportunities to strengthen decision-making through data-driven approaches in dai
Holly Malins: Capsaicinoids in Dairy Nutrition | Ep. 203
In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Holly Malins, Ruminant Business Manager at Evonik Animal Nutrition, explains how capsaicin compounds from chili peppers can support dairy cow performance. She explores its effects on digestion, nutrient absorption, and glucose use, especially during early lactation and heat stress. Get practical insights that highlight consistency, application, and produc
Dr. Bill Stone: Feed Consistency Strategies | Ep. 202
In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Bill Stone from Diamond V explains how dairy teams can narrow the gap between formulated and consumed rations through better forage management, TMR consistency, and feeding system evaluation. He discusses ingredient variation, mixer performance, equipment wear, and practical strategies to improve feed delivery and consistency across dairy operations.
Dr. David Cook: Machine Learning In Dairy | Ep. 201
In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. David Cook, CEO of BoviSync, explains how dairy operations can turn herd data into practical management decisions. Drawing from expertise in dairy nutrition, engineering, and machine learning, Dr. Cook discusses automation, predictive insights, artificial intelligence, and protocol compliance. He also explores how data systems can improve dairy effici
Abbi Goldenberg: Hoof Bath Treatment Protocols | Ep. 200
In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Abbi Goldenberg, Director of Sales and Marketing at Farm Inc., explains hoof bath treatment protocols and their role in preventing lameness. She highlights hoof health management, footbath consistency, and economic considerations. Abbi highlights why consistent prevention delivers stronger returns over time. Listen now on all major platforms!"Preventi
Dr. Richard Paratte: Choline for Transition Success | Ep. 199
In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Richard Paratte, Global Ruminant Technical and Innovation Manager at Vetagro, explains the role of rumen-protected choline in dairy nutrition. He discusses metabolic resilience during the transition period and its relationship with liver function and inflammation around calving. Dr. Paratte also explores microencapsulation technology and practical way
Dr. Laura Hernandez: Ultrasound Tools For Dry Off | Ep. 198
In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Laura Hernandez from the University of Wisconsin Madison explains how ultrasound technology may improve dry off management in dairy cows. She discusses mammary gland involution, milk secretion markers, AI based imaging, and strategies to reduce antibiotic use during the dry period. Dr. Hernandez also explores early colostrum formation and transition c
Dr. Margret Vonholdt-Wenker: Rethinking Cow-Calf Contact | Ep. 197
In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Margret Vonholdt-Wenker, postdoctoral researcher at the Friedrich Loeffler Institute, explains prolonged cow calf contact systems and their implications for dairy production. She discusses housing models, calf and cow welfare outcomes, management requirements, milk production impacts, weaning challenges, and practical adoption considerations across Eu
Dr. Jess McArt: Hypocalcemia and Inflammation in Dairy Herds | Ep. 196
In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Jess McArt from Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine discusses calcium balance in fresh cows, subclinical hypocalcemia, rumination monitoring, and prevention strategies for improving transition cow health. She explains how dairy professionals can more effectively identify high-risk cows and apply practical management tools to improve prod
Dr. Larry Roth: Mycotoxins and Dairy Gut Health | Ep. 195
In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Larry Roth, Vice President of Nutrition at Agrarian Solutions, explains how mycotoxins affect dairy cow health, performance, and nutrient use. He outlines risk factors, testing strategies, and emerging technologies like IgY and probiotics to defend gut integrity and liver function. Get practical insights that help manage contaminated feeds and improve
Dr. Kurt Rosentrater: Feed Efficiency and Sustainability in Dairy | Ep. 194
In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Kurt Rosentrater, Professor of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering at Iowa State University, breaks down what sustainability really means across food and agriculture. He explains why feed efficiency matters more than any single additive, how DDGS and ethanol co-products fit ruminant diets, and why systems thinking, not silver bullets, drives lasti
Dr. Liliane Silva: Forage Systems and Dairy Efficiency | Ep. 193
