Podcasts about dairy cows

RURAL ROUTE WITH TRENT LOOS: JANELLE ANDERSON ON HOMESTEADING, DAIRY COWS, AND FARM LIFE IN TENNESSEE Thinking about getting a milk cow or starting a homestead? This episode is packed with real talk you need to hear first. Trent Loos sits down with Janelle Anderson from Tennessee to break down the basics of getting back to our roots.

In this episode, Dr. Blaine Ellison, owner of Applied Biotechnologies Inc. details the uses of a new product QFA. When used during the pre-fresh period and in the first groups fresh where possible, ketosis can be controlled, dry matter intakes will remain at far-off dry group levels without dropping, uterine health will improve, and first-service conception rates, especially in first-lactation heifers, will improve. This is made possible by controlling the 21-day cortisol surge and controlling the blood glucose wasted by the immune system of these stressed cattle. A recent study conducted by Iowa State and Penn State universities concerning this problem will be highlighted and discussed. This episode is sponsored by Applied Biotechnologies Inc. Applied Biotechnologies Inc. is a consulting business owned by Blaine N Ellison, DVM that focuses on evaluating technologies for profitable applications on behalf of the beef and dairy cattle industries.

What is the role of pleasure in successful reproduction?Evolution says it's mightily important: every female vertebrate has a clitoris.Snakes have two!Female pleasure has been selected for.Making sex fun and pleasurable is a biologically sensible thing to do, more sex means more potential babies.Some studies of pigs and dairy cows have found an increase of up to 6% in successful conception when the females are stimulated during artificial insemination.Sex is Weird is a series of What the Duck?! with Dr Ann Jones following the sexual evolution of the animal kingdom.Please note that this program contains adult themes and explicit language. Parental guidance is recommended.Featuring:Dr Bruno Buzatto, Flinders University, South AustraliaLynette Greenwood, Dairy farmer, VictoriaAssociate Professor Andrew Durso, Florida Gulf Coast University, FloridaLucy Cooke, Author and Film makerAssociate Professor Patty Brennan, Mount Holyoke College, Massachusetts, USEmeritus Professor Susan Suarez, Cornell University, New YorkProduction:Ann Jones, Presenter / ProducerPetria Ladgrove, ProducerAdditional mastering: Isabella TropianoThis episode of What the Duck?! was originally broadcast in 2024 and was produced on the land of the Wadawarrung and the Kaurna people.Find more episodes of the ABC podcast, What the Duck?! with the always curious Dr Ann Jones exploring the mysteries of nature on ABC Listen (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. You'll learn more about the weird and unusual aspects of our natural world in a quirky, fun way with easy to understand science.

What does the research say about adding quality roasted high-oleic soybeans to the dairy ration? Dr. Adam Lock, Professor from Michigan State University, explains what they are seeing for increases in milk yield and milk fat when feeding roasted, high-oleic soybeans to dairy cows.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Can you reduce dairy ration costs by 10-15 cents per cow per day? Jim Barmore, consulting dairy nutritionist, explains how feeding high-oleic soybeans can allow dairy producers to pull out other sources of protein and fat to help reduce dairy ration costs.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Tatiane Fernandes, Assistant Professor at Virginia Tech, explains how stable isotope tracing improves dairy nutrition research. She explores amino acid absorption, rumen-protected product evaluation, and how labeled nutrients help track milk protein synthesis. Get practical insights on tracer design, nutrient metabolism, and precision feeding research. Listen now on all major platforms!"Rumen-protected amino acid absorption can be estimated by comparing labeled markers in blood with the amount absorbed after intestinal release."Meet the guest: Dr. Tatiane Fernandes is an Assistant Professor in the School of Animal Sciences at Virginia Tech. Her research focuses on ruminant nutrient metabolism, rumen fermentation, stable isotope tracer techniques, and metabolic modeling. Her work supports dairy nutrition studies on amino acid absorption, nutrient use, and milk protein formation. Hear more from Dr. Fernandes on The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, available on all major platforms.Liked this one? Don't stop now — Here's what we think you'll love!What will you learn: (00:00) Highlight(02:03) Introduction(03:01) Stable isotopes(04:55) Amino acid tracing(05:54) Study design(07:56) Protected amino acids(09:03) Milk protein(12:15) Closing ThoughtsThe Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:* Kemin* Adisseo* Barentz* Fortiva* Vetagro- Virtus Nutrition- Esmilco Inc.- DietForge

Beef Food Safety and Grilling Picking Clothes to Help Stay Cool Controlling Stable Flies for Dairy Cows   00:01:05 – Beef Food Safety and Grilling: Today's show begins with K-State meat science Extension specialist Erin Beyer as she discusses basic food safety practices to keep in mind this summer along with what cuts of meat may be best to throw on the grill this season.   00:12:05 – Picking Clothes to Help Stay Cool: Kelsie Doty, assistant professor in fashion studies, joins the show as she explains what fabrics and clothes producers should consider to help stay maybe a touch cooler in the summer heat.   00:23:05  – Controlling Stable Flies for Dairy Cows: K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk ends the show as he encourages producers to take action now to reduce stable flies on the dairy and minimize revenue loss.     Send comments, questions or requests for copies of past programs to ksrenews@ksu.edu.   Agriculture Today is a daily program featuring Kansas State University agricultural specialists and other experts examining ag issues facing Kansas and the nation. It is hosted by Shelby Varner and distributed to radio stations throughout Kansas and as a daily podcast.   K‑State Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well‑being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices statewide. Its headquarters is on the K‑State campus in Manhattan. For more information, visit Extension.ksu.edu. K-State Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Brad takes a closer look at FerAppease, a synthetic analog of the maternal bovine appeasing substance that is gaining attention in both the dairy and beef industries. He explains how the product is designed to reduce stress in cattle during events like breeding, weaning, dehorning, transportation, calving, and dry-off.The episode highlights recent research in lactating Holstein cows showing that applying FerAppease at the time of artificial insemination increased pregnancy per AI from 47.7% in control cows to 60.2% in treated cows. Brad also walks through the potential economics, estimating a strong return on investment when improved pregnancy rates are valued at the farm level.Brad then discusses a calf study looking at FerAppease use around disbudding. Treated calves showed signs of reduced stress, including lower cortisol measures, and had improved average daily gain shortly after disbudding. While more research is needed, Brad notes that FerAppease may be a useful non-antibiotic, non-hormonal tool for reducing stress and improving outcomes during key management events.Questions, comments, scathing rebuttals? -> themoosroom@umn.edu or call 612-624-3610 and leave us a message!Linkedin -> The Moos RoomTwitter -> @UMNmoosroom and @UMNFarmSafetyFacebook -> @UMNDairyYouTube -> UMN Beef and Dairy and UMN Farm Safety and HealthInstagram -> @UMNWCROCDairyExtension WebsiteAgriAmerica Podcast Directory 

How much do cows suffer in the production of milk? I can't answer that; understanding animal experience is hard. But I can at least provide some facts about the conditions dairy cows live in, which might be useful to you in making your own assessment. My biggest conclusion is that cows made better choices than chickens by making their misery financially costly to farmers. Life Cycle The life of a dairy cow starts as a calf. She is typically separated from her mother a few hours to a few days after birth and, to reduce disease risk, held in isolation. Cutting edge farms will sometimes house calves in pairs. This isolation is clearly stressful for a baby herd mammal and her mother, but I didn't find any quantification of that stress that I trusted. Calves will be bottlefed until weaning at 6-8 weeks (4-6 months earlier than beef calves). After weaning and vaccinations they can be introduced into a herd. At large farms (where most cows live), they will move in and out of different herds through their lifecycle. This is more stressful than being embedded with your friends for life, but again, I found no [...] ---Outline:(00:44) Life Cycle(02:43) How much time do dairy cows spend outside?(04:21) By humaneness standard(06:00) When indoors, how confined are dairy cows?(06:33) What is the disease load of dairy cows?(08:15) Euthanasia[... 5 more sections]--- First published: May 3rd, 2026 Source: https://www.lesswrong.com/posts/r3PKfvKCjy6jok4qm/dairy-cows-make-their-misery-expensive-but-their-calves-can --- Narrated by TYPE III AUDIO. ---Images from the article:Apple Podcasts and Spotify do not show images in the episode description. Try

