The Dairy Podcast Show

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 OkkemaExperience: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: LinkedIn𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 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- 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 Bewley‬‬‬‬What 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 BewleyExperience:Current: Dairy Analytics and Innovation Scientist at Holstein Association USA, Inc.; Partner at Fit Genetics; Partner at IceBlue GeneticsPast: 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: LinkedIn𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 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- 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 FerrarettoWhat 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 FerrarettoExperience:Current: Assistant Professor and Ruminant Nutrition Extension Specialist at the University of Wisconsin-MadisonPast: Assistant Professor at the University of Florida; Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the William H. Miner Agricultural Research InstituteBackground: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: LinkedIn𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 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- Phibro

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 ChenWhat 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 ChenExperience:Current: President of a dairy consulting business in ChinaPast: Dairy Management Consultant for Cargill Nutrition; Manager at XCanton American Dairy Farm in Canton, China; Calf Manager at Canton American Dairy FarmBackground: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: LinkedIn𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 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- Phibro

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 LeBlancExperience: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: LinkedIn𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 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- Phibro

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 SanguesaWhat 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 SanguesaExperience:Current: Extension - Dairy Educator at Michigan State UniversityPast: Graduate Student Research Assistant at Colorado State University; Calves Rearing Manager at Agricola La CascadaBackground:M.Sc., Epidemiology (Epidemiology, Dairy Cattle)D.V.M., Veterinary Medicine (Universidad de Chile)Connect with the guest on Social Media: LinkedIn𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 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- Phibro

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 CaixetaWhat 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 CaixetaExperience:Current: Assistant Professor at the University of MinnesotaPast: Dairy Field Service Clinical Instructor at Colorado State UniversityBackground:Ph.D. (Cornell University)D.V.M. (Universidade Federal de Goiás, Brazil)Connect with the guest on Social Media: Facebook; Instagram; Twitter; LinkedIn𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 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

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 HancockWhat 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 HancockExperience: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 GeorgiaBackground:Ph.D., Agronomy and Crop Science (University of Kentucky)M.Sc., Plant Sciences (University of Kentucky)Connect with the guest on Social Media: LinkedIn𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 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

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 WeigelWhat 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 WeigelExperience:Current: Professor and Chair of the Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences at UW-Madison𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 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

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 FerlitoExperience: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: LinkedIn𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 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