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/

In this episode of The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Kirby Krogstad from The Ohio State University shares strategies to improve bunk management in dairy operations. He explains how feed timing, push-up frequency, and written protocols directly impact rumen health and herd productivity. Learn practical tools like feed audits and camera monitoring to evaluate consistency. Listen now on all major platforms! "Every dairy should implement basic bunk audits using cameras and particle separators to identify feeding consistency and performance gaps." Meet the guest: Dr. Kirby Krogstad https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirbykrogstad/ is an Assistant Professor of Dairy Nutrition at The Ohio State University. He holds a BS from South Dakota State University, an MS from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, and a PhD from Michigan State University. His research focuses on dairy cattle nutrition, gut health, and inflammation, while his extension work supports sustainable and efficient feeding practices. 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 (01:47) Bunk management strategies (02:51) Feed push-up timing (03:53) Feed audit recommendations (06:11) Monitoring feed delivery (08:21) Final management advice (09:32) Final Questions 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. Geoff Dahl from the University of Florida shares the long-term impact of late gestation heat stress in utero on dairy calves and dry cow productivity. He discusses management strategies to reduce stress effects and improve herd longevity. Learn how nutritional approaches like choline supplementation may influence immune and reproductive organ development. Listen now on all major platforms! "There are some significant negative effects on calves when they experience heat stress in utero." Meet the guest: Dr. Geoff Dahl is the Harriet B. Weeks Professor in the Department of Animal Sciences at the University of Florida. He holds a Ph.D. in Animal Science from Michigan State University, an M.S. in Dairy Science from Virginia Tech, and a B.S. in Animal Science from the University of Massachusetts. 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 (01:02) Introduction (02:33) Heat stress impact (02:41) In utero losses (04:04) Dry cow exposure (07:09) Choline supplementation (08:40) Research results insights (10:44) 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 Wadsworth from the University of Vermont shares how the CREAM program helps shape future dairy veterinarians through hands-on experience and community building. He highlights the value of early exposure to large animal care, personal development, and applied herd management in dairy education. Learn how experiential learning is shaping the future of dairy health. Listen now on all major platforms! "Students learn that being on time for 3:30 a.m. milking teaches responsibility, commitment, and the value of hard work." Meet the guest: Dr. Stephen Wadsworth is a longtime dairy veterinarian and currently serves as a lecturer and director of the CREAM program at the University of Vermont. With over 40 years of field experience, his focus includes herd management, student education, and community leadership in dairy 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 (00:57) Introduction (01:52) Experiential student learning (03:07) Dairy herd management (04:17) Workforce development skills (05:06) Community and character building (08:23) Animal handling basics (10:50) 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. Anne-Marieke Smid shares insights on what outdoor access means for dairy cattle. She talks about how cows respond to different environments, what farmers think about letting cows outside, and how weather, infrastructure, and public opinion all play a role. Learn how these factors affect both animal welfare and milk production. Tune in now on all major platforms! "Cows want to work as hard to go outside to pasture, even though they still have their TMR and all their water inside." Meet the guest: Dr. Anne-Marieke Smid https://www.linkedin.com/in/annemariekesmid/ earned her Ph.D. in Animal Welfare from the University of British Columbia and holds an M.Sc. in Animal Production Systems from Wageningen University. She is a Postdoctoral Scholar at the University of Calgary, where her research focuses on dairy farmers' perspectives and the welfare impacts of outdoor access for dairy cattle. Click here to read the full research articles: Dairy cow preference for different types of outdoor access: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022030217311153 Dairy cow preference for access to an outdoor pack in summer and winter: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022030218311202 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 (00:34) Introduction (01:26) Career pathways (02:50) Cattle's outdoor preference (03:66) Impact of environment (05:44) Barn vs pasture feeding (09:10) Public vs farmer views (13:00) 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. Kirby Krogstad from The Ohio State University discusses the complexity of rumen health and its relationship to dairy cow performance and systemic inflammation. He outlines the current research on rumen tissue and immune cell behavior and shares practical strategies for evaluating gut health on-farm. Listen now on all major platforms! "A healthy rumen is effectively and efficiently digesting feed, producing VFA and microbial protein while maintaining its protective barrier function." Meet the guest: Dr. Kirby Krogstad https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirbykrogstad/ is an Assistant Professor of Dairy Nutrition at The Ohio State University. He holds degrees from South Dakota State University, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and Michigan State University. His research explores dairy cattle nutrition, ruminant gut health, and systemic inflammation. Focused on improving dairy sustainability and efficiency, he brings practical and research-based insights to the field. Click here to read the full research articles: Associations of body condition score, body condition score change, and hyperketonemia with mastitis, reproduction, and milk production: https://www.journalofdairyscience.org/article/S0022-0302(24)01397-3/fulltext Investigating ruminal resident immune cells in dairy cattle before and after a subacute ruminal acidosis challenge: https://www.journalofdairyscience.org/article/S0022-0302(25)00254-1/fulltext On-farm supplementation of rumen-protected niacin: A randomized clinical trial: https://www.journalofdairyscience.org/article/S0022-0302(24)01239-6/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 (00:36) Introduction (01:56) Defining rumen health (02:66) On-farm assessments (05:03) Health and nutrition link (06:63) Latest research topics (09:36) Final recommendations (10:12) 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 special episode of The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast, celebrating National Cow Appreciation Day, Dr. Theresa Casey from Purdue University explores how circadian rhythms influence dairy cow physiology. She discusses how disrupted light cycles impact glucose production, reproduction, and metabolic efficiency in dairy cattle. The episode highlights low-cost, practical steps to enhance cow well-being and productivity by aligning dairy management with natural rhythms. Listen now on all major platforms! "Disrupting circadian rhythms decreases glucose homeostasis, impacting dairy cows' ability to produce milk efficiently." Meet the guest: Dr. Theresa Casey https://www.linkedin.com/in/theresa-casey-3a012513/ received her B.S. from the University of Connecticut and her M.S. and Ph.D. in Animal Science from the University of Vermont. She is a Research Associate Professor at Purdue University, where she studies mammary gland development, lactation physiology, and circadian rhythms 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 (02:33) Circadian rhythm basics (04:40) Light-dark disruptions (05:26) Chronic jetlag model (08:07) Glucose and lactation (09:59) Practical takeaways (13:06) 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. Luciano Caixeta, and I’m thrilled to kick off my first episode as cohost on The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast! Very excited to embark on this journey with you. In this episode, our guest, Dr. Bart Pardon from Ghent University, shares groundbreaking insights on the quick thoracic ultrasound technique for diagnosing calves with Bovine Respiratory Disease. He explains how quadrant-based scanning can lead to more efficient diagnostics and improved antimicrobial stewardship. Learn how to implement ultrasound scoring systems and interpret cure outcomes based on consolidation depth. Listen now on all major platforms! "The main characteristics of the Quick Thoracic Ultrasound (qTUS) technique are that it goes really fast, requiring only one movement and small scanning cuffs on each side of the calf." Meet the guest: Dr. Bart Pardon https://www.linkedin.com/in/bart-pardon-88a98481/ earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and PhD from Ghent University, where he currently serves as a Professor of Large Animal Internal Medicine. His research with the calf health group focuses on improving diagnostic accuracy and treatment efficiency for respiratory diseases in calves. Click here to read the full research article: https://www.journalofdairyscience.org/article/S0022-0302(25)00328-5/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 (00:40) Introduction (01:20) Quick thoracic ultrasound (04:54) Consolidation depth impact (06:20) Quadrant evaluation logic (08:48) Defining clinical cure (11:08) Treatment by severity (14:09) 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/