Florida researchers began a generational study in 2007 that is still years in the making. It all began with the investigation of the impact of heat stress on dry cows to measure changes that might occur to the calf incubating inside the hot dam, like a crock pot.

In addition to seeing negative production impacts on mama, the researchers began to measure numerous changes in the damaged calf coming out of the heat stressed dry cow. This month’s edition, we’ll be interviewing Dr. Jimena Laporta, of the University of Wisconsin, to better understand the physiological changes of the calf that results in lost production for her entire life. She and her team measured changes in mammary and adrenal gland development.

Several separate papers have been peer reviewed over the 17 years of research. Many are linked at the bottom of the show notes for additional reference.

Listen in to understand how heat stressed dry cows can destroy your favorite cow families’ production records.

This month features two released paper titled:

Topics of discussion

1:58       Introduction of Dr. Jimena Laporta

Background Information: