The Dairy Podcast Show

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

What do you know about lactose intolerance? You probably know someone who is affected by this disorder, right? In a few words, lactose intolerance is a common condition in which the body cannot digest lactose, a sugar found in milk and other dairy products. This condition is caused by a lack of the enzyme lactase produced by the small intestine's cells. As a deficiency related directly to dairy products, lactose intolerance is a concern for us. And that's why it's crucial to understand it fully. As part of this episode, Dr. Saviano discusses factors that affect lactose digestion and intolerance, including lactose load and fermentation of dairy foods. In addition, he discusses methods of identifying, as well as alternatives to manage the condition."About three-fourths of the world's population and a quarter of the U.S. population have the potential for lactose intolerance.” - Dr. Dennis Savaiano What you’ll learn:Highlight (00:00)Introduction (01:30)Genetics of lactose intolerance (02:19)Definitions of lactose intolerance (06:10)How can we measure lactose intolerance? (07:40)Factors that affect lactose intolerance (09:43)Differences in lactose among different dairy foods(15:18)Milk proteins and milk fats (16:56)Digestive aids to help manage lactose maldigestion (21:47)Plant-based alternatives to dairy products (25:23)Other gut disorders related to GI disturbances (27:05)The future of lactose intolerance research (29:48)Meet the guest: Dr. Dennis SavaianoExperience:Current: Virginia C. Meredith Professor of Nutrition Science at Purdue University.Past: Interim Dean of the Honors College Animal Nutrition Manager at Purdue University; Dean at College of Consumer and Family Sciences.Background:Ph.D. in Nutrition from the University of California, Davis;B.A., Biology from Claremont McKenna College.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

Technology came to stay and changed the way we see and do things. Dairy farming is an example of that. There has been a lot of progress in the development and application of technology in various ways, including monitoring cow health, facilitating labor shortages, improving production facilities, supporting reproduction techniques, etc. In this episode, Dr. Marcia Endres discusses precision dairy technologies, such as robotic milking systems, automated milk feeders, and individual cow behavior sensors. In addition, she discusses some exciting research on the impact of various housing and management systems on dairy cattle health, welfare, and performance."We see improvements in technology and how we manage cows and systems, train them, feed them. There's being an evolution, so we're doing a much better job." - Dr. Marcia Endres𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻:Importance of nutrition to dairy cowsTechnology adoption to different dairy systemsExperimental trials vs. commercial dairy farmsDairy farming facilitiesThe cost of adopting technologies on dairy farmsRecent research on dairy technologyErrors in data interpretationMeet the guest: What’s her experience?Current: Professor at the University of MinnesotaPast: Animal Nutrition Manager at Dow AgroSciences.What’s her academic background?PhD in Animal Science from University of Minnesota;M.S. from Iowa State University,Veterinary Medicine degree from University of Parana, Brazil.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

When we talk about dairy research, the key to unlocking some answers for questions such as the importance and function of protozoa in the rumen environment and in methane mitigation can lie with fermenters. Today’s guest, Dr. Benjamin Wenner, breaks down the topic and sheds some light on how those fermenters work, and how the research done with them can impact the dairy industry. Additionally, he discusses some important points that we, the dairy industry, need to improve about our production.“It is very important – even at the microbial level – to feed the animal on a very consistent basis for a lot of reasons.” - Dr. Benjamin Wenner𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻:How does a fermenter work?Research with fermentersThe importance of fermenters on how we feed cowsProtozoa in research with fermentersThe impacts of protozoa in the rumenGood-quality water on the farmThe way farms are run should be challengedSetting up successful dairy professionalsDr. Benjamin Wenner attended Michigan State University for his B.S., completed an M.S. in Animal Sciences at the Ohio State University, and received his Ph.D. in Nutrition from the OSU Interdisciplinary Ph.D. Program. At the latter, he used continuous culture fermenters to demonstrate the effect of rumen physiological conditions on microbial growth and diet fermentation. After a couple of years in the industry, with dairy technical services and research, Dr. Wenner returned to OSU, where he is now an Associate Professor in Animal Sciences with teaching and Extension roles. Primarily, he teaches the principles of nutrition, small ruminant management, vitamin and mineral metabolism, and hands-on laboratory learning courses; with Ohio 4-H, Benjamin pioneered virtual youth Skillathons during the COVID pandemic; and he also devotes his Extension time to a growing statewide livestock educational contest participation and teaching core animal feeding practices. While his research interests vary widely, they can be summarized into three categories: continuous culture fermentation as a mechanism to investigate feed additives for methane mitigation, the use of small ruminants as potential control mechanisms for invasive plant species, and supporting undergraduate research projects that enhance lab methodologies or teaching strategies.𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.The Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:- AB Vista (https://www.abvista.com/)- Protekta (https://protekta.com)- DSM (https://www.dsm.com/anh/species/ruminants.html)- Diamond V (https://diamondv.com/)

