In the latest installment of Dairy Digressions, host Matt Lucy sits down with Barry Bradford, PhD, professor and C. E. Meadows Endowed Chair in Dairy Management and Nutrition at Michigan State University’s (MSU) Department of Animal Science, senior editor for the Journal of Dairy Science, and co-host of The Dairy Podcast Show. After growing up on a seedstock beef operation, Barry was drawn to dairy science because of its incredible complexity. After some gentle pressure from the renowned Don Beitz (and without ever taking a dairy science class!), Barry went to graduate school and now oversees a diverse research program focused on dairy cattle metabolic physiology and providing evidence-based dairy management tips to producers. Listeners will hear Barry’s elevator pitch on the hepatic oxidation theory, which posits that the liver may play a crucial role in appetite regulation in cows, acting as the “traffic cop” of metabolism by sending signals to a cow’s brain regarding feeding behavior. He and Matt also discuss his recent work on inflammation and nutrition during the transition period, touching on how nutrients—including rumen-protected choline and niacin—can act as signals to influence cell physiology and boost performance. Barry also gives us a behind-the-scenes look at MSU’s brand-new, state-of-the-art research dairy, and shares how the facility came to life and why university dairies are essential to advancing real world solutions for producers and the global dairy sector as a whole. From mentoring young scientists to solving on-farm challenges, Barry reflects on the moments that make the long haul of research worthwhile—and offers his best advice on finding your calling and setting the world on fire.
Episode Twenty-Nine Show Notes
Learn more about Barry Bradford, PhD, and connect with him on LinkedIn.
Want even more of the latest dairy food science? Join us at the ADSA 2026 Annual Meeting in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, next June!
Start earning rewards and journal savings via the ADSA Loyalty Rewards Program for the Journal of Dairy Science and JDS Communications.
Are you looking for tips on crafting your own “on fire” graphic for your next scientific paper? We’ve got you covered with tips and resources for maximizing your research’s visual appeal.
Catch up on the papers discussed in the episode and takea virtual tour of MSU’s new dairy:
MSU hosts tour of new Dairy Cattle Teaching and Research Center, Michigan State University (2025)
Invited review: Inflammation during the transition to lactation: New adventures with an old flame, Journal of Dairy Science (2015)
Effects of prenatal dietary rumen-protected cholinesupplementation during late gestation on calf growth, metabolism, and vaccine response, Journal of Dairy Science (2022)
Symposium review: Fueling appetite: Nutrient metabolism and the control of feed intake, Journal of Dairy Science (2023)
Effects of dietary rumen-protected choline supplementation to periparturient dairy cattle on inflammation and metabolism in mammary and liver tissue during an intramammary lipopolysaccharide challenge, Journal of Dairy Science (2024)
Effects of rumen-protected niacin on inflammatory response to repeated intramammary lipopolysaccharide challenges, Journal of Dairy Science (2024)
Effects of rumen-protected choline supplementation on lactation performance of dairy cows: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis, Journal of Dairy Science (2025)
On-farm supplementation of rumen-protected niacin: A randomized clinical trial, Journal of Dairy Science (2025)
We’re bringing you a dairy food science icon on this episode of Dairy Digressions. Host Matt Lucy, PhD, is joined by MaryAnne Drake, PhD, a William Neal Reynolds Distinguished Professor of Food Science at North Carolina State University. MaryAnne is the director of the Sensory Service Center, director of the Southeast Dairy Foods Research Center, an ADSA Fellow who served as ADSA’s first female president, and a fellow of the Institute of Food Technologists. MaryAnne explains her journey from food microbiology to being a leading authority in sensory science, dairy flavor chemistry, and consumer research after a stint working in a creamery during graduate school. She now runs a lab focused on sensory analysis and flavor chemistry of dairy products and ingredients, working to understand how flavor varies with processing and storage, and how these parameters relate to consumer perceptions. Listen in as MaryAnne shares her valuable insights on pressing issues in dairy, from the influence of packaging on school milk flavor—including why the milk carton might not be the best option—to consumer attitudes toward dairy versus plant-based alternatives. The two also discuss sustainability messaging around dairy, milk marketing, and the critical role of school lunch programs in shaping a lifelong love of milk and dairy products. She takes us behind the scenes of her massive lab (which she lovingly calls her “flying three-ring circus”), her work with industry, tips on getting a job in food science, and why finding your passion and purpose is the key to success in science. Finally, she discusses the importance of purpose driven work, the evolving role of women in science, and the intellectual joy of progress, even if it happens on a quiet holiday.
Episode Twenty-Eight Show Notes
Learn more about MaryAnne Drake, PhD, and connect with her on LinkedIn.
Want even more of the latest dairy food science? Join us at the ADSA 2026 Annual Meeting in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, next June!
Start earning rewards and journal savings via the ADSA Loyalty Rewards Program for the Journal of Dairy Science and JDS Communications.