In this special re-run episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, we bring back our conversation with Dr. Mutian Niu, Assistant Professor at ETH Zurich, who explains exhalomics, an approach for assessing rumen fermentation by analyzing volatile organic compounds in cattle breath. He discusses how this technique can provide valuable insights into rumen function and help improve cattle health monitoring, with potential applications in managing methane emissions and optimizing dairy production. Listen now on all major platforms!"We're using exhalomics to study the volatile compounds in cattle breath, which provides new insights into ruminant metabolism and health monitoring."Meet the guest: Dr. Mutian Niu is an Assistant Professor of Animal Nutrition at ETH Zürich, focusing on ruminant nutrition, precision livestock farming, and data science to improve sustainability. He earned his PhD in Animal Sciences and a Master's in Statistics from UC Davis, with research on methane emissions and rumen metabolism. Click here to read the full research articles:Exhalomics as a noninvasive method for assessing rumen fermentation in dairy cows: Can exhaled-breath metabolomics replace rumen sampling?Exhaled volatile fatty acids, ruminal methane emission, and their diurnal patterns in lactating dairy cowsLiked this one? Don't stop now — Here's what we think you'll love!What will you learn: (00:00) Highlight(01:44) Introduction(02:39) What is exhalomics?(03:55) Why study exhalomics?(06:19) Research discoveries(07:46) Rumen fermentation analysis(09:32) Future of exhalomics(12:40) Closing thoughtsThe Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:* Fortiva* Vetagro* Kemin* Adisseo* Barentz- DietForge- Virtus Nutrition

In this episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Michael Van Amburgh from Cornell University explains how modern dairy cows respond to balanced essential amino acids and why energy-based models reshape requirement predictions. He explains new insights from the CNCPS model, unexpected links between amino acids and milk fat synthesis, and what future high-component cows may be capable of producing. Listen now on all major platforms."Energy supply provides a clearer foundation for determining essential amino acid requirements in modern dairy cattle, especially as production levels continue to shift."Meet the guest: Dr. Mike Van Amburgh is a Professor of Animal Science at Cornell University, where he has been a faculty member for 30 years. He holds a Ph.D. in Animal Science from Cornell and a BS in Dairy Science from The Ohio State University. He is well known for his work on the Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System and his leadership in the Cornell Dairy Fellows program.Liked this one? Don't stop now — Here's what we think you'll love!What will you learn: (00:00) Highlight(01:58) Introduction(02:44) Guest background(03:33) Amino acid needs(06:46) Milk fat role(10:27) Production potential(13:17) Herd performance(14:58) Closing thoughtsThe Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:* Barentz* Fortiva* Adisseo* Kemin* Vetagro- DietForge- Virtus Nutrition

In this episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, celebrating International Women's Day, Dr. Megan Abeyta from GPS Dairy Consulting breaks down the physiological and metabolic costs of stress, inflammation, and leaky gut in dairy cattle. She explains how heat stress, acidosis, and management practices influence immune activation and productivity losses. Learn how to use practical indicators like rumination data to identify and reduce risk on-farm. Listen now on all major platforms!"Leaky gut occurs when the gut lining is compromised, allowing harmful substances like endotoxins into the bloodstream."Meet the guest: Dr. Megan Abeyta earned her bachelor's and Ph.D. in Animal Sciences from Iowa State University, focusing her doctoral research on the impact of stress, hindgut acidosis, and leaky gut on dairy cow health and productivity. Now an Independent Dairy Nutrition and Management Consultant with GPS Dairy Consulting, she brings a science-based, practical approach to farm management.Liked this one? Don't stop now — Here's what we think you'll love!What will you learn: (00:00) Highlight(01:21) Introduction(02:32) Leaky gut causes(03:47) Inflammation and energy(06:01) Biomarker indicators(08:38) Identifying farm stressors(10:04) Diet-energy balance(12:10) Closing thoughtsThe Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:* Vetagro* Barentz* Fortiva* Adisseo* Kemin- DietForge- Virtus Nutrition

Send a textFrom barnyard to boardroom: Dr. Linda Rhodes shares her exciting career path from despite the many 'no's, becoming Utah's first large animal veterinarian taking care of cows in world-class daires to the many adventures that followed. Dr. Linda continued to get a PhD, to lead teams in the pharmaceutical industry, to starting her own consulting firm, to starting the first award to recognize women in animal health, The Feather in Her Cap award. She is also an Iron Paw award winner. She is now an author: her memoir "Breaking the Barnyard Barriers: A Woman Veterinarian Paves the Way" will be released on Feb 17, 2026. (link below)Resources:Video version on YouTubeLinda's websiteOrder Linda's book on Amazon2026 Feather in Her Cap Awards winners Press Release Support the showMore Vet Life Reimagined?

Jacob Harriet of Shepherd Farms shares how his background in wildlife management in central Oklahoma shaped the way he uses livestock, prescribed fire, and land restoration to build better habitat and a workable farm business. From starting on a small homestead to managing over 1,240 acres through creative lease agreements, Jacob walks through what has worked, what he learned the hard way, and how grazing fits into a broader land stewardship plan.In This Episode, We Explore:Jacob's path from wildlife law enforcement to using livestock as a habitat toolTurning an over-timbered 80 acres into productive grazing and wildlife habitatUsing rotational grazing to improve land function, manure distribution, and plant recoveryTree and timber management decisions focused on getting sunlight to the groundPrescribed fire vs mechanical clearing for controlling woody encroachment, especially cedarHow burn associations, burn plans, and local support make prescribed fire safer and more practicalManaging land for wildlife needs alongside grazing goals, including turkey and quail habitatFinding and using grants for infrastructure, water, timber work, and prescribed fireBuilding a mixed-species orchard and using chickens to manage pests and understoryA lease model that trades professional habitat management for grazing access across multiple propertiesTracking grazing and land work with mapping tools and documentationWhy This Episode MattersThis conversation is a practical look at connecting grazing, habitat, and land access in a way that works in the real world. If you are trying to improve a neglected property, reduce cedar pressure, learn why prescribed fire matters, or find a creative path to more grazing acres without buying land, Jacob's approach offers clear ideas you can adapt to your own place.Resources MentionedNatural Resource University (podcast network)OnX Hunt Maps (phone app)NRCS (local office support for conservation programs and grants)National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF)Quail ForeverTy Ty Nursery (trees for the orchard)Find Out MoreShepherd Farms | https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087351095567 Looking for grass-based breeders? Explore the Grass Based Genetics directory.Upcoming Grazing EventsNoble Profitability Essentials - Jefferson City, Mo, March 24-25, 2026Visit our Sponsors:Noble Research InstituteRedmond Agriculture Grazing Grass LinksWebsiteCommunity (on Facebook)Original Music by Louis Palfrey

Rural news and events from Tasmania and the nation.

In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Nicole Reisinger from dsm-firmenich breaks down how phytogenic feed additives fit into practical dairy nutrition. She shares how these plant-based compounds can influence rumen function, gut integrity, inflammation, and overall cow comfort, and highlights how biomarkers and modern in vitro tools help fine-tune their use on farm. Hear how phytogenics can support cows facing heat stress, subacute acidosis, and other common herd challenges. Listen now on all major platforms!"Phytogenic feed additives support rumen function, strengthen gut barrier function, and moderate inflammatory activity during critical challenges."Meet the guest: Dr. Nicole Reisinger is a Senior Scientist at the dsm-firmenich Animal Health and Nutrition Center in Tulln, Austria, with a PhD in biotechnology and advanced training in behavior, neurobiology, and cognition. Her research focuses on biomarkers in ruminants, endotoxins, gut health, and complex host-based in vitro and organ chip models, with applications in dairy cattle nutrition, welfare, and precision solutions. Liked this one? Don't stop now — Here's what we think you'll love!Dr. Andy Mueller: Sugar in Dairy Diets | Ep. 105Dr. Gustavo Schuenemann: Mycotoxins & Dairy Feed | Ep. 125Ignacio Artavia: Vitamin D & Dairy Cows | Ep. 132What you'll learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:25) Introduction(02:03) Career path(07:32) What are phytogenics(09:31) Testing plant compounds(14:55) Findings in cow challenges(19:15) Evaluating payback(24:12) Final three questionsThe Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:- dsm-firmenich* Evonik* CowManager* Adisseo* Priority IAC* Lallemand* Afimilk* Agri-Comfort* Jones-Hamilton Co.- SmaXtec- Protekta- DietForge- Berg + Schmidt- BoviSync- Natural Biologics- AHV

