The Dairy Podcast Show

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 now on all major platforms!"Youngstock and heifers are highly susceptible to mycotoxins, even at low levels."Meet the guest: Dr. Paige Gott is the Sr. Technical Manager for Ruminants in North America at dsm-firmenich Animal Nutrition & Health. She earned her B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. from The Ohio State University, focusing on udder health, milk quality, and transition cow management.Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!Dr. Gustavo Schuenemann: Mycotoxins & Dairy Feed | Ep. 125Ignacio Artavia: Vitamin D & Dairy Cows | Ep. 132What you'll learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:06) Introduction(05:43) Mycotoxin insights(07:43) Regional contamination differences(09:48) Analysis strategies(13:12) Sources of contamination(25:52) Risk to youngstock(29:09) Final three questionsThe Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like: dsm-firmenich* Evonik* Adisseo* Priority IAC- SmaXtec- Berg + Schmidt- ICC- Protekta- AHV- Natural Biologics𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.Website: The Dairy Podcast ShowInstagram: The Dairy Podcast ShowLinkedIn: The Dairy Podcast Show

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 screening and protect producers from costly reproductive failures. Listen now on your favorite podcast platform!"Motility is still the best indicator of fertility, but it doesn’t always predict outcomes accurately."Meet the guest: Dr. Brad Daigneault is an Assistant Professor of Reproductive Biology at the University of Florida, focusing on improving livestock fertility through innovative reproductive technologies. With a Ph.D. in Animal Science from the University of Illinois and an M.S. in Biomedical Sciences from Colorado State University, his research explores sperm biology, gene-environment interactions, and embryo development. Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!What you'll learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:14) Introduction(01:45) Dr. Daigneault’s journey(05:22) Bull fertility evaluation(08:09) Sperm analysis(11:25) Mitochondria & sperm(22:19) Analysis technologies(28:30) Final three questionsThe Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:* Priority IAC* Evonik* Adisseo- Natural Biologics- SmaXtec- Berg + Schmidt- dsm-firmenich- ICC- Protekta- AHV𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.Website: The Dairy Podcast ShowInstagram: The Dairy Podcast ShowLinkedIn: The Dairy Podcast Show

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 practical tips for better herd management. Listen now on all major platforms!"When blood calcium is low in fresh cows, it leads to a cascade of problems with milk production, reproduction, and immunity."Meet the guest: Dr. Mike Hutjens is a Professor Emeritus in Animal Sciences at the University of Illinois. With extensive experience in dairy nutrition and herd management, Dr. Hutjens has contributed to the development of educational materials for dairy professionals worldwide. He has worked extensively on improving transition cow health, focusing on blood calcium management to optimize dairy production.Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!Dr. Michael Hutjens: Buffer Benefits for Dairy Cows | Ep. 58Dr. Michael Steele: Colostrum Feeding Strategies | Ep. 104Dr. Miguel Morales: Transition Cows & Calcium Balance | Ep. 126What you'll learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:15) Introduction(04:57) Calcium in fresh cows(07:28) DCAD diet best practices(10:13) Zeolite use in dairy(16:20) Boluses insights(21:25) Monitoring fresh cows(24:71) Final three questionsThe Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like: Protekta* Priority IAC* Evonik* Adisseo- AHV- Natural Biologics- SmaXtec- Berg + Schmidt- dsm-firmenich- ICC𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.Website: The Dairy Podcast ShowInstagram: The Dairy Podcast ShowLinkedIn: The Dairy Podcast Show

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 advice on balancing motherhood with a demanding professional life. Listen now on all major platforms!"The lactation curve is complex, but genomics allows us to select animals not only for higher milk production but also for better lactation persistence."Meet the guest: Dr. Hinayah Rojas de Oliveira is an Assistant Professor of Genomics and Animal Breeding at Purdue University. She holds a PhD in Animal Sciences, focusing on Genetics and Animal Breeding, from the Federal University of Viçosa in Brazil. Dr. Rojas has completed postdoctoral work at the University of Guelph and Purdue University and previously worked as a Geneticist at Lactanet Canada. Her research aims to develop statistical models that maximize genetic progress while preserving diversity in livestock species.Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!What you'll learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:30) Introduction(02:35) Dr. Rojas’s journey(08:52) Genomics in dairy cattle(11:55) Longitudinal traits(14:30) Genomic & efficiency(17:11) Sustainability & genomics(28:35) Final questionsThe Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:* Adisseo* Lallemand* Priority IAC* Evonik- ICC- AHV- Protekta- Natural Biologics- SmaXtec- Berg + Schmidt- dsm-firmenich𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.Website: The Dairy Podcast ShowInstagram: The Dairy Podcast ShowLinkedIn: The Dairy Podcast Show

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 incredibly sensitive to water quality, detecting elements at parts-per-million levels."Meet the guest: Dr. Vern Osborne is a Professor Emeritus in the Department of Animal Biosciences at the University of Guelph. He holds both an MSc and PhD from the University of Guelph and is internationally recognized for his expertise in dairy nutrition and facility design. With a career spanning over 36 years, Dr. Osborne’s research focuses on optimizing water nutrition and developing innovative feeding strategies to enhance dairy cow productivity.  He also serves as the Science and Design Lead for the Mission 2050 project, which reimagines modern livestock research facilities.Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!What you'll learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:24) Introduction(05:45) Water as a nutrient(06:40) Transition cow feeding(10:59) Optimizing water quality(17:51) Designing dairy facilities(21:21) Nutrient delivery systems(26:24) Final three questionsThe Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:* Evonik* Adisseo* Lallemand* Priority IAC- dsm-firmenich- ICC- AHV- Protekta- Natural Biologics- SmaXtec- Berg + Schmidt𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.Website: The Dairy Podcast ShowInstagram: The Dairy Podcast ShowLinkedIn: The Dairy Podcast Show