Catch up on the papers discussed in the episode:
Parental perception of children’s school lunch milk, Journal of Dairy Science (2023)
The role of packaging on the flavor of fluid milk, Journal of Dairy Science (2023)
Parents’ implicit perceptions of dairy milk and plant-based milk alternatives, Journal of Dairy Science (2022)
Children's perceptions of fluid milk with varying levels of milkfat, Journal of Dairy Science (2022)
Child preferences and perceptions of fluid milk in school meal programs, Journal of Dairy Science (2021)
Invited review: Maintaining and growing fluid milk consumption by children in school lunch programs in the United States, Journal of Dairy Science (2020)
We’re celebrating dairy foods in the latest installment of Dairy Digressions! Host Matt Lucy sits down with two of the voices behind the recent Journal of Dairy Science special issue, “Dairy Foods: A Matrix for Human Health and Precision Nutrition.” Devoted to the latest science on dairy food nutrition, the selected articles in this issue emphasize the crucial role dairy plays in human health from infancy through adulthood. Join us with Grace Lewis, PhD, assistant professor of animal and food science and Dairy Innovation Hub Affiliate at the University of Wisconsin (UW) River Falls, Journal of Dairy Science section editor, and guest editor of the special issue, and David Everett, PhD, a principal investigator and international stakeholder–relationship manager at the Riddet Institute, incoming ADSA President, and author in the special issue. Grace introduces the special issue articles and the exciting studies happening around the dairy matrix, which is helping to usher in a new era of nutrition science. This new era recognizes that dairy can’t be reduced to its parts—we need a holistic understanding of how the interconnected matrix profoundly affects digestion, absorption, and how we fuel our bodies. Grace and David are passionate about advancing the science and spreading the story of dairy’s important part in human health.
They delve into the history of dairy’s consumer perceptions and the evolving science around how we think about full-fat dairy products in particular. Milk is a whole food that delivers all essential amino acids, meaning it’s a complete protein that’s also highly digestible and a vital source of vitamins and minerals like calcium. David dives further into his article on understanding the physical structures in dairy foods that uniquely fuel the human body. He also answers our burning dairy questions, including what the true color of milk is, how we process the most valuable whey powder, and the scandalous history of margarine and butter.
Finally, the group debates whether it’s okay to top your pizza with cottage cheese. Do you have a vote? Sound off in the comments on your favorite podcast platform!
Episode Twenty-Seven Show Notes
Learn more about Grace Lewis, PhD, and connect with her on LinkedIn, and learn more about David Everett, PhD, and connect with him on LinkedIn.
Want even more of the latest dairy food science? Join us atthe 2025 ADSA Annual Meeting in Louisville, Kentucky, this June!
Start earning rewards and journal savings via the ADSA Loyalty Rewards Program for the Journal of Dairy Science and JDS Communications.
Catch up on the papers and presentation discussed in theepisode:
Engaging today’s undergraduate students in the field of dairy science with a focus on the female student population, JDS Communications (2025)
Dairy Foods: A Matrix for Human Health and Precision Nutrition—Introduction, Journal of Dairy Science (2025)
Dairy Foods: A Matrix for Human Health and Precision Nutrition—The impact of the dairy food matrix on digestion and absorption, Journal of Dairy Science (2025)
Dairy Foods: A Matrix for Human Health and Precision Nutrition—Effect of processing infant milk formula on protein digestion and gut barrier health (in vitro and preclinical), Journal of Dairy Science (2025)
Dairy Foods: A Matrix for Human Health and Precision Nutrition—The relevance of a potential bioactive ingredient; The milkfat globule membrane, Journal of Dairy Science (2025)
Growing up on a dairy farm in the United Kingdom, Adam Lock, PhD, always thought he would take over the family business and milk cows for a living. Instead, he now works to help dairy professionals increase their cattle’s health, productivity, and profitability through nutrition. Join us to find out how!
Host Matt Lucy sits down with Adam, a professor and associate chair for farm operations in the Department of Animal Science, and interim chair of the College of Veterinary Medicine’s Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences at Michigan State University. He explains the central focus of his research on fatty acid digestion and metabolism in the dairy cow and the impact of bioactive fatty acids on animal production and human health. The two focus on Adam’s recent work optimizing fat-feeding strategies during the transition period. The previous dogma around feeding fresh cows recommended against supplementing fats, but that is now changing. Adam and his team are proving that particular blends of individual fatty acids can help fill a cow’s unique needs during this time, promote energy balance, and increase milk production. The pair also discuss Adam’s focus on making all of his work immediately applicable to farmers and industry professionals, and the importance of extension work in dairy. Finally, he shares his philosophies around ensuring his lab is fun for students, the best way to connect with and train students, and how to embrace the fortuitous twists and turns your career in science might take.
Episode Twenty-Six Show Notes
Learn more about Adam Lock and connect with himon LinkedIn.
Are you interested in learning applied nutrition strategiesdirectly from Adam? Join us at the 2025 ADSA AnnualMeeting in Louisville, Kentucky, this June! Adam is speakingduring our first-ever applied nutrition symposium and panel discussion focused on feeding high oleic soybeans and balancing diets for milk fat.
Start earning rewards and journal savings via the ADSA Loyalty Rewards Program for the Journal of Dairy Science and JDS Communications.
Catch up with the discussion of dairy nutrition dogma in Arandom view of the world: Because we are never absolutely sure of anything from Normand St-Pierre at the 2024 ADSA Annual Meeting.
Catch up on the papers and presentation discussed in theepisode:
Effects of raw and roasted high oleic soybeans on milk production of high-producing dairy cows, Journal of Dairy Science (2024)
Effects of increasing dietary inclusion of high oleic acid soybeans on milk production of high-producing dairy cows, Journal of Dairy Science (2024)
Milk production responses of dairy cows to fatty acid supplements with different ratios of palmitic and oleic acids in low-and high-fat basal diets, JDS Communications (2024)
Increasing palmitic acid and reducing stearic acid content of supplemental fatty acid blends improves production performance of mid-lactation dairy cows, Journal of Dairy Science (2024)
Oleic acid abomasal infusion limits lipolysis and improves insulin sensitivity in adipose tissue from periparturient dairy cows, Journal of Dairy Science (2023)
Join us as we sit down with Daniel Moore, PhD, professor of muscle physiology at the University of Toronto and invited speaker at the ADSA Annual Meeting. He explains how muscle serves as the body’s primary storage for amino acids, the building blocks crucial for immune function, and emphasizes its importance beyond just physical strength into healthy aging and metabolic health. In his lab, he’s working to understand which foods—and which types of high-quality protein—can best support recovery and muscle development, with a focus on childhood. Are children just little adults, for example, or are they entirely different? How can nutrition best support them after exercise and help with the healthy muscle growth that will carry them into adulthood? Matt and Daniel discuss the importance of milk as a whole food rich in essential amino acids that can underpin this critical muscle development, focusing on his interest in leucine. He highlights the importance of teamwork and mentorship in his lab, sharing his strategies for fostering a supportive atmosphere for his students, drawing from his time in industry at Nestlé’s research center in Switzerland (including his experience being woken up by cowbells). Finally, the two digress on the fascinating topic of muscle preservation in hibernating animals and consider its potential relevance to dairy cows.