In this solo episode of The Moos Room, Brad shares “hot off the press” research on circadian rhythms in dairy cows and what long-term sensor data can tell us about cow welfare. Drawing from a study presented at the International Precision Dairy Farming Conference in New Zealand, the episode explores how daily and seasonal behavior patterns—such as eating, rumination, activity, and rest—are shaped by environment, management, and breed.Using more than 10 years of CowManager sensor data from the University of Minnesota research herd, Brad walks through how different breeds (Holsteins, crossbreds, graze-cross cows, and 1964 Holstein genetics) show distinct seasonal rhythms. Results revealed clear breed differences in eating time, rumination, overall activity, and inactivity, with graze-cross cows showing the strongest seasonal patterns and more stable alignment with environmental cues—suggesting better adaptability to pasture-based systems.The episode highlights how disruptions to circadian rhythms—caused by inconsistent lighting, feeding schedules, or confinement—may be linked to stress, immune suppression, lameness, mastitis, and reduced fertility. Brad discusses how precision dairy technologies offer a powerful, non-invasive way to monitor these rhythms and potentially detect welfare issues before clinical signs appear.The episode wraps up by looking ahead to future research linking behavior patterns directly to health and productivity outcomes, and how better alignment of management practices with natural cow rhythms could improve welfare and resilience on dairy farms.Questions, comments, scathing rebuttals? -> themoosroom@umn.edu or call 612-624-3610 and leave us a message!Linkedin -> The Moos RoomTwitter -> @UMNmoosroom and @UMNFarmSafetyFacebook -> @UMNDairyYouTube -> UMN Beef and Dairy and UMN Farm Safety and HealthInstagram -> @UMNWCROCDairyExtension WebsiteAgriAmerica Podcast Directory 

In this episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Massimo Bionaz explores the potential of hemp byproducts in dairy cattle nutrition. He shares insights on the nutritional potential of hemp-derived byproducts, challenges related to compound residues in animal feed, how regulatory frameworks influence feed innovation, and the future of feed trials. Discover what current research reveals and what still needs to be addressed before hemp can enter ruminant diets legally. Listen now on all major platforms!"Spent hemp biomass has a nutrient profile comparable to alfalfa, making it a potentially valuable feed ingredient."Meet the guest: Dr. Massimo Bionaz earned his Ph.D. in Dairy Husbandry and Production from the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart in Italy, where he studied liver function and inflammation in dairy cows. He is currently an Associate Professor at Oregon State University, focusing on nutrigenomics, byproducts as feed, and dairy cow welfare.Click here to read the full research article!Liked this one? Don't stop now — Here's what we think you'll love!What will you learn: (00:00) Highlight(01:22) Introduction(02:02) Legal status explained(04:22) Nutritional profile insights(05:05) Residual compound concerns(06:50) Research insights(10:49) Residue data(14:20) Closing thoughtsThe Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:* Kemin* Adisseo* Fortiva* Barentz- Virtus Nutrition- DietForge

In this episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Alice Brandao from Texas A&M University explores how insulin resistance, feed additives, and energy sources influence dairy cattle health. She shares insights from her work in Brazil, where challenging conditions call for adaptive nutritional strategies. Learn what impacts immune modulation and metabolic responses in transition cows. Listen now on all major platforms!"Feed additives are great tools, but they are not silver bullets or magic wands."Meet the guest: Dr. Alice Brandao is an Instructional Assistant Professor at Texas A&M University's Department of Animal Science. With a background in veterinary medicine from Brazil, she pursued her M.S. in Dairy Science and Ph.D. in Animal Sciences.Liked this one? Don't stop now — Here's what we think you'll love!What will you learn: (00:00) Highlight(01:07) Introduction(06:44) Insulin resistance factors(08:49) Chromium supplementation effects(09:42) Non-starch energy sources(11:22) Immune modulation strategies(13:49) Feed additive challenges(16:42) Closing thoughtsThe Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:* Adisseo* Fortiva* Priority IAC- Kemin- Virtus Nutrition

In an ag world driven by automation, efficiency metrics, and shiny new equipment, Tristan Swartz is unapologetically doing things differently — and calling it Doing It Wrong Dairy.Tristan is a sixth-generation dairy producer in Wisconsin who believes real farming doesn't need filters, polish, or permission. Farming on his own for more than a decade, Tristan relies heavily on 30+ year-old equipment, practices old-school animal care, and openly questions whether “modern” always means “better.”In this episode, Tristan shares:Growing up in a multi-species livestock operation and starting farm work at age fourWhy his family exited the dairy industry in the 1990s — and why he came backLeaving home at 17 to work on a custom wheat harvest crew and becoming a crew leader at 18His return to Wisconsin and building a farm on his own termsWhy he leaves calves with their mothers and how it impacts herd health and behaviorMilking alternative breeds like Gyr cows and experimenting outside the mainstreamMaintaining a “retirement pasture” for cows he refuses to sell simply because production dropsWhy authenticity — not perfection — is what connects people to agricultureWe also dig into the explosive growth of Doing It Wrong Dairy on social media, where Tristan's honest, sometimes controversial content has resonated with hundreds of thousands of viewers who want to see the real side of farming — not a highlight reel. Want Farm4Profit Merch? Custom order your favorite items today!https://farmfocused.com/farm-4profit/ Don't forget to like the podcast on all platforms and leave a review where ever you listen! Website: www.Farm4Profit.comShareable episode link: https://intro-to-farm4profit.simplecast.comEmail address: Farm4profitllc@gmail.comCall/Text: 515.207.9640Subscribe to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSR8c1BrCjNDDI_Acku5XqwFollow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@farm4profitllc Connect with us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Farm4ProfitLLC/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Laura Hernandez from the University of Wisconsin-Madison shares groundbreaking insights on calcium regulation in dairy cows. She explains how serotonin, phosphorus, and prepartum management influence hypocalcemia outcomes and overall herd health. Listen now on all major platforms!"Serotonin moves calcium into the mammary gland through transporters to stimulate a hormonal signal that mobilizes calcium from the bone."Meet the guest: Dr. Laura Hernandez is a Professor of Lactation Biology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She earned her Ph.D. in Nutritional Sciences and Animal Science from the University of Arizona, following her M.S. and B.S. at New Mexico State University. Her research focuses on hormonal and metabolic pathways that regulate calcium homeostasis and mammary function in dairy cows.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(02:19) Research on calcium(04:15) Serotonin's calcium link(06:03) Hormonal regulation explained(14:33) Types of hypocalcemia(26:03) Future research areas(30:37) Final three questionsThe Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:Volac* Priority IAC* Lallemand* Adisseo* Afimilk* Evonik- Berg + Schmidt- SmaXtec- dsm-firmenich- ICC- Protekta- AHV- Natural Biologics

Artificial intelligence can play a key role in detecting lameness and getting cows on the road to recovery to prevent lost milk production and the financial impact it can have on a dairy operation. In this report from the American Dairy XPO, Nedap's Steve Pavelski shares how the company's SmartSight automated lameness detection system uses... Read More

Dr. Lock presented a Real Science Lecture Series webinar on June 3, 2025. This episode takes a deep dive into the current science and applications of feeding high-oleic soybeans in dairy diets. You can find the original webinar at balchem.com/realscience. Dr. Lock gives an overview of the evolution of our knowledge of biologically important fatty acids in dairy cows. Much like we think more about amino acids than crude protein these days, we are starting to think about fatty acids rather than crude fat. There are 5 main fatty acids in dairy cow diets: palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic, and linolenic. Dr. Lock talks about the importance and role of each, especially that of oleic acid. (6:26)  Dr. Bales shares some of the research she conducted in Dr. Lock's lab during her MS and PhD, including a dose response study, raw versus roasted beans, and roasted beans plus supplemental palmitic acid. All studies have resulted in increased milk fat and milk yield, better feed efficiency, and usually a bump in milk protein. She also notes there is a nice synergistic relationship between the fat and degradable protein in the roasted high-oleic beans, which are high in lysine. (13:59)Nate talks a bit about how the elevator positions high-oleic soybeans to the dairy producers in the area and how different farms have implemented feeding the beans, depending on size, infrastructure, and location. Dr. Bales chimes in with some additional examples. (21:02)The panelists agree that quality control to ensure consistent sources going out into the field is the next big hurdle. Finding the optimal particle size for diets is also needed, as there is a wide variation currently, which may impact cow performance. (31:56)Nate predicts no slowing down in the adoption of this technology in his area in the next few years. Dr. Lock notes there may be some potential for feeding high-oleic oil in areas not suited for growing the beans themselves. The panelists agree that the target groups who should receive high-oleic beans in their rations are fresh cows and high cows. Nate emphasizes the importance of having adequate digestible NDF and a healthy rumen to see optimal results. (37:10)Dr. Lock talks about future research plans into high-oleic soybeans and other fatty acids. The panel comments on the yield of high-oleic soybeans and the availability of seed, both conventional and GMO. (48:48)Panelists share their take-home thoughts. (59:15)Please subscribe and share with your industry friends to invite more people to join us at the Real Science Exchange virtual pub table.  If you want one of our Real Science Exchange t-shirts, screenshot your rating, review, or subscription, and email a picture to anh.marketing@balchem.com. Include your size and mailing address, and we'll mail you a shirt.

