In this episode of The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Christine Baes from the University of Guelph shares how genetics and genomics are transforming the way we think about sustainability in dairy herds. She explains how using genomic tools in breeding programs can help cut methane emissions, strengthen herd health, and keep dairies running efficiently. Tune in now to hear how genomic selection is helping producers breed cows that perform better, last longer, and support a more sustainable dairy industry. "When we talk about breeding or genetic selection, we’re talking about how to make cows better: healthier, more efficient, more environmentally friendly." Meet the guest: Dr. Christine Baes https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-baes/?originalSubdomain=ca is a quantitative geneticist and the Canada Research Chair in Livestock Genomics at the University of Guelph, where she also serves as Acting Associate Dean of External Relations at the Ontario Agricultural College. Her work focuses on genetic strategies that improve sustainability, animal health, and production efficiency. Click here to learn more: The Resilient Dairy Genome Project—A general overview of methods and objectives related to feed efficiency and methane emissions: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022030223006173 Review: Opportunities and challenges for the genetic selection of dairy calf disease traits: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1751731124000727 Estimation of genetic parameters and genome-wide association study for enzootic bovine leukosis resistance in Canadian Holstein cattle: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022030224011639 Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love! https://www.wisenetix.com/dairyhealthblackbelt What you will learn: (00:00) Highlight (00:47) Introduction (01:56) Breeding for sustainability (04:37) Genetics versus genomics (06:02) Genomic selection tools (07:02) Reducing methane emissions (08:45) Global genetic impact (09:55) Closing thoughts 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺. Website: https://dairyhealthblackbelt.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dairycampus/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/dairycampus/

In this episode of The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Jimena Laporta from the University of Wisconsin–Madison discusses how heat stress affects calves before and after birth. She shares findings on multi-generational effects, calf cooling strategies, and the long-term benefits of thermal management. Learn how early-life cooling can improve future performance and herd health. Listen now on all major platforms! "Heat stress during late gestation affects both the dry cow and her unborn calf, creating long-term impacts on productivity and health." Meet the guest: Dr. Jimena Laporta https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimena-laporta-444802230/ earned her bachelor’s in Biology and master’s in Animal Sciences before completing her Ph.D. in Dairy Science at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Now an Associate Professor of Lactation Physiology, her research explores how environmental and nutritional factors shape mammary development and lactation in dairy cattle. Click here to learn more: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40818677/ Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love! https://www.wisenetix.com/dairyhealthblackbelt What you will learn: (00:00) Highlight (00:57) Introduction (02:02) Heat stress impact (04:18) Calf cooling systems (06:37) Housing challenges (07:32) Research insights (09:27) Practical applications (12:14) Closing thoughts 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺. Website: https://dairyhealthblackbelt.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dairycampus/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/dairycampus/

In this episode of The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Paul Fricke from the University of Wisconsin–Madison discusses reproductive management strategies for dairy heifers and how synchronization protocols can improve fertility and profitability. He shares new findings on timed insemination, sexed semen, and the economic value of reducing days on feed. Learn how to optimize your herd’s reproductive efficiency. Listen now on all major platforms! "Heifers are often overlooked in reproductive programs, yet their management directly influences the long-term productivity and efficiency of the entire dairy herd." Meet the guest: Dr. Paul Fricke https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-fricke-82a37a8/ is a Professor of Dairy Science and Extension Specialist at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. His research focuses on improving reproductive efficiency in dairy cattle through advanced reproductive technologies and data-based management. With more than 100 peer-reviewed papers and a global speaking record, Dr. Fricke’s work has shaped dairy reproductive programs worldwide. Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love! https://www.wisenetix.com/dairyhealthblackbelt What you will learn: (00:00) Highlight (00:32) Introduction (01:22) Heifer fertility management (02:50) Synchronization protocols (06:32) Sexed semen timing (09:12) Economic efficiency (10:09) Reproductive technology trends (12:07) Closing thoughts 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺. Website: https://dairyhealthblackbelt.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dairycampus/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/dairycampus/

