- Dr. Pablo Pinedo: Turning Dairy Data Into Decisions - Part 1 | Ep. 72
In this episode of The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Pablo Pinedo from Colorado State University explains how dairy farms can turn continuous cow data into practical management decisions. He discusses body condition trends, fertility, individual cow monitoring, batch robotic milking, cow preferences, and emerging image technologies. Learn how researchers and producers can work together to focus on the data points that matter most. Listen now on all major platforms!
Click here to read the full research articles:
"Continuous dairy technology data can reveal changes in performance, comfort, health, welfare, and behavior when farms convert frequent measurements into practical information."
Meet the guest: Dr. Pablo Pinedo is a Professor of Dairy Systems Management in the Department of Animal Sciences at Colorado State University, where he serves as Director of Graduate Programs. His research explores cattle health and well-being, farm performance, system sustainability, and technologies for disease prevention and early detection. He earned a Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Chile and a Ph.D. from the University of Florida. Learn more from Dr. Pablo Pinedo on The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast, available on all major platforms.
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What you will learn:
- (00:00) Highlight
- (01:38) Introduction
- (02:28) Dairy technology opportunities
- (04:20) Body condition data
- (06:30) Individual cow decisions
- (07:52) Batch robotic milking
- (08:42) Cow preferences and behavior
- (11:03) Closing thoughts
The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies like:
- inBarn
𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.
Website: The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast
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S1E72 - 11m - Oct 28, 2026 - Dr. Alison Van Eenennaam: Gene Editing in Livestock | Ep. 71
In this episode of The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Alison Van Eenennaam, Distinguished Professor of Cooperative Extension at the University of California, Davis, explains how gene editing differs from traditional genetic engineering and how it can complement conventional breeding. She discusses polled cattle, heat tolerance, disease resistance, feed efficiency, current market examples, and the regulatory path for edited livestock. Listen now on all major platforms!
"Gene editing uses targeted molecular tools to modify specific DNA sequences, allowing selected genetic characteristics to change without broadly altering valuable animal genetics."
Meet the guest: Dr. Alison Van Eenennaam is a Distinguished Professor of Cooperative Extension in Animal Biotechnology and Genomics at the University of California, Davis. Her research and extension program focuses on applying quantitative genetics, genome editing, and reproductive technologies to improve the efficiency, sustainability, and resilience of animal agriculture. Her work also bridges science, regulation, and public understanding of food-animal biotechnology. Learn more from Dr. Alison Van Eenennaam on The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast, available on all major platforms.
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What you will learn:
- (00:00) Highlight
- (01:12) Introduction
- (02:12) Gene editing explained
- (03:11) Editing versus genetic engineering
- (06:12) Breeding integration
- (07:25) Livestock traits and applications
- (09:01) Products reaching the market
- (12:00) Closing thoughts
The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies like:
- inBarn
𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.
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S1E71 - 12m - Oct 21, 2026 - Dr. Georgios Oikonomou: Automated Lameness Detection | Ep. 70
In this episode of The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Georgios Oikonomou, Professor of Cattle Health and Welfare at the University of Liverpool, explains how automated detection can support earlier lameness management in dairy herds. He discusses a randomized controlled trial showing reductions in severe and chronic lameness, while addressing accuracy, welfare, and future research opportunities. Listen now on all major platforms!
Click here to read the full research article!
"The group managed with the automated system reduced severe lameness cases from 8% to 2%."
Meet the guest: Dr. Georgios Oikonomou is Professor of Cattle Health and Welfare at the University of Liverpool. His work spans cattle health, welfare, epidemiology, animal behavior, and husbandry. He earned his veterinary degree and Ph.D. in Veterinary Medicine from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. Learn more from Dr. Georgios Oikonomou on The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast, available on all major platforms.
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What you will learn:
- (00:00) Highlight
- (01:23) Introduction
- (02:23) Lameness detection challenges
- (04:02) Trial design
- (05:44) Trial outcomes
- (07:39) Accuracy and economics
- (09:25) Welfare and adoption
- (11:08) Closing thoughts
The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies like:
- inBarn
𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.
Website: The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast
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S1E70 - 11m - Oct 14, 2026 - Dr. Pedram Rezamand: Colostrum and Weaning Strategies | Ep. 69
In this episode of The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Pedram Rezamand from the University of Connecticut explains how colostrum management and weaning strategy shape calf health. Dr. Rezamand discusses passive immunity, physiological responses to weaning, feeding frequency, starter feed, and rumen development. Listen now on all major platforms!