Episode Twenty-Five Show Notes
Learn more about Daniel Moore and connect with him on LinkedIn.
Are you interested in even more breaking dairy foods science? Join us at the 2025 ADSA Annual Meeting in Louisville, Kentucky, this June!
The Journal of Dairy Science is releasing a forthcoming special issue, Dairy Foods: A Matrix for Human Health and Precision Nutrition, in April. Look out for the latest research on this topic!
Catch up on the papers, news articles, and podcasts discussed in the episode:
Postexercise dietary leucine retention for whole-body anabolism is greater with whey protein isolate and fish-derived protein hydrolysate than nonessential amino acids in trained young men, International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism (2024)
Estimation of skeletal muscle mass in 4-year-old children using the D3-creatine dilution method, Pediatric Research (2023)
Protein quality and the food matrix: Defining optimal versus maximal meal-based protein intakes for stimulating muscle protein synthesis, Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism (2023)
Since our last episode devoted to the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 outbreak in US dairy herds, the virus has passed some concerning new milestones—infecting over 900 herds, more than 60 people (including 1 death), and millions of domestic poultry flocks—and continues to present a pressing concern to dairy scientists and the dairy sector as a whole. To help our listeners keep their finger on the latest science, Matt sits down withDiego Diel, DVM, MS, PhD, a leading virologist and associate professor in the Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences at Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Diego and his lab team at Cornell were on the testing frontlines during the COVID-19 outbreak and are once again leading the charge in studying, documenting, and understanding H5N1—including via three impactful recent publications inJDS Communications andNature. He and Matt unpack the complexities of the H5N1 virus, explaining its unique components and genetic lineage, how it affects different cells across species, and tracking its evolution from wild birds to spreading in dairy cattle and spillovers to other avian and mammal hosts. The two discuss Diego’s recent work experimentally infecting dairy cows and calves to better understand the dynamics of the virus, detailing how it impacts the mammary gland, leading to severe mastitis and surprisingly high viral loads in milk. They review some of the remaining unknowns of the outbreak: Why haven’t we seen H5N1 in beef cattle? How is the virus spreading regionally from farm to farm? What is theexactroute of infection for dairy cows? Will vaccines be needed to stop its spread? The duo also cautiously explores the pandemic potential from the outbreak, outlining the current presentation of the virus in humans and clarifying that there is currently no human-to-human transmission. Thankfully, we have tools—such as antivirals that are effective against influenza in humans—in the toolbox to fight a pandemic if the virus were to mutate. While reassuring listeners that current data suggest a low risk, Diego emphasizes the importance of continued surveillance, testing, preventive measures, and research to understand how H5N1 might evolve.
This episode ofDairy Digressions is a must-listen for anyone in the dairy sector seeking a comprehensive understanding of what we know today about the H5N1 outbreak.
Episode Twenty-Four Show Notes
Learn more aboutDiego Diel and connect with him onLinkedIn andX/Twitter.
Start earning rewards and journal savings via the ADSA Loyalty Rewards Program for the Journal of Dairy Science and JDS Communications.
Are you interested in participating in ADSA’s next AnnualMeeting?Submit your abstract beforeFebruary 12, 2025, andjoin us in Louisville, Kentucky, this June!
Catch up on the papers, news articles, and podcasts discussed in the episode:
Hot topic: Influenza A H5N1 virus exhibits a broad host range, including dairy cows,JDS Communications(2024)
Spillover of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 virus to dairy cattle,Nature(2024)
H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b dynamics in experimentally infected calves and cows,Nature(2025)
The global H5N1 influenza panzootic in mammals,Nature (2025)
Why hasn’t the bird flu pandemic started?,Science(2024)
First bird flu death in U.S. reported in Louisiana,New York Times(2025)
Update: Bird flu in the United States, Infectious Diseases Society of America (2025)
Transmission of a human isolate of clade 2.3.4.4b A(H5N1) virus in ferrets,Nature(2024)
A human isolate of bovine H5N1 is transmissible and lethal in animal models,Nature(2024)
A single mutation in bovine influenza H5N1 hemagglutinin switches specificity to human receptors,Science (2024)
Genetic tracing of market wildlife and viruses at the epicenter of the COVID 19 pandemic,Cell(2024)
Join us for a special Dairy Digressions episode with the co-leads of a just-released special issue of the Journal of Dairy Science, Feed Additives for Methane Mitigation. Guests David Yáñez-Ruiz of the Spanish Research Council (CSIC) and André Bannink of Wageningen University & Research introduce listeners to the six articles in the issue, which represent the first outcomes of a flagship project by the Feed and Nutrition Network of the Global Research Alliance on Agricultural Greenhouse Gases’ Livestock Research Group. The open-access special issue synthesizes decades of nutrition innovation on methane-reducing feed additives to cover the full spectrum—from additive development to impact measurement. David and André explain the decades of research that have gone into the project, outlining how reducing enteric methane produced by ruminants can contribute to the overall reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. While many areas of research, including breeding and genetics, are working on improving sustainability—nutrition and feed additives are currently at the forefront. The guests explain how feed additives modulate methane production to produce substantially less emissions without negative effects on the animal, milk production, or quality and nutrition of the final milk product. David and André delve into the groundbreaking research on 3-nitrooxypropanol (3-NOP), seaweed, and more, and look ahead to the exciting potential of novel feed additive combinations in the future. Host Matt Lucy and the guests marvel at how far the science has come even in the past ten years and look ahead to the application of this knowledge for farmers around the globe. In closing, Matt asks, “What skills and perspectives are needed to drive impactful research in this critical area?” for anyone looking to enter methane research. Listen in for a valuable overview of the latest advancements in methane mitigation and a glimpse into the future of sustainable dairy production!