In this episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. José Eduardo Santos from the University of Florida explores the science behind choline and its essential functions in dairy cows. He explains its role in lipid metabolism, fatty liver prevention, and reproductive health, with practical insights on supplementation strategies. Listen now on all major platforms!"Choline's hallmark role is transporting lipids in blood, preventing fatty liver."Meet the guest: Dr. José Eduardo P. Santos is a Professor in the Department of Animal Sciences at the University of Florida, with a DVM from São Paulo State University and graduate degrees from the University of Arizona. His work focuses on improving health and performance in transition cows through nutritional strategies.Liked this one? Don't stop now — Here's what we think you'll love!Dr. Elliot Neto: Amino Acids & Dairy Efficiency | Ep. 76What will you learn: (00:00) Highlight(01:41) Introduction(02:16) Guest background(03:39) Choline's physiological roles(06:41) Choline's major role(09:01) Practical outcomes(11:53) Supplementation benefits(13:32) Closing thoughtsThe Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies: Kemin* Adisseo* Priority IAC- Zinpro- Virtus Nutrition

In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Patrick French, Principal Consultant and Founder of PF Bovidae, discusses the use of sorghum silage as a forage source for milk cows in the High Plains. He highlights the benefits of sorghum, such as water conservation and land efficiency. Dr. French also addresses the challenges and key considerations when feeding sorghum silage, outlining the research gaps that remain in understanding its full potential for dairy nutrition. Tune in on all major platforms!"The dairies in the High Plains are exploring sorghum not just for water conservation but for its potential to support sustainable dairy production."Meet the guest: Dr. Patrick French is the Principal Consultant and Founder of PF Bovidae, focusing on consulting for dairies in the High Plains region. With over a decade of experience, his work centers on enhancing dairy operations by introducing sustainable practices, such as the use of sorghum silage as a cost-effective and water-efficient forage alternative.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(01:12) Introduction(03:47) High Plains dairies(05:02) Sorghum silage(08:17) Practical sorghum applications(13:02) Starch content in sorghum(21:32) Advice for nutritionists(24:42) Final three questionsThe Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like: Protekta* Afimilk* Evonik* Priority IAC* Adisseo- ICC- AHV- dsm-firmenich- Berg + Schmidt- Natural Biologics- SmaXtec

In this episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Felipe Peña Mosca from Cornell University shares his research on H5N1 virus infection in dairy cows during an outbreak in Ohio. He explains risk factors, production losses, and herd health impacts, along with the role of early detection technology and biosecurity measures. Listen now on all major platforms!"Automated monitoring systems identified cows showing changes in rumination, milk yield, and conductivity before clinical diagnosis."Meet the guest: Dr. Felipe Peña Mosca, originally from Uruguay, is a Postdoctoral Associate at Cornell University specializing in dairy cattle health, mastitis control, and epidemiology. With a DVM, MS, and PhD in Veterinary Medicine, his research explores disease risk factors, production losses, and control strategies in dairy herds.Click here to read the full research article!Liked this one? Don't stop now — Here's what we think you'll love!What will you learn: (00:00) Highlight(01:18) Introduction(01:55) Outbreak detection(05:49) Milk loss(07:34) Mortality rates(10:42) Economic impact(11:56) Closing thoughtsThe Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:* Afimilk* Adisseo* Priority IAC- Virtus Nutrition- Zinpro- Kemin

This episode was recorded in Fort Wayne, Indiana, during the 2025 Tri-State Dairy Conference.Dr. Carpenter gives an overview of her presentation. She summarizes an Extension risk management project regarding heifer development, assisting dairies in benchmarking their heifer growth and development. Key focus points include reducing morbidity and mortality and timely breeding to achieve goals for age at first calving. Dr. Carpenter also emphasized heat detection and conception, as well as recordkeeping as important considerations for success. (4:10)Dr. Carpenter shares findings from a beef-on-dairy feeding experiment where any calf that had two or more lifetime respiratory events had lower carcass weight and lower return on investment. The panel discusses industry uptake of using lung ultrasounds to evaluate respiratory events. (11:53)Guests talk about different feeding concepts in heifer development and trends in age at first calving over time. (14:31)The panel dives into home-raising versus custom-developing heifers. Dr. Carpenter notes Penn State has great resources regarding custom rearing of dairy heifers. Pros and cons of both systems are discussed, and the panel also touches on rearing of beef-on-dairy calves as well. (19:17)The group returns to the topic of age at first calving. Reducing variation at age at breeding is important, and producers should consult with their nutritionists and veterinarians for a team approach to success. (24:44)Dr. Carpenter and Dr. Tebbe talk about how producers are dealing with replacement heifer shortages. (27:24)Panelists share their take-home thoughts. (31:48)Please subscribe and share with your industry friends to invite more people to join us at the Real Science Exchange virtual pub table.  If you want one of our Real Science Exchange t-shirts, screenshot your rating, review, or subscription, and email a picture to anh.marketing@balchem.com. Include your size and mailing address, and we'll mail you a shirt.

A 12-year study of more than 130,000 dairy cows showed that severe heat reduces…

A 12-year study of more than 130,000 dairy cows showed that severe heat reduces their milk production by about 10 percent. What's more, that lower production can last up to...

Dr. Hristov gave a webinar titled “Histidine: a limiting amino acid for dairy cows” on March 4, 2025, and joins the podcast in this episode for a deeper dive into the topic. Panelists introduce themselves and give some background on their interest in histidine (00:52)Dr. Hristov gives an overview of his webinar presentation, touching on some of the first research projects that showed lower protein diets resulted in no change in plasma methionine, but a decrease in plasma histidine. When dietary protein decreases, the cow relies more on microbial protein to meet her needs. Histidine content is about 20% less than methionine content in microbial protein. He also notes there are some short-term reserves of histidine in the body, so short-term studies may not show a histidine deficiency when indeed there is one. (7:08)Matt gives some perspective as a consulting nutritionist about the importance of histidine in diet formulation for his clientele. He agrees with Dr. Hristov about the higher requirement for histidine compared to methionine, and he generally formulates diets with 1.1 times more histidine than methionine. (12:38)The panelists share their experiences with the responses observed from providing additional histidine to lactating cows, including milk and component yields and changes in dry matter intake and body condition. They also talk about how muscle loss can mask a histidine deficiency in the short term. (15:43)The panelists discuss the challenges in determining histidine requirements and finding reliable sources of highly bioavailable histidine. (24:04)Why is rumen-protected histidine not commercially available? Clay explains it is due to the high cost of histidine. There are no feed-grade sources, and using human-grade sources is cost-prohibitive. Dr. Hristov notes swine nutritionists are starting to pay more attention to histidine, which might bring the cost down if demand increases. Matt notes aquaculture is also interested in histidine. (33:58)Matt comments that increasing fat content can be problematic for cheese plants. He sees increasing milk protein yield may be the next frontier of dairy nutrition and histidine might play an important role. The panel discusses the role milk pricing has played in the increased fat content. (37:32)The panel discusses what other amino acids might be important in dairy nutrition as research continues. They also touch on methane mitigation and reducing methane intensity per unit of milk. (43:45)Panelists share their take-home thoughts. (54:31)View Dr. Hristov's webinar on this subject by visiting https://balchem.com/anh/podcasts-webinars/histidine-a-limiting-amino-acid-for-dairy-cows-2/Please subscribe and share with your industry friends to invite more people to join us at the Real Science Exchange virtual pub table.  If you want one of our Real Science Exchange t-shirts, screenshot your rating, review, or subscription, and email a picture to anh.marketing@balchem.com. Include your size and mailing address, and we'll mail you a shirt.

Ever tried to podcast while surrounded by curious cows? It's as fun and chaotic as it sounds. Today we're still touring the organic farm, so make sure you've listened to part 1 first! Join us in the fields with Yeo Valley Organic's Farms Development Manager, Will Mayor, searching for dung beetles in the fresh cowpats and getting up close with the organic dairy cattle.  Thanks to our friends at Yeo Valley Organic for supporting this series and to Will for a brilliant farm experience.    Get in touch We're on Instagram, Bluesky, and email forwhatitsearthpod@gmail.com. Send us your Listener Questions and weekly One Good Thing For The Planet.   Support the show: Help us cover our running costs with a donation through Ko-fi or grab an organic cotton FWIE tee. & subscribe so you never miss an episode! For What It's Earth is hosted and produced by Emma Brisdion and Sophie Pavelle, and edited and mixed by Mark Skinner (2024). This episode was recorded on location by Mark Skinner.  

It might be one of your dreams to have your own dairy cow on your homestead, and Tiffany from the blog Growing Dawn shares with Megan her experience with bringing a dairy cow to her family's home, and what that looks like for them now. There's a lot to learn when it comes to dairy cows, but this episode may provide you with some of that information as well as some information about raw milk. To see some of the information referenced in this episode, you can visit Tiffany's blog https://growingdawn.com/.  