In this episode of The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Paul Fricke, Professor of Dairy Science at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, explores how timed AI protocols and activity monitoring systems can boost reproductive efficiency in dairy herds. He explains what recent research reveals about insemination timing, the pitfalls of common practices like “Co-Synch,” and how data-driven monitoring improves fertility outcomes. Listen now on all major platforms! "Delaying insemination by 16 hours after the final injection increased conception from 36% to 46%, a 28% increase in pregnant animals." Meet the guest: Dr. Paul Fricke https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-fricke-82a37a8/ is a Professor of Dairy Science and Extension Specialist at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. His research focuses on improving reproductive efficiency in dairy cattle through advanced reproductive technologies and data-based management. With more than 100 peer-reviewed papers and a global speaking record, Dr. Fricke’s work has shaped dairy reproductive programs worldwide. Click here to learn more: https://www.journalofdairyscience.org/article/S0022-0302(25)00396-0/fulltext Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love! https://www.wisenetix.com/dairyhealthblackbelt What you will learn: (00:00) Highlight (01:10) Introduction (02:00) Timed AI protocols (03:27) Insemination timing (05:54) Activity systems (08:11) Fertility optimization (09:10) Future integration (11:13) Closing thoughts 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺. Website: https://dairyhealthblackbelt.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dairycampus/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/dairycampus/

In this episode of The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Maria Jose Fuenzalida from the University of Wisconsin–River Falls explores how mastitis prevention and employee training improve milk quality and cow welfare. She shares findings from her research and explains why not every mastitis case needs treatment. Listen now on all major platforms! "Training is important, but continuing training and making sure that everybody’s on the same page is also very important." Meet the guest: Dr. Maria Jose Fuenzalida https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-jose-fuenzalida-96579575/ , DVM, PhD, is an Assistant Professor of Dairy Health and Management at the University of Wisconsin–River Falls. Her research focuses on milk quality, mastitis control, and antimicrobial resistance in dairy cows. She brings extensive experience from her time at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and Chile. Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love! https://www.wisenetix.com/dairyhealthblackbelt What you will learn: (00:00) Highlight (00:57) Introduction (03:17) Mastitis treatment findings (04:52) Disease interconnection (06:27) Employee training value (09:17) Human factor challenges (12:45) Continuous education (13:35) Closing thoughts 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺. Website: https://dairyhealthblackbelt.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dairycampus/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/dairycampus/

In this episode of The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Rafael Domingues from The Ohio State University explores insights into pregnancy loss in dairy cattle. He explains the biological mechanisms behind embryonic failure, progesterone’s role in supporting early pregnancy, and strategies to reduce reproductive losses. Get evidence-based takeaways to improve herd fertility and reproductive management. Listen now on all major platforms! "Progesterone supplementation helped enhance embryonic development and improve communication between the embryo and the uterus." Meet the guest: Dr. Rafael Domingues https://www.linkedin.com/in/rafael-domingues-670254104/ , DVM, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in Ruminant Physiology at The Ohio State University’s Department of Animal Sciences. His research focuses on reproductive biology, endocrinology, and molecular mechanisms influencing pregnancy success in cattle. Dr. Domingues investigates how the ovary, uterus, and embryo interact to improve reproductive efficiency and herd health. Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love! https://www.wisenetix.com/dairyhealthblackbelt What you will learn: (00:00) Highlight (01:03) Introduction (02:39) Early pregnancy loss (04:41) Identifying causes (06:26) Progesterone supplementation (07:16) Placenta development (08:08) Use of CIDR (10:58) Closing thoughts 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺. Website: https://dairyhealthblackbelt.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dairycampus/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/dairycampus/

In this episode of The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Anna Denicol, Associate Professor at the University of California, Davis, discusses the effects of heat stress on ovarian folliculogenesis and genetic selection of cattle for thermotolerance through the slick gene. She explains how temperature and humidity impact reproductive performance, shares follicle culture techniques, and explores how genetics can help sustain fertility under heat stress. Listen now on all major platforms! "We saw that the follicles exposed to intermittent heat stress grew more slowly and were less viable after one week." Meet the guest: Dr. Anna Denicol https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-denicol-49a873366/ is an Associate Professor in the Department of Animal Science at the University of California, Davis. She earned her Ph.D. in Developmental Biology and Embryology from the University of Florida and completed postdoctoral research in ovarian and stem cell biology at Northeastern University. Her work focuses on reproductive and developmental biology in cattle, emphasizing folliculogenesis, assisted reproduction, and genetic adaptation to heat stress. Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love! https://www.wisenetix.com/dairyhealthblackbelt What you will learn: (00:00) Highlight (00:46) Introduction (01:40) Follicular development stages (03:05) Techniques and challenges (05:14) Heat stress effects (08:46) Slick gene insights (10:26) Genetic heat tolerance (11:54) Closing thoughts 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺. Website: https://dairyhealthblackbelt.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dairycampus/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/dairycampus/