"Gradual weaning can support better grain intake, daily growth, fecal scores, heart rate, and respiration compared with abrupt weaning."
Meet the guest: Dr. Pedram Rezamand is a Professor & Department Head of Animal Science at the University of Connecticut. Dr. Rezamand earned a Ph.D. in Animal Science from the University of Connecticut. His work addresses calf nutrition and health, including colostrum management, passive immunity, weaning strategies, physiological responses, and early feeding practices that support rumen development. Learn more from Dr. Rezamand on The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast, available on all major platforms.
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What you will learn:
- (00:00) Highlight
- (01:38) Introduction
- (02:23) Calf health priorities
- (05:58) Colostrum management
- (06:55) Weaning trial design
- (07:52) Weaning pace effects
- (09:51) Feeding frequency
- (12:31) Closing thoughts
The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies like:
- inBarn
𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.
Website: The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast
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S1E69 - 12m - Oct 7, 2026 - Dr. Andy Hubner: Dry-Off of the High-Producing Dairy Cow | Ep. 68
In this episode of The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Andy Hubner, Assistant Clinical Professor at Purdue University, explains why dry-off should be viewed as the beginning of the next lactation, not the end of the previous one. He discusses inflammation after dry-off, common procedural mistakes, antimicrobial and sealant decisions, vaccination strategies, cow comfort, and cooling. Listen now on all major platforms!
Click here to read the full research articles:
"The dry period should prepare cows for the most profitable and vulnerable stage of their next lactation."
Meet the guest: Dr. Andy Hubner is an Assistant Clinical Professor at Purdue University. Drawing on experience in private veterinary practice, his work addresses dry cow management, dry-off procedures, inflammation, and practical decisions that help prepare dairy cows for the next lactation. Learn more from Dr. Andy Hubner on The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast, available on all major platforms.
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What you will learn:
- (00:00) Highlight
- (01:14) Introduction
- (02:11) Why dry cows matter
- (04:20) Dry-off as a new beginning
- (04:50) Common procedure mistakes
- (08:02) Management decisions
- (08:32) Selective antimicrobial use
- (11:12) Closing thoughts
The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies like:
- inBarn
𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.
Website: The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast
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S1E68 - 11m - Sep 30, 2026 - Dr. Scott Poock: Dairy Reproduction Progress | Ep. 67
In this episode of The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Scott Poock from the University of Missouri explains how dairy reproduction has advanced through better protocol compliance, nutrition, transition cow management, activity monitoring, and genetics. He discusses higher pregnancy rates, individualized breeding decisions, high-fertility cycles, and the future cow built for health, production, and reproductive efficiency. Listen now on all major platforms!
"Reproductive progress depends on compliance, transition cow management, nutrition, activity monitoring, and genetic improvement working together."
Meet the guest: Dr. Scott Poock is an Extension Professor and Veterinary Extension Specialist at the University of Missouri. He earned a DVM from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and is board-certified in Beef and Dairy Cattle Practice. With 19 years of dairy and beef cattle practice experience in Wisconsin, Dr. Poock has published more than 20 peer-reviewed papers since 2021, and his work focuses on dairy veterinary medicine, reproduction, herd health, and producer education.
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What you will learn:
- (00:00) Highlight
- (01:27) Introduction
- (02:50) Fertility progress
- (04:17) Compliance factors
- (06:47) Monitoring tools
- (09:07) Future cows
- (11:54) Dairy education
- (13:56) Closing thoughts
The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies like:
- inBarn
𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.
Website: The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast
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S1E67 - 13m - Sep 23, 2026 - Dr. Froylan Sosa: Amino Acid Strategies - Part 2 | Ep. 66
In the second part of this conversation on The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Froylan Sosa, Postdoctoral Research Associate at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, discusses nutritional strategies that can help mitigate heat stress effects on dairy reproduction. He explains how essential amino acids interact with embryonic development, oxidative stress, blastocyst formation, trophoblast growth, and placental development. Listen now on all major platforms!
"Lower amino acid concentration protected embryos from elevated temperature in vitro."
