Dr. Jennifer Van Os: Air Speeds & Cow Comfort - Part 2 | Ep. 75

Mar 27, 2025

Dr. Jennifer Van Os, an Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist in Animal Welfare at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, dives into the fascinating connection between air speeds and cow comfort. She reveals how optimized barn ventilation not only reduces heat stress but also improves cow behavior and milk production. Discover groundbreaking findings on the importance of cooling systems, including fans, which enhance lying times and overall well-being, making a significant impact on dairy farming practices.

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Intro

00:00 • 2min

Exploring Cow Behavior in Response to Airspeed Variations

01:33 • 3min

Enhanced Cow Comfort Through Cooling Treatments

04:44 • 2min

Understanding Airspeed Impact on Cow Welfare

06:46 • 4min

In this second part of our special Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast episode celebrating International Women’s Day, Dr. Jennifer Van Os from the University of Wisconsin-Madison discusses the impact of air speeds on dairy cow welfare. She shares groundbreaking research on how different air speeds influence cow behavior, milk production, and overall comfort, especially in heat-stress conditions. Learn how optimizing barn ventilation can enhance dairy cattle well-being and productivity. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Fans not only reduced thermal regulatory responses but also restored lying time, which had never been documented before."

Meet the guest: Dr. Jennifer Van Os is an Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist in Animal Welfare at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She earned her Ph.D. in Animal Behavior from UC Davis and completed postdoctoral research at the University of British Columbia. Her research focuses on understanding and improving the quality of life for dairy animals.

Click to read the full research articles:

Effect of different air speeds at cow resting height in freestalls on heat stress responses and resting behavior in lactating cows in Wisconsin

Consistent stall air speeds in commercial dairy farms are associated with less variability in cow lying times

What will you learn:

(00:00) Highlight
(01:21) Introduction
(01:50) Research insights
(03:43) Effect of different air speeds
(04:42) Impact on cow behavior
(05:59) Cow lying times
(07:07) Practical farm applications
(09:42) Closing thoughts

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