In this episode of The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Clara Rial, manager of a commercial dairy farm in Spain, shares her unique perspective as both a veterinarian and researcher managing a commercial dairy farm. She explains how precision technologies and real-time data collection can shape calf management, improve health outcomes, and drive better decision-making. She also highlights the challenge of adapting research findings to farm-specific realities. Listen now on all major platforms! "One of the biggest challenges is to adapt what we learn and what we have data from to the real world." Meet the guest: Dr. Clara Rial https://www.linkedin.com/in/clara-rial-651a14283/ , originally from Argentina, is a veterinarian and researcher specializing in animal health and precision livestock technologies. With a PhD from Cornell University, her work has focused on automated monitoring systems for dairy cattle health and reproduction. Currently, she manages a calf-rearing operation in Spain, utilizing modern tools. Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love! https://www.wisenetix.com/dairyhealthblackbelt What you will learn: (00:00) Highlight (01:05) Introduction (02:51) From research to the farm (05:13) Farm-specific challenges (06:44) Data-based decisions (08:20) Measuring real outcomes (10:11) Data importance (10:41) Closing thoughts 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺. Website: https://dairyhealthblackbelt.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dairycampus/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/dairycampus/

In this episode of The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Clara Rial, currently managing the rearing section of a commercial dairy farm in Spain, explains how precision technologies are reshaping dairy cattle health. She shares findings from her work on activity monitoring systems, discussing their value for early disease detection, clinical examination strategies, and practical applications on commercial dairies. Listen now on all major platforms! "Cows selected with sensor alerts had greater milk production, especially in the first 21 days in milk." Meet the guest: Dr. Clara Rial https://www.linkedin.com/in/clara-rial-651a14283/ , originally from Argentina, is a veterinarian and researcher specializing in animal health and precision livestock technologies. With a PhD from Cornell University, her work has focused on automated monitoring systems for dairy cattle health and reproduction. Currently, she manages a calf-rearing operation in Spain, utilizing modern tools. Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love! https://www.wisenetix.com/dairyhealthblackbelt What you will learn: (00:00) Highlight (01:03) Introduction (01:43) Guest background (04:13) Sensor-based monitoring (05:20) Early disease detection (07:02) Cow alerts (09:13) Data-driven decisions (10:57) Closing thoughts 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺. Website: https://dairyhealthblackbelt.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dairycampus/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/dairycampus/

In this episode of The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Guillermo Martinez-Boggio from the University of California, Davis, explores the role of genetics in improving feed efficiency and reducing methane emissions in dairy cows. He explains how genomic tools and reference populations are being developed to help farmers select more efficient, lower-emission animals. Learn how genetics, management, and feeding strategies can work together for a more sustainable dairy industry. Listen now on all major platforms! "Cows that produce less methane are more feed efficient, according to our preliminary studies." Meet the guest: Dr. Guillermo Martinez-Boggio https://www.linkedin.com/in/guillermo-martinez-boggio-7b9132150/ is an Assistant Professor in Animal Genetics at the University of California, Davis. His research focuses on the genetics of complex traits in livestock, genome-microbiome interactions, and strategies to reduce enteric methane emissions while enhancing energy efficiency in dairy cows. Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love! https://www.wisenetix.com/dairyhealthblackbelt What you will learn: (00:00) Highlight (00:39) Introduction (02:35) Genetic tools (04:28) Reference populations (08:46) Feed efficiency (10:13) Methane reduction (12:11) Management strategies (14:29) Closing thoughts 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺. Website: https://dairyhealthblackbelt.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dairycampus/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/dairycampus/