Episode Twenty-Three Show Notes
Learn more about David Yáñez-Ruiz and connect with him on LinkedIn, and learn more about André Bannink.
Are you interested in participating in ADSA’s next Annual Meeting? Submit your abstract to the 2025 ADSA Annual Meeting before February 12, 2025, and join us in Louisville, Kentucky, next June!
Check out the full Journal of Dairy Science special issue, Feed Additives for Methane Mitigation, below and join members of the project team for a half-day symposia at the 2025 ADSA Annual Meeting:
· Recommendations for testing enteric methane-mitigating feed additives in ruminant studies
· A guideline to uncover the mode of action of antimethanogenic feed additives for ruminants
You know how delicious dairy foods are, so join us for a conversation with renowned nutrition scientist Connie M. Weaver, PhD, to better understand their essential role in human diets and overall health. Connie, a Distinguished Research Professor at San Diego State University and Distinguished Professor Emerita of Purdue University, a Fellow of the American Heart Association, American Society for Nutrition, and the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research, joined us for the 2024 ADSA Annual Meeting. From her early days as a young scientist with a passion for food to her groundbreaking research on calcium and bone health, Connie shares her insights on the power of whole foods and the dairy matrix. Discover why the dairy matrix is more than just a collection of individual nutrients—the unique and sophisticated balance of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals in dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese contributes to optimal health. Matt and Connie particularly focus on calcium and its importance for bone health, including the data on dairy as the critical source of calcium. Calcium is what we are most likely to be deficient in when not consuming the recommended three servings of dairy per day. Connie also shares her expertise in building successful research teams and the value of humility and open-mindedness in scientific inquiry. Tune in for invaluable insights into human nutrition, health, and the science behind the foods we eat!
Episode Twenty-Two Show Notes
Learn more about Connie Weaver and connect with her on LinkedIn.
Are you interested in participating in ADSA’s next Annual Meeting? Submit your abstract to the 2025 ADSA Annual Meeting before February 12, 2025, and join us in Louisville, Kentucky, next June!
Catch up on the papers discussed in the episode:
Next-generation health benefits of maternal calcium supplementation, The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2024)
Dairy matrix: Is the whole greater than the sum of the parts?, Nutrition Reviews (2021)
Our annual grad student takeover episode is back! This year, Matt sits down with three of the 2024 winners of ADSA’s Graduate Student Division awards: Jason Pronschinske and Philip Eberly, both hailing from the Department of Food Science at the University of Wisconsin–Madison under the mentorship of John Lucey, PhD; and Amanda Fischer-Tlustos, joining us from the Department of Animal Biosciences at the University of Guelph working with Michael Steele, PhD, and John Cant, PhD. All three of our winners delve into the research they presented at the 2024 ADSA Annual Meeting—from the science behind making shelf-stable cheese puffs from pure cheddar to understanding the best anticaking agents for grated mozzarella and measuring the metabolic activity in the mammary gland to map the physiology of the dry period and its impacts on future colostrum production. The group discusses the differences and similarities between the oral and poster competitions, advising future entrants on which to enter based on which skills you want to showcase or strengthen. The guests also explain why they entered the competitions, and agree that turning your science into a compelling story is the key to success. Whether you’re a dairy science student, a mentor for students, or an employer, you’ll want to listen in for their take on the dairy science job market, the best advice for staying curious and asking for support in grad school, and the thrill of being able to snack on your experiments.
Episode Twenty-One Show Notes
Learn more about ADSA’s Graduate Student Division and Undergraduate Student Division, including their robust award programs and the many benefits for student members.
Are you interested in participating in ADSA’s undergraduate or graduate awards program? Submit your abstract to the 2025 ADSA Annual Meeting before February 12, 2025, and join us in Louisville, Kentucky, next June!
Curious to see the cheese-pull photo Jason and Philip reference? Check it out here.
Catch up on Amanda’s JDS Communications paper discussed in the episode:
Insulin, IGF-I, and lactoferrin concentrations and yields and their associations with other components within colostrum, transition, and whole milk of primiparous and multiparous Holstein cattle, JDS Communications (2024)
Review the mental health article referenced in the episode:
The huge toll of PhDs on mental health: Data reveal stark effects, Nature News (2024)
Read all three winners’ 2024 abstracts and connect with and follow them on LinkedIn:
Join us as we delve into the fascinating world of bovine reproduction research with Niamh Forde, PhD, professor and chair of molecular reproductive biosciences at the University of Leeds School of Medicine and cofounder of LeedsOmics, a virtual research institute. Niamh, a passionate scientist and community builder, shares her journey from a young, curious mind to a leading expert in the field who is currently focused on understanding the molecular interactions between the uterine endometrium and the embryo required for successful early pregnancy in cattle. She and Matt reflect on the unusual and fascinating diversity of placental structure across species and review Niamh’s research developing both in vitro and in vivo models to study how early-stage, preimplantation embryos in utero communicate with the maternal endometrium. Studying the peri-implantation period of pregnancy is critical, she explains, as this is when most cattle pregnancy losses occur. Our current understanding of these interactions is limited, but developing innovative models using microfluidics, organoids, and extracellular scaffolds holds promise for the future. The two also walk down memory lane of the iconic researchers who went before them in the field of cattle repro and discuss the importance of building a supportive professional community—not only to boost collaboration and creativity but to lend strength in the face of the rigors of a career in science. Finally, Niamh gives her best advice for young scientists and shares her infectious joy around her favorite day at work: new data day! Tune in to learn more about the latest advancements in reproductive science, the importance of mentorship, and the joy of discovering new knowledge.