Society's expectations towards the dairy industry have been dramatically changing in the past few decades. Consumers not only demand that the products have high quality, but they also want to know that they are produced in an appropriate and respectful way towards the animals. As the dairy industry, the responsibility to adapt to the new consumer expectations and find the right balance to do what is both economically practicable and best for the animals falls in our hands. Dr. Jennifer Van Os, our guest in today's episode and a specialist in animal welfare, shares key points on how we can improve our dairy practices and gain the consumers' trust in our dairy products.“Consumers want to know that farmers share their values and that they truly care about the animals.” - Dr. Jennifer Van Os𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻:Animal welfare and animal rightsThe importance of animal welfareQuality of life for cowsConsumers’ expectations and trustFarmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) programTraining the workforce and the Mooving programThe background of paired calves Pair or individual housing calvesInformation deficit modelDr. Jennifer Van Os received her PhD in the interdisciplinary Animal Behavior graduate program at the University of California-Davis and conducted postdoctoral research in the Animal Welfare Program at the University of British Columbia. She is currently an Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist in Animal Welfare in the faculty of the Department of Animal & Dairy Sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her research at UW-Madison focuses on understanding, evaluating, and improving the welfare of dairy animals from biological and social-science perspectives. The goal of Dr. Van Os’ extension program is to promote best practices in management and housing to help the dairy industry adapt as our scientific knowledge about animal welfare continues to grow.𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.The Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:- AB Vista (https://www.abvista.com/)- Protekta (https://protekta.com)- DSM (https://www.dsm.com/anh/species/ruminants.html)- Diamond V (https://diamondv.com/)

The rumen is probably the most important machinery that drives cows’ production and health, yet there remains a lot that is unknown of how the rumen actually works. Mimicking the rumen environment in in vitro systems has been an important tool to understand rumen microbiology. Dr. Antonio Faciola, our guest on today’s episode, replicates the rumen environment in systems called fermenters. He and his group strive for a better understanding of how rumen microbiology works. He talks about the rumen microbes’ effects on methane production and possible effects in immune response in dairy cows.“We know very little of the microorganisms that are present in the rumen; there are several that we simply don't know” - Dr. Antonio Faciola𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻:Why do rumen make cows such special animals?Studying the rumen outside of the cowSelection of rumen fluid to form fermentersDisadvantages of the in vitro systemIn vitro systems to understand methane productionLipopolysaccharidesRumen acidosis and LPS levelsIs the rumen leaking? Next steps on understanding rumen biologyDr. Antonio Faciola started his career in Brazil and received his Ph.D from the University of Wisconsin. Further, he received his Post-doctorate at Cornell University and ARS – USDA. Currently, he is an Associate Professor of Livestock Nutrition in the Department of Animal Sciences at the University of Florida. His overall research goal is to further our understanding of ruminant nutrition, to improve the efficiency of nutrient use as a means to enhance animal production and minimize negative environmental impacts.𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.The Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:- AB Vista (https://www.abvista.com/)- Protekta (https://protekta.com)- DSM (https://www.dsm.com/anh/species/ruminants.html)- Diamond V (https://diamondv.com/)

Efficiency in dairy production depends on reproduction. One of dairy producers' biggest challenges today is overcoming poor reproductive performance. We know that dairy cow reproduction is affected by a variety of factors including nutrition, milk production, housing, and heat stress, to list a few. But what do we have in terms of processes, techniques, and technologies to improve dairy cows' reproduction? In today's episode I talk to Dr. Paul Fricke about dairy cows' reproduction and reproductive physiology, his background at the producer level, an efficient application of technology, synchronization programs, recommendations, as well as publications and research from the scientific community."We've had a reproduction revolution with the high fertility cycle, with fertility programs in dairy cows." - Dr. Paul M. Fricke𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻:Embryo transfer and other reproduction technologiesSex semen in lactating dairy cowsPractical application of the semen programsHormone-based programsAdvances in dairy cows' reproductionDr. Paul M. Fricke received his B.S. degree in Animal Science from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Then he completed an M.S. degree and a Ph.D. in Reproductive Physiology from the Department of Animal Sciences at North Dakota State University in Fargo, North Dakota. After that, Dr. Fricke accepted a position as a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Department of Dairy Science and the Department of Animal Health and Biomedical Sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Now he holds the position of Professor of Dairy Science and Extension Specialist in Dairy Cattle Reproduction in the Department of Animal & Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin – Madison. His activities include 70% Extension and 30% research appointments in dairy cattle reproduction. Dr. Fricke's extension program aims to improve dairy cattle's reproductive efficiency by applying knowledge gained through scientific research to develop practical management strategies, assess new reproductive technologies, and disseminate that information throughout Wisconsin, the United States, and the world.𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.The Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:- AB Vista (https://www.abvista.com/)- Protekta (https://protekta.com)- DSM (https://www.dsm.com/anh/species/ruminants.html)- Diamond V (https://diamondv.com/)