In this episode of the Grazing Grass Podcast, Cal visits with Wyatt Jones of Happy Meadow Farm in Pisgah, Alabama. Wyatt shares his family's journey from military life to building a thriving grass-based farm, raising beef and dairy cattle, Katahdin sheep, and poultry. Starting in 2021, Wyatt and his wife dove headfirst into regenerative agriculture, learning through mentors, books, and hands-on trial and error. Their story is full of determination, grit, and a willingness to embrace challenges in pursuit of a farming life.Topics covered include:Starting Happy Meadow Farm with limited experience but big visionBuying land at auction and the unexpected blessings that came with itEarly challenges with fencing, livestock health, and learning to rotate animalsUsing blueberries and eggs as initial cash crops to build community connectionsTransitioning from Longhorns and Corriente cattle into South Polls and eventually FleckviehExperiences with sheep, including parasite management and copper issuesExpanding into raw milk sales through herd shares and building a loyal customer baseWyatt's shift from the fire department to full-time farmingThe potential of Fleckvieh dairy cattle for grass-based systemsPlanting diverse forages and cover crops to support livestock health and productivityThis episode is perfect for anyone starting their regenerative journey, especially those considering multi-species grazing or exploring dairy opportunities beyond Jerseys. Wyatt's story highlights the power of persistence, community support, and the courage to “just start.”Resources mentioned in this episode:For the Love of Soil by Nicole MastersGrass Productivity by André VoisinDairy Farming the Beautiful Way by Adam KlausHappy Meadow Farm on FacebookLooking for Livestock that thrive on grass?  Check out Grass Based GeneticsVisit our Sponsors:Noble Research InstituteRedmond AgricultureGrazing Grass LinksNew Listener Resource GuideProvide feedback for the podcastWebsiteInsidersResourcesCommunity (on Facebook)Check out the Apiary Chronicles PodcastChapters(00:00) - Introduction and Fast Five Questions (00:59) - Welcome to the Grazing Grass Podcast (01:33) - MarketSMART Ranching Course Announcement (02:25) - Personal Celebration and Family Milestones (03:27) - Wyatt's Journey to Farming (07:02) - Starting the Farm and Acquiring Land (12:49) - First Livestock and Initial Challenges (24:57) - Expanding the Farm and Community Engagement (41:36) - Transition to Dairy Farming (45:36) - The Milking Disaster (47:30) - Getting a Milking Machine (49:27) - The Emotional Attachment to Dairy Cows (52:05) - Exploring Different Dairy Breeds (54:49) - The Fleckvieh Fascination (58:06) - Managing the Dairy Farm (01:08:23) - Marketing Raw Milk (01:09:56) - Transition to Full-Time Farming (01:13:52) - Famous Four Questions (01:24:35) - Conclusion and Next Episode Teaser

In this episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Massimo Bionaz from Oregon State University explains the power of nutrigenomics in enhancing dairy cow performance. He details how bioactive compounds can regulate gene expression to reduce inflammation, improve transition periods, and support metabolic balance. Understand the science behind transcription factors and fatty acid interactions. Listen now on all major platforms!"Nutrigenomics is trying to exploit bioactive compounds in the feed that interact with the genome."Meet the guest: Dr. Massimo Bionaz earned his Ph.D. in Dairy Husbandry and Production from the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart in Italy, where he studied liver function and inflammation in dairy cows. He is currently an Associate Professor at Oregon State University, focusing on nutrigenomics, byproducts as feed, and dairy cow welfare.Click here to read the full research articles:Nutrigenomics in dairy cows: Nutrients, transcription factors, and techniquesAdvances in fatty acids nutrition in dairy cows: from gut to cells and effects on performanceFunctional Role of PPARs in Ruminants: Potential Targets for Fine-Tuning Metabolism during Growth and LactationLiked this one? Don't stop now — Here's what we think you'll love!What will you learn: (00:00) Highlight(01:29) Introduction(04:33) What is nutrigenomics(06:09) Transcription factors explained(08:21) Fatty acids and health(09:34) Inflammation during transition(11:51) Benefits for producers(14:02) Closing thoughtsThe Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:* Adisseo* Priority IAC* Kemin* Afimilk- Zinpro- Virtus Nutrition

In this episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Roni Yair from Afimilk shares how advanced algorithms are transforming dairy cattle feed efficiency through behavioral data of individual cows. He explains the science behind predictive models, cross-farm research, and how dairies can use this data for strategic culling and breeding decisions. Listen now on all major platforms!"The two major applications of our feed intake prediction system are culling and breeding—using feed efficiency and profitability to guide better decision-making on timing and selection."Meet the guest: Dr. Roni Yair holds a Ph.D. in Animal Sciences from The Hebrew University of Jerusalem and completed postdoctoral research at Michigan State University, focusing on ruminant nutrition and hepatic metabolism. Now an animal scientist at Afimilk, he leads research in feed efficiency and dairy cattle behavior analytics.Liked this one? Don't stop now — Here's what we think you'll love!What will you learn: (00:00) Highlight(01:27) Introduction(03:17) Predicting feed intake(05:07) Sensor behavior data(08:37) Cross-farm prediction(10:48) Culling and breeding(15:57) Next research directions(20:14) Closing thoughtsThe Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:Afimilk* Adisseo* Kemin* Priority IAC- Virtus Nutrition- Zinpro

This episode was recorded at the 2025 Western Dairy Management Conference in Reno, Nevada.Mike gives an overview of his three presentations at the conference regarding heifer supply. The panel discusses how the industry went from too many heifers to not enough heifers. (3:46)Clay asks Dan about his breeding philosophy from a semen standpoint right now as a purebred Holstein breeder. He suggests skating to where the puck's going versus where it's been, and focusing on yield and protein after such a large emphasis on fat. He also emphasizes health traits, particularly because the industry needs cows to last longer due to low heifer supply. Mike notes that this can have negative impacts, including lower milk yield, more chronic mastitis, and perhaps elongating the generation interval of genetic gain. He shares that while huge strides have been made in genetic improvement for yield and components, we have gone backwards a bit on disease resistance and fertility in the last five years or so. Tom suggests that it just ups the ante on management, especially with an older milking herd. (10:55)The panel talks about sexed semen (beef and dairy both) and IVF/embryo transfer. (14:49)Mike details some research in Holstein herds that decreased their replacement rate and number of heifers calving from 2020-2022 (surplus herds) compared to 2023-2024 (short herds). Short herds kept cows 25 days longer in milk, but the net impact was an average of seven pounds less milk per day over the last 30 days prior to culling. He also noted an increase in chronic mastitis in the short herds.  (20:18)Mike describes his presentation regarding the heifer completion rate: once a heifer is born alive, what's the expected percent of heifers remaining at first calving? Many producers have a false high assumption of this number, around 90%. In 65 herds Mike analyzed in the last year, the median completion rate was 76%. He details the different life stages during which losses occurred, along with management considerations to reduce these impacts. Dan shares his perspectives on the heifer completion rate. (24:11)The panel discusses a variety of topics around heifer supply, including whether heifers are entering the herd at a younger age to compensate for low inventories, appropriate heifer size at calving, optimal age at first calving, and just how short the supply of heifers is.  (29:01)Panelists share their take-home thoughts. (38:35)Please subscribe and share with your industry friends to invite more people to join us at the Real Science Exchange virtual pub table.  If you want one of our Real Science Exchange t-shirts, screenshot your rating, review, or subscription, and email a picture to anh.marketing@balchem.com. Include your size and mailing address, and we'll mail you a shirt.

In this special rerun episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, celebrating National Cow Appreciation Day, we revisit our conversation with Dr. Michael Hutjens, Professor Emeritus at the University of Illinois, who provides an update on rumen buffers and key considerations for their optimal use in dairy diets. Dr. Hutjens explains the sources of buffers, their role in rumen health, and practical strategies for effective integration into dairy rations. Listen now on all major platforms!"Buffers stabilize rumen health and optimize microbial growth."Meet the guest: Dr. Michael Hutjens, Professor Emeritus of Animal Sciences at the University of Illinois, grew up on a Holstein dairy farm in Wisconsin and earned his bachelor's, master's, and Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. With decades of experience as an extension dairy specialist, Dr. Hutjens has delivered expert insights on dairy nutrition worldwide, speaks at numerous conferences, and writes for prominent dairy publications.Liked this one? Don't stop now — Here's what we think you'll love!What will you learn: (00:00) Highlight(01:28) Introduction(02:35) Buffer usage in dairy diets(03:14) Rumen environment optimization(03:55) Key buffer sources(07:11) Calcium carbonate(08:16) Reasons to use buffers(11:14) Closing thoughtsThe Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:* Priority IAC* Adisseo* Kemin- Zinpro- Afimilk- Volac- Virtus Nutrition- Zinpro