In this episode of The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Breno Fragomeni, Associate Professor at the University of Connecticut, explains the challenges of selecting dairy cattle for heat tolerance without compromising fertility. He outlines current gaps in national genetic evaluations, shares findings from local herd studies, and discusses the future of trait selection in heat-stressed environments. Tune in now on all major platforms! "We associate declining milk production with higher temperature and humidity as the animal's ability to cope with heat stress." Meet the guest: Dr. Breno Fragomeni is an Associate Professor at the University of Connecticut, specializing in genetic and genomic evaluations in dairy cattle. He earned his PhD in Animal and Dairy Science from the University of Georgia, following degrees in Veterinary Science and Animal Science in Brazil. Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love! https://www.wisenetix.com/dairyhealthblackbelt What you will learn: (00:00) Highlight (00:56) Introduction (02:02) Guest background (03:44) Heat stress impact (06:12) Fertility trade-offs (09:16) National data modeling (10:43) Genomic selection use (13:29) Closing thoughts 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺. Website: https://dairyhealthblackbelt.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dairycampus/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/dairycampus/

In this special episode of The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast, emphasizing the importance of sustainability in dairy production, Dr. Ermias Kebreab from the University of California explains the science behind methane emissions in dairy cattle and the strategies being developed to reduce them. He discusses how inhibitors and feed additives such as seaweed and 3-NOP work, their impact on animal productivity, and the potential benefits for climate change. Listen now on all major platforms! "In trials using feed additives, we saw a reduction of up to 90% in methane emissions without any negative effects on animal productivity." Meet the guest: Dr. Ermias Kebreab https://www.linkedin.com/in/ermias-kebreab-74108a25/ is Professor and Associate Dean at the University of California, Davis, where he holds the Sesnon Endowed Chair of Sustainable Agriculture. His research focuses on reducing livestock greenhouse gas emissions through feed additives, genetic innovations, and precision feeding. With extensive international experience, he leads efforts to advance climate-smart solutions in livestock production. Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love! https://www.wisenetix.com/dairyhealthblackbelt What you will learn: (00:00) Highlight (01:03) Introduction (02:06) Methane impact (03:08) Inhibitor function (05:27) Seaweed role (10:47) Practical benefits (14:43) Animal health (15:57) Closing thoughts 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺. Website: https://dairyhealthblackbelt.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dairycampus/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/dairycampus/

I'm Dr. Craig McConnel, and I’m thrilled to kick off my first episode as host on The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast! Very excited to embark on this journey with you. Celebrating National Farmer’s Day, our guest, Dr. Rik Hendriks, bovine practitioner and co-owner of veterinary practice Ell, explores the role of inflammation in metabolic diseases in dairy cows. He shares how physiology-centered veterinary care can improve treatment outcomes and reshape prevention strategies. Learn how inflammation impacts metabolism, longevity, and overall cow resilience. Listen now on all major platforms! "If you want to prevent post-calving complications, you need to understand if you’re dealing with metabolic, inflammatory, or combined issues." Meet the guest: Dr. Rik Hendriks https://www.linkedin.com/in/rik-hendriks-321a17128/ earned his veterinary degree from Utrecht University. He is a bovine practitioner and co-owner of the veterinary practice Ell in the Netherlands. With over three decades of field experience, he specializes in physiology-based advisory work, focusing on low-grade inflammation and metabolic disorders in dairy cows. He authored Pathways to Health and Disease for Dairy Cows and provides expert training to veterinarians and farmers. Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love! https://www.wisenetix.com/dairyhealthblackbelt What you will learn: (00:00) Highlight (00:37) Introduction (01:40) Diseases and concerns (04:15) Diagnostic limitations (06:25) Treatment vs inflammation (08:09) Prevention strategy differences (09:37) Physiology-based coaching (12:12) Closing thoughts 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺. Website: https://dairyhealthblackbelt.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dairycampus/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/dairycampus/