Dairy nutrition has come a long way in terms of manipulating diets to feed the cows. Besides that, producing more efficient animals is essential to economically succeed and better reduce the environmental impacts of dairy systems. This issue is precisely Dr. Sebastian Apelo's focus in his research. In today's episode, he brings up an essential discussion on how we can manipulate diets to directly affect the functions of the mammary gland, thus making it more efficient in utilizing nutrients – especially nitrogen – and enhancing milk production.“Among different nutritional approaches, we are trying to turn on the mammary gland, which demands more nutrients.” - Dr. Sebastian Apelo𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻:Nitrogen use efficiencymTOR pathway signalingNutrients as fuel vs signalingAmino acid metabolism in the liver and mammary glandThe theory for limiting amino acidsNitrogen: footprint and economic impactMass spectrometryOther potential modulators of mammary gland activityDr. Sebastian Apelo has received his B.S. in Dairy Science from the University of the Republic, Uruguay; his M.S. in Animal Science and his PhD and Postdoc in Dairy Science from Virginia Tech; and his Postdoc in Endocrinology from the University of Wisconsin. He currently serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, having previously held the position of Assistant Professor in the Department of Dairy Science of the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Postdoctoral Research Associate positions. Throughout his career, Dr. Apelo has accumulated 6 awards and 30 publications, and is a member of the American Dairy Science Association.𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.The Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:- AB Vista (https://www.abvista.com/)- Protekta (https://protekta.com)- DSM (https://www.dsm.com/anh/species/ruminants.html)- Diamond V (https://diamondv.com/)

Over the years, a lot of research has been done in the agriculture industry. The purpose is to help producers with new ways to produce more efficiently and sustainably. In today’s episode, Dr. Mark McGuire explains how an ag research facility operates. He focuses on a new facility in Idaho, the Center for Agriculture, Food and the Environment, that is designed to attend to the needs of the agriculture industry. Additionally, he talks about the challenges they face in ag research and the impact it brings to the dairy industry.“Hopefully, those new facilities will also encourage undergraduate students to look at the opportunity to go through training, get graduate degrees, and help with research as well.” - Dr. Mark McGuire𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻:Agricultural Experiment StationsThe dairy industry in Idaho The Center for Agriculture, Food and the Environment (CAFE) facilityAg research challengesPositive promotions in the dairy industryWhat makes a successful dairy professional?Dr. Mark McGuire is the Director of the Idaho Agricultural Experiment Station and Associate Dean in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences at the University of Idaho. Mark is a professor who studies nutrition, milk synthesis, and the role of animal products in the human diet. His work includes studies of lactation in dairy cows and women with a significant effort toward understanding the potential transmission of COVID-19 through breastfeeding. Mark has published over 120 refereed papers, 8 book chapters and edited one textbook. He has received over $16,000,000 in external grants from various sources, including USDA, NIH, NSF, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Mark received his BS from the University of Illinois (1984), MS from the University of Florida (1987), and his Ph.D. from Cornell University (1994). He has been on the faculty at the University of Idaho since 1995 and is a University Distinguished Professor. Mark served as Head of the Department of Animal and Veterinary Science from 2012 to 2015 before becoming the Director of the Idaho Agricultural Experiment Station and Associate Dean for Research in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences in August 2015. As Director, Dr. McGuire oversees all research conducted in the College across Idaho. Mark is an active member of the American Dairy Science Association, American Society for Nutrition, American Society for Microbiology, American Society of Animal Science, and the International Society for Research in Human Milk and Lactation (ISRHML). He served on the executive committee of ISRHML from 2013 to 2016.𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.The Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:- AB Vista (https://www.abvista.com/)- Protekta (https://protekta.com)- DSM (https://www.dsm.com/anh/species/ruminants.html)- Diamond V (https://diamondv.com/)