In this episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Pedro Melendez from City University of Hong Kong discusses the genetic and nutritional factors behind abdominal adiposity and hypocalcemia in dairy cows. He shares research findings on metabolic health risks, prevention strategies, and the importance of monitoring nutritional management. Listen now on all major platforms!"Abdominal adiposity significantly increases the risk of developing metabolic disorders such as mastitis, ketosis, and fatty liver."Meet the guest: Dr. Pedro Melendez, DVM, MS, PhD, DABVP (Dairy), serves as Clinical Full Professor in Bovine Production Medicine at City University of Hong Kong. With a DVM from the University of Chile and an MS and PhD from the University of Florida, his work focuses on dairy production medicine, nutritional management, and metabolic diseases in dairy cattle.Liked this one? Don't stop now — Here's what we think you'll love!What will you learn: (00:00) Highlight(01:26) Introduction(01:00) Guest background(02:16) Abdominal adiposity risks(05:27) Genetic factors role(07:00) Preventing hypocalcemia(09:26) Calcium bolus use(10:50) Closing thoughtsThe Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:* Adisseo* Kemin* Priority IAC- Zinpro- Afimilk- Volac- Virtus Nutrition

There are so many people wanting to dabble in the homesteading lifestyle but they are afraid to jump in for one reason or another. Today I would like to start a small Mini Series to chat all things homesteading but keeping in mind that you don't need to have grown up on a farm or even own a large piece of land currently. There is so much you can do with a little backyard and a few contacts. So let's jump in! Butter Making Recipe! - https://www.rootedinfaithfamilyfarmlife.com/making-butter If Homeschooling is one of those areas you need some direction, I didn't really talk about it in today's episode, but I have added a Homeschool Consultation Service to the Rooted In - Faith, Family, Farmlife menu! If you need help with paperwork, curriculum, homeschooling struggles or anything in between then I want to encourage you to reach out!   Send me an email at lindsayspurrier@rootedinfaithfamilyfarmlife.com and we can talk about all the program options to find what fits your needs.   Don't forget to...   Join the Email List and get a 10% off coupon at https://www.rootedinfaithfamilyfarmlife.com/sign-up   Join my Brand New Podcast Subscription at https://www.rootedinfaithfamilyfarmlife.com/product/Rooted-In-Podcast-Subscription   Grab our 2025 Rooted In Planner - https://www.rootedinfaithfamilyfarmlife.com/store-search/search?keyword=Planner   A few of our favorites... Nursing Queen Clothing! For all your breastfeeding accessible clothing needs check out https://www.nursingqueen.com/?ref=rootedin   Toups and Co - For all your deodorant and lotion needs I love https://toupsandco.com/lindsayspurrier and use the code ROOTED10 for a discount!   Cloth Diapering Needs! www.greenmountaindiapers.com use the code ROOTEDPFW10 - For your cloth diapering needs!   Hair, Skin and Wellness Products - www.lindsayspurrier.mymonat.com   Bible Recap Text - https://amzn.to/3LgO8Ih   Some of the above links are affiliate links which means I may earn a small commission if you use them. As always, that you for your support of this podcast and in turn our family! Love, Lindsay Spurrier

Dr. Ryan Scholz joins the Exchange to offer more insight.

This episode was recorded at the 2025 Florida Ruminant Nutrition Symposium. Dr. DeVries' research focuses on farm-level decisions and modeling. The University of Florida dairy has implemented the use of beef semen. Dr. DeVries describes some of the factors that go into a partial budget for this system as well as details some of the factors involved in implementing beef on dairy. The UF dairy genomically tests all their cows and the panel discusses some differences in beef and dairy selection based on genomics. (5:58)Dr. Felix asks how the beef sires are selected for the UF dairy. Calving ease and fertility are key, as well as low cost. Dr. Johnson asks if spending a little more on beef semen might pay off in the longer term regarding beef quality. The panel agrees that in the current market, dairy producers are getting $800-$1000 for a day-old calf regardless of the beef sire, so perhaps beef sire selection has not been a major focus. (15:07)Dr. DeVries describes some of the data he evaluates when deciding how many cows to breed with sexed dairy semen. Given the current beef prices, heifer retention has not been as high in either the beef or dairy sector as previously predicted. (19:22)The panel discusses the importance of cow longevity in the dairy sector. Dr. DeVries explains the pros and cons of keeping cows in the milking herd longer. Dr. Nelson reminds listeners of the current cull cow market and how that also plays a role in decision-making for dairy and beef producers. (24:16)Dr. Nelson describes the heifer development program for the UF dairy. Week-old heifer calves are shipped to Kansas for development and return to UF at about 200-220 days pregnant. This approach is very common in the southeast. Many of the beef on dairy calves will also be shipped to calf ranches out of state. (30:59)Dr. DeVries' model concluded that switching from conventional dairy to beef-on-dairy resulted in about $150 advantage per cow per year. On top of that was another $50 per cow because of the switch to sourcing your heifers from your best cows. (34:13)The panel discusses the idea of transferring beef embryos into dairy cows. Could there be a day when this approach creates beef calves less expensively than the cow/calf sector can? They also delve into whether there will be any long-term negative impacts of breeding dairy cows with beef semen. (38:44)Dr. Johnson mentions another paradigm shift of the beef-on-dairy system is feeding dairy-influenced heifers in the feedlot, which has not happened before. Technologies used to promote growth in the feed yard can induce spontaneous lactation in some of these heifers. Milk is considered an adulterant in the packing plant and requires trimming if it splashes on a carcass. Dr. Nelson suggests that until there is a discount for heifer beef on dairy calves, there won't be a shift to using sexed male semen to create predominantly beef on dairy steers. (48:33)The panel wraps up with their take-home thoughts. (57:46)Please subscribe and share with your industry friends to invite more people to join us at the Real Science Exchange virtual pub table.  If you want one of our Real Science Exchange t-shirts, screenshot your rating, review, or subscription, and email a picture to anh.marketing@balchem.com. Include your size and mailing address, and we'll mail you a shirt.

This Real Science Exchange podcast episode was recorded during a webinar from Balchem's Real Science Lecture Series. You can find it at balchem.com/realscience.Dr. Baumgard begins with an overview of the structure and function of the gastrointestinal tract. More than 75% of an animal's immune system resides in the gut. The focus of this webinar is how heat stress initiates leaky gut, how that leaky gut then influences the immune and hormonal systems, and ultimately, how that reduces productivity. (0:22)Dr. Baumgard compares the metabolism of a cow 200 days in milk to a cow 10 days in milk. The 200-day cow is experiencing ad libitum intake and gaining weight. Her insulin levels would be high, and NEFAs would be low. On the other hand, the 10-day cow is experiencing suboptimal intake, and her insulin levels are the lowest they'll ever be during the production cycle. Body tissue is mobilized, and NEFAs will increase. Research shows it takes 72 grams of glucose to make one kilogram of milk. Any disruption to the gluconeogenic pathway has the potential to decrease milk yield. (6:38)Heat stress is estimated to cost the US dairy industry $1.7 billion each year. Regardless of climate change, heat stress will continue to be an issue because all economically important phenotypes in animal agriculture are heat-producing processes. Dr. Baumgard's lab has been investigating the biology of heat stress to implement more effective mitigation strategies. (9:09)How much of the reduction in feed intake during heat stress explains the reduction in milk yield? A pair-feeding experiment comparing thermoneutral to heat-stressed cows showed that about 50% of the reduction in milk yield during a heat wave is due to a reduction in feed intake. The thermoneutral cows lost weight in response to decreased intake, and their NEFAs increased. Heat-stressed cows did not have an increase in NEFA. Heat-stressed animals fail to mobilize adipose tissue despite their endocrine profile predicting that they should. However, insulin is high when we would expect it to be low, and that response to heat stress is highly conserved in all species. (10:43)Heat-stressed cows produced about 400 grams less lactose per day than their pair-fed thermoneutral controls. This is nearly a pound! Is the liver producing 400 fewer grams of glucose each day? Or is some other extramammary tissue using more glucose per day? Dr. Baumgard's work suggests that the immune system is where the 400 grams of glucose go in heat-stressed animals. During heat stress, vasodilation at the body surface occurs, with concomitant vasoconstriction in the gut. The gut epithelium is very sensitive to reduced oxygen delivery that would result from the vasoconstriction, and tight junction proteins do not function properly, resulting in a leaky gut. This results in an infiltration of antigens into the body, which causes an immune response.  (15:36)Dr. Baumgard details how insulin fits into these immune responses via the Warburg effect. An activated immune cell prefers glucose and needs it in high quantities. The activated cell switches from the Kreb's cycle to generate ATP to aerobic glycolysis. This requires high insulin. The immune system requires approximately one gram of glucose per kilogram of metabolic body weight per hour. (25:03)By far, the biggest impact a dairy producer can make to alleviate heat stress is to modify the environment physically: shade, fans, soakers, misters, etc. Investing in cooling cows improves production efficiency and profitability, summer fertility, animal welfare and health, and sustainability. Other important heat abatement considerations include adequate water availability, reducing walking distance to the parlor and time in the holding pen, and improving ventilation. Dry cows should also be part of any heat abatement strategy, as the benefits of cooling dry cows extends far into lactation. Dr. Baumgard also discusses different dietary management strategies for heat stress situations. (32:43)In summary, heat stress decreases almost every metric of productivity and costs everyone in the industry. Reduced feed intake is only part of the problem. Heat-induced leaky gut results in biological consequences incredibly similar to any other immune activation, such as mastitis or metritis. For dairy producers, heat stress abatement should by far be their biggest priority. Once those infrastructure improvements are in place, dietary interventions are another good strategy to minimize the negative consequences of heat stress. (47:43)Dr. Baumgard takes questions from the webinar audience. (49:22)Please subscribe and share with your industry friends to invite more people to join us at the Real Science Exchange virtual pub table.  If you want one of our Real Science Exchange t-shirts, screenshot your rating, review, or subscription, and email a picture to anh.marketing@balchem.com. Include your size and mailing address, and we'll mail you a shirt.