Meet the guest: Dr. Froylan Sosa is a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He earned his Ph.D. in Animal Molecular and Cellular Biology from the University of Florida, and his research focuses on how nutrition, essential amino acids, and heat stress affect oocyte quality, embryo development, and placental function in dairy cattle. Learn more from Dr. Froylan Sosa on The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast, available on all major platforms.
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What you will learn:
- (00:00) Highlight
- (01:17) Introduction
- (02:17) Nutritional strategies
- (03:09) Heat stress model
- (03:32) Embryo protection
- (04:57) Placental formation
- (06:38) Trophoblast growth
- (08:05) Closing thoughts
The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies like:
- inBarn
𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.
Website: The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast
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S1E66 - 8m - Sep 16, 2026 - Dr. Froylan Sosa: Heat Stress and Early Embryo Loss - Part 1 | Ep. 65
In this episode of The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Froylan Sosa, from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, explains how heat stress affects dairy reproduction at the cellular level. Dr. Sosa discusses oocyte quality, mitochondrial damage, oxidative stress, early embryo sensitivity, and why pregnancy loss can begin before producers confirm conception. Listen now on all major platforms!
"Heat stress can compromise early embryo development before pregnancy is ever confirmed on the farm."
Meet the guest: Dr. Froylan Sosa is a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He earned his Ph.D. in Animal Molecular and Cellular Biology from the University of Florida, and his research focuses on how nutrition, essential amino acids, and heat stress affect oocyte quality, embryo development, and placental function in dairy cattle. Learn more from Dr. Froylan Sosa on The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast, available on all major platforms.
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What you will learn:
- (00:00) Highlight
- (01:23) Introduction
- (02:59) Heat stress effects
- (03:48) Mitochondrial damage
- (04:42) Oxidative stress
- (05:33) Embryo vulnerability
- (08:03) Oocyte quality
- (09:26) Closing thoughts
The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies like:
- inBarn
𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.
Website: The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast
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S1E65 - 9m - Sep 9, 2026 - Dr. George Smith: Dairy Research That Reaches Farms | Ep. 64
In this episode of The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. George Smith from the University of Arizona explains how research, extension, and industry partnerships can move dairy science into practical farm results. He discusses reproductive management, research infrastructure, a nutritional strategy associated with more than $1 per cow per day, heat stress, water use, and sustainability. Listen now on all major platforms!
"Applied dairy research can improve milk components and feed efficiency while delivering more than one dollar per cow per day for producers."
Meet the guest: Dr. George Smith is the Charles-Sander Dean of the University of Arizona College of Agriculture, Life & Environmental Sciences. Previously, he served as Professor and Director of MSU AgBioResearch at Michigan State University, where he built a 29-year career in animal science and research leadership. Learn more from Dr. George Smith on The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast, available on all major platforms.
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What you will learn:
- (00:00) Highlight
- (01:21) Introduction
- (02:01) Reproductive research impact
- (02:45) Applied research partnerships
- (04:27) Research infrastructure
- (06:38) Extension opportunities
- (08:34) Future industry challenges
- (10:48) Closing thoughts
The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies like:
- inBarn
𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.
Website: The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast
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S1E64 - 10m - Sep 2, 2026 - Dr. Angelica Dias: Digital Dermatitis Control | Ep. 63
In this episode of The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Angelica Dias, Assistant Professor in Bovine Health at the University of Calgary, explains why digital dermatitis remains difficult to control in dairy cows. She discusses Treponema species, anaerobic bacteria, microbial dysbiosis, lesion reservoirs, treatment limitations, and footbath strategies for herd-level prevention. Listen now on all major platforms!
"Digital dermatitis is not just a bacterial infection; it is a complex multifactorial disease."
Meet the guest: Dr. Angelica Dias is an Assistant Professor in Bovine Health at the University of Calgary. Her work focuses on dairy cattle health and management, infectious diseases in cattle, host-microbe-environment interactions, and strategies for disease prevention and control. She earned her Ph.D. in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Calgary, her DVM from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil, and her master's degree in Animal Science with a focus on ruminant production. Learn more from Dr. Angelica Dias on The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast, available on all major platforms.
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What you will learn:
- (00:00) Highlight
- (01:05) Introduction
- (01:50) Why DD is complex
- (03:58) Microbial dynamics
- (06:32) Lesion reservoirs
- (07:38) Treatment limits
- (08:25) Herd-level control
- (09:15) Closing thoughts
The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies like:
- inBarn
𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.