I'm Dr. Liz Eckelkamp, and I’m thrilled to kick off my first episode as co-host on The Dairy Podcast Show! Very excited to embark on this journey with you. In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Liliane Silva, Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist at Clemson University, explains how forage systems support dairy production in the Southeast. She discusses grazing strategies, feed
Dr. David Casper: Reducing Ammonia in Calf Hutches | Ep. 192
In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. David Casper, dairy nutritionist at Casper’s Calf Ranch in Illinois, shares research on calf air quality and ammonia control in hutches. He explains how bedding management and sodium bisulfate reduced ammonia by 85% and improved average daily gain. Dr. Casper also discusses practical insights on colostrum transfer and calf performance. Listen now on
Peter Jackson: Data Recording for Dairy Success | Ep. 191
In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Peter Jackson, Technical Services Consultant at BoviSync, discusses how transition cow management, accurate farm data recording, and consistent routines influence dairy herd health and productivity. He explains the concept of farm blindness and how unnoticed management drift can reduce performance. Peter also shares practical strategies for using technolo
Ron Brooks: Soil Health & Dairy Performance | Ep. 190
In this special episode of The Dairy Podcast Show marking Earth Day this month, Ron Brooks, CEO of Brooks Farms in Wisconsin, explains how soil health directly influences cow health, forage quality, and long-term dairy performance. He shares practical insights on reducing tillage, improving water infiltration, protecting nutrients, and supporting rumen function through healthier soils. Ron connect
Dr. Theresa Casey: Homerhesis in Lactation | Ep. 189
In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Theresa Casey from Purdue University explains how coordinated metabolic alterations and mammary-specific changes support lactation. The discussion connects transition cow physiology, circadian rhythms, and nutrient partitioning that drive milk synthesis while maintaining metabolic balance. Dr. Casey also discusses seasonal patterns in colostrum produc
John Gerbitz: Robotic Milking Insights | Ep. 188
In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, John Gerbitz from Cow Corner Robotic Milking Consulting shares practical insights on managing robotic milking systems in the dairy cattle industry. He explains why cow comfort, feeding consistency, reproduction, and basic management fundamentals matter as much in robotic barns as in conventional parlors. The conversation also covers stocking density, guid
Martin Folkema: Rubber Flooring and Dairy Cow Comfort | Ep. 187
In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Martin Folkema, Product Manager at Agri-Comfort in Canada, explains how flooring design influences dairy cow mobility, health, and longevity. Discussion covers lameness prevalence, biological impacts of concrete surfaces, and how rubber flooring can support traction, hoof health, and cow comfort. Practical insights include installation priorities and retu
Samantha Reighard: Data-Driven Dairy Nutrition | Ep. 186
In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Samantha Reighard, Dairy Nutrition and Management Consultant at Standard Dairy Consultants, shares how data-driven tools improve cow health, transition management, and feed consistency. She explains how activity monitoring, rumination trends, and proactive nutrition strategies help reduce variation and prevent health issues. Samantha also discusses dry-of
Tara Vander Dussen: Sustainability & Dairy | Ep. 185
In this special re-run episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, marking International Women's Day, we bring back our conversation with Tara Vander Dussen, a fifth-generation dairy farmer and environmental scientist, who discusses the critical issues surrounding sustainability in dairy farming. Tara shares her unique journey from environmental consulting to podcasting, highlighting water use, sustain
Dr. Joey Bray: Sodium Bisulfate and pH Control | Ep. 184
In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Joey Bray from Jones-Hamilton Co. Animal Nutrition & Health explains why ammonia is a major challenge in dairy facilities and how pH influences pathogen pressure and infection risk. He introduces sodium bisulfate as a practical tool for lowering pH, sharing calf research results and broader dairy applications, including calf housing and footbath
Alex Benoit: Amino Acid & Fatty Acid Interactions | Ep. 183
In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Alex Benoit, PhD student at Cornell University, discusses research evaluating the interactions between amino acids and fatty acids on milk production and milk composition in lactating dairy cows. She explains current knowledge on how these nutrients influence milk fat, milk protein, and energetic efficiency, and why balancing them matters for modern dairy
Dr. Karun Kaniyamattam: AI for Dairy Systems | Ep. 182
In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Karun Kaniyamattam from Texas A&M University breaks down how decision modeling and artificial intelligence can support real-world dairy management. He shares practical examples of how data streams, genetic indices, and modeling tools can improve disease control, labor efficiency, and long-term profitability without adding unnecessary complexity. L
Tara Bohnert: Smarter Herd Monitoring | Ep. 181
In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Tara Bohnert, CowManager Performance Specialist, explains how ear sensor technology supports labor efficiency, herd health, and proactive dairy management. She discusses rumination monitoring, early disease detection, dry cow insights, calf monitoring, and team adoption strategies. Tara highlights how data-driven decisions improve consistency and scalabil
Dr. Jennifer Spencer and Dr. Juan Piñeiro: HPAI Effects on Reproduction | Ep. 180
In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Jennifer Spencer and Dr. Juan Piñeiro from Texas A&M AgriLife discuss how highly pathogenic avian influenza may affect dairy cattle reproduction. They explain why disease-related inflammation can reduce conception rates and increase services per conception in cows and heifers. The conversation explores early research findings, data challenges, and
Dr. Nicole Reisinger: Phytogenic Solutions for Dairy Cows | Ep. 179
In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Nicole Reisinger from dsm-firmenich breaks down how phytogenic feed additives fit into practical dairy nutrition. She shares how these plant-based compounds can influence rumen function, gut integrity, inflammation, and overall cow comfort, and highlights how biomarkers and modern in vitro tools help fine-tune their use on farm. Hear how phytogenics c
Dr. Rick Grant: Rumen Health & Management | Ep. 178
In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Rick Grant, Trustee of Miner Institute and the William H. Miner Foundation, discusses how cow behavior, nutrition, and management intersect to influence performance and well-being. He shares how two decades at Miner Institute reshaped his understanding of time budgets, stocking density, and feed access, revealing how these factors influence chewing be
Jim Salfer: Robotic Milking Evolution | Ep. 177
In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Jim Salfer, Regional Extension Educator at the University of Minnesota, explores the world of robotic milking systems. From barn design that supports cow flow to strategies for maximizing milk per robot and improving labor efficiency, Jim discusses the economic and practical considerations of implementing this technology. Whether you're managing robot
Steve Martin: Distillers Grains in Dairy Diets | Ep. 176
In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Steve Martin from DNMCmilk discusses the evolution and optimization of distillers grains in dairy cow diets. Drawing from decades of experience, he explains the nutritional and economic factors driving ingredient selection, the balance of fatty and amino acids, and strategies for feed cost efficiency. Listen now on all major platforms!"Understanding h
Dr. Miel Hostens: Sensors and Decision Power | Ep. 175
In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Miel Hostens from Cornell University shares how data integration and AI are reshaping dairy herd management. He discusses key challenges in data systems, explains the role of sensors and cloud tools in farm-level decisions, and highlights how smarter data handling leads to more sustainable dairy production. Learn how digital tools are powering the fut
Dr. Laura Hernandez: Calcium Balance in Dairy Cows | Ep. 174
In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Laura Hernandez from the University of Wisconsin-Madison shares groundbreaking insights on calcium regulation in dairy cows. She explains how serotonin, phosphorus, and prepartum management influence hypocalcemia outcomes and overall herd health. Listen now on all major platforms!"Serotonin moves calcium into the mammary gland through transporters
Jennifer Weber: Data Improving Dairy Feed Efficiency | Ep. 173
In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Jennifer Weber from Afimilk discusses how data-driven technology is transforming dairy management. She explains how feed efficiency algorithms and cow-level data are transforming breeding, replacement strategies, and sustainability strategies on farms. Discover how digital tools are redefining productivity and profitability in the dairy industry. Listen n
Dr. Megan Schrupp: Proactive Fresh Cow Care | Ep. 172
In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Megan Schrupp, veterinarian and owner of NexGen Dairy in Minnesota, shares how proactive fresh cow management and new technologies are improving animal health and performance. She discusses the tools she uses to monitor fresh cows, reduce post-calving challenges, and build efficient, data-driven protocols that prioritize prevention. Learn how being pr
Dr. Tricia Wood: Gut Health & Milk Production | Ep. 171
In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Tricia Wood from Lallemand Animal Nutrition explains how microbial balance impacts feed efficiency, health, and milk production in dairy cattle. She outlines practical strategies for improving silage quality, preventing dysbiosis, and enhancing gut integrity through the use of prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics. Learn how to manage feed risks and
Manny Salcedo: Compliance in Dairy Farms | Ep. 170
In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Manny Salcedo, President and Founder of Dairy Performance Network, explains how technology is transforming compliance, efficiency, and management in large-scale dairy operations. He shares examples of using data integration, automation, and monitoring tools to reduce errors, improve consistency, and optimize herd performance. Learn how technology bridges
Jill Nelson: Understanding Stray Voltage | Ep. 169
In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Jill Nelson, co-owner and manager of Olmar Farms in Sleepy Eye, MN, tackles the critical issue of stray voltage—a hidden challenge with serious implications for cow behavior, milk production, and overall herd health. Jill explains how stray voltage impacts dairy operations and offers practical, research-backed solutions for identifying and resolving the i
Dr. Michael Overton and Meagan Young: Herd Replacements in Dairy | Ep. 168
In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Michael Overton from Zoetis and Meagan Young from VAS bring a new perspective on cow replacement strategies. They discuss the economics of replacement timing, the impact of salvage value, and how keeping cows too long can reduce herd productivity. Learn how data-driven decisions impact profitability and sustainability on dairy operations. Listen now o
Dr. MaryGrace Erickson: Precision Feeding & Sustainability | Ep. 167
In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. MaryGrace Erickson discusses sustainability challenges and opportunities within modern dairy production. She explores how protein nutrition, manure management, and farm-level decisions intersect to shape greenhouse gas emissions and nutrient cycles. Dr. Erickson also highlights the importance of integrating economic, environmental, and social perspect
Dr. Patrick French: Sorghum Silage for Dairy Cows | Ep. 166
In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Patrick French, Principal Consultant and Founder of PF Bovidae, discusses the use of sorghum silage as a forage source for milk cows in the High Plains. He highlights the benefits of sorghum, such as water conservation and land efficiency. Dr. French also addresses the challenges and key considerations when feeding sorghum silage, outlining the resear
Dr. Kevin Harvatine: Understanding Milk Fat | Ep. 165
In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Kevin Harvatine from Penn State discusses strategies to optimize milk fat production in dairy cows. He explains the complexities of dietary fat requirements, feeding behavior, and the biological mechanisms influencing milk composition. Learn how seasonality, cow behavior, and nutritional balance interact to impact milk fat yield. Tune in now on all ma
Dr. Jeff Firkins: Palmitic and Oleic Acid for Rumen Bacteria | Ep. 164
In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Jeff Firkins from The Ohio State University explains how fatty acids interact with rumen bacteria and influence fiber digestion in dairy cattle. He discusses the evolution of microbiome research, methane mitigation strategies, and the role of saturated versus unsaturated fats. Learn how a moderate fat strategy can help improve energy efficiency and co
Dr. Enrico Casella: Artificial Intelligence in Dairy | Ep. 163
In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Enrico Casella, from Penn State University, discusses how artificial intelligence drives innovation in dairy farming. From using computer vision to estimate body weight to implementing sustainable water management and monitoring heat stress, Dr. Casella explains high-impact solutions advancing cattle health and boosting efficiency on the farm. Tune in
Dr. Geoff Ackaert: Quorum Sensing & Dairy Health | Ep. 162
In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Geoff Ackaert, Technical Director at AHV International, shares how quorum sensing inhibition is reshaping dairy cattle health management. By targeting microbial communication, this approach offers proactive strategies to improve animal health. He explains its impact on udder health, mastitis prevention, and lifetime milk production, as well as how it
Dr. Corwin Nelson: Inflammation and Hypocalcemia | Ep. 161