Episode Twenty Show Notes
Learn more about Niamh and connect with her on LinkedIn and Twitter/X.
Start earning rewards and journal savings via the ADSA Loyalty Rewards Program for the Journal of Dairy Science and JDS Communications.
Save the date for the 2025 ADSA Annual Meeting (June 22–25) in Louisville, Kentucky, and submit your abstracts before February 12!
Catch Up on the Articles Discussed in the Episode
Understanding conceptus–maternal interactions: What tools do we need to develop? Reproduction, Fertility and Development (2023)
Quantification of the effect of in utero events on lifetime resilience in dairy cows, Journal of Dairy Science (2024)
What has the dairy science community learned since the March 2024 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 outbreak in US dairy herds? That’s the question host Matt Lucy, PhD, is posing to two special guests on the pod: Nicole Martin, PhD, assistant research professor in dairy foods microbiology and associate director of the Milk Quality Improvement Program in the Department of Food Science at Cornell University, and Zelmar Rodriguez, DVM, PhD, assistant professor in the College of Veterinary Medicine at Michigan State University. The two experts are authors in the newly released hot topic special issue of JDS Communications dedicated to the H5N1 strain of avian influenza in dairy. Zelmar takes listeners through the epidemiology and clinical signs of the disease, recovery time for animals, and where we’re at with vaccine development and management now and into the future. Nicole walks us through her work on how HPAI H5N1 is impacting dairy foods, from what we know about viral loads in raw milk to the details on how fluid milk and dairy products are regulated and made safe through the 100-year-old Pasteurized Milk Ordinance. Ultimately, she explains, pasteurization is effective at eliminating H5N1 and reducing risk for consumers. Finally, the trio discusses where we are now in this outbreak and the remaining science still to be done—emphasizing the importance of connection, communication, and the strength of the dairy science community in getting us to this point.
Do you have unanswered H5N1 questions? Join us for a free one-hour Q&A with the authors of the JDS Communications special issue on October 16!
Episode Nineteen Show Notes
Connect with the Guests
Learn more about Nicole Martin, and connect with her on LinkedIn and Twitter/X.
Learn more about Zelmar Rodriguez, and connect with him on LinkedIn and Twitter/X.
Review the H5N1 updates from the US Department of Agriculture, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and US Food and Drug Administration.
Save the date for the 2025 ADSA Annual Meeting (June 22–25) in Louisville, Kentucky, and submit your abstracts before February 12!
Catch Up on the Articles Discussed in the Episode and Read the Full Special Issue
Hot topic: Avian influenza subtype H5N1 in US dairy—A preliminary dairy foods perspective, JDS Communications (2024)
Hot topic: Epidemiological and clinical aspects of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 in dairy cattle, JDS Communications (2024)
We’re celebrating dairy cow behavior this month on the pod as the special issue of JDS Communications, Behavior in Dairy Animals, launches! Host Matt Lucy chats with Katy Proudfoot, PhD, associate professor at the University of Prince Edward Island and director of the Sir James Dunn Animal Welfare Centre at the Atlantic Veterinary College in Prince Edward Island, and Emma Ternman, PhD, associate professor at Nord University. The two are coauthors of an Editor’s Choice article in the special issue devoted to estimating sleep in dairy cattle. Katy and Emma explain how both of their academic paths were filled with “banana peels” and lots of googling—all of which eventually led them to the study of behavior and welfare in dairy cows. They dive into their work to better measure sleep and rest in dairy cows, explaining that sleep serves several essential functions throughout the animal kingdom, so understanding sleep in dairy cows could help us to improve their overall welfare, health, and production. They review how scientists are currently measuring and estimating sleep in dairy cattle—from changes in behavior to electrodes placed on a cow’s head—including the limitations of these methods and where the science might go. As prey animals, dairy cows must be vigilant during the day and average only about three hours of total sleep time. But they can supplement this with “drowsing,” an intermediate state between waking and sleeping that allows cows to stay alert and continue ruminating while getting essential rest. The two explain, however, that this research is still in its infancy and much work still needs to be done to understand sleep in dairy herds—from how the lights and noise of a barn might impact cows to whether they dream. Finally, the guests give their best advice, including why sleep is just as important for dairy scientists as it is for cows, why no one should ever pull all-nighters, and how to make writing papers fun.
Episode Eighteen Show Notes
Learn more about Katy Proudfoot and connect with her on LinkedIn.
Learn more about Emma Ternman and connect with her on LinkedIn.
Want to learn more about the latest science of dairy cow behavior? Dive into the Special Issue of JDS Communications!