Website: The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast
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S1E63 - 9m - Aug 26, 2026 - Sue Hagenson: Heat Stress Management & Cow Comfort | Ep. 62
In this episode of The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast, Sue Hagenson, Senior Dairy Consultant at inBarn Solutions, explains how cow comfort, ventilation, and targeted cooling shape dairy performance during heat stress. She discusses early behavioral warning signs, holding pen priorities, fan and soaking mistakes, and how to create barn environments that support healthier and more productive cows. Listen now on all major platforms!
"Cow comfort is part of dairy production because lying time, rumination, feed intake, reproduction, hoof health, and longevity all connect to performance."
Meet the guest: Sue Hagenson is a Senior Dairy Consultant and Cow Comfort Specialist at inBarn Solutions Inc. with more than 30 years of international dairy industry experience. She specializes in cow comfort, heat stress management, barn ventilation, and cooling system performance, helping dairy producers improve herd wellbeing, productivity, resource efficiency, and farm profitability through practical, science-based solutions. Listen to Sue Hagenson on The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast, available on all major platforms.
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Joshua Brooke: How Technology Improves Cow Comfort | Ep. 50
What you will learn:
- (00:00) Highlight
- (01:10) Introduction
- (01:46) Cow comfort value
- (04:10) Early heat signs
- (05:05) Cooling priorities
- (08:10) Cooling system mistakes
- (11:30) Targeted cooling results
- (14:17) Closing thoughts
The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies like:
- inBarn
𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.
Website: The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast
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S1E62 - 14m - Aug 19, 2026 - Dr. Vinicius Machado: Selective Therapy for Metritis in Dairy Cows | Ep. 61
In this episode of The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Vinicius Machado, Associate Professor at Texas Tech University, explains how selective therapy for metritis can reduce antimicrobial use in dairy cows. Dr. Machado discusses cow-level data, biomarkers, farm technologies, AI-based prediction models, and validation steps that protect productivity, reproduction, and animal welfare. Listen now on all major platforms!
"AI-based algorithms increased metritis treatment prediction accuracy from about 75% to nearly 95%, creating stronger support for selective therapy decisions."
Meet the guest: Dr. Vinicius Machado is an Associate Professor at Texas Tech University, where his work focuses on dairy science, epidemiology, animal health, and precision livestock strategies. Research connects cow-level data, biomarkers, and predictive modeling to improve dairy cow health and reduce antimicrobial use. Learn more from Dr. Vinicius Machado on The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast, available on all major platforms.
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What you will learn:
- (00:00) Highlight
- (01:23) Introduction
- (02:27) Selective therapy
- (03:15) Cow data
- (05:32) Research stages
- (06:54) AI models
- (08:10) Strategy validation
- (11:59) Closing thoughts
The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies like:
- inBarn
𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.
Website: The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast
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S1E61 - 12m - Aug 12, 2026 - Dr. Walter Gruenberg: Phosphorus Balance in Dry Cows | Ep. 60
In this episode of The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Walter Gruenberg, Professor of Ruminant Health at Justus Liebig University Giessen, in Germany, explains how phosphorus management affects transition cow health. He discusses phosphorus deprivation, bone mobilization, phosphorus binders, calcium balance, feed intake risk, and why dry-cow strategies must align with each farm's primary risk factors. Listen now on all major platforms!
"The best transition cow strategy depends on the farm's main risk factor, with phosphorus, potassium, and anionic tools used to solve the specific problem rather than compensate blindly."
Meet the guest: Dr. Walter Gruenberg is Professor of Ruminant Health at Justus Liebig University Giessen, in Germany, and Past-President of the European College of Bovine Health Management. His work focuses on animal reproduction, medicine, surgery, transition cow health, mineral metabolism, and dairy cattle nutrition. Learn more about phosphorus management and transition cow performance with Dr. Walter Gruenberg on The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast, available on all major platforms.
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What you will learn:
- (00:00) Highlight
- (01:05) Introduction
- (02:04) Phosphorus interest
- (03:14) Bone mobilization
- (04:29) Fresh cow risks
- (06:38) Binder strategy
- (12:30) Phosphorus levels
- (15:31) Closing thoughts
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𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.