In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Corwin Nelson from the University of Florida takes a closer look at hypocalcemia and how our understanding of it has changed. He explains what’s really driving calcium imbalances, how inflammation plays a role, and what producers can do with current feeding and management tools. Hear practical strategies to keep cows healthier after calving. Listen no
Dr. José Eduardo Santos: Fatty Acids for Repro and Metabolic Health | Ep. 160
In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. José Eduardo Santos from the University of Florida breaks down how dietary fat plays a role in dairy cow health and reproduction. He discusses the physiological effects of specific fatty acids, their anti-inflammatory roles, and the evolving strategies for fresh cow nutrition. Listen now on all major platforms!"Feeding fatty acids may benefit fres
Haylee Reisinger: Bioactives in Cow Diets | Ep. 159
In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Haylee Reisinger, a PhD student at Michigan State University, shares her research on using bioactive compounds in dairy cow diets to support the immune system. She explains the differences between bioactives and nutraceuticals, and how they influence immune and reproductive systems. Listen now on all major platforms!"Some phenolic compounds may suppor
Dr. Paige Gott: Impact of Mycotoxins on Dairy Cattle | Ep. 158
In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Paige Gott from dsm-firmenich Animal Nutrition & Health unpacks the complexities of mycotoxins in dairy cattle nutrition. She explains contamination risks, testing methods, and regional variability, offering practical guidance for dairy professionals preparing for harvest. Get ahead of mycotoxin challenges before they impact herd health. Listen n
Dr. Brad Daigneault: Bull Fertility Evaluation | Ep. 157
In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Brad Daigneault, from the University of Florida, unpacks the science behind bull fertility and semen quality. Dr. Daigneault talks about key factors like motility scoring and mitochondrial function, and how technologies are being used to improve fertility predictions and boost reproductive performance. Discover how new tools may enhance fertility scre
Dr. Mike Hutjens: Calcium Levels & Transition Cows | Ep. 156
In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Mike Hutjens, Professor Emeritus at the University of Illinois, shares valuable tools to optimize calcium levels in transition cows. He breaks down how strategies like DCAD diets and zeolites can help prevent calcium-related health issues, ensuring cows stay healthy and productive through the critical early stages of lactation. Don’t miss his practica
Dr. Hinayah Rojas: Genomics & Dairy Efficiency | Ep. 155
In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Hinayah Rojas, from Purdue University, shares valuable insights into the rapidly evolving field of genomics in dairy cattle. Dr. Rojas breaks down the challenges and opportunities presented by longitudinal traits like milk production, discussing how genomic tools are helping to boost sustainability across the industry. Additionally, Dr. Rojas offers a
Dr. Vern Osborne: Water & Dairy Nutrition | Ep. 154
In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Vern Osborne from the University of Guelph explores the critical yet often overlooked role of water in dairy herd health and performance. From nutrient supplementation through water to improving water quality and facility design, Dr. Osborne offers practical advice for optimizing dairy operations. Tune in now on all major platforms!"Cows are incre
Dr. Kurt Rosentrater: DDGS in Dairy Diets | Ep. 153
In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Kurt Rosentrater from Iowa State University explores the evolving role of distillers' grains in dairy cattle nutrition. He shares insights on biofuel byproducts, ingredient optimization, and the economics behind high-protein corn co-products. Learn how the ethanol industry and dairy nutrition intersect in powerful ways. Listen now on all major pla
Tara Vander Dussen: Sustainability & Dairy | Ep. 152
In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Tara Vander Dussen, a fifth-generation dairy farmer and environmental scientist, discusses the critical issues surrounding sustainability in dairy farming. Tara shares her unique journey from environmental consulting to podcasting, highlighting water use, sustainability practices, and how dairy farmers can balance environmental concerns with production. L
Dr. Michael Schutz: Genomics & Herd Management | Ep. 151
In this special episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, celebrating Cow Appreciation Day, Dr. Michael Schutz, Head of the Department of Animal Science at the University of Minnesota, shares updates on dairy cattle genetics and herd management. He covers everything from breakthroughs in genomics to colostrum management and industry-wide shifts in dairy science education and practice. Tune in now on your
Dr. Chris Chase: Stray Voltage Issues | Ep. 150
