The Dairy Podcast Show

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 supplementation and improve herd resilience—listen now on all major platforms!"Organic selenium, particularly selenomethionine, builds body reserves and supports stress resilience."Meet the guest: Dr. Peter Surai, a professor of nutritional biochemistry, has spent over 45 years researching antioxidants and selenium. With a Ph.D. in biochemistry and a career spanning multiple universities worldwide, Dr. Surai has published extensively on selenium’s role in animal nutrition. His expertise in antioxidant defense mechanisms has advanced dairy cattle health and production strategies. 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(03:00) Selenium & dairy health(09:00) Stress and free radicals(15:11) Selenium deficiency impact(19:00) Optimizing selenium supplementation(27:31) Controlling inflammation in dairy cows(33:45) Final three questionsThe Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:* Adisseo* Lallemand* Priority IAC* Evonik- AHV- AGRI-TRAC- Protekta- Natural Biologics- SmaXtec- Berg + Schmidt- dsm-firmenich- Scoular- 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. 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, Dr. Romero shares actionable tips to help you get the most out of your hay and silage. Tune in now on all major platforms!"Proper storage under a roof and off soil is essential to avoid spoilage after drying efforts."Meet the guest: Dr. Juan Romero is an Associate Professor of Dairy Cattle Nutrition and Forage Science at the University of Maine, where he focuses on improving forage quality and conservation to support dairy profitability. Dr. Romero holds a B.Sc. in Animal Sciences from the Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina in Peru and both M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees in Ruminant Nutrition from the University of Florida. He completed post-doctoral research in forage science at North Carolina State University.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(04:22) Hay production(09:11) Hay preservatives(13:43) Legumes vs. grasses(17:43) Hay storage(22:32) Soil moisture(26:57) Final questionsThe Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:* Evonik* Lallemand* Priority IAC* Adisseo- ICC- AHV- AGRI-TRAC- Protekta- Natural Biologics- SmaXtec- Berg + Schmidt- dsm-firmenich- Scoular𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 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. 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 opportunities of tech adoption on dairies. Listen now on all major platforms!"We can collect digital information on cows living in a group, and still monitor each one individually using precision tools."Meet the guest: Dr. Marcia Endres earned her Ph.D. in Animal Science with a dairy emphasis from the University of Minnesota, where she now serves as Professor and Extension Dairy Specialist. Her work centers on improving dairy cattle welfare, health, and performance through advanced housing systems and precision technologies. With a focus on robotics, behavioral sensors, and animal management, her research supports innovation on U.S. dairy farms.Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!What you'll learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:17) Introduction(05:58) Robotic milking systems(08:23) Computer vision insights(11:22) Sensor data adoption(19:29) AI in animal welfare(27:57) Teaching dairy tech(36:30) Final three questionsThe Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:* Adisseo* Evonik* Lallemand* Priority IAC- Scoular- ICC- AHV- AGRI-TRAC- 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, 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 platforms!"Smartbacteria is about identifying the right strain for the right function."Meet the guest: Richard Breunig, founder, president, and owner of Priority IAC, began his journey on a dairy farm in Wisconsin, where hands-on animal care led him into genetics, nutrition, and microbiology. With experience developing elite herds and pioneering microbial solutions, Richard’s work now integrates novel bacteria strains into feeding systems to improve dairy cattle performance.Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love!What you'll learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:38) Introduction(06:22) Microbiology meets nutrition(07:13) Defining smartbacteria(12:42) Opportunities beyond the rumen(17:58) Results from smartbacteria(21:12) Leading a successful team(23:48) Final three questionsThe Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:* Priority IAC* Lallemand* Adisseo* Evonik- dsm-firmenich- Scoular- ICC- AHV- AGRI-TRAC- 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. 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 manipulation. Learn how understanding bacterial communication can optimize herd health and productivity. Listen now on all major platforms!"The most important nutrient for a cow is water, and biofilms in water systems can severely affect intake and health."What will you learn: (00:00) Introduction(04:28) Understanding biofilms(10:20) Antibiotic resistance mechanisms(13:20) Biofilms and cow health(17:33) Rumen health focus(19:56) Quorum sensing explained(29:23) Final three questionsMeet the guest:Dr. Johanna Fink-Gremmels is a veterinarian specialized in pharmacology and toxicology (Dip ECVPT). With over 25 years as a professor and head of department at Utrecht University, her expertise spans antibiotic use, pharmacokinetics, and the toxicity of mycotoxins. Now consulting for the feed and animal health industries, Dr. Fink-Gremmels shares critical insights on biofilms and microbial communication in dairy cattle health.Connect with our guest on Social Media: LinkedIn