In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Ignacio Artavia, Global Marketing Manager for Ruminants at dsm-firmenich, explores the critical role of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25OHD3) in dairy cattle health. Unlike traditional vitamin D3, which requires metabolic conversion in the liver and kidneys before becoming bioavailable, 25OHD3 bypasses the first step, allowing for faster absorption and improved efficiency. Learn how this can enhance calcium metabolism, immune function, and milk production, helping dairy cows stay healthier and productive. Listen now on all major platforms!"Feeding 25-hydroxy D3 benefits dairy herds by improving health, enhancing calcium metabolism, and strengthening immunity—boosting milk yield."Meet the guest: Ignacio Artavia holds a Bachelor's degree in Agronomic Engineering from EARTH University in Costa Rica and a Master's in Animal Sciences with a specialization in Animal Nutrition from Wageningen University in the Netherlands. With a background in ruminant nutrition, he has worked extensively in dairy cattle health, focusing on mycotoxin risk management and vitamin supplementation. Currently serving as Global Marketing Manager for Ruminants at dsm-firmenich, Ignacio is dedicated to improving dairy farm sustainability and efficiency.What you'll learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:26) Introduction(03:42) Guest background(07:39) Why vitamin D matters(11:11) Sunlight vs. dietary vitamin D(19:16) Vitamin D conversion(22:50) Milk production and immunity(34:16) Final three questionsThe Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like: dsm-firmenich* Adisseo- Natural Biologics- Scoular- Priority IAC- Protekta- Volac- SmaXtec- ICC- Acepsis- Trouw Nutrition- Berg + Schmidt

Join us as we welcome Sean Smith from Clanman Farm in Manitoba to share his family's rich history in dairy farming. Discover how Sean's grandparents initially chose Jersey cows for their high butterfat content, a decision that laid the foundation for the farm's success. Sean reflects on his childhood passion for farming, fostered through involvement in a 4-H club and cattle showing. You'll learn about the farm's evolution, including their transition to using a DeLaval VMS robotic milker, which has transformed their operations and reinforced their commitment to sustainable grazing practices.Explore the innovative strategies that Sean employs to optimize dairy production, blending robotic milking systems with strategic grazing and Total Mixed Ration (TMR) feeding. Sean discusses how the strategic location of their barn and use of one-way gates enhance the cows' grazing patterns and milk yield. He provides insights into Canada's supply management system, explaining how it stabilizes milk prices and supports small farms. We also touch on the impact of dairy genetics, the use of sexed semen to boost herd quality, and the challenges of managing heifer numbers.Finally, Sean shares his experiences in pasture management and soil health, highlighting the use of perennial and annual species mixes to maintain sustainable grazing. Listen as Sean discusses his experiments with breeding, including using beef breeds like Angus and Wagyu, and shares his approach to calf-rearing. We wrap up with Sean's favorite resources and tips for aspiring graziers, offering a blend of practical advice and personal anecdotes to inspire innovation and sustainability in agriculture.Links Mentioned in the EpisodeClanman JerseysVisit our Sponsors:Noble Research InstituteRedmond2025 Manderley Farms Grazing ConferenceGrazing Grass LinksNew Listener Resource GuideProvide feedback for the podcastWebsiteInsidersResources (Coming Soon)Community (on Facebook)Check out the Apiary Chronicles PodcastOriginal Music by Louis PalfreyChapters(00:00) - Introduction and Fast Five with Sean Smith (00:34) - History of Clanmen Jerseys (01:18) - Welcome to the Grazing Grass Podcast (01:52) - Ranch Management Courses Announcement (03:00) - Sean's Early Farming Influences (04:08) - Transition to Robotic Milking (06:11) - Regenerative Practices on the Farm (09:36) - Challenges and Innovations in Grazing (15:47) - Supply Management System in Canada (20:30) - Genetics and Breeding Strategies (26:43) - Choosing Beef Breeds: Angus and Wagyu (28:03) - Raising Calves on Nurse Cows (30:02) - Overgrazing Section: Redmond Minerals (31:12) - Forage Management for Dairy Cows (34:07) - No-Till Farming and Herbicide Use (35:31) - Winter Forage Strategies (36:40) - Soil Microorganisms and Composting (43:15) - Future Plans for Dairy Farming (47:23) - Famous Four Questions (54:00) - Conclusion and Listener Resources

In this episode of the Grazing Grass Podcast, esteemed cattle consultant Steve Campbell shares his remarkable journey from a stocker cattle manager to a leading figure in grass-finished beef production. Following a life-altering leg injury in 1999, Steve's career took a transformative path as he embraced regenerative practices, heavily influenced by the Stockman Grass Farmer magazine. His expertise in optimizing grass and mineral content has led to groundbreaking methods for disease prevention, such as eliminating pink eye and foot rot. Steve's commitment to sustainable cattle management, along with his innovative approach to genetic and epigenetic cattle selection, makes this episode a treasure trove of insights for those interested in elevating cattle development.Topics covered in this episode:Selecting cattle for grass efficiencyGenetic and epigenetic cattle selectionSelecting bulls for cattle improvementAssessing cattle fertility and indicatorsGrazing management and cattle selectionThis episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about sustainable cattle management and regenerative agriculture. Steve Campbell's profound insights into strategic breeding, disease prevention, and the optimization of grass and mineral content provide invaluable knowledge for both seasoned grazers and newcomers. By listening, you'll gain practical tips and tools to enhance your cattle management practices and improve meat quality while addressing challenges such as fertility and udder quality. Don't miss the opportunity to learn from a true pioneer in the field.Links Mentioned in the EpisodeTailor Made CattleVisit our Sponsors:Noble Research InstituteRedmond2025 Manderley Farms Grazing ConferenceGrazing Grass LinksNew Listener Resource GuideProvide feedback for the podcastWebsiteInsidersResources (Coming Soon)Community (on Facebook)Check out the Apiary Chronicles PodcastOriginal Music by Louis PalfreyChapters(00:00) - Introduction (00:28) - Meet Steve Campbell: Background and Early Life (04:29) - Transition to Grass Finishing (07:19) - Learning and Implementing Rotational Grazing (20:28) - Selecting Efficient Cattle for Grass (33:56) - Exploring Dairy Cow Ownership (34:24) - Selecting the Right Bull for Your Herd (35:22) - Understanding Bull and Cow Anatomy (38:04) - Calving Ease and Gestation Insights (38:58) - The Importance of Bull Shoulders (42:54) - Epigenetics and Herd Improvement (43:50) - Environmental Adaptation of Cows (48:13) - Indicators of Fertility in Bulls and Cows (55:11) - Famous Four Questions (01:04:16) - Conclusion and Resources