Catch up on the papers and the news articles discussed in the episode:
Methods used for estimating sleep in dairy cattle, JDS Communications (2024)
Effects of acute lying and sleep deprivation on metabolic and inflammatory responses of lactating dairy cows, Journal of Dairy Science (2021)
Sleep in dairy cows recorded with a non-invasive EEG technique, Applied Animal Behaviour Science (2012)
Buckle up for a lively episode, as we welcome the infectiously energetic Julio Giordano, DVM, PhD, professor of dairy cattle biology and management in the Department of Animal Science and a codirector of the Cornell Institute for Digital Agriculture at Cornell University. Julio originally hails from Balnearia, Argentina, where he grew up learning from his father’s practice as a dairy veterinarian and working on his family’s dairy farms. He joins Matt to explain how this early interest in dairy cow health led to a passion for the study of reproduction and a career in the United States. He takes listeners into the evolution of his work—from his most hated experiment as a PhD student to his current research, which involves pushing the bounds of digital agriculture innovation to benefit farms and their herds. In his lab today, he and his team are focused on integrating new technology with farming best practices to develop approachable tools and techniques to help farms maximize their herds’ health, productivity, and profitability—all while increasing sustainability. Julio also shares his best advice for which skills students should be building for a career in dairy science and why he chose a faculty position over a career in industry. The two friends also discuss if the traditional lecture format needs an overhaul for the next generation, the importance of family—hola a Soledad, Julito, and Benji—and how relationships with colleagues, mentors, and students make a career in dairy so rewarding.
Episode Seventeen Show Notes
Learn more about Julio Giordano and connect with him on LinkedIn and follow his lab on X/Twitter.
Are you interested in participating in future Discover Conference meetings? Save the date for the 47th Discover Conference happening May 5 to 8, 2025, in Itasca, Illinois.
Catch up on the papers and the news articles discussed in the episode:
Combining reproductive outcomes predictors and automated estrus alerts recorded during the voluntary waiting period identified subgroups of cows with different reproductive performance potential, Journal of Dairy Science (2024)
Effect of targeted clinical examination based on alerts from automated health monitoring systems on herd health and performance of lactating dairy cows, Journal of Dairy Science (2023)
Effect of increasing GnRH and PGF2α dose during Double Ovsynch on ovulatory response, luteal regression, and fertility of lactating dairy cows, Theriogenology (2013)
Reproduction in the era of genomics and automation, Reproduction, Fertility and Development (2014)
Effect of increasing GnRH and PGF2α dose during Double-Ovsynch on ovulatory response, luteal regression, and fertility of lactating dairy cows, Theriogenology (2013)
Changes in serum pregnancy-associated glycoprotein, pregnancy-specific protein B, and progesterone concentrations before and after induction of pregnancy loss in lactating dairy cows, Journal of Dairy Science (2012)
Possible strategies to increase ovulatory follicle size and reduce time to ovulation in lactating dairy cows, University of Tennessee dissertation (2007)
Catch an abbreviation you’re not sure about? Here is a list from the episode:
· CIDR: controlled internal drug release
· ELISA: enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
· FSH: follicle-stimulating hormone
· GnRH: gonadotropin-releasing hormone
· hCG: human chorionic gonadotropin
· LH: luteinizing hormone
· PAG: pregnancy-associated glycoprotein
Have questions about how the recent H5N1 strain of avian influenza—or bird flu—outbreak is impacting cow health, worker safety, dairy products, and consumer trust?
This special bonus episode of Dairy Digressions takes you straight to the heart of the 2024 ADSA Annual Meeting, where top animal health and food safety experts tackle your most pressing H5N1 concerns. Join moderator Jessica McArt, PhD, DVM, DABVP (Dairy Practice), as she poses audience questions to panelists Pamela Ruegg, DVM, MPVM, David J. Ellis chair in antimicrobial resistance and director of the Antimicrobial Stewardship and Dairy Health Management Laboratory at Michigan State University, and Nicole Martin, PhD, assistant research professor in dairy foods microbiology and associate director of the Milk Quality Improvement Program in the Department of Food Science at Cornell University.
This episode is essential listening for anyone in the dairy sector!
Do you have unanswered H5N1 questions you’d like us to tackle on the pod? Send them to adsa@adsa.org! We’ll be back soon with more as the science around this outbreak develops.
Bonus Episode Show Notes
Connect with the Panel Participants
Learn more about Jess McArt’s work, and connect with her on LinkedIn, Twitter/X, and Instagram.
Learn more about Pamela Ruegg, and connect with her on LinkedIn, Twitter/X, and YouTube.
Learn more about Nicole Martin, and connect with her on LinkedIn and Twitter/X.
Review the H5N1 responses from the US Department of Agriculture, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and US Food and Drug Administration.
Save the date for the 2025 ADSA Annual Meeting (June 22–25) in Louisville, Kentucky.
Catch Up on the Reports and Resources Discussed in the Episode
Persistence of influenza H5N1 and H1N1 viruses in unpasteurized milk on milking unit surfaces, Emerging Infectious Diseases (2024)
A One Health investigation into H5N1 avian influenza virus epizootics on two dairy farms, medRxiv preprint (2024)
Spillover of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 virus to dairy cattle, Nature (2024)
Experimental reproduction of viral replication and disease in dairy calves and lactating cows inoculated with highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b, bioRxiv preprint (2024)
Pathogenicity and transmissibility of bovine H5N1 influenza virus, Nature (2024)
2024 highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1): Michigan dairy herd and poultry flock summary, US Department of Agriculture (2024)
Highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) virus in animals: Interim recommendations for prevention, monitoring, and public health investigations, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2024)
Highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) clade 2.3.4.4b virus infection in domestic dairy cattle and cats, United States, 2024, Emerging Infectious Diseases (2024)
Fatal infection in ferrets after ocular inoculation with highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) virus, Emerging Infectious Diseases (2024)
Inactivation of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus with high temperature short time continuous flow pasteurization and virus detection in bulk milk tanks, Journal of Food Protection Preprint (2024)
Inactivation of avian influenza A(H5N1) virus in raw milk at 63°C and 72°C, New England Journal of Medicine (2024)
USDA announces $824 million in new funding to protect livestock health; launches voluntary H5N1 dairy herd status pilot program, US Department of Agriculture (2024)
Still reeling from the science outlined by Filippo Miglior, PhD, in episode 6 of the pod? Us too. That’s why we invited special guest Christine Baes, PhD, to give us a download on the follow-up project. Christine is a professor and department chair of the Department of Animal Biosciences and Research Chair in Livestock Genomics at the University of Guelph. She is interested in improving dairy cows’ health, welfare, and productivity through genetics and is the lead investigator of The Resilient Dairy Genome Project, a massive, international, collaborative research project aiming to develop genomic tools to breed more resilient dairy cows. Christine explains the project’s focus on interrelated activities—fertility, health (especially for calves), feed efficiency, and methane emissions—and how they can be translated and applied on farms to help them prepare for the future. Bringing together more than 30 co-investigators and 35 international partner organizations, this huge undertaking recognizes the complexity of dairy cows and the dairy sector. It takes an interdisciplinary approach, considering the ethical, environmental, economic, legal, and societal impacts. Matt and Christine also connect the dots between resilience and longevity, acknowledging the tension between maximizing genetic gains and ensuring cows have the long, healthy, and happy lives expected by customers and dairy professionals who cherish their animals. Christine also explains her journey from farm kid to geneticist and lets listeners peek behind the curtain of the decisions that go into updating the Lifetime Performance Index. Finally, the two farmers-at-heart bond over their love for tending the land (and struggling through the worst manure chores from the farm!).