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 producers reduce involuntary culling, enhance milk quality, and optimize peak milk production. Listen now on all major platforms!"By monitoring cows’ internal temperatures in real-time, we can detect health issues days before clinical signs appear, allowing for early intervention and better outcomes."Meet the guest: Brian Sanford is the Eastern US Team Lead at smaXtec, with over 15 years of experience in dairy nutrition and herd management. Before joining smaXtec, he worked extensively in forage quality and nutrition sales, helping producers optimize dairy herd health and efficiency. Brian’s expertise lies in leveraging technology for precision dairy farming, particularly in early disease detection and reproductive health.What you'll learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:12) Introduction(04:47) Early disease detection(08:32) Potential influences on data(11:18) Improving cow reproduction(22:12) Biggest benefits for farms(26:12) Using sensor technology(33:42) Final three questionsThe Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like: SmaXtec* Priority IAC* Lallemand* Adisseo* Evonik- Berg + Schmidt- dsm-firmenich- Scoular- ICC- AHV- AGRI-TRAC- Protekta- Natural Biologics𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.Website: The Dairy Podcast ShowInstagram: The Dairy Podcast ShowLinkedIn: The Dairy Podcast Show

Join Betsy Hicks, an expert in dairy nutrition and management, and Lindsay Ferlito, a specialist in cow comfort, as they delve into the intricacies of benchmarking herd health. They discuss the challenges of disease recording and the need for consistent data collection to enhance farm management. Important insights on optimizing cow comfort and effective employee training practices are shared, showcasing how collaboration and data-driven approaches can significantly improve overall herd health and farm productivity.

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 platforms!"Traction milling eliminates slip-and-catch, offering a more sanitary surface for cows."Meet the guest: Tom Woodall is the founder of AGRI-TRAC Inc., a company focused on improving dairy farm flooring systems with innovative traction milling technology. Raised on a dairy farm in Southern Ontario, Tom has been dedicated to modernizing dairy facilities. With a background in Farm Business Management and years of hands-on experience, he has worked across Canada and the northeastern United States, providing solutions to improve dairy cow health and reduce operational costs.What you'll learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:20) Introduction(01:46) Reducing lameness(03:23) Flooring maintenance evolution(07:17) Barn flooring traction(14:50) Choosing flooring solutions(18:27) Traction milling explained(33:12) Final three questionsThe Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like: AGRI-TRAC* Adisseo* Priority IAC- Protekta- Natural Biologics- Berg + Schmidt- dsm-firmenich- SmaXtec- Scoular- ICC- 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. 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 major platforms!"Planting in highly acidic soil increases the probability of a mycotoxin outbreak."Meet the guest: Dr. Lina Castano-Duque is a plant pathologist at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) within the Agricultural Research Service (ARS). She serves as a permanent scientist at the Food and Feed Safety Research Unit, located at the Southern Regional Research Center in New Orleans. She holds a Ph.D. in Botany and Plant Biology from Penn State University and specializes in predictive modeling, fungal interactions, and crop pathology.What you'll learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:28) Introduction(06:55) Mycotoxins & fungal growth(09:55) Fungal species(11:38) Mycotoxin outbreaks(14:28) Mycotoxin production(23:28) Risks of mycotoxins(26:28) Final three questionsThe Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like: Volac* Priority IAC* Adisseo- AHV- Protekta- Natural Biologics- Berg + Schmidt- dsm-firmenich- AGRI-TRAC- SmaXtec- Scoular- 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. Melina Bonato, Global Technical and R&D Manager at ICC Animal Nutrition, shares her expertise on the evolving role of yeast-based products in ruminant nutrition. She shares insights on how yeast products impact rumen health, immune system function, and animal performance. Learn about the different sources of yeast, their benefits, and how they contribute to improved dairy cattle production. Listen now on all major platforms!"Fermentation processes impact the yeast’s components and their benefits in animal diets."Meet the guest: Dr. Melina Bonato is the Global Technical and R&D Manager at ICC Animal Nutrition. With over 12 years of experience at ICC, she has played a pivotal role in advancing research and development, focusing on yeast-based products for animal nutrition. Dr. Bonato holds a Ph.D. in Animal Science from Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho, where she also completed her Master’s and Bachelor's degrees. She has published 25 papers in peer-reviewed journals, five book chapters, and several abstracts and technical magazine articles.Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love:Dr. Michael Ballou: Rumen Health Revelations | Ep. 77Dr. José Santos: Transition Cow Health | Ep. 128Dr. Phil Cardoso: Fiber & Energy Balance | Ep. 135What you'll learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:30) Introduction(02:36) Guest background(04:50) Yeast-based product evolution(08:04) Different yeast sources(12:12) Ethanol vs. sugarcane fermentation(14:15) Gut health and immune support(22:24) Final three questionsThe Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like: ICC* Adisseo* Priority IAC- Protekta- Natural Biologics- Berg + Schmidt- dsm-firmenich- AGRI-TRAC- AHV- Volac- SmaXtec- Scoular𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.Website: The Dairy Podcast ShowInstagram: The Dairy Podcast ShowLinkedIn: The Dairy Podcast Show