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 platforms!"We're right now sitting about 33 to 35 million tons per year, and we're not landfilling it, and we're not burning, we're using it."Meet the guest: Dr. Kurt Rosentrater earned his B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering from Iowa State University. As a professor at Iowa State, his work focuses on biofuels, grain processing, and ingredient sustainability, all highly relevant to animal nutrition and production. Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!What you'll learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:33) Introduction(06:39) Distillers' grains evolution(11:13) Circular economy(17:03) Protein value insights(22:37) Ingredient cost comparison(28:15) Global demand(30:16) Final three questionsThe Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:Scoular* Priority IAC* Evonik* Adisseo* Lallemand- dsm-firmenich- ICC- AHV- Protekta- Natural Biologics- SmaXtec- Berg + Schmidt𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.Website: The Dairy Podcast ShowInstagram: The Dairy Podcast ShowLinkedIn: The Dairy Podcast Show

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. Learn about the latest challenges in water conservation, the importance of educating consumers, and how small management changes can make a big impact. Listen now on your favorite podcast platform!"Water use in dairy is not just about big projects. Sometimes it's the small management changes that make a big difference."Meet the guest: Tara Vander Dussen is a fifth-generation dairy farmer and environmental scientist based in New Mexico. With a degree in Environmental Science from the University of Arizona, Tara has spent over a decade consulting on water conservation, manure management, and sustainability within the dairy industry. As the co-host of the Discover AG podcast, she engages in discussions about agriculture, sustainability, and the future of food. Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!What you'll learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:26) Introduction(04:46) Environmental science(07:01) Water conservation(15:35) Educating consumers(23:05) Consumer-driven in dairy(27:41) Digital media(28:41) Final three questionsThe Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:* Lallemand* Priority IAC* Evonik* Adisseo- Berg + Schmidt- dsm-firmenich- Scoular- ICC- AHV- Protekta- Natural Biologics- SmaXtec𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.Website: The Dairy Podcast ShowInstagram: The Dairy Podcast ShowLinkedIn: The Dairy Podcast Show

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 favorite podcast platform!"Computing capacity has revolutionized genetic evaluations, allowing us to manage data on a scale unimaginable decades ago."Meet the guest: Dr. Michael Schutz is the Department Head of Animal Science at the University of Minnesota. With a BS and MS in Animal Science from the University of Minnesota and a Ph.D. in Dairy Cattle Genetics from Iowa State University, he brings decades of experience in dairy cattle research and extension programs. A pioneer in dairy genetics, Dr. Schutz continues to lead efforts in education and innovation.Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!What you'll learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:26) Introduction(04:00) Dairy extension(13:22) Herd management(17:07) Evolution in education(19:43) Colostrum quality(26:16) Computing capacity & genetics(32:54) Final three questionsThe Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:* Adisseo* Lallemand* Priority IAC* Evonik- SmaXtec- Berg + Schmidt- dsm-firmenich- Scoular- ICC- AHV- Protekta- Natural Biologics𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.Website: The Dairy Podcast ShowInstagram: The Dairy Podcast ShowLinkedIn: The Dairy Podcast Show

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!"Stray voltage can affect the immune system, adding stress to already vulnerable transition cows."Meet the guest: Dr. Chris Chase earned his DVM from Iowa State University and his M.S. and Ph.D. in virology and immunology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. As a professor of veterinary and biomedical sciences at South Dakota State University, Dr. Chase has spent decades advancing animal health research. Click here to learn more: bit.ly/40XFyVdhttps://bit.ly/3Ch71Jahttps://strayvoltagefacts.com/Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!What you'll learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:27) Introduction(05:57) Stray voltage basics(12:57) Facility design flaws(16:58) Importance of maintenance(23:23) Identifying root causes(25:47) Impact on herd health(29:13) Final three questionsThe Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:* Priority IAC* Evonik* Adisseo* Lallemand- Natural Biologics- SmaXtec- Berg + Schmidt- dsm-firmenich- Scoular- ICC- AHV- Protekta𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.Website: The Dairy Podcast ShowInstagram: The Dairy Podcast ShowLinkedIn: The Dairy Podcast Show

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 protect herd efficiency and improve your bottom line. Listen now on all major platforms!"The real definition of clean feed is a feed that has spoilage, wild yeast, bacteria, and mycotoxins held and managed to a minimal level."Meet the guest: Dr. Kassidy Buse earned her M.S. and Ph.D. in Ruminant Nutrition from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Her research explores forage utilization and feed preference, with a special focus on low-lignin alfalfa and its effect on digestibility and intake. As a Dairy Technical Service Specialist with Lallemand Animal Nutrition, she brings science-based insight to practical dairy feed management.Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!What you'll learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:09) Introduction(01:52) Understanding clean feed(07:23) ROI of clean feed(08:45) Feed management practices(13:26) Feed testing tools(20:54) Adjusting feeding strategies(23:39) Final three questionsThe Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:* Lallemand* Priority IAC* Evonik* Adisseo- AGRI-TRAC- Protekta- Natural Biologics- SmaXtec- Berg + Schmidt- dsm-firmenich- Scoular- ICC- AHV𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.Website: The Dairy Podcast ShowInstagram: The Dairy Podcast ShowLinkedIn: The Dairy Podcast Show