The Dairy Podcast Show

In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Rick Grant, Trustee of Miner Institute and the William H. Miner Foundation, discusses how cow behavior, nutrition, and management intersect to influence performance and well-being. He shares how two decades at Miner Institute reshaped his understanding of time budgets, stocking density, and feed access, revealing how these factors influence chewing be...

In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Jim Salfer, Regional Extension Educator at the University of Minnesota, explores the world of robotic milking systems. From barn design that supports cow flow to strategies for maximizing milk per robot and improving labor efficiency, Jim discusses the economic and practical considerations of implementing this technology. Whether you're managing robot...

In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Steve Martin from DNMCmilk discusses the evolution and optimization of distillers grains in dairy cow diets. Drawing from decades of experience, he explains the nutritional and economic factors driving ingredient selection, the balance of fatty and amino acids, and strategies for feed cost efficiency. Listen now on all major platforms! "Understanding...

In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Miel Hostens from Cornell University shares how data integration and AI are reshaping dairy herd management. He discusses key challenges in data systems, explains the role of sensors and cloud tools in farm-level decisions, and highlights how smarter data handling leads to more sustainable dairy production. Learn how digital tools are powering the fut...

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 transporter...

In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Jennifer Weber from Afimilk discusses how data-driven technology is transforming dairy management. She explains how feed efficiency algorithms and cow-level data are transforming breeding, replacement strategies, and sustainability strategies on farms. Discover how digital tools are redefining productivity and profitability in the dairy industry. Listen n...

In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Megan Schrupp, veterinarian and owner of NexGen Dairy in Minnesota, shares how proactive fresh cow management and new technologies are improving animal health and performance. She discusses the tools she uses to monitor fresh cows, reduce post-calving challenges, and build efficient, data-driven protocols that prioritize prevention. Learn how being pr...

In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Tricia Wood from Lallemand Animal Nutrition explains how microbial balance impacts feed efficiency, health, and milk production in dairy cattle. She outlines practical strategies for improving silage quality, preventing dysbiosis, and enhancing gut integrity through the use of prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics. Learn how to manage feed risks and...

In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Manny Salcedo, President and Founder of Dairy Performance Network, explains how technology is transforming compliance, efficiency, and management in large-scale dairy operations. He shares examples of using data integration, automation, and monitoring tools to reduce errors, improve consistency, and optimize herd performance. Learn how technology bridges...

In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Jill Nelson, co-owner and manager of Olmar Farms in Sleepy Eye, MN, tackles the critical issue of stray voltage—a hidden challenge with serious implications for cow behavior, milk production, and overall herd health. Jill explains how stray voltage impacts dairy operations and offers practical, research-backed solutions for identifying and resolving the i...

In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Michael Overton from Zoetis and Meagan Young from VAS bring a new perspective on cow replacement strategies. They discuss the economics of replacement timing, the impact of salvage value, and how keeping cows too long can reduce herd productivity. Learn how data-driven decisions impact profitability and sustainability on dairy operations. Listen now o...

In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. MaryGrace Erickson discusses sustainability challenges and opportunities within modern dairy production. She explores how protein nutrition, manure management, and farm-level decisions intersect to shape greenhouse gas emissions and nutrient cycles. Dr. Erickson also highlights the importance of integrating economic, environmental, and social perspect...

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 resear...

In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Kevin Harvatine from Penn State discusses strategies to optimize milk fat production in dairy cows. He explains the complexities of dietary fat requirements, feeding behavior, and the biological mechanisms influencing milk composition. Learn how seasonality, cow behavior, and nutritional balance interact to impact milk fat yield. Tune in now on all ma...

In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Jeff Firkins from The Ohio State University explains how fatty acids interact with rumen bacteria and influence fiber digestion in dairy cattle. He discusses the evolution of microbiome research, methane mitigation strategies, and the role of saturated versus unsaturated fats. Learn how a moderate fat strategy can help improve energy efficiency and co...

In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Enrico Casella, from Penn State University, discusses how artificial intelligence drives innovation in dairy farming. From using computer vision to estimate body weight to implementing sustainable water management and monitoring heat stress, Dr. Casella explains high-impact solutions advancing cattle health and boosting efficiency on the farm. Tune in...

In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Geoff Ackaert, Technical Director at AHV International, shares how quorum sensing inhibition is reshaping dairy cattle health management. By targeting microbial communication, this approach offers proactive strategies to improve animal health. He explains its impact on udder health, mastitis prevention, and lifetime milk production, as well as how it...

In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Corwin Nelson from the University of Florida takes a closer look at hypocalcemia and how our understanding of it has changed. He explains what’s really driving calcium imbalances, how inflammation plays a role, and what producers can do with current feeding and management tools. Hear practical strategies to keep cows healthier after calving. Listen no...

In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. José Eduardo Santos from the University of Florida breaks down how dietary fat plays a role in dairy cow health and reproduction. He discusses the physiological effects of specific fatty acids, their anti-inflammatory roles, and the evolving strategies for fresh cow nutrition. Listen now on all major platforms! "Feeding fatty acids may benefit fre...

In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Haylee Reisinger, a PhD student at Michigan State University, shares her research on using bioactive compounds in dairy cow diets to support the immune system. She explains the differences between bioactives and nutraceuticals, and how they influence immune and reproductive systems. Listen now on all major platforms! "Some phenolic compounds may suppo...

In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Paige Gott from dsm-firmenich Animal Nutrition & Health unpacks the complexities of mycotoxins in dairy cattle nutrition. She explains contamination risks, testing methods, and regional variability, offering practical guidance for dairy professionals preparing for harvest.  Get ahead of mycotoxin challenges before they impact herd health. Listen n...

In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Brad Daigneault, from the University of Florida, unpacks the science behind bull fertility and semen quality. Dr. Daigneault talks about key factors like motility scoring and mitochondrial function, and how technologies are being used to improve fertility predictions and boost reproductive performance. Discover how new tools may enhance fertility scre...

In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Mike Hutjens, Professor Emeritus at the University of Illinois, shares valuable tools to optimize calcium levels in transition cows. He breaks down how strategies like DCAD diets and zeolites can help prevent calcium-related health issues, ensuring cows stay healthy and productive through the critical early stages of lactation. Don’t miss his practica...

In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Hinayah Rojas, from Purdue University, shares valuable insights into the rapidly evolving field of genomics in dairy cattle. Dr. Rojas breaks down the challenges and opportunities presented by longitudinal traits like milk production, discussing how genomic tools are helping to boost sustainability across the industry. Additionally, Dr. Rojas offers a...

In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Vern Osborne from the University of Guelph explores the critical yet often overlooked role of water in dairy herd health and performance. From nutrient supplementation through water to improving water quality and facility design, Dr. Osborne offers practical advice for optimizing dairy operations. Tune in now on all major platforms! "Cows are incr...