In this episode of The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Gerard Cramer, Professor at the University of Minnesota, explores the economic and welfare considerations involved in preventive hoof trimming for dairy cattle. He discusses the delicate balance between preventing lameness and the associated costs, and how strategically allocating resources can improve animal health and labor efficiency on farms. Listen now on all major platforms! "Trimming programs should be based on data, ensuring they benefit animal health while also considering economic and welfare impacts." Meet the guest: Dr. Gerard Cramer https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerard-cramer-2432482a/ is a Professor of Dairy Production Medicine at the University of Minnesota. He holds a DVM and a DVSc in Ruminant Health Management from the University of Guelph. With a strong focus on hoof health, Dr. Cramer has led numerous studies and initiatives on dairy cattle lameness. He is deeply committed to advancing the diagnosis and management of lameness through both preventive and therapeutic strategies. Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love! https://www.wisenetix.com/dairyhealthblackbelt What you will learn: (00:00) Highlight (00:49) Introduction (02:08) Preventive hoof trimming (02:59) Economic impact of trimming (06:09) Frequency of hoof trimming (08:12) Identifying lame cows (10:00) Strategies for pasture-raised cows (11:08) Closing thoughts 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺. Website: https://dairyhealthblackbelt.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dairycampus/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/dairycampus/

In this episode of The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Sandra Godden from the University of Minnesota explores how bedding materials influence udder health in dairy cattle. She shares key findings on bacterial risks, monitoring protocols, and hygiene management for both organic and inorganic bedding types. Learn practical strategies to reduce mastitis through better bedding decisions. Listen now on all major platforms! "High bacteria counts in bedding are strongly associated with increased risk of both clinical and subclinical mastitis in dairy cows." Meet the guest: Dr. Sandra Godden https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandra-godden-1509852a/ earned her DVM and DVSc at the University of Guelph. She is Professor of Dairy Population Medicine and Associate Dean of Graduate Programs at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. Her research career centers on colostrum management, mastitis control, and calf-health innovation. Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love! https://www.wisenetix.com/dairyhealthblackbelt What you will learn: (00:00) Highlight (01:07) Introduction (02:31) Bedding hygiene risks (03:24) Monitoring bacterial counts (05:57) Quality of bedding (06:11) Bedding treatment techniques (09:56) Inorganic bedding (12:22) Closing thoughts 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺. Website: https://dairyhealthblackbelt.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dairycampus/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/dairycampus/

In this episode of The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Stephen LeBlanc from the University of Guelph explores ketosis in dairy cattle. He shares key insights from decades of research into BHB thresholds, risk factors, treatment strategies, and the herd-level implications of metabolic disorders. Discover practical ways to manage and reduce ketosis risks. Listen now on all major platforms! “Elevated BHB levels in early lactation significantly increase the risk of displaced abomasum, early culling, and other complications based on timing and severity.” Meet the guest: Dr. Stephen LeBlanc https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-leblanc-6b626043/ is a Professor at the University of Guelph and Director of the Centre for Dairy Research & Innovation. His research primarily focuses on dairy cattle health, particularly in reproductive performance and metabolic diseases. Dr. LeBlanc's work integrates animal science, applied physiology, and veterinary medicine to improve dairy cattle management and productivity. Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love! https://www.wisenetix.com/dairyhealthblackbelt What you will learn: (00:00) Highlight (00:40) Introduction (01:56) Ketosis insights (03:59) Research findings in ketosis (07:30) Understanding timing and BHB levels (08:52) Herd-level testing (10:57) Treatment strategies (13:04) Closing thoughts 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺. Website: https://dairyhealthblackbelt.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dairycampus/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/dairycampus/

In this episode of The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Sandra Godden, Professor of Dairy Population Medicine at the University of Minnesota, explains why colostrum remains the cornerstone of calf immunity. She unpacks the updated “Five Qs,” shares practical cleanliness benchmarks, and outlines heat-treatment and extended-feeding strategies that boost lifetime performance. Listen now on every major podcast platform! "If we don’t get the colostrum program right, it’s hard to recover that later through other things." Meet the guest: Dr. Sandra Godden https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandra-godden-1509852a/ earned her DVM and DVSc at the University of Guelph. She is Professor of Dairy Population Medicine and Associate Dean of Graduate Programs at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. A past president of the National Mastitis Council and the AABP, her research career centers on colostrum management, mastitis control, and calf-health innovation. Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love! https://www.wisenetix.com/dairyhealthblackbelt What you will learn: (00:00) Highlight (00:37) Introduction (01:41) Colostrum importance (02:37) Five Qs (03:45) Cleanliness goals (04:44) Importance of cleanliness (09:45) Extended feeding (11:23) Closing thoughts 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺. Website: https://dairyhealthblackbelt.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dairycampus/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/dairycampus/