Episode Sixteen Show Notes
Learn more about Christine Baes’s work and connect with her on LinkedIn and Twitter/X. Explore The Resilient Dairy Genome Project and its precursor, The Efficient Dairy Genome Project.
Save the date for the next Discover Conference, happening May 5 to 8, 2025.
Start earning rewards and journal savings via the ADSA Loyalty Rewards Program for the Journal of Dairy Science and JDS Communications.
Catch up on the papers discussed in the episode:
The Resilient Dairy Genome Project—A general overview of methods and objectives related to feed efficiency and methane emissions, Journal of Dairy Science (2024)
Estimation of genetic parameters for feed efficiency traits using random regression models in dairy cattle, Journal of Dairy Science (2024)
Estimates of genetic parameters for rumination time, feed efficiency, and methane production traits in first lactation Holstein cows, Journal of Dairy Science (2024)
Predicting methane emission in Canadian Holstein dairy cattle using milk mid-infrared reflectance spectroscopy and other commonly available predictors via artificial neural networks, Journal of Dairy Science (2024)
Recording of calf diseases for potential use in breeding programs: a case study on calf respiratory illness and diarrhea, Canadian Journal of Dairy Science (2023)
Deep dive with us into the exciting world of stem cell research as we welcome Carl Jiang, PhD, associate professor at the University of Florida and member of the University of Florida Genetics Institute. Jiang’s work focuses on reproductive biology, with an emphasis on understanding the epigenetic mechanisms during the embryo-development period when most pregnancy losses occur. Carl and host Matt Lucy get caught up during the International Embryo Technology Society’s 50th Annual Conference and discuss Carl’s path from growing up in rural China to studying embryology after being encouraged by an undergraduate mentor. The two explain the importance of bovine pregnancy success and how our understanding of the mechanisms of blastocysts—the embryo’s early stage—has been hampered by a limited supply of embryos. In a remarkable breakthrough, however, Carl and his team developed an efficient method to assemble bovine blastoids—bovine blastocyst–like structures—via trophoblast stem cells. Although still in the early stages, this technology opens up a more accessible in vitro model for studying embryo development and helping to potentially reduce pregnancy loss and improve reproductive efficiency in tomorrow’s dairy herds. Carl also lets us behind the scenes of his lab, explaining why one-on-one mentorship and a diversity of voices from around the globe are so important to research success. Finally, he explains why “Journal Club Day” is his favorite day at work and how it can kickstart new ideas and a renewed passion for science.
Episode Fifteen Show Notes
Learn more about Carl Jiang’s work and connect with him on LinkedIn and Twitter/X.
Save the date for the 51st International Embryo Technology Society Annual Conference (January 18–21, 2025, in Fort Worth, TX).
Start earning rewards and journal savings via the ADSA Loyalty Rewards Program for the Journal of Dairy Science and JDS Communications.
Catch up on the papers discussed in the episode:
Establishment of bovine trophoblast stem cells, Cell Reports (2023)
Bovine blastocyst-like structures derived from stem cell cultures, Cell Stem Cell (2023)
We don’t pick favorites among our guests, but we’re especially thrilled to welcome Jessica A. A. McArt, DVM, PhD, DABVP (Dairy Practice), to the pod! Jess is the new Editor in Chief of JDS Communications and associate professor of ambulatory and production medicine at Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, where her McArt Dairy Cow Lab focuses on improving cowside detection and the prevention of periparturient disease. Matt and Jess discuss her journey into dairy science—from growing up in Alaska to helming JDS Communications to wrestling with the shocking fact that only 14% of scientific journal editors are women and only 8% are editors in chief. The two discuss the very real systemic gender inequality in academia, its effects on a career in dairy science, and the role these forces play in the current shortage of large-animal veterinary practitioners. Looking to the future, Jess outlines her vision for JDS Communications and her challenge for our community to question assumptions and welcome diverse voices. Taking listeners into her research, Jess explains her recent findings on early lactation disease markers, including hyperketonemia and hypocalcemia–plus an explanation of dyscalcemia, a new term in the scientific milieu that originated in her lab. Finally, Jess leaves us with the best advice she received as a young researcher and the reasons she advises her students and mentees to say “yes” to opportunities—even if it pushes them outside of their comfort zone.