In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Chris Chase from South Dakota State University explores the persistent challenge of stray voltage in dairy cattle facilities. Discover how faulty facility design, inadequate maintenance, and overlooked electrical issues contribute to this problem—and learn practical strategies to prevent and manage it. Listen now on all major podcast platforms!"St
Dr. Kassidy Buse: Why Feed Hygiene Matters | Ep. 149
In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Kassidy Buse, Dairy Technical Service Specialist at Lallemand Animal Nutrition, explores the ROI of clean feed and why on-farm hygiene plays a critical role in dairy herd health and performance. She breaks down the hidden costs of spoilage, microbial load, and poor feed management across the entire feeding process. Learn practical strategies to protec
Dr. Peter Surai: Selenium & Dairy Health | Ep. 148
In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Peter Surai, a professor of nutritional biochemistry, explores the science behind selenium’s impact on immunity, reproduction, and stress resilience in dairy cattle. He discusses different selenium sources, bioavailability challenges, hydroxy-selenomethionine benefits, and strategies for optimizing supplementation. Learn how to fine-tune selenium supp
Dr. Juan Romero: Hay & Humid Climates | Ep. 147
In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Juan Romero from the University of Maine talks about practical ways to reduce hay nutrient losses in humid climates—a common challenge for dairy producers. He highlights the benefits of using preservatives, improving storage techniques, and maintaining forage quality to preserve nutrients. With a focus on cutting spoilage and boosting profitability, D
Dr. Marcia Endres: Precision Dairy Advances | Ep. 146
In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Marcia Endres from the University of Minnesota shares how precision tech is reshaping daily life on dairy farms. From robotic milking systems to computer vision and welfare-monitoring sensors, she shares practical insights into how data-driven tools are shaping herd management, animal comfort, and productivity. Understand the real-world challenges and
Richard Breunig: Linking Microbiology and Nutrition | Ep. 145
In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Richard Breunig, founder, president, and owner of Priority IAC, shares how microbiology and nutrition work together to reshape dairy cattle health. He explores smartbacteria, the importance of pH balance, and challenges in feeding models. Discover how microbial solutions can optimize rumen function and improve herd performance. Listen now on all major pla
Dr. Johanna Fink-Gremmels: Biofilms & Dairy Health | Ep. 144
In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Johanna Fink-Gremmels, a veterinarian specialized in pharmacology and toxicology, unpacks the complex role of biofilms in dairy cattle health and farm management. She explains how bacterial communities impact antibiotic resistance, chronic infections, and nutrient utilization, offering insight into prevention strategies, such as quorum sensing manipul
Brian Sanford: Early Disease Detection in Dairy Herds | Ep. 143
In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Brian Sanford, Eastern US Team Lead at smaXtec, discusses the advantages of bolus technology in dairy herd management. He explains how highly precise, real-time data from the reticulum—such as inner body temperature and water intake—enables early disease detection, improved diagnoses, and better reproductive outcomes. Learn how this technology is helping
Lindsay Ferlito & Betsy Hicks: Benchmarking Herd Health | Ep. 142
In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Lindsay Ferlito and Betsy Hicks from Cornell University Extension explores the complexities of benchmarking in dairy health management. They discuss the challenges of disease recording, the importance of consistent data collection, and how these insights can improve farm management. Don’t miss this episode for valuable knowledge on optimizing herd health
Tom Woodall: Traction Milling for Dairy Barns | Ep. 141
In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Tom Woodall, founder of AGRI-TRAC Inc., shares his insights on the evolution of dairy barns, with a focus on addressing lameness in dairy cows through flooring solutions. Tom discusses the importance of proper barn maintenance and how traction milling technology is helping dairy farmers reduce costs and improve cow health. Listen now on all major platform
Dr. Lina Castano-Duque: Preventing Mycotoxin Outbreaks | Ep. 140
In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Lina Castano-Duque from USDA-ARS explores the critical role of predictive models in managing mycotoxin outbreaks in US corn. She discusses the key environmental factors, soil conditions, and insect pressure that drive fungal growth and toxin production, such as aflatoxins and fumonisins, which impact feed quality and herd health. Listen now on all maj