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S1E60 - 16m - Aug 5, 2026 - Dr. Michelle Schack: Training Dairy Teams Better | Ep. 59
In this episode of The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Michelle Schack, dairy veterinarian and co-founder of DairyKind, discusses how employee training improves animal well-being, workforce consistency, and audit readiness on dairy farms. She shares insights on labor turnover, video-based learning, documentation, and helping employees understand the purpose behind key procedures. Discover practical strategies to strengthen training programs and accountability. Listen now on all major platforms
"Training that explains why procedures matter turns dairy workers into skilled technicians, not just people following steps."
Meet the guest: Dr. Michelle Schack is a veterinarian and member of the DairyKind team, where she helps dairy farms strengthen employee training, animal well-being practices, and workforce development. Her work focuses on practical training systems, employee education, documentation, and audit preparedness to support dairy operations. Listen to Dr. Michelle Schack on The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast, available on all major platforms.
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What you will learn:
- (00:00) Highlight
- (01:49) Introduction
- (02:34) Employee training challenges
- (03:29) Video-based learning
- (06:11) Training documentation
- (07:07) Turnover challenges
- (09:08) Worker knowledge
- (12:49) Closing thoughts
The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies like:
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- WiseVAs
𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.
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S1E59 - 12m - Jul 29, 2026 - Dr. Anna Denicol: Future of Dairy Reproduction Technologies | Ep. 58
In this episode of The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Anna Denicol from UC Davis discusses advanced reproductive technologies shaping dairy cattle breeding. She explains in vitro embryo production, genomic testing, gene editing, disease resistance, heat tolerance, and future applications that could improve productivity, health, and animal welfare. Discover how these innovations may influence the next generation of dairy genetics. Listen now on all major platforms!
"Gene editing can introduce desirable genetic traits into elite embryos while maintaining valuable production characteristics.
Meet the guest: Dr. Anna Denicol is an Associate Professor at the University of California, Davis, specializing in reproductive and developmental biology. 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 advancing reproductive technologies and genetic improvement in livestock. Listen to Dr. Anna Denicol on The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast, available on all major platforms.
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What you will learn:
- (00:00) Highlight
- (02:17) Introduction
- (03:07) Reproductive technologies
- (05:14) Embryo integration
- (06:31) Genetics insights
- (08:19) Disease resistance
- (11:22) Future breeding innovations
- (13:11) Closing thoughts
The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies like:
* inBarn
- WiseVAs
- Elevate
𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.
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S1E58 - 12m - Jul 22, 2026 - Dr. Ronaldo Cerri: Dairy Cattle Reproduction and Health | Ep. 57
In this episode of The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Ronaldo Cerri from the University of British Columbia discusses the evolution of dairy cattle reproduction. Dr. Cerri explains why the industry is shifting from perfecting synchronization protocols to improving overall herd health, and how data analysis helps identify the real drivers of fertility on each farm. Listen now on all major platforms!
"Herd health affects fertility more than any single factor in the literature, making it central to reproductive progress."
Meet the guest: Dr. Ronaldo Cerri is an Associate Professor in the Applied Biology program at the University of British Columbia. His research focuses on fertility issues in dairy and beef cattle, sustainable reproductive technologies, and understanding interactions between inflammation, health disorders, the uterus, and the developing embryo. Learn more from Dr. Ronaldo Cerri on The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast, available on all major platforms.
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What you will learn:
- (00:00) Highlight
- (01:34) Introduction
- (02:29) Overlooked challenges
- (03:54) Health and fertility
- (06:12) Metabolic health
- (09:06) Reproductive management
- (12:14) Precision dairy
- (13:48) Closing thoughts
The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies like:
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- Elevate
- WiseVAs
𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.
Website: The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast
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S1E57 - 13m - Jul 15, 2026 - Dr. Ana Velasquez Munoz: Seasonal Calving Challenges | Ep. 56
In this episode of The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Ana Velasquez Munoz, Assistant Professor at the Catholic University of Temuco in Chile, explains how seasonal calving creates pressure on pasture-based dairy systems. She discusses calf supervision, environmental stress, worker workload, colostrum hygiene, and how management routines protect newborn calves during high-risk calving windows. Listen now on all major platforms!
"Seasonal calving pressure becomes risky when dairy systems lack the resources, protocols, and staff capacity to absorb it."