Join us for a special episode of Dairy Digressions recorded live at the International Embryo Technology Society’s 50th Annual Conference. Between sessions, host Matt Lucy sat down with Goetz Laible, PhD, biochemist and principal scientist at AgResearch and honorary associate professor at the University of Auckland in New Zealand. Their discussion walks listeners through Goetz’s work in developing and evaluating technologies for the genetic improvement of livestock. In the face of our warming climate, Goetz and his animal biotechnology team are working to advance gene-editing technology to help dairy herds cope better—and stay healthy and productive—with increasing heat exposure. The two also deep dive into the science behind Goetz’s recent work on light-colored coats in Holstein Friesian cows. Using direct editing of embryos, Goetz and his team amplified naturally occurring coat mutation—which makes some cows lighter than others—to create lighter-colored cows in a single generation. These animals still retain their classic spots but with increased white coverage and a dilution of black spots to a light gray. Lighter gene-edited cows absorb a staggering 40% less solar radiation than their dominantly black counterparts, representing an important step forward for grass-fed dairy herds that spend most of their time outdoors. Listen in as Goetz sheds light on the potential applications of this technology in dairy herds, including his experience taking it to producers. He and Matt discuss the changing tides when it comes to farmer and consumer openness toward biotechnologies with the potential to help cows lead healthier, happier lives. An avid traveler, Goetz also shares his favorite perk of working in science and his advice for young scientists to embrace collaboration.
Episode Thirteen Show Notes
Learn more about Goetz Laible’s work with AgResearch and connect with him on LinkedIn.
Save the date for the 51st International Embryo Technology Society Annual Conference (January 18–21, 2025, in Fort Worth, TX).
Catch up on the papers discussed in the episode:
Production of light-coloured, low heat-absorbing Holstein Friesian cattle by precise embryo-mediated genome editing, Reproduction, Fertility and Development (2023)
Cytoplasmic injection of zygotes to genome edit naturally occurring sequence variants into bovine embryos, Frontiers in Genetics (2022)
Embryo-mediated genome editing for accelerated genetic improvement of livestock, Frontiers of Agricultural Science and Engineering (2020)
Cattle with a precise, zygote-mediated deletion safely eliminate the major milk allergen beta-lactoglobulin, Scientific Reports (2018)
Targeted microRNA expression in dairy cattle directs production of β-lactoglobulin-free, high-casein milk, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2012)
Why does the dairy sector have such a good story to tell about environmental sustainability, and how can each of us be a better storyteller for the industry? Join us for a mega episode of Dairy Digressions to find out! Host Matt Lucy is joined by esteemed guest Frank Mitloehner, PhD, a professor and extension specialist in the Department of Animal Science at the University of California, Davis, and director of the UC Davis CLEAR Center. An agricultural engineer and air-quality expert, Frank explains exactly why today’s climate change is outside of normal climate patterns, outlines the three main gases responsible for the greenhouse gas effect (carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide), and illustrates how their increase leads to higher environmental temperatures. While we know that the energy sector, particularly carbon from fossil fuels, accounts for the majority of global emissions, agriculture and the methane from livestock play a critical role in moving the needle toward our shared net zero–emissions future. With a majority of American refrigerators containing animal-sourced foods, Frank is focused on how we can produce those foods while addressing environmental issues ranging from air quality and emissions to animal welfare, worker health and safety, and more. Using Frank’s home state of California as an example, the two discuss how agriculture is currently excelling in finding ways to turn methane from a liability into an asset; dairy farms are on track to achieve 40% or more methane reduction by 2030, reach climate neutrality, and sell credits to other sectors. Despite these incredible advancements, it can feel like the climate narrative around agriculture remains thorny. Frank explains why he established the CLEAR Center and his work—including a recent trip to speak at COP28—to not only advance the science around climate in agriculture but to break down misconceptions and help consumers and thought leaders better understand the importance of agriculture in sustainably nourishing the world.
Episode Twelve Show Notes
Learn more about Frank Mitloehner’s work at the UC Davis CLEAR Center, read his blog posts, and connect with him on LinkedIn and X/Twitter.
Catch up on the papers and the news articles discussed in the episode:
Big oil distracts from their carbon footprint by tricking you to focus on yours, GHG Guru (2020)
New report: California is pioneering a pathway to significant dairy methane reduction, UC Davis CLEAR Center (2022)
Sixth Assessment Report (AR6), Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (2023)
Fifty years of environmental progress for United States dairy farms, Journal of Dairy Science (2024)
We’re kicking off the new year—and our new season of Dairy Digressions—with a special guest, Pete Hansen, PhD, Distinguished Professor of Animal Sciences and L. E. “Red” Larson Professor at the University of Florida. Pete’s research focuses on embryo physiology and developing new management strategies for increasing dairy cattle fertility, particularly in the face of heat stress and a warming climate. A leader in embryology and early embryonic loss, Pete explains when embryos are most sensitive to heat stress and why—including the scientific tools we have for preventing these effects—from genetic selection to embryo transfer to management for cow health and the potential future of artificial embryos from stem cells. A longtime mentor to undergraduate and graduate students (don’t miss his paper on the topic!), Pete also lets listeners in on his teaching philosophy and shares tips for crafting a lab environment that fosters collaboration, hard work, and joy around science.
Episode Eleven Show Notes
Learn more about Pete Hansen’s work at the University of Florida, and connect with him on LinkedIn and X/Twitter.
Are you interested in learning more about the journal loyalty program mentioned in the episode? Get all the details, and sign up today!
Catch up on the papers and the news article discussed on the episode:
Reflections on a career as a graduate mentor—from baby steps at Wisconsin to today, Journal of Animal Science (2023)
Stem cells used to model a two-week-old human embryo, Nature News and Views (2023)
Complete human day 14 post-implantation embryo models from naive ES cells, Nature (2023)
Pluripotent stem cell-derived model of the post-implantation human embryo, Nature (2023)