In this episode of The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Gerard Cramer, Professor at the University of Minnesota, discusses dairy cattle lameness and hoof health. He explores the impact of chronic cases, the importance of strategic trimming, and how veterinary professionals can manage lameness more effectively. Listen now on all major platforms! "The chronic cases, especially ones that have had hoof lesions like sore ulcers and white lines, need to be trimmed more regularly, about every 3 to 6 months." Meet the guest: Dr. Gerard Cramer https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerard-cramer-2432482a/ is a Professor of Dairy Production Medicine at the University of Minnesota. He holds a DVM and a DVSc in Ruminant Health Management from the University of Guelph. With a strong focus on hoof health, Dr. Cramer has led numerous studies and initiatives on dairy cattle lameness. He is deeply committed to advancing the diagnosis and management of lameness through both preventive and therapeutic strategies. Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love! https://www.wisenetix.com/dairyhealthblackbelt What you will learn: (00:00) Highlight (01:00) Introduction (01:45) Getting into lameness (03:36) Trimming schools (04:47) Preventative vs. therapeutic trimming (06:50) Chronic vs. new lameness (09:19) Managing chronic cases (10:26) Closing thoughts 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺. Website: https://dairyhealthblackbelt.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dairycampus/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/dairycampus/

In this episode of The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Benjamin Enger from Ohio State University explains how understanding the cow's innate immune response is key to managing mastitis more effectively. He discusses when intervention may do more harm than good and the impact of early anti-inflammatory use. Get practical insights on host-pathogen interactions and evidence-based treatment timing. Listen now on all major platforms! "If you intervene and it blights the cows' effectiveness with her neutrophil response, you're going to potentially prolong the disease." Meet the guest: Dr. Benjamin Enger https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-enger-292b2668/ earned his M.S. in Animal Sciences from Washington State University and a Ph.D. in Dairy Science from Virginia Tech. He now serves as an Associate Professor at The Ohio State University, where his research focuses on mastitis pathology and mammary gland development in heifers and cows. Click here to read the full research articles: Effects of oyster glycogen intramammary challenge on primiparous cow milk somatic cell counts, milk yields, and milk composition: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38045890/ Localized mammary gland changes in milk composition and venous blood metabolite concentrations result from sterile subclinical mastitis: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38608954/#:~:text=Localized%20mammary%20gland%20changes%20in,result%20from%20sterile%20subclinical%20mastitis Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love! https://www.wisenetix.com/dairyhealthblackbelt What you will learn: (00:00) Highlight (00:56) Introduction (01:36) Guest background (04:03) Mastitis treatment timing (04:51) Innate immune response (06:07) Evidence-based protocols (08:10) Steroid impact discussion (09:59) Closing thoughts 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺. Website: https://dairyhealthblackbelt.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dairycampus/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/dairycampus/

In this episode of The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Stephen LeBlanc from the University of Guelph explores the latest on metritis, discussing advancements in diagnosing and treating uterine infections. Dr. LeBlanc also explores the role of timed AI programs and multiple prostaglandin treatments in managing uterine health and their impact on the reproductive tract. Listen now on all major platforms! "Any cow that goes through metritis or other fresh cow health problems is paying a price, with pregnancy rates dropping by 10 to 15 percentage points." Meet the guest: Dr. Stephen LeBlanc https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-leblanc-6b626043/ is a Professor at the University of Guelph and Director of the Centre for Dairy Research & Innovation. His research primarily focuses on dairy cattle health, particularly in reproductive performance and metabolic diseases. Dr. LeBlanc's work integrates animal science, applied physiology, and veterinary medicine to improve dairy cattle management and productivity. Liked this one? Don’t stop now — Here’s what we think you’ll love! https://www.wisenetix.com/dairyhealthblackbelt What you will learn: (00:00) Highlight (00:30) Introduction (01:51) Diagnosing uterine infections (03:44) Fever vs. diagnosis (06:03) Treatment strategies (08:54) Impact of timed AI protocols (09:57) Prostaglandins and reproductive health (11:41) Closing thoughts 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺. Website: https://dairyhealthblackbelt.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dairycampus/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/dairycampus/