In this study, two basal diets were fed, one low-fat and one high-fat. The low-fat diet contained cottonseed meal and cottonseed hulls and the high-fat diet contained whole cottonseed. This balanced fiber and protein to try and make the difference between the basal diets and just the fatty acids. Basal diets were supplemented with two different fat supplements that had different ratios of palmitic and oleic acids. The applied question at hand was “Does fat need to be supplemented to a high-fat basal diet?” (5:32)The low-fat diet contained 1.93% fatty acids and the high-fat diet contained 3.15% fatty acids. Fatty acid supplements were fed at 1.5% of dry matter and replaced soyhulls. The palmitic acid supplement contained 80% palmitic acid and 10% oleic acid. The palmitic + oleic acid supplement contained 60% palmitic acid and 30% oleic acid. Thirty-six cows were used in a split-plot Latin square design, with half the cows on each basal diet. Under each split-plot, cows were allocated to a 3x3 Latin square, evaluating a control treatment (no fat supplement), palmitic acid supplement, and palmitic + oleic acid supplement. (8:46)Bill, Adam, and Clay discuss the increase in milk components the industry has experienced recently due to the powerful combination of genetics and nutrition. Hoard's Dairyman reported that 2024 was the first year that the U.S. had averaged over 4% milk fat going back to 1924 when records began. (13:01)Both fat supplements increased milk yield in low-fat and high-fat basal diets, but the magnitude of the increase was larger in the low-fat diet. The high palmitic acid diet increased milk yield more in cows fed the low-fat basal diet than the palmitic + oleic supplement did. High-fat basal diet cows had similar milk yield responses to both fatty acid supplements. The panel discusses the industry emphasis on milk components and if/when a threshold in performance might happen given the advancement of genomics and nutrition. (15:51)Clay asks Adam to remind the listeners about the relationship between fatty acids and crude fat or ether extract. Adam recommends moving away from ether extract and focusing solely on fatty acid content. Bill, Adam, and Clay talk about the variability in the fatty acid content of various feedstuffs. (25:33)Bill asks if the feed efficiency improvement with the fat supplementation was due to more of a gross energy or digestible/metabolizable energy effect. Adam suggests it may be a little of both. The diet is more energy-dense, but we also know now that some of those specific fatty acids have specific effects. Improvements in NDF digestibility are consistently observed with palmitic acid supplementation. Oleic acid improves fatty acid absorption and has an impact on adipose tissue metabolism and insulin sensitivity. Bill and Adam go on to talk more philosophically about the best way to measure feed efficiency in dairy cows. (29:02)If Adam could do this experiment over again, he would have pushed the basal fat levels a bit more and had both lower-producing and higher-producing cows in the experiment. This leads to a discussion of how the results might have differed if distiller grains or soybeans were used instead of cottonseed in the experiment. Listeners should be careful not to extrapolate the results from this experiment to other fat sources. (33:55)Adam emphasizes that we shouldn't be afraid of feeding high-fat diets, either basal or supplemental fatty acids, especially to high-producing cows. We should be very mindful about where those fatty acids are coming from. We could provide the same nutrients by feeding either cottonseed or distillers grains, but how those ingredients feed out could be very different. (38:38)In summary, Clay agrees we should take a fresh look at how much fat we're feeding cows in basal diets and underlines the importance of the source of supplemental fatty acids. Bill concurs and commends Adam's group for basically making cottonseed without fat in the low-fat basal diet, which allowed for very clean interpretations of the fatty acid supplement results. Adam underlines that we can feed higher fat diets, but the fatty acid profile of all of those ingredients we might use is going to be key. In addition to fatty acids in diets and supplements, de novo synthesis of milk fat from acetate is the other half of the equation. Bringing those together might be a strategy to keep up with genetic improvements and drive higher milk fat yield. (47:43)You can find this episode's journal club paper from JDS Communications here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666910223001114Please subscribe and share with your industry friends to invite more people to join us at the Real Science Exchange virtual pub table.  If you want one of our Real Science Exchange t-shirts, screenshot your rating, review, or subscription, and email a picture to anh.marketing@balchem.com. Include your size and mailing address, and we'll mail you a shirt.

This Real Science Exchange podcast episode was recorded during a webinar from Balchem's Real Science Lecture Series. You can find it at balchem.com/realscience.Feeding behavior of dairy cows is inherently tied to their dry matter intake (DMI) which is tied to milk production. If we want to change a cow's DMI, it must be mediated by changing her feeding behavior. (00:23)In a multi-variable analysis, Dr. DeVries found that DMI was most associated with feeding time and meal frequency. It's important to allow the cow to maximize the amount of time she can spend at the bunk eating, as well as the number of times she can get to the bunk each day. In one study, about 30% of the variability in milk fat content in cows on the same diet was explained by their meal frequency, where cows who had more meals per day had higher milk fat. Dr. DeVries also talks about the impacts of feeding behavior on cow efficiency and rumen dynamics. (2:13)As soon as a cow sorts the TMR put in front of her, she consumes a diet that's variable in composition to what we expect. Cows who sorted against long feed particles had lower milk fat and milk protein concentrations. In another study, Dr. DeVries retrospectively analyzed cows with a low vs high risk of ruminal acidosis. Cows in both groups had similar DMI but a tendency for high-risk cows to have lower milk yield and numerically lower milk fat. Combining these resulted in significantly lower fat-corrected milk for the high-risk cows. Given that the diets and DMI were similar, the difference was attributed to sorting, which can have quite negative impacts on individual and herd-level production. (10:00)Cows spend nearly twice as much time ruminating as they do eating. Rumination reduces feed particle size and increases surface area, leading to increased rates of digestion and feed passage. In a recent study, Dr. DeVries' group calculated the probability that cows were ruminating while lying down using automated monitoring data from previous experiments. Cows with a higher probability of ruminating while lying down had higher DMI, milk fat, and milk protein than cows who ruminated while standing. This highlights that cows need not only time to ruminate but also space for sufficient rest. (16:44)Diets and diet composition should be formulated to encourage frequent meals, discourage sorting, and stimulate rumination. Forage management factors including forage quality, forage quantity, forage type (dry vs ensiled), and particle size all play important roles. In a study with fresh cows, Dr. DeVries' lab fed two different particle sizes of straw: 5-8 cm vs 2-3 cm in length. While DMI was the same over the first 28 days of lactation, cows fed the long straw spent more time with rumen pH below 5.8 because they were sorting against the straw. This also resulted in a yield difference, as the short straw-fed cows produced about 165 pounds more milk over the first 28 days compared to the long straw group. Dr. DeVries also comments on the use of feed additives on rumen stability and feeding behavior (22:54)More frequent feed delivery should generate more consistent consumption and better feeding behavior, and improve rumen health and milk component concentration. Shifting feed delivery away from return from milking, while still ensuring cows have abundant feed available, results in more consistent eating patterns. Dr. DeVries emphasizes that we push up feed to make sure it's present at the bunk, not to stimulate cows to eat. We want to make sure that eating behavior is driven by the cow: when she's hungry and goes to the bunk, we need to make sure feed is there. (30:02)Dr. DeVries indicates we want to minimize the time cows are without feed completely. An empty bunk overnight plus a little overcrowding resulted in negative impacts on rumen health, including more acidosis and reduced fiber digestibility. Increased competition in overcrowding scenarios results in cows having larger meals, eating faster, and likely having a larger negative ruminal impact. In another study, every four inches of increased bunk space was associated with about 0.06% greater milk fat. Herds with high de novo fat synthesis were 10 times more likely to have at least 18 inches of bunk space per cow.  (40:04)In closing, Dr. DeVries' biggest takeaway is that how cows eat is just as important as the nutritional composition of the feed in ensuring cow health, efficiency, and production. Collectively, with good quality feed and good feeding management, we can gain optimal performance from those diets. Dr. DeVries ends by taking questions from the webinar audience. (43:40)Please subscribe and share with your industry friends to invite more people to join us at the Real Science Exchange virtual pub table.  If you want one of our Real Science Exchange t-shirts, screenshot your rating, review, or subscription, and email a picture to anh.marketing@balchem.com. Include your size and mailing address, and we'll mail you a shirt.

Scientists have found that just one mutation in the current H5N1 virus in cattle can switch its preference from avian to human receptors. Jim Paulson and colleagues at the Scripps Institute did not use the whole virus to investigate this, but proteins from one of the Texas farm workers found to be infected. It suggests the bovine H5N1 virus has already evolved subtly. Meanwhile, Richard Webby of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis helps us catch up on the latest known about the case of the Canadian teenager taken seriously ill a month ago with a different variant of avian H5N1. A debate has been rumbling this last year about the extent of ocean warming by, perhaps paradoxically, the reduction of particulate pollution from the fuel used by ships. The idea is that the small particles of sulphates and nitrates in the soot from funnels actually formed clouds over shipping lanes out at sea. This in turn sheltered the oceans to some extent from solar radiation, thus making latter decades of the 20th century seem cooler than they would have measured today. Hence, removing the particulate pollution from bunker fuel, mandated by the International Maritime Organisation a few years ago, may have contributed to the surge in ocean temperatures witnessed in the last two years. Daniele Visione, of Cornell, and colleagues have done the modelling and found that there has indeed been a noticeable effect. But earth's oceans are certainly not as hot as Venus' ones, if indeed such oceans ever existed. It has long been held that once upon a time our sunward neighbour might have possessed liquid water oceans, long since boiled off by runaway greenhouse effects of the atmosphere. But, breaking with science fiction visions of aliens paddling in temperate seas, Tereza Constantinou of Cambridge University has been looking at the gases coming out of the volcanos on Venus, and has concluded that the planet never had such surface water, basically because the rocks from which magma is made don't billow steam when they boil today. Presented by Roland Pease Produced by Alex Mansfield with Debbie Kilbride Production Coordinator: Jana Bennett-Holesworth(Image: Bird Flu in Dairy Cows; Credit: The Washington Post via Getty Images)