Meet the guest: Dr. Ana Velasquez Munoz is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Veterinary Sciences and Public Health at Catholic University of Temuco, in Chile. She earned her MSc and PhD in Animal Sciences from Colorado State University and completed postdoctoral training at Michigan State University. Her work focuses on the health, welfare, care, behavior, and nutrition of dairy cows and pre-weaned calves in dairy systems. Learn more from Dr. Ana Velasquez Munoz on The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast, available on all major platforms.
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What you will learn:
- (00:00) Highlight
- (01:12) Introduction
- (02:10) Seasonal calving
- (04:38) Environmental pressure
- (06:05) Worker workload
- (07:42) Calf priorities
- (10:02) Colostrum management
- (13:45) Closing thoughts
The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies like:
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𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.
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S1E56 - 14m - Jul 8, 2026 - Tiarna Scerri: Rethinking Mastitis Treatment | Ep. 55
In this episode of The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast, Tiarna Scerri, PhD candidate at the Gulbali Institute in Australia, explains how antimicrobial resistance is changing mastitis treatment research. She discusses synthetic biology, farmer-centered product design, regulation, and why new therapies must be both effective and practical for dairy farms. Listen now on all major platforms!
"Alternative mastitis treatments need to be effective, sustainable, and practical enough for farmers to adopt from the start."
Meet the guest: Tiarna Scerri is a PhD candidate at the Gulbali Institute in Australia, developing alternative treatments for mastitis to address antimicrobial resistance in major mastitis-causing bacteria. She holds degrees in science and law, advocates for proactive regulation of agricultural biotechnology, and is part of the 2026 Groundbreakers Program, a cohort whose endeavors are supported by AgriFutures Australia. Learn more from Tiarna Scerri on The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast, available on all major platforms.
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What you will learn:
- (00:00) Highlight
- (01:28) Introduction
- (01:52) Ag law background
- (04:08) Resistance challenge
- (06:15) Synthetic biology
- (07:28) Farm practicality
- (10:28) Commercial outlook
- (11:43) Closing thoughts
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𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.
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S1E55 - 12m - Jul 1, 2026 - Dr. Laura Hernandez: Understanding Calcium Homeostasis | Ep. 54
In this episode of The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Laura Hernandez from the University of Wisconsin-Madison explains why low calcium after calving is not always a problem. She discusses transient hypocalcemia, dyscalcemia, feed intake, mammary calcium demand, and why timing matters when deciding whether a fresh cow needs intervention. Listen now on all major platforms!
"Calcium regulation during the transition period requires distinguishing temporary physiological adaptation from prolonged disruption that affects health and productivity outcomes."
Meet the guest: Dr. Laura Hernandez is Professor of Lactation Biology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her research focuses on mammary gland biology, calcium homeostasis, and the transition from pregnancy to lactation in dairy cattle. Learn more from Dr. Laura Hernandez on The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast, available on all major platforms.
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What you will learn:
- (00:00) Highlight
- (01:07) Introduction
- (01:51) Calcium patterns
- (04:37) Cow classifications
- (05:46) Mammary demand
- (06:42) Diagnostic markers
- (08:15) Feed intake
- (10:15) Closing thoughts
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𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.
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S1E54 - 10m - Jun 24, 2026 - Dr. Jennifer Walker: Cow Welfare Beyond Longevity | Ep. 53
In this episode of The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Jennifer Walker, Co-founder and Chief Animal Welfare Officer at Kinder Ground, explains why dairy welfare decisions need to account for more than visible production metrics. She discusses hidden costs, farmer learning networks, cow thriving, caregiver wellbeing, and the importance of keeping cows at the center of herd management. Listen now on all major platforms!
"Managing cows as slots removes cow welfare from decisions that should focus on comfort, health, and daily care."
Meet the guest: Dr. Jennifer Walker is Co-founder and Chief Animal Welfare Officer at Kinder Ground, where she works to improve dairy cattle welfare through education, practical partnerships, and industry collaboration. With experience in veterinary medicine, dairy stewardship, milk quality, and food safety, her work focuses on balancing cow care with sustainable dairy production. Listen to Dr. Jennifer Walker on The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast, available on all major platforms.
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What you will learn:
- (00:00) Highlight
- (00:47) Introduction
- (03:02) Welfare investment
- (04:23) Farmer networks
- (06:37) Thriving concept
- (08:13) Cow focus
- (11:08) Caregiver wellbeing
- (14:59) Closing thoughts
The Dairy Health Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies like:
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𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.
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S1E53 - 15m - Jun 